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False alarms and system glitches can be frustrating, and more importantly, could prevent your home security system from doing its job effectively. Luckily, most issues, from dead batteries to false alarms, are straightforward to fix. Explore our tips for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Boise. We’ll help keep your family shielded and your system running the way it should.

Test Your Home Security System In Boise

One great way to troubleshoot your home’s security is to test it yourself! The latest systems permit you to place them in test mode to prevent you from prompting an emergency response. After switching to test mode, do the following:

• Arm your system as you normally would when going out.
• Open a window or door that uses a contact sensor, or test other equipment. Close the window or door once you’re finished so it doesn’t prompt the alarm as you switch the system back on.
• Let the alarm sound for 60 seconds to make sure a signal is dispatched to the security provider and an entry is created in the alarm system log.
• Continue testing sensors as you wish
• Inspect the alarm’s activity log to confirm that everything’s working.

Rest assured, monitoring professionals will be aware that your alarm system is undergoing a test. Just make sure to turn test mode off when complete. It’s wise to test every other month or anytime you make changes to your home’s phone or internet connectivity.

Inspect The Placement And State Of Motion Sensors

Although an crucial element of your alarm system, motion detectors are prone to false alarms. Do your part to prevent them with a few basic troubleshooting steps.

• Perform a physical inspection. Are there things that could shift within the sensor’s detection zone, like drapery caught in a breeze?
• Is the sensor dirty? Cobwebs, dirt, and debris can result in issues. Check to confirm the sensor is clean.
• Does the motion detector have pet immunity you can activate? Some can be configured to ignore pets weighing up to 100 pounds.
• When was the battery last replaced? A nearly depleted battery may impact performance or lead to false alarms.
• Is the sensor aimed toward a heat source? Too much heat from sunlight or a fireplace can cause an alarm.

Keep Batteries Ready And Look Out For Low Battery Signals

One of the great advantages of modern home security systems is that they’ll tell you when batteries are running low. If your system uses a control panel or mobile app, you’ll typically see alerts there. Depending on your system, you could hear an intermittent beep when batteries are low. 

Contact sensors, smoke detectors, motion sensors, and other wireless tools have batteries that need to be replaced every 1 to 2 years. It’s best to keep batteries around and set a replacement schedule. Many systems also come with a rechargeable backup battery for the main control panel. This battery helps keep your system operating if your power goes out and should charge back up once the electricity is working again. If it doesn’t, you will need to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Simple With ADT Home Security In Boise 

As the leading name in home security, ADT creates systems that offer unsurpassed protection and functionality. Getting into test mode is simple through MyADT.com or the ADT+ app, and you’ll always receive notifications when a battery is running low. Contact Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to find out more and design a system perfectly suited to your Boise home and family. Place a call to (208) 242-4791 or fill out our form today!