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System glitches and false alarms can be aggravating, and even more concerning, may prevent your security system from working the way it should. Fortunately, most issues, from false alarms to dead batteries, are simple to remedy. Explore our tips for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Evanston. We’ll help you keep your household shielded and your system running as it should.

Test Your Home Security System In Evanston

One great way to troubleshoot your home’s security is to test it yourself! Modern systems let you place them in test mode to avoid prompting an emergency response from monitoring agents. Once you’re in test mode, do the following:

• Activate your system as you normally would when going out.
• Open a window or door that uses a contact sensor, or try to trigger something else. Shut the window or door once you’re finished so it doesn’t trigger the alarm as you get out of test mode.
• Let the alarm sound for 60 seconds to make sure a transmission is sent to the security company and an entry is created in the alarm system log.
• Proceed to test sensors as needed
• Check the system activity log to verify proper function.

No need to worry, monitoring agents will know that your system is undergoing a test. Just be sure to switch off test mode when done. It’s smart to test once a month or whenever you adjust your home’s phone or internet provider.

Inspect The Placement And Condition Of Motion Sensors

Although an essential element of your alarm system, motion detectors are prone to false alarms. Prevent them with some simple troubleshooting.

• Conduct a visual inspection. Is there something that could shift within the sensor’s detection area, like a window treatment blown in a breeze?
• Is the sensor dirty? Cobwebs, dirt, and debris can cause issues. Make sure the sensor is clean.
• Does the motion detector come with pet immunity you can enable? Some models can be set to ignore pets weighing up to 100 pounds.
• When was the battery changed? A low battery can affect performance or lead to false alarms.
• Is a heat source affecting the sensor? Excessive heat from direct sun or a fireplace can cause an alarm.

Keep Batteries Ready And Pay Attention To Low Battery Warnings

One helpful aspect of the latest home security systems is that they’ll let you know when batteries are getting low. If your system has a smartphone app or control panel, you’ll usually see messages there. Depending on your system, you might detect an occasional beep when batteries are getting low. 

Motion detectors, smoke detectors, contact sensors, and other wireless components have batteries that will have to be replaced every year or two. It’s a good idea to keep batteries on hand and create a replacement schedule. Top systems also include a backup battery for the primary control panel. This backup keeps your system operating if your power goes out and should charge back up once power is back online. If it doesn’t recharge, you will have to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Effortless With ADT Home Security In Evanston 

As the foremost name in home security, ADT builds systems that supply unrivaled functionality and protection. Switching to test mode is simple through the ADT+ app or MyADT.com, and you’ll always get updates when a battery is low. Get in touch with Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to get more details and design a system ideal for your Evanston home and family. Place a call to (847) 268-7321 or fill out our form today!