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False alarms and system hiccups can be exasperating, and more importantly, might prevent your home security system from working the way it should. Fortunately, most troubles, from dead batteries to false alarms, are simple to correct. Take a look at our tips for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Naperville. We’ll help keep your family safeguarded and your system operating the way it should.

Test Your Home Security System In Naperville

One of the most effective ways to troubleshoot your property’s defense is to test it! Newer systems permit you to put them in test mode to prevent you from initiating an emergency call. Once in test mode, follow these steps:

• Arm your system as you typically would when leaving.
• Open a door or window that uses a contact sensor, or try to trigger something else. Close the door or window so it doesn’t trigger the alarm as you switch the system back on.
• Let the alarm sound for 60 seconds to make sure a transmission is sent to the security provider and an entry is created in the alarm system log.
• Proceed to test devices as you wish
• Check the systems’s activity log to confirm that everything’s working.

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

Evaluate The Position And State Of Motion Sensors

Although an crucial part of your alarm system, motion sensors are prone to false alarms. Prevent them with some simple troubleshooting.

• Conduct a physical check. Is there anything that could move within the sensor’s detection range, like a window treatment caught in a breeze?
• Is the sensor dirty? Cobwebs, dirt, and debris can cause malfunctions. Make sure the sensor is clean.
• Does the motion detector offer pet immunity you can turn on? Some can be programmed to ignore pets weighing as much as 100 pounds.
• When was the battery changed? Low batteries may impact performance or cause false alarms.
• Is the sensor pointing toward a source of heat? Excess heat from sunlight or a fireplace can cause an alarm.

Keep Batteries Ready And Watch Out For Low Battery Notifications

One of the great things about the latest home security systems is that they’ll alert you when batteries are running low. If your system uses a smartphone app or control panel, you’ll typically find notifications there. Depending on your alarm, you could detect an intermittent beep when batteries are low. 

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

Troubleshooting Is Effortless With ADT Home Security In Naperville 

As the top name in home security, ADT builds systems that provide unrivaled 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 low. Reach out to Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to learn more and design a system ideal for your Naperville home. Call (630) 360-2986 or submit our form today!