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False alarms and system malfunctions can be frustrating, and more importantly, might prevent your security system from working the way it should. Luckily, most issues, from false alarms to dead batteries, are simple to remedy. Check out our suggestions for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Olympia. We’ll help keep your household protected and your system operating smoothly.

Test Your Home Security System In Olympia

One effective way to troubleshoot your property’s defense is to test it yourself! The latest systems have a test mode so you don’t mistakenly prompt an emergency response. Once you’re in test mode, follow these steps:

• Activate your system as you would when heading out.
• Open a door or window that uses 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 turn the system back on.
• Allow the alarm to resonate for 60 seconds to ensure communications with the security provider and to create an entry in the alarm activity log.
• Proceed to test devices as needed
• Review the systems’s activity log to confirm functionality.

No need to worry, monitoring specialists will know that your system is involved in a test. Just be sure to switch out of test mode when done. It’s smart to test once a month or anytime you adjust your home’s phone or internet service.

Inspect The Placement And State Of Motion Detectors

Although an crucial aspect of your alarm system, motion sensors are notorious for false alarms. Do your part to prevent them with some simple troubleshooting.

• Do a visual check. Is there something that could move within the sensor’s detection area, like a window treatment taken by a breeze?
• Is the sensor clean? Grime, dirt, and cobwebs can cause issues. Ensure the sensor is clean.
• Does the motion detector have pet immunity you can enable? Some sensors can be programmed to disregard pets weighing up to 100 pounds.
• When was the battery last replaced? Low batteries might impact performance or result in false alarms.
• Is the sensor aimed toward a heat source? Too much heat from a fireplace, direct sun, or something else can cause an alarm.

Keep Batteries Ready And Pay Attention To Low Battery Warnings

One of the great aspects of modern home security systems is that they’ll notify you when batteries are getting low. If your system has a smartphone app or control panel, you’ll typically see notifications there. Depending on the alarm, you might detect an intermittent beep when batteries are getting low. 

Contact sensors, motion detectors, smoke detectors, and other wireless tools have batteries that should be replaced every 1 to 2 years. It’s best to keep batteries ready and create a replacement schedule. Top systems also have a rechargeable backup battery for the central control panel. This backup keeps your system functioning if your power goes out and should recharge itself once power is restored. If it doesn’t recharge, you will have to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Simple With ADT Home Security In Olympia 

As the leading name in home security, ADT creates systems that supply unsurpassed functionality and protection. Accessing test mode is easy through the ADT+ app or MyADT.com, and you’ll always be sent notifications when a battery is low. Reach out to Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to get more details and design a system ideal for your Olympia home and family. Call (360) 200-8536 or fill out our form today!