Categories

False alarms and system glitches can be aggravating, and even more concerning, may prevent your home security system from working the way it should. Luckily, most troubles, from false alarms to dead batteries, are simple to fix. Check out our recommendations for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Cincinnati. We’ll help keep your family safeguarded and your system operating properly.

Test Your Home Security System In Cincinnati

One sensible way to troubleshoot your home’s security is to test it yourself! Newer systems have a test mode so you don’t accidentally initiate an emergency call. Once you’re in test mode, follow these steps:

• Arm your system as you would when you exit your home.
• Open a door or window protected by a contact sensor, or test other devices. Close the window or door once you’re done so it doesn’t trigger the alarm as you switch the system back on.
• Permit the alarm to resonate for 60 seconds to ensure communications with the security provider and to create an entry in the alarm system log.
• Proceed to test equipment as you wish
• Review the system activity log to validate proper function.

Rest assured, monitoring agents will be aware that your system is involved in a test. Just make sure to switch out of test mode when complete. It’s smart to test once a month or whenever you adjust your home’s phone or internet provider.

Evaluate The Positioning And State Of Motion Detectors

Although an crucial element of your alarm system, motion detectors are prone to false alarms. Prevent them with some easy troubleshooting.

• Conduct a physical check. Is there anything that could shift within the detection path of the sensor, like a window treatment blown in a breeze?
• Is the sensor covered in dust? Grime, dirt, and cobwebs can lead to poor performance. Make sure the face is clean.
• Does the motion detector have pet immunity you can activate? Some models can be configured to disregard pets weighing as much as 100 pounds.
• When was the battery last replaced? A low battery may impact performance or result in false alarms.
• Is the sensor pointing toward a heat source? Excess heat from a fireplace, direct sun, or something else can set off an alarm.

Keep Batteries On Hand And Pay Attention To Low Battery Warnings

One of the great things about modern home security systems is that they’ll alert you when batteries are getting low. If your system is equipped with a app or control panel, you’ll often discover notifications there. Depending on the alarm, you might detect an intermittent beep when batteries are getting low. 

Motion detectors, smoke detectors, contact sensors, and other wireless devices have batteries that need to be replaced every 1 to 2 years. It’s wise to keep batteries around and set a replacement schedule. Top systems also include a rechargeable backup battery for the central control panel. This backup battery keeps your system running if your power goes out and should charge back up once power is restored. If it doesn’t recharge, you will have to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Effortless With ADT Home Security In Cincinnati 

As the top name in home security, ADT builds systems that supply unsurpassed protection and functionality. Accessing test mode is easy through MyADT.com or the ADT+ app, and you’ll always be sent notifications when a sensor battery is running low. Contact Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to learn more and design a system perfect for your Cincinnati home and family. Call (513) 230-7397 or fill out our form today!