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System malfunctions and false alarms can be exasperating, and even more concerning, could prevent your home’s security from working the way it should. Luckily, most issues, from dead batteries to false alarms, are easy to fix. Take a look at our recommendations for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Kennewick. We’ll help keep your family members protected and your system operating the way it should.

Test Your Home Security System In Kennewick

One sensible way to troubleshoot your property’s security is to test it yourself! The latest systems allow you to place them in test mode to avoid prompting an emergency response. Once you’re in test mode, follow these steps:

• Arm your system as you normally would when leaving.
• Open a door or window that uses a contact sensor, or test other sensors. Close the door or window once you’re done so it doesn’t prompt the alarm as you get out of test mode.
• Permit the alarm to go off for 60 seconds to ensure communications with the security provider and to produce an entry in the alarm activity log.
• Proceed to test sensors as you wish
• Review the systems’s activity log to confirm that everything’s working.

Rest assured, monitoring professionals can see that your system is involved in a test. Just make sure to switch out of test mode when complete. It’s wise to test once a month or whenever you make changes to your home’s phone or internet provider.

Inspect The Placement And State Of Motion Detectors

Although an essential element of your alarm system, motion sensors are notorious for false alarms. Prevent them with a few straightforward troubleshooting steps.

• Perform a visual check. Is there something that could shift within the detection path of the sensor, like a curtain blown in a breeze?
• Is the sensor covered in dust? Cobwebs, dirt, and grime can lead to poor performance. Check to confirm the face is clean.
• Does the motion detector offer pet immunity you can activate? Some models can be configured to disregard pets up to 100 pounds.
• When was the battery replaced? A low battery can impact performance or lead to false alarms.
• Is the sensor aimed toward a source of heat? Excessive heat from a fireplace, direct sun, or something else can set off an alarm.

Keep Batteries On Hand And Look Out For Low Battery Notifications

One of the great aspects of new home security systems is that they’ll alert you when batteries are running low. If your system is equipped with a control panel or smartphone app, you’ll often discover notifications there. Depending on your alarm, you may detect an occasional beep when batteries are getting low. 

Motion sensors, contact sensors, smoke detectors, and other wireless components have batteries that will have to be replaced every 1 to 2 years. It’s wise to keep batteries on hand and set a replacement schedule. Many systems also come with a backup battery for the central control panel. This battery keeps your system running if you lose power and should charge back up once the electricity is working again. If it fails to recharge, you should replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Effortless With ADT Home Security In Kennewick 

As the foremost name in home security, ADT builds systems that provide superior protection and functionality. Getting into test mode is easy through the ADT+ app or MyADT.com, and you’ll always be sent notifications when a sensor battery is low. Get in touch with Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to learn more and design a system ideal for your Kennewick home. Dial (509) 240-8704 or submit our form today!