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False alarms and system malfunctions can be exasperating, and more importantly, may prevent your security system from doing its job effectively. Fortunately, most problems, from dead batteries to false alarms, are straightforward to remedy. Explore our recommendations for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Fort Collins. We’ll help you keep your family members safeguarded and your system running smoothly.

Test Your Home Security System In Fort Collins

One of the most effective ways to troubleshoot your property’s security is to test it yourself! The latest systems allow you to put them in test mode to prevent you from initiating an emergency call. After switching to test mode, follow these steps:

• Activate your system as you would when you head out.
• Open a window or door that uses a contact sensor, or try to set off something else. Shut the door or window once you’re finished so it doesn’t prompt the alarm when you get out of test mode.
• Allow the alarm to resonate for 60 seconds to ensure communications with the security company and to make an entry in the alarm system log.
• Proceed to test equipment as you wish
• Check the system activity log to verify that everything’s working.

Rest assured, monitoring agents can tell that your alarm system is undergoing a test. Just be sure to turn test mode off when done. It’s smart to test monthly or anytime you change your home’s phone or internet provider.

Evaluate The Placement And State Of Motion Detectors

Although an crucial part of your alarm system, motion sensors are prone to false alarms. Do your part to prevent them with some simple troubleshooting.

• Do a physical check. Are there objects that could shift within the path of the sensor, like a window treatment caught in a breeze?
• Is the sensor dirty? Grime, dirt, and cobwebs can cause issues. Make sure the face is clean.
• Does the motion detector have pet immunity you can turn on? Some models can be configured to ignore pets weighing up to 100 pounds.
• When was the battery replaced? A low battery might affect performance or lead to false alarms.
• Is a heat source impacting the sensor? Excess heat from a fireplace, direct sun, or something else can cause an alarm.

Keep Batteries Ready And Look Out For Low Battery Signals

One of the great advantages of new home security systems is that they’ll alert you when batteries are getting low. If your system has a control panel or smartphone app, you’ll usually find notifications there. Depending on the alarm, you might detect an occasional beep when batteries are getting low. 

Motion detectors, smoke detectors, contact sensors, and other wireless components have batteries that will have to be replaced every year or two. It’s best to keep batteries ready and establish a replacement schedule. Many systems also have a backup battery for the main control panel. This backup battery helps keep your system operating if you lose power and should recharge once power is back online. If it doesn’t, you will need to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Simple With ADT Home Security In Fort Collins 

As the foremost name in home security, ADT designs systems that provide superior protection and functionality. Getting into test mode is straightforward through MyADT.com or the ADT+ app, and you’ll always get updates when a battery is running low. Get in touch with Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to get more details and design a system perfect for your Fort Collins home and family. Call (970) 316-5674 or fill out our form today!