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System malfunctions and false alarms can be frustrating, and more importantly, may prevent your security system from working the way it should. Thankfully, most troubles, from dead batteries to false alarms, are simple to remedy. Check out our tips for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Chicago. We’ll help you keep your household protected and your system operating the way it should.

Test Your Home Security System In Chicago

One of the most sensible ways to troubleshoot your property’s security is to test it yourself! Modern systems have a test mode so you don’t by accident initiate an emergency response. After moving to test mode, do the following:

• Activate your system as you would when you exit your home.
• Open a door or window that uses a contact sensor, or try to trip something else. Shut the door or window once you’re finished so it doesn’t prompt the alarm as you reactivate the system.
• Allow the alarm to sound for 60 seconds to make sure a signal is dispatched to the security provider and an entry is made in the alarm system log.
• Continue testing equipment as needed
• Review the systems’s activity log to confirm proper function.

Don’t worry, monitoring agents can tell that your alarm system is being tested. Just be sure to switch out of test mode when done. It’s wise to test once a month or anytime you make changes to your home’s phone or internet connectivity.

Check The Positioning And State Of Motion Detectors

Although an crucial part of your alarm system, motion detectors are notorious for false alarms. You can help prevent them with a few straightforward troubleshooting steps.

• Conduct a visual inspection. Is there anything that could shift within the detection path of the sensor, like drapery blown in a breeze?
• Is the sensor dirty? Dirt, cobwebs, and debris can cause poor performance. Ensure the sensor is clean.
• Does the motion detector offer pet immunity you can activate? Some sensors can be configured to ignore pets weighing up to 100 pounds.
• When was the battery last replaced? A low battery can impact performance or lead to false alarms.
• Is a heat source impacting the sensor? Excess heat from sunlight or a fireplace can set off an alarm.

Keep Batteries Ready And Watch Out For Low Battery Signals

One helpful benefit of the latest home security systems is that they’ll let you know when batteries are running low. If your system uses a control panel or mobile app, you’ll typically see notifications there. Depending on your system, you may notice an intermittent beep when batteries are low. 

Motion detectors, smoke detectors, contact sensors, and other wireless components have batteries that should be replaced every so often. It’s a good idea to keep batteries around and create a replacement schedule. Top systems also have a rechargeable backup battery for the primary control panel. This backup keeps your system running if you have a power outage and should recharge itself once power is restored. If it doesn’t, you will need to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Simple With ADT Home Security In Chicago 

As the leading name in home security, ADT builds systems that offer unsurpassed functionality and convenience. Switching to test mode is straightforward through the ADT+ app or MyADT.com, and you’ll always be sent notifications when a sensor battery is nearing depletion. Get in touch with Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to find out more and design a system ideal for your Chicago home and family. Place a call to (312) 319-8662 or fill out our form today!