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False alarms and system glitches can be exasperating, and more importantly, could prevent your home security system from working how it should. Fortunately, most problems, from false alarms to dead batteries, are easy to remedy. Take a look at our tips for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Lafayette. We’ll help keep your family members safe and your system running the way it should.

Test Your Home Security System In Lafayette

One effective way to troubleshoot your property’s defense is to test it! Newer systems let you place them in test mode to avoid initiating an emergency call. Once you’re in test mode, follow these steps:

• Activate your system as you normally would when you leave.
• Open a door or window that has a contact sensor, or try to trigger another device. Shut the window or door once you’re finished so it doesn’t trigger the alarm as you get out of test mode.
• Permit the alarm to sound for 60 seconds to make sure a signal is sent to the security company and an entry is created in the alarm activity log.
• Proceed to test equipment as needed
• Inspect the alarm’s activity log to validate proper function.

Rest assured, monitoring specialists will know that your system is undergoing a test. Just make sure to switch out of test mode when you’re done. It’s wise to test once a month or anytime you make changes to your home’s internet or phone service.

Inspect The Placement And State Of Motion Sensors

Although an integral aspect of your alarm system, motion sensors are prone to false alarms. You can help prevent them with some basic troubleshooting.

• Do a physical check. Is there anything that could move within the sensor’s detection area, like drapery taken by a breeze?
• Is the sensor covered in dust? Grime, dirt, and cobwebs can cause issues. Make sure the face is clean.
• Does the motion detector come with pet immunity you can activate? Some can be configured to disregard pets weighing as much as 100 pounds.
• When was the battery last replaced? A low battery may impact performance or cause false alarms.
• Is a heat source affecting the sensor? Excessive heat from sunlight or a fireplace can set off an alarm.

Keep Batteries On Hand And Watch Out For Low Battery Warnings

One helpful benefit of modern home security systems is that they’ll alert you when batteries are getting low. If your system is equipped with a control panel or smartphone app, you’ll usually see notifications there. Depending on the alarm, you might notice an intermittent beep when batteries are running out. 

Contact sensors, smoke detectors, motion sensors, and other wireless tools have batteries that need to be replaced every so often. It’s wise to keep batteries around and establish a replacement schedule. Some systems also come with a rechargeable backup battery for the main control panel. This battery helps keep your system operating if you lose power and should recharge itself once power is back online. If it doesn’t, you will have to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Simple With ADT Home Security In Lafayette 

As the leading name in home security, ADT builds systems that provide unrivaled protection and functionality. Switching to test mode is straightforward through the ADT+ app or MyADT.com, and you’ll always get alerts when a sensor battery is low. Contact Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to learn more and design a system perfect for your Lafayette home and family. Call (337) 306-6995 or fill out our form today!