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False alarms and system glitches can be exasperating, and even more concerning, may prevent your home’s security from working the way it should. Fortunately, most issues, from dead batteries to false alarms, are easy to remedy. Take a look at our tips for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Newburgh. We’ll help you keep your household safe and your system running smoothly.

Test Your Home Security System In Newburgh

One great way to troubleshoot your property’s security is to test it yourself! Newer systems have a test mode so you don’t accidentally trigger an emergency response. After moving to test mode, take these steps:

• Turn on your system as you would when you leave.
• Open a door or window protected by a contact sensor, or test other equipment. Shut the door or window once you’re done so it doesn’t prompt the alarm when you get out of test mode.
• Let the alarm resonate for 60 seconds to make sure a signal is delivered to the security company and an entry is made in the alarm activity log.
• Proceed to test sensors as needed
• Review the system activity log to verify functionality.

Rest assured, monitoring agents can tell that your alarm system is involved in a test. Be sure to turn test mode off when done. It’s a good idea to test every other month or anytime you change your home’s internet or phone provider.

Inspect The Placement And State Of Motion Detectors

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

• Perform a physical check. Are there things that could move within the path of the sensor, like drapery blown in a breeze?
• Is the sensor dirty? Grime, dirt, and cobwebs can result in malfunctions. Check to confirm the device is clean.
• Does the motion detector offer pet immunity you can activate? Some models can be set to disregard pets weighing as much as 100 pounds.
• When was the battery last replaced? A nearly depleted battery can affect performance or result in false alarms.
• Is a heat source impacting the sensor? Excessive heat from a fireplace, direct sun, or something else can cause an alarm.

Keep Batteries On Hand And Watch Out For Low Battery Signals

One helpful perk of new home security systems is that they’ll alert you when batteries are running low. If your system is equipped with a control panel or smartphone app, you’ll often see notifications there. Depending on the alarm, you may detect an intermittent beep when batteries are getting low. 

Motion sensors, contact sensors, smoke detectors, and other wireless tools have batteries that need to be replaced every year or two. It’s wise to keep batteries ready and establish a replacement schedule. Many systems also include a backup battery for the main control panel. This battery helps keep your system running if your power goes out and should recharge once power is back online. If it fails to recharge, you will need to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Easy With ADT Home Security In Newburgh 

As the top name in home security, ADT creates systems that supply superior protection and functionality. Switching to test mode is simple through MyADT.com or the ADT+ app, and you’ll always receive notifications when a sensor battery is low. Reach out to Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to find out more and design a system perfectly suited to your Newburgh home. Dial (845) 208-9357 or fill out our form today!