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False alarms and system glitches can be aggravating, and even more concerning, may prevent your home’s security from working how it should. Fortunately, most problems, from dead batteries to false alarms, are straightforward to fix. Take a look at our tips for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Appleton. We’ll help you keep your household protected and your system operating as it should.

Test Your Home Security System In Appleton

One of the best ways to troubleshoot your home’s security is to test it! Newer systems allow you to put them in test mode to keep you from triggering an emergency response. After switching to test mode, do the following:

• Arm your system as you normally would when going out.
• Open a door or window that uses a contact sensor, or test other sensors. Shut the window or door once you’re finished so it doesn’t prompt the alarm as you switch the system back on.
• Permit the alarm to sound for 60 seconds to ensure communications with the security company and to create an entry in the alarm system log.
• Continue testing devices as you wish
• Review the alarm’s activity log to validate that everything’s working.

Rest assured, monitoring professionals can see that your system is undergoing a test. Be sure to turn test mode off when complete. It’s a good idea to test monthly or whenever you change your home’s internet or phone provider.

Inspect The Positioning And State Of Motion Sensors

Although an essential element of your alarm system, motion detectors are prone to false alarms. You can help prevent them with some simple troubleshooting.

• Conduct a visual inspection. Are there objects that could shift within range of the sensor, like drapery blown in a breeze?
• Is the sensor clean? Cobwebs, dirt, and debris can lead to issues. Check to confirm the sensor is clean.
• Does the motion detector have pet immunity you can turn on? Some sensors can be set to disregard pets weighing as much as 100 pounds.
• When was the battery last replaced? A nearly depleted battery can affect performance or cause false alarms.
• Is a heat source impacting the sensor? Excess heat from a fireplace, direct sun, or something else can cause an alarm.

Keep Batteries On Hand And Look Out For Low Battery Warnings

One helpful benefit of modern home security systems is that they’ll let you know when batteries are getting low. If your system has a smartphone app or control panel, you’ll typically see notifications there. Depending on your alarm, you may detect an intermittent beep when batteries are low. 

Contact sensors, smoke detectors, motion sensors, and other wireless components have batteries that should be replaced every so often. It’s wise to keep batteries ready and set a replacement schedule. Some systems also include a rechargeable backup battery for the main control panel. This backup battery helps keep your system running if your power goes out and should recharge itself once the electricity is working again. If it doesn’t, you will have to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Easy With ADT Home Security In Appleton 

As the leading name in home security, ADT builds systems that provide superior functionality and convenience. Getting into test mode is straightforward through MyADT.com or the ADT+ app, and you’ll always get alerts when a sensor battery is running low. Contact Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to get more details and design a system perfect for your Appleton home and family. Call (920) 309-5628 or complete our form today!