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False alarms and system hiccups can be exasperating, and even more concerning, may prevent your security system from doing its job effectively. Thankfully, most issues, from dead batteries to false alarms, are easy to fix. Explore our recommendations for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Joliet. We’ll help keep your family members safe and your system operating properly.

Test Your Home Security System In Joliet

One sensible way to troubleshoot your property’s security is to test it yourself! Modern systems allow you to put them in test mode to keep you from prompting an emergency call. After switching to test mode, follow these steps:

• Activate your system as you typically would when you exit your home.
• Open a window or door that uses a contact sensor, or test other sensors. Close the door or window once you’re done so it doesn’t prompt the alarm as you turn the system back on.
• Permit the alarm to go off for 60 seconds to make sure a message is sent to the security provider and an entry is made in the alarm activity log.
• Proceed to test equipment as needed
• Inspect the alarm’s activity log to confirm proper function.

Rest assured, monitoring professionals can tell that your system is involved in a test. Be sure to switch off test mode when you’re done. It’s a good idea to test once a month or whenever you adjust your home’s internet or phone provider.

Check The Placement And State Of Motion Sensors

Although an essential part of your alarm system, motion detectors are notorious for false alarms. Prevent them with a few basic troubleshooting steps.

• Perform a physical inspection. Is there anything that could shift within the path of the sensor, like a curtain blown in a breeze?
• Is the sensor dirty? Cobwebs, dirt, and grime can result in issues. Check to confirm the face is clean.
• Does the motion detector offer pet immunity you can turn on? Some models can be set to ignore pets weighing as much as 100 pounds.
• When was the battery changed? Low batteries may impact performance or cause false alarms.
• Is a heat source impacting the sensor? Too much 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 of the great aspects of the latest home security systems is that they’ll let you know when batteries are getting low. If your system is equipped with a control panel or mobile app, you’ll often discover alerts there. Depending on the alarm, you may detect an intermittent beep when batteries are running out. 

Motion detectors, smoke detectors, contact sensors, and other wireless components have batteries that should be replaced every 1 to 2 years. It’s wise to keep batteries ready and create a replacement schedule. Some systems also include a rechargeable backup battery for the central control panel. This backup battery keeps your system running if you lose power and should recharge itself once power is restored. If it doesn’t, you should replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Effortless With ADT Home Security In Joliet 

As the leading name in home security, ADT creates systems that provide superior functionality and convenience. Switching to test mode is easy through the ADT+ app or MyADT.com, and you’ll always receive updates when a sensor battery is low. Contact Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to find out more and design a system perfectly suited to your Joliet home. Dial (815) 242-2890 or submit our form today!