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False alarms and system hiccups can be exasperating, and even more concerning, could prevent your security system from doing its job effectively. Fortunately, most problems, from false alarms to dead batteries, are simple to correct. Check out our suggestions for troubleshooting your home alarm system in San Francisco. We’ll help you keep your family members shielded and your system running properly.

Test Your Home Security System In San Francisco

One great way to troubleshoot your home’s security is to test it yourself! Newer systems allow you to place them in test mode to prevent you from triggering an emergency response from monitoring agents. Once you’re in test mode, follow these steps:

• Arm your system as you would when you leave.
• Open a door or window that uses a contact sensor, or test other equipment. Shut the window or door once you’re done so it doesn’t trip the alarm as you leave test mode.
• Let the alarm go off for 60 seconds to ensure communications with the security company and to create an entry in the alarm system log.
• Proceed to test equipment as needed
• Check the system activity log to confirm functionality.

Rest assured, monitoring agents can tell that your system is undergoing a test. Be sure to turn test mode off when complete. It’s smart to test every other month or whenever you adjust your home’s phone or internet service.

Check The Positioning And State Of Motion Detectors

Although an essential part of your alarm system, motion detectors are prone to false alarms. You can help prevent them with some basic troubleshooting.

• Do a visual check. Is there something that could shift within the path of the sensor, like drapery blown in a breeze?
• Is the sensor clean? Grime, dirt, and cobwebs can result in issues. Make sure the face is clean.
• Does the motion detector have pet immunity you can activate? Some can be programmed to disregard pets up to 100 pounds.
• When was the battery changed? A low battery can impact performance or result in false alarms.
• Is a heat source affecting the sensor? Excessive heat from sunlight or a fireplace can cause an alarm.

Keep Batteries Ready And Watch Out For Low Battery Notifications

One of the great things about new home security systems is that they’ll let you know when batteries are getting low. If your system is equipped with a smartphone app or control panel, you’ll often discover messages there. Depending on your alarm, you could hear an occasional beep when batteries are running out. 

Motion sensors, contact sensors, smoke detectors, and other wireless components have batteries that need to be replaced every so often. It’s wise to keep batteries ready and create a replacement schedule. Some systems also come with a rechargeable backup battery for the central control panel. This backup helps keep your system running if you lose power and should recharge once the electricity is working again. If it fails to recharge, you should replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Easy With ADT Home Security In San Francisco 

As the leading name in home security, ADT designs systems that offer unrivaled functionality and convenience. Accessing test mode is easy through MyADT.com or the ADT+ app, and you’ll always be sent notifications when a sensor battery is low. Get in touch with Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to get more details and design a system ideal for your San Francisco home and family. Call (415) 966-3602 or complete our form today!