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System hiccups and false alarms can be frustrating, and even worse, might prevent your security system from doing its job effectively. Fortunately, most issues, from dead batteries to false alarms, are straightforward to correct. Take a look at our recommendations for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Tucson. We’ll help you keep your household shielded and your system operating as it should.

Test Your Home Security System In Tucson

One effective way to troubleshoot your property’s security is to test it! Modern systems permit you to put them in test mode to avoid initiating an emergency response. Once you’re in test mode, take these steps:

• Turn on your system as you would when you exit your home.
• Open a door or window that has a contact sensor, or try to set off another device. Close the door or window so it doesn’t prompt the alarm as you switch the system back on.
• Let the alarm sound for 60 seconds to ensure communications with the security provider and to create an entry in the alarm system log.
• Proceed to test equipment as needed
• Check the systems’s activity log to verify proper function.

No need to worry, monitoring specialists will know that your system is undergoing a test. Just make sure to switch off test mode when done. It’s a good idea to test monthly or whenever you change your home’s phone or internet connectivity.

Evaluate The Position And State Of Motion Sensors

Although an integral aspect of your alarm system, motion sensors are prone to false alarms. Do your part to prevent them with some basic troubleshooting.

• Perform a visual check. Are there items that could move within the path of the sensor, like drapery blown in a breeze?
• Is the sensor dirty? Cobwebs, dirt, and debris can lead to poor performance. Check to confirm the sensor is clean.
• Does the motion detector come with pet immunity you can enable? Some sensors can be programmed to ignore pets up to 100 pounds.
• When was the battery replaced? A nearly depleted battery might impact performance or lead to false alarms.
• Is a heat source impairing the sensor? 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 Warnings

One of the great aspects of modern home security systems is that they’ll let you know when batteries are dying. If your system is equipped with a control panel or app, you’ll usually find notifications there. Depending on the alarm, you may detect an occasional beep when batteries are getting low. 

Contact sensors, smoke detectors, motion sensors, and other wireless tools have batteries that need 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 rechargeable backup battery for the main control panel. This backup battery keeps your system running if your power goes out and should charge back up once power is restored. If it doesn’t, you will need to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Easy With ADT Home Security In Tucson 

As the leading name in home security, ADT builds systems that provide unsurpassed functionality and convenience. Switching to 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 ideal for your Tucson home. Call (520) 485-5682 or complete our form today!