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System malfunctions and false alarms can be aggravating, and even more concerning, may prevent your home security system from working how it should. Fortunately, most problems, from dead batteries to false alarms, are straightforward to remedy. Take a look at our tips for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Oakland. We’ll help you keep your family protected and your system operating smoothly.

Test Your Home Security System In Oakland

One sensible way to troubleshoot your property’s security is to test it yourself! Newer systems have a test mode so you don’t by accident prompt an emergency call. After moving to test mode, follow these steps:

• Turn on your system as you typically would when you leave.
• Open a door or window that has a contact sensor, or try to trigger another sensor. Close the door or window so it doesn’t trigger the alarm as you get out of test mode.
• Permit the alarm to resonate for 60 seconds to make sure a message is dispatched to the security provider and an entry is made in the alarm activity log.
• Proceed to test equipment as needed
• Inspect the systems’s activity log to verify proper function.

Rest assured, monitoring agents will know that your alarm system is being tested. Just make sure to switch out of test mode when done. It’s wise to test monthly or anytime you change your home’s internet or phone connectivity.

Check The Position And State Of Motion Sensors

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

• Conduct a physical inspection. Are there items that could move within the sensor’s detection area, like a curtain blown in a breeze?
• Is the sensor dirty? Grime, dirt, and cobwebs can lead to poor performance. Check to confirm the sensor is clean.
• Does the motion detector come with pet immunity you can activate? Some models can be configured to ignore pets weighing up to 100 pounds.
• When was the battery replaced? Low batteries can impact performance or result in false alarms.
• Is a heat source impairing the sensor? Excess heat from a fireplace, direct sun, or something else can set off an alarm.

Keep Batteries On Hand And Watch Out For Low Battery Warnings

One of the great aspects of the latest home security systems is that they’ll alert you when batteries are dying. If your system uses a smartphone app or control panel, you’ll often see alerts there. Depending on your alarm, you could hear 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 so often. It’s best to keep batteries around and establish a replacement schedule. Top systems also have a rechargeable backup battery for the primary control panel. This battery keeps your system functioning if you have a power outage and should recharge itself once power is restored. If it fails to recharge, you will have to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Easy With ADT Home Security In Oakland 

As the top name in home security, ADT designs systems that offer superior protection and functionality. Switching to test mode is easy through MyADT.com or the ADT+ app, and you’ll always receive notifications when a battery is low. Get in touch with Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to learn more and design a system ideal for your Oakland home and family. Call (510) 295-0552 or submit our form today!