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System malfunctions and false alarms can be frustrating, and even more concerning, might prevent your home’s security from doing its job effectively. Luckily, most troubles, from false alarms to dead batteries, are straightforward to fix. Check out our recommendations for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Houston. We’ll help you keep your family shielded and your system operating as it should.

Test Your Home Security System In Houston

One great way to troubleshoot your property’s security is to test it yourself! The latest systems have a test mode so you don’t accidentally trigger an emergency response from monitoring agents. After moving to test mode, follow these steps:

• Turn on your system as you would when going out.
• Open a door or window that uses a contact sensor, or test other sensors. Close the window or door once you’re finished so it doesn’t trigger the alarm when you switch the system back on.
• Allow the alarm to go off for 60 seconds to make sure a message is dispatched to the security provider and an entry is created in the alarm activity log.
• Proceed to test equipment as needed
• Check the systems’s activity log to validate proper function.

Rest assured, monitoring specialists can see that your alarm system is being tested. Just be sure to turn test mode off when complete. It’s wise to test monthly or whenever you adjust your home’s internet or phone provider.

Evaluate The Position And State Of Motion Detectors

Although an integral part of your alarm system, motion sensors are prone to false alarms. Do your part to prevent them with a few straightforward troubleshooting steps.

• Perform a physical check. Are there things that could shift within range of the sensor, like drapery taken by a breeze?
• Is the sensor covered in dust? Cobwebs, dirt, and debris can result in malfunctions. Check to confirm the sensor is clean.
• Does the motion detector have pet immunity you can enable? Some can be configured to ignore pets weighing up to 100 pounds.
• When was the battery replaced? A low battery can affect performance or cause false alarms.
• Is a heat source impairing the sensor? Excessive heat from sunlight or a fireplace can set off 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 notify you when batteries are dying. If your system has a smartphone app or control panel, you’ll usually see notifications there. Depending on your system, you might detect an intermittent beep when batteries are running out. 

Contact sensors, smoke detectors, motion sensors, and other wireless tools have batteries that should be replaced every 1 to 2 years. It’s a good idea to keep batteries on hand and establish a replacement schedule. Some systems also include a backup battery for the main control panel. This backup battery keeps your system running if you have a power outage and should recharge itself once power is restored. If it doesn’t recharge, you will need to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Simple With ADT Home Security In Houston 

As the leading name in home security, ADT creates systems that provide superior functionality and convenience. Switching to test mode is simple through the ADT+ app or MyADT.com, and you’ll always receive updates when a sensor battery is nearing depletion. Get in touch with Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to get more details and design a system ideal for your Houston home. Dial (713) 335-3438 or complete our form today!