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False alarms and system glitches can be frustrating, and even worse, could prevent your home’s security from working the way it should. Fortunately, most issues, from dead batteries to false alarms, are easy to fix. Take a look at our recommendations for troubleshooting your home alarm system in St. Paul. We’ll help you keep your household safe and your system running properly.

Test Your Home Security System In St. Paul

One effective way to troubleshoot your property’s defense is to test it yourself! Modern systems have a test mode so you don’t by accident trigger an emergency response. Once in test mode, follow these steps:

• Arm your system as you normally would when going out.
• Open a door or window protected by a contact sensor, or try to trigger another device. Shut the window or door once you’re done so it doesn’t trigger the alarm when you get out of test mode.
• Allow the alarm to resonate for 60 seconds to make sure a transmission is sent to the security company 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 proper function.

Don’t worry, monitoring specialists will be able to see that your system is undergoing a test. Just be sure to switch off test mode when done. It’s wise to test every other month or whenever you adjust your home’s phone or internet service.

Evaluate The Positioning And State Of Motion Detectors

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

• Do a physical check. Is there something that could shift within the sensor’s detection zone, like a window treatment taken by a breeze?
• Is the sensor covered in dust? Cobwebs, dirt, and debris can lead to malfunctions. Check to confirm 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 last replaced? A nearly depleted battery might affect performance or result in false alarms.
• Is a heat source impairing the sensor? Excess heat from direct sun or a fireplace can cause an alarm.

Keep Batteries On Hand And Pay Attention To Low Battery Notifications

One of the great things about modern home security systems is that they’ll notify you when batteries are dying. If your system uses a mobile app or control panel, you’ll typically discover messages there. Depending on your alarm, you could notice an occasional beep when batteries are running out. 

Motion sensors, contact sensors, smoke detectors, and other wireless components have batteries that need to be replaced every so often. It’s a good idea to keep batteries around and establish a replacement schedule. Some systems also have a rechargeable backup battery for the central control panel. This backup keeps your system running if you have a power outage and should recharge once the electricity is working again. If it fails to recharge, you will have to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Effortless With ADT Home Security In St. Paul 

As the foremost name in home security, ADT creates systems that provide superior protection and functionality. Accessing test mode is straightforward through MyADT.com or the ADT+ app, and you’ll always receive notifications when a battery is nearing depletion. Contact Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to learn more and design a system perfect for your St. Paul home. Call (651) 300-3764 or fill out our form today!