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False alarms and system hiccups can be exasperating, and even worse, could prevent your security system from working the way it should. Fortunately, most problems, from false alarms to dead batteries, are simple to fix. Explore our tips for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Hartford. We’ll help keep your household safeguarded and your system operating the way it should.

Test Your Home Security System In Hartford

One sensible way to troubleshoot your property’s defense is to test it yourself! Newer systems permit you to put them in test mode to keep you from initiating an emergency response from monitoring agents. After moving to test mode, do the following:

• Arm your system as you would when leaving.
• Open a door or window that uses a contact sensor, or try to set off another sensor. Shut the door or window once you’re done so it doesn’t trip the alarm as you switch the system back on.
• Let the alarm sound for 60 seconds to ensure communications with the security provider and to create an entry in the alarm activity log.
• Proceed to test devices as needed
• Check the alarm’s activity log to confirm that everything’s working.

Rest assured, monitoring agents will be able to see that your system is involved in a test. Be sure to switch off test mode when you’re done. It’s wise to test once a month or anytime you make changes to your home’s internet or phone service.

Check The Positioning And State Of Motion Detectors

Although an crucial element of your alarm system, motion sensors are notorious for false alarms. Do your part to prevent them with some simple troubleshooting.

• Conduct a visual check. Are there objects that could move within the path of the sensor, like a curtain taken by a breeze?
• Is the sensor clean? Cobwebs, dirt, and grime can lead to poor performance. Ensure the sensor is clean.
• Does the motion detector offer pet immunity you can enable? Some models can be configured to disregard pets weighing as much as 100 pounds.
• When was the battery replaced? A low battery may affect performance or result in false alarms.
• Is the sensor aimed toward a heat source? Excessive heat from direct sun or a fireplace can cause an alarm.

Keep Batteries Ready And Watch Out For Low Battery Notifications

One helpful perk of new home security systems is that they’ll tell you when batteries are dying. If your system uses a app or control panel, you’ll typically see notifications there. Depending on your alarm, you could detect an intermittent beep when batteries are running out. 

Contact sensors, smoke detectors, motion sensors, and other wireless components have batteries that need to be replaced every so often. It’s wise to keep batteries around and create a replacement schedule. Many systems also come with a backup battery for the main control panel. This battery helps keep your system operating if you lose power and should recharge itself once power is restored. If it doesn’t recharge, you will need to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Easy With ADT Home Security In Hartford 

As the top name in home security, ADT builds systems that provide unsurpassed functionality and convenience. Accessing test mode is straightforward through the ADT+ app or MyADT.com, and you’ll always get notifications when a sensor battery is nearing depletion. Reach out to Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to find out more and design a system perfectly suited to your Hartford home. Call (860) 288-4370 or submit our form today!