Tips For Troubleshooting Your Home Alarm System In Columbus
False alarms and system malfunctions can be aggravating, and even worse, could prevent your home security system from doing its job effectively. Luckily, most troubles, from dead batteries to false alarms, are simple to remedy. Check out our suggestions for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Columbus. We’ll help you keep your family shielded and your system running properly.
Test Your Home Security System In Columbus
One effective way to troubleshoot your home’s security is to test it! Newer systems allow you to put them in test mode to avoid prompting an emergency response. Once you’re in test mode, follow these steps:
- Activate your system as you normally would when you exit your home.
- Open a window or door that has a contact sensor, or test other equipment. Shut the window or door once you’re finished so it doesn’t prompt the alarm as you turn the system back on.
- Allow the alarm to resonate for 60 seconds to make sure a signal is dispatched to the security provider and an entry is made in the alarm system log.
- Proceed to test sensors as needed
- Inspect the alarm’s activity log to verify functionality.
Rest assured, monitoring specialists can see that your alarm system is being tested. Be sure to switch out of test mode when you’re done. It’s smart to test every other month or anytime you make changes to your home’s internet or phone provider.
Evaluate The Placement And Condition Of Motion Sensors
Although an essential part of your alarm system, motion detectors are notorious for false alarms. Do your part to prevent them with some easy troubleshooting.
- Conduct a physical inspection. Is there anything that could shift within the path of the sensor, like a curtain caught in a breeze?
- Is the sensor covered in dust? Grime, dirt, and cobwebs can lead to malfunctions. Check to confirm the device is clean.
- Does the motion detector have pet immunity you can turn on? Some models can be programmed to disregard pets up to 100 pounds.
- When was the battery changed? A low battery may affect performance or result in false alarms.
- Is the sensor facing a source of heat? Excessive heat from a fireplace, direct sun, or something else can cause an alarm.
Keep Batteries Ready And Watch Out For Low Battery Signals
One helpful perk of modern home security systems is that they’ll alert you when batteries are running low. If your system uses a control panel or mobile app, you’ll usually discover alerts there. Depending on your system, you might detect an occasional beep when batteries are low.
Contact sensors, smoke detectors, motion sensors, and other wireless devices have batteries that will have to be replaced every year or two. It’s best to keep batteries around and set a replacement schedule. Some systems also come with a backup battery for the primary control panel. This backup battery keeps your system functioning if your power goes out and should recharge once power is back online. If it doesn’t, you should replace it.
Troubleshooting Is Simple With ADT Home Security In Columbus
As the top name in home security, ADT builds systems that supply unsurpassed protection and functionality. Accessing test mode is easy through the ADT+ app or MyADT.com, and you’ll always get updates 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 Columbus home. Place a call to (706) 397-7027 or fill out our form today!