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False alarms and system malfunctions can be exasperating, and even worse, could prevent your home’s security from doing its job effectively. Fortunately, most issues, from dead batteries to false alarms, are straightforward to correct. Check out our tips for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Medford. We’ll help keep your household safeguarded and your system operating smoothly.

Test Your Home Security System In Medford

One of the best ways to troubleshoot your property’s defense is to test it! The latest systems allow you to put them in test mode to keep you from triggering an emergency response from monitoring agents. After moving to test mode, follow these steps:

• Turn on your system as you would when you exit your home.
• Open a window or door that has a contact sensor, or try to set off something else. Shut the window or door so it doesn’t trip the alarm when you switch out of test mode.
• Let the alarm resonate for 60 seconds to ensure communications with the security provider and to make an entry in the alarm activity log.
• Proceed to test sensors as needed
• Check the system activity log to verify proper function.

Don’t worry, monitoring professionals will know that your alarm system is involved in a test. Just make sure to turn test mode off when complete. It’s wise to test once a month or anytime you change your home’s internet or phone connectivity.

Check The Placement And Condition Of Motion Detectors

Although an essential element of your alarm system, motion detectors are notorious for false alarms. Prevent them with a few basic troubleshooting steps.

• Conduct a visual inspection. Are there objects that could move within the sensor’s detection zone, like a curtain caught in a breeze?
• Is the sensor dirty? Dirt, cobwebs, and debris can cause poor performance. Make sure the device is clean.
• Does the motion detector have pet immunity you can activate? Some can be configured to disregard pets up to 100 pounds.
• When was the battery replaced? A nearly depleted battery can impact performance or result in false alarms.
• Is the sensor facing a source of heat? Too much heat from direct sun or a fireplace can set off an alarm.

Keep Batteries Ready And Look Out For Low Battery Notifications

One of the great things about new home security systems is that they’ll notify you when batteries are running low. If your system has a control panel or app, you’ll usually discover notifications there. Depending on your alarm, you may detect an occasional beep when batteries are low. 

Contact sensors, motion detectors, smoke detectors, and other wireless components have batteries that will have to be replaced every so often. It’s best to keep batteries on hand and establish a replacement schedule. Some systems also have a backup battery for the central control panel. This battery helps keep your system running if your power goes out and should recharge once the electricity is working again. If it doesn’t recharge, you will need to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Simple With ADT Home Security In Medford 

As the leading name in home security, ADT creates systems that offer unsurpassed protection and functionality. Getting into test mode is easy through the ADT+ app or MyADT.com, 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 perfectly suited to your Medford home. Dial (541) 209-6918 or submit our form today!