Tips For Troubleshooting Your Home Alarm System In Long Island
System glitches and false alarms can be frustrating, and even more concerning, may prevent your home’s security from doing its job effectively. Thankfully, most problems, from false alarms to dead batteries, are simple to fix. Take a look at our tips for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Long Island. We’ll help keep your family shielded and your system operating smoothly.
Test Your Home Security System In Long Island
One sensible way to troubleshoot your home’s security is to test it! Newer systems let you place them in test mode to keep you from prompting an emergency response. Once in test mode, do the following:
- Turn on your system as you normally would when you head out.
- Open a door or window 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 switch out of test mode.
- Permit the alarm to sound for 60 seconds to ensure communications with the security provider and to create an entry in the alarm system log.
- Continue testing devices as you wish
- Review the system activity log to validate functionality.
Rest assured, monitoring agents will know that your system is being tested. Just make sure to switch out of test mode when complete. It’s smart to test monthly or whenever you change your home’s internet or phone service.
Evaluate The Position And State Of Motion Detectors
Although an integral element of your alarm system, motion sensors are notorious for false alarms. Prevent them with some easy troubleshooting.
- Perform a visual check. Is there something that could move within range of the sensor, like drapery blown in a breeze?
- Is the sensor covered in dust? Cobwebs, dirt, and debris can cause poor performance. Ensure the sensor is clean.
- Does the motion detector come with pet immunity you can activate? Some can be configured to ignore pets up to 100 pounds.
- When was the battery changed? A nearly depleted battery can affect performance or lead to false alarms.
- Is the sensor aimed toward a source of heat? Excess heat from sunlight or a fireplace can trigger an alarm.
Keep Batteries Ready And Look Out For Low Battery Warnings
One of the great things about modern home security systems is that they’ll alert you when batteries are running low. If your system has a app or control panel, you’ll typically discover alerts there. Depending on your system, you may detect an intermittent beep when batteries are low.
Contact sensors, motion detectors, smoke detectors, and other wireless components have batteries that will have to be replaced every 1 to 2 years. It’s best to keep batteries around and set a replacement schedule. Top systems also come with a backup battery for the primary control panel. This backup helps keep your system operating if you lose power and should recharge itself once power is back online. If it fails to recharge, you will need to replace it.
Troubleshooting Is Effortless With ADT Home Security In Long Island
As the foremost name in home security, ADT designs systems that offer superior functionality and protection. Switching to test mode is straightforward through MyADT.com or the ADT+ app, and you’ll always get notifications when a sensor battery is running low. Reach out to Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to learn more and design a system perfectly suited to your Long Island home and family. Dial (631) 213-3528 or fill out our form today!