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System hiccups and false alarms can be aggravating, and even worse, may prevent your security system from doing its job effectively. Luckily, most problems, from false alarms to dead batteries, are simple to correct. Check out our recommendations for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Indianapolis. We’ll help keep your family safeguarded and your system operating as it should.

Test Your Home Security System In Indianapolis

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 mistakenly trigger an emergency call. After moving to test mode, do the following:

• Arm your system as you normally would when you head out.
• Open a door or window that has a contact sensor, or test other sensors. Shut the window or door once you’re finished so it doesn’t trigger the alarm when you switch the system back on.
• Permit the alarm to sound for 60 seconds to make sure a message is dispatched to the security provider and an entry is created in the alarm system log.
• Continue testing equipment as needed
• Inspect the alarm’s activity log to validate proper function.

Don’t worry, monitoring specialists will be able to see that your system is being tested. Be sure to turn test mode off when complete. It’s a good idea to test every other month or whenever you change your home’s phone or internet provider.

Inspect The Position And Condition Of Motion Sensors

Although an essential part of your alarm system, motion detectors are prone to false alarms. You can help prevent them with some simple troubleshooting.

• Do a physical check. Are there items that could shift within the sensor’s detection zone, like drapery taken by a breeze?
• Is the sensor clean? Cobwebs, dirt, and debris can cause poor performance. Check to confirm the face is clean.
• Does the motion detector come with pet immunity you can turn on? Some sensors can be programmed to disregard pets up to 100 pounds.
• When was the battery changed? A nearly depleted battery might affect performance or lead to false alarms.
• Is the sensor facing a source of heat? Excessive heat from sunlight or a fireplace can cause an alarm.

Keep Batteries On Hand And Watch Out For Low Battery Notifications

One of the great things about new home security systems is that they’ll let you know when batteries are dying. If your system is equipped with a smartphone app or control panel, you’ll typically find notifications there. Depending on the alarm, you might hear an occasional beep when batteries are running out. 

Motion sensors, contact sensors, smoke detectors, and other wireless tools have batteries that will have to be replaced every 1 to 2 years. It’s wise to keep batteries around and establish a replacement schedule. Some systems also come with a rechargeable backup battery for the central control panel. This backup keeps your system running if you lose power and should recharge once power is restored. If it doesn’t recharge, you will have to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Simple With ADT Home Security In Indianapolis 

As the foremost name in home security, ADT creates systems that provide unsurpassed functionality and convenience. Accessing test mode is straightforward through the ADT+ app or MyADT.com, and you’ll always be sent notifications when a sensor battery is running low. Contact Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to find out more and design a system perfect for your Indianapolis home. Place a call to (317) 268-5461 or complete our form today!