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System glitches and false alarms can be aggravating, and even more concerning, might prevent your home’s security from working how it should. Thankfully, most issues, from false alarms to dead batteries, are easy to correct. Take a look at our tips for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Miami. We’ll help keep your family shielded and your system running as it should.

Test Your Home Security System In Miami

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

• Arm your system as you typically would when you leave.
• Open a door or window that uses a contact sensor, or test other devices. Shut the door or window once you’re done so it doesn’t prompt the alarm as you switch the system back on.
• Allow the alarm to resonate for 60 seconds to ensure communications with the security company and to create an entry in the alarm system log.
• Continue testing equipment as needed
• Check the alarm’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 complete. It’s wise to test once a month or whenever you adjust your home’s internet or phone service.

Evaluate The Positioning And Condition Of Motion Detectors

Although an essential part of your alarm system, motion detectors are notorious for false alarms. Prevent them with some basic troubleshooting.

• Do a visual check. Are there items that could shift within the sensor’s detection zone, like drapery caught in a breeze?
• Is the sensor clean? Grime, dirt, and cobwebs can cause malfunctions. Check to confirm the device is clean.
• Does the motion detector come with pet immunity you can turn on? Some models can be configured to disregard pets weighing as much as 100 pounds.
• When was the battery last replaced? Low batteries can impact performance or cause false alarms.
• Is a heat source impairing the sensor? Excess heat from a fireplace, direct sun, or something else can trigger an alarm.

Keep Batteries Ready And Watch Out For Low Battery Signals

One helpful aspect of modern home security systems is that they’ll let you know when batteries are getting low. If your system is equipped with a control panel or smartphone app, you’ll typically find alerts there. Depending on your system, you could notice an occasional beep when batteries are getting low. 

Contact sensors, motion detectors, smoke detectors, and other wireless components have batteries that will have to be replaced every year or two. It’s a good idea to keep batteries on hand and set a replacement schedule. Many systems also come with a backup battery for the primary control panel. This battery keeps your system operating if you lose power and should charge back up once the electricity is working again. If it fails to recharge, you will have to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Simple With ADT Home Security In Miami 

As the top name in home security, ADT creates systems that supply unsurpassed protection and functionality. Accessing test mode is easy through the ADT+ app or MyADT.com, and you’ll always be sent notifications when a battery is nearing depletion. Reach out to Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to find out more and design a system perfect for your Miami home. Dial (305) 563-8665 or submit our form today!