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System hiccups and false alarms can be aggravating, and more importantly, could prevent your home security system from working how it should. Luckily, most problems, from dead batteries to false alarms, are straightforward to remedy. Check out our recommendations for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Mesa. We’ll help keep your family safe and your system running properly.

Test Your Home Security System In Mesa

One of the best ways to troubleshoot your property’s security is to test it yourself! The latest systems have a test mode so you don’t accidentally prompt an emergency response from monitoring agents. After switching to test mode, follow these steps:

• Turn on your system as you normally would when you exit your home.
• Open a door or window that uses a contact sensor, or test other devices. Shut the window or door once you’re finished so it doesn’t trip the alarm when you turn the system back on.
• Allow the alarm to sound for 60 seconds to ensure communications with the security company and to produce an entry in the alarm system log.
• Continue testing equipment as needed
• Inspect the system activity log to validate proper function.

Don’t worry, monitoring professionals will know that your alarm system is involved in a test. Just be sure to turn test mode off when you’re done. It’s a good idea to test once a month or anytime you make changes to your home’s internet or phone service.

Check The Positioning And Condition Of Motion Detectors

Although an integral element of your alarm system, motion detectors are notorious for false alarms. You can help prevent them with some basic troubleshooting.

• Do a visual inspection. Are there objects that could move within the path of the sensor, like a curtain blown in a breeze?
• Is the sensor covered in dust? Cobwebs, dirt, and debris can lead to malfunctions. Check to confirm the face is clean.
• Does the motion detector have pet immunity you can activate? Some sensors can be programmed to disregard pets weighing as much as 100 pounds.
• When was the battery replaced? A low battery can impact performance or cause false alarms.
• Is the sensor facing a source of heat? Excessive heat from direct sun or a fireplace can cause an alarm.

Keep Batteries On Hand And Look Out For Low Battery Signals

One helpful perk 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 mobile app, you’ll usually find messages there. Depending on the alarm, you could hear an occasional beep when batteries are low. 

Motion sensors, contact sensors, smoke detectors, and other wireless devices have batteries that will have to be replaced every 1 to 2 years. It’s wise to keep batteries ready and set a replacement schedule. Top systems also come with a backup battery for the central control panel. This backup helps keep your system operating if your power goes out and should recharge itself once power is restored. If it fails to recharge, you will have to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Easy With ADT Home Security In Mesa 

As the top name in home security, ADT builds systems that offer unrivaled functionality and protection. Switching to test mode is simple through MyADT.com or the ADT+ app, and you’ll always receive notifications when a sensor battery is nearing depletion. Contact Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to find out more and design a system perfect for your Mesa home and family. Place a call to (480) 608-0065 or submit our form today!