Tips For Troubleshooting Your Home Alarm System In Corpus Christi
False alarms and system malfunctions can be frustrating, and even more concerning, could prevent your security system from working how it should. Thankfully, most issues, from dead batteries to false alarms, are straightforward to fix. Take a look at our recommendations for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Corpus Christi. We’ll help you keep your family members safe and your system operating the way it should.
Test Your Home Security System In Corpus Christi
One of the most sensible ways to troubleshoot your home’s security is to test it yourself! Modern systems have a test mode so you don’t mistakenly prompt an emergency call. Once in test mode, do the following:
- Arm your system as you would when leaving.
- Open a door or window protected by a contact sensor, or try to set off another sensor. Shut the window or door once you’re done so it doesn’t trip the alarm when you leave test mode.
- Allow the alarm to sound for 60 seconds to ensure communications with the security provider and to make an entry in the alarm activity log.
- Proceed to test equipment as needed
- Review the system activity log to confirm functionality.
No need to worry, monitoring agents can tell that your alarm system is involved in a test. Just make sure to turn test mode off when you’re done. It’s smart to test every other month or whenever you adjust your home’s internet or phone service.
Check The Placement And Condition Of Motion Sensors
Although an integral part of your alarm system, motion detectors are prone to false alarms. Prevent them with a few simple troubleshooting steps.
- Do a visual check. Is there anything that could shift within the detection path of the sensor, like a curtain blown in a breeze?
- Is the sensor covered in dust? Dirt, cobwebs, and debris can cause malfunctions. Make sure the device is clean.
- Does the motion detector have pet immunity you can turn on? Some can be configured to disregard pets weighing up to 100 pounds.
- When was the battery replaced? A low battery can affect performance or result in false alarms.
- Is a heat source impacting the sensor? Excess heat from direct sun or a fireplace can set off an alarm.
Keep Batteries On Hand And Look Out For Low Battery Warnings
One of the great aspects of modern home security systems is that they’ll tell you when batteries are getting low. If your system is equipped with a control panel or app, you’ll typically see messages there. Depending on your system, you might notice an occasional beep when batteries are getting low.
Contact sensors, motion detectors, smoke detectors, and other wireless tools have batteries that need to be replaced every 1 to 2 years. It’s best to keep batteries ready and set a replacement schedule. Some systems also come with a backup battery for the main control panel. This battery helps keep your system functioning if you have a power outage and should recharge itself once power is restored. If it doesn’t recharge, you will need to replace it.
Troubleshooting Is Effortless With ADT Home Security In Corpus Christi
As the foremost name in home security, ADT designs systems that supply unrivaled functionality and protection. Accessing test mode is easy through the ADT+ app or MyADT.com, and you’ll always receive alerts when a sensor battery is running low. Get in touch with Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to learn more and design a system perfect for your Corpus Christi home. Dial (361) 223-9020 or complete our form today!