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System glitches and false alarms can be frustrating, and even more concerning, may prevent your security system from working how it should. Thankfully, most issues, from false alarms to dead batteries, are simple to remedy. Check out our suggestions for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Madison. We’ll help you keep your family safeguarded and your system operating the way it should.

Test Your Home Security System In Madison

One of the most sensible ways to troubleshoot your property’s security is to test it! The latest systems permit you to put them in test mode to avoid prompting an emergency response from monitoring agents. After moving to test mode, do the following:

• Turn on your system as you typically would when leaving.
• Open a window or door that uses a contact sensor, or try to trigger another sensor. Close the door or window so it doesn’t trip the alarm when you leave test mode.
• Allow the alarm to resonate for 60 seconds to ensure communications with the security company and to produce an entry in the alarm activity log.
• Continue testing devices as needed
• Review the systems’s activity log to confirm functionality.

Don’t worry, monitoring specialists will be aware that your system is involved in a test. Be sure to switch off test mode when done. It’s wise to test monthly or whenever you adjust your home’s phone or internet provider.

Evaluate The Placement And Condition Of Motion Sensors

Although an integral part of your alarm system, motion sensors are well known for false alarms. Prevent them with some basic troubleshooting.

• Conduct a visual inspection. Are there things that could move within the sensor’s detection range, like drapery taken by a breeze?
• Is the sensor clean? Dirt, cobwebs, and debris can lead to malfunctions. Check to confirm the face is clean.
• Does the motion detector come with pet immunity you can enable? Some models can be configured to ignore pets up to 100 pounds.
• When was the battery last replaced? A nearly depleted battery might affect performance or result in false alarms.
• Is a heat source impacting the sensor? Excessive heat from sunlight or a fireplace can set off an alarm.

Keep Batteries On Hand And Look Out For Low Battery Warnings

One of the great advantages of the latest home security systems is that they’ll notify you when batteries are getting low. If your system has a control panel or app, you’ll often discover alerts there. Depending on your system, you may notice an occasional beep when batteries are low. 

Motion sensors, contact sensors, smoke detectors, and other wireless components have batteries that should be replaced every year or two. It’s a good idea to keep batteries on hand and establish a replacement schedule. Some systems also come with a rechargeable backup battery for the main control panel. This backup keeps your system operating if you have a power outage and should recharge itself once power is back online. If it doesn’t recharge, you should replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Simple With ADT Home Security In Madison 

As the top name in home security, ADT creates systems that offer unsurpassed protection and functionality. Switching to test mode is straightforward through MyADT.com or the ADT+ app, and you’ll always receive updates when a battery is running low. Contact Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to find out more and design a system perfect for your Madison home and family. Place a call to (608) 424-5550 or fill out our form today!