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False alarms and system malfunctions can be aggravating, and even more concerning, could prevent your home’s security from working how it should. Thankfully, most troubles, from dead batteries to false alarms, are simple to fix. Take a look at our tips for troubleshooting your home alarm system in State College. We’ll help you keep your family shielded and your system operating the way it should.

Test Your Home Security System In State College

One great way to troubleshoot your property’s defense is to test it! Newer systems permit you to place them in test mode to avoid prompting an emergency response from monitoring agents. After switching to test mode, take these steps:

• Turn on your system as you would when going out.
• Open a door or window that uses a contact sensor, or try to trip something else. Close the door or window so it doesn’t trigger the alarm when you turn the system back on.
• Let the alarm go off for 60 seconds to ensure communications with the security provider and to produce an entry in the alarm activity log.
• Proceed to test equipment as you wish
• Review the systems’s activity log to verify proper function.

Don’t worry, monitoring agents will be able to see that your system is undergoing a test. Be sure to switch off test mode when you’re done. It’s wise to test every other month or anytime you make changes to your home’s internet or phone service.

Check The Position And State Of Motion Detectors

Although an integral element of your alarm system, motion sensors are notorious for false alarms. You can help prevent them with a few basic troubleshooting steps.

• Perform a physical check. Is there something that could move within the detection path of the sensor, like a curtain caught in a breeze?
• Is the sensor covered in dust? Cobwebs, dirt, and debris can result in malfunctions. Check to confirm the device is clean.
• Does the motion detector have pet immunity you can enable? Some sensors can be set to disregard pets weighing up to 100 pounds.
• When was the battery replaced? A low battery can impact performance or result in false alarms.
• Is a heat source impacting the sensor? Excess heat from sunlight or a fireplace can set off an alarm.

Keep Batteries On Hand And Pay Attention To Low Battery Signals

One of the great things about new home security systems is that they’ll let you know when batteries are running low. If your system uses a mobile app or control panel, you’ll typically see alerts there. Depending on your system, you could hear an intermittent beep when batteries are running out. 

Motion sensors, contact sensors, smoke detectors, and other wireless devices have batteries that need to be replaced every year or two. It’s best to keep batteries around and set a replacement schedule. Many systems also have a backup battery for the central control panel. This battery helps keep your system functioning if you have a power outage and should recharge itself once the electricity is working again. If it doesn’t recharge, you will need to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Effortless With ADT Home Security In State College 

As the leading name in home security, ADT builds systems that supply unsurpassed protection and functionality. Switching to test mode is simple through the ADT+ app or MyADT.com, and you’ll always receive notifications when a sensor battery is running low. Contact Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to find out more and design a system perfect for your State College home. Dial (814) 212-8021 or complete our form today!