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False alarms and system malfunctions can be aggravating, and even worse, could prevent your home security system from working how it should. Luckily, most issues, from false alarms to dead batteries, are straightforward to fix. Check out our recommendations for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Lancaster. We’ll help keep your family shielded and your system operating properly.

Test Your Home Security System In Lancaster

One effective way to troubleshoot your property’s security is to test it yourself! Newer systems have a test mode so you don’t mistakenly trigger an emergency response. Once you’re in test mode, take these steps:

• Activate your system as you typically would when going out.
• Open a window or door that uses a contact sensor, or test other devices. Close the window or door once you’re done so it doesn’t trigger the alarm when you switch out of test mode.
• Let the alarm go off for 60 seconds to make sure a transmission is dispatched to the security provider and an entry is made in the alarm system log.
• Proceed to test devices as you wish
• Inspect the alarm’s activity log to validate that everything’s working.

No need to worry, monitoring agents can tell that your alarm 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 whenever you adjust your home’s phone or internet connectivity.

Inspect The Placement And State Of Motion Detectors

Although an crucial part of your alarm system, motion sensors are notorious for false alarms. Prevent them with a few simple troubleshooting steps.

• Perform a physical check. Is there something that could move within the detection path of the sensor, like a window treatment taken by a breeze?
• Is the sensor dirty? Dirt, cobwebs, and debris can cause poor performance. Check to confirm the device is clean.
• Does the motion detector offer pet immunity you can activate? Some sensors can be programmed to ignore pets up to 100 pounds.
• When was the battery replaced? A low battery can impact performance or result in false alarms.
• Is a heat source impairing the sensor? Excess heat from direct sun or a fireplace can trigger an alarm.

Keep Batteries On Hand And Watch Out For Low Battery Signals

One of the great advantages of new home security systems is that they’ll alert you when batteries are dying. If your system is equipped with a mobile app or control panel, you’ll usually see notifications there. Depending on your system, you may hear an occasional beep when batteries are running out. 

Contact sensors, motion detectors, smoke detectors, and other wireless tools have batteries that will have to be replaced every year or two. It’s best to keep batteries on hand and establish a replacement schedule. Some systems also include a rechargeable backup battery for the primary control panel. This battery keeps 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 should replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Effortless With ADT Home Security In Lancaster 

As the foremost 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 alerts when a sensor battery is nearing depletion. Get in touch with Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to find out more and design a system perfect for your Lancaster home and family. Dial (717) 256-1587 or fill out our form today!