Categories

False alarms and system malfunctions can be frustrating, and even worse, might prevent your home security system from working the way it should. Thankfully, most troubles, from false alarms to dead batteries, are easy to remedy. Explore our suggestions for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Harrisburg. We’ll help keep your household protected and your system operating as it should.

Test Your Home Security System In Harrisburg

One great way to troubleshoot your property’s defense is to test it yourself! Modern systems allow you to put them in test mode to avoid triggering an emergency call. After moving to test mode, take these steps:

• Turn on your system as you would when leaving.
• Open a window or door that uses a contact sensor, or test other devices. Shut the window or door once you’re done so it doesn’t prompt the alarm as you reactivate the system.
• Permit the alarm to go off for 60 seconds to ensure communications with the security company and to create an entry in the alarm system log.
• Continue testing equipment as needed
• Review the system activity log to verify functionality.

Don’t worry, monitoring agents will be able to see that your system is undergoing a test. Just make sure to switch off test mode when you’re done. It’s wise to test monthly or anytime you make changes to your home’s phone or internet connectivity.

Check The Placement And Condition Of Motion Detectors

Although an essential element of your alarm system, motion sensors are well known for false alarms. Do your part to prevent them with some easy troubleshooting.

• Conduct a physical check. Are there objects that could move within the sensor’s detection area, like a window treatment taken by a breeze?
• Is the sensor clean? Cobwebs, dirt, and grime can lead to issues. Make sure the face is clean.
• Does the motion detector come with pet immunity you can enable? Some models can be programmed to ignore pets weighing as much as 100 pounds.
• When was the battery replaced? Low batteries may impact performance or result in false alarms.
• Is the sensor pointing toward a source of heat? Too much heat from a fireplace, direct sun, or something else can cause an alarm.

Keep Batteries On Hand And Pay Attention To Low Battery Warnings

One of the great advantages of the latest home security systems is that they’ll notify you when batteries are running low. If your system has a control panel or app, you’ll often see notifications there. Depending on your system, you might detect an intermittent beep when batteries are getting low. 

Contact sensors, smoke detectors, motion sensors, and other wireless components have batteries that should be replaced every year or two. It’s best to keep batteries around and create a replacement schedule. Many systems also come with a backup battery for the primary control panel. This backup helps keep your system functioning if you lose power and should charge back up once power is back online. If it doesn’t recharge, you will have to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Easy With ADT Home Security In Harrisburg 

As the top name in home security, ADT creates systems that provide unsurpassed functionality and convenience. Getting into test mode is straightforward through MyADT.com or the ADT+ app, and you’ll always receive updates when a battery is nearing depletion. Contact Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to get more details and design a system perfectly suited to your Harrisburg home and family. Dial (717) 256-1545 or fill out our form today!