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System malfunctions and false alarms can be frustrating, and more importantly, may prevent your security system from working the way it should. Luckily, most issues, from false alarms to dead batteries, are simple to fix. Take a look at our suggestions for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Stockton. We’ll help keep your family protected and your system operating smoothly.

Test Your Home Security System In Stockton

One of the most effective ways to troubleshoot your property’s defense is to test it! Newer systems have a test mode so you don’t by accident initiate an emergency response from monitoring agents. After switching to test mode, do the following:

• Arm your system as you would when going out.
• Open a door or window that uses a contact sensor, or try to trigger another sensor. Close the window or door once you’re done so it doesn’t trip the alarm when you get out of test mode.
• Allow the alarm to sound for 60 seconds to ensure communications with the security company and to make an entry in the alarm activity log.
• Proceed to test equipment as you wish
• Review the system activity log to validate proper function.

Rest assured, monitoring professionals can see that your alarm system is being tested. Just make sure to turn test mode off when done. It’s a good idea to test monthly or whenever you make changes to your home’s phone or internet connectivity.

Evaluate The Positioning And State Of Motion Detectors

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

• Do a physical inspection. Are there things that could shift within the sensor’s detection zone, like a window treatment taken by a breeze?
• Is the sensor covered in dust? Dirt, cobwebs, and debris can lead to issues. Check to confirm the face is clean.
• Does the motion detector have pet immunity you can enable? Some sensors can be programmed to ignore pets up to 100 pounds.
• When was the battery last replaced? Low batteries can affect performance or lead to false alarms.
• Is a heat source impacting the sensor? Excess heat from sunlight or a fireplace can trigger an alarm.

Keep Batteries On Hand And Watch Out For Low Battery Warnings

One helpful benefit of the latest home security systems is that they’ll notify you when batteries are dying. If your system is equipped with a app or control panel, you’ll often see notifications there. Depending on your system, you might hear an occasional beep when batteries are running out. 

Contact sensors, smoke detectors, motion sensors, and other wireless devices have batteries that will have to be replaced every so often. It’s best to keep batteries around and set a replacement schedule. Many systems also have a backup battery for the primary control panel. This backup battery helps keep your system operating if you have a power outage and should recharge itself once power is back online. If it doesn’t, you will have to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Effortless With ADT Home Security In Stockton 

As the top name in home security, ADT builds systems that offer unrivaled functionality and protection. Accessing test mode is easy through the ADT+ app or MyADT.com, and you’ll always be sent updates when a battery is low. Get in touch with Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to get more details and design a system ideal for your Stockton home and family. Call (209) 226-4846 or fill out our form today!