Categories

False alarms and system malfunctions can be exasperating, and even more concerning, might prevent your security system from working how it should. Thankfully, most problems, from dead batteries to false alarms, are straightforward to remedy. Check out our tips for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Wichita. We’ll help you keep your family protected and your system operating the way it should.

Test Your Home Security System In Wichita

One of the most sensible ways to troubleshoot your property’s defense is to test it! The latest systems have a test mode so you don’t by accident trigger an emergency call. Once in test mode, follow these steps:

• Turn on your system as you typically would when you leave.
• Open a window or door protected by 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 leave test mode.
• Permit the alarm to resonate for 60 seconds to make sure a signal is delivered to the security company and an entry is made in the alarm system log.
• Proceed to test sensors as you wish
• Review the systems’s activity log to confirm functionality.

No need to worry, monitoring agents can tell that your alarm system is undergoing a test. Just be sure to switch off test mode when you’re done. It’s a good idea to test once a month or anytime you make changes to your home’s internet or phone provider.

Inspect The Position And State Of Motion Detectors

Although an essential aspect of your alarm system, motion detectors are notorious for false alarms. Do your part to prevent them with a few straightforward troubleshooting steps.

• Do a visual inspection. Are there objects that could shift within the path of the sensor, like drapery taken by a breeze?
• Is the sensor clean? Grime, dirt, and cobwebs can lead to issues. Ensure the sensor is clean.
• Does the motion detector have pet immunity you can turn on? Some can be programmed to ignore pets up to 100 pounds.
• When was the battery changed? Low batteries may affect performance or cause false alarms.
• Is a heat source impairing the sensor? Too much heat from a fireplace, direct sun, or something else can cause an alarm.

Keep Batteries Ready And Watch Out For Low Battery Warnings

One of the great aspects of new home security systems is that they’ll let you know when batteries are getting low. If your system uses a control panel or app, you’ll often discover notifications there. Depending on the alarm, you could hear an intermittent beep when batteries are getting low. 

Motion detectors, smoke detectors, contact sensors, 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. Many systems also have a rechargeable backup battery for the primary control panel. This backup battery keeps your system running if your power goes out and should recharge itself once the electricity is working again. If it doesn’t, you will have to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Easy With ADT Home Security In Wichita 

As the leading name in home security, ADT builds systems that supply unsurpassed protection and functionality. Accessing test mode is simple through MyADT.com or the ADT+ app, and you’ll always get updates when a sensor battery is low. Contact Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to get more details and design a system ideal for your Wichita home and family. Place a call to (316) 215-9179 or fill out our form today!