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System hiccups and false alarms can be exasperating, and even more concerning, could prevent your home’s security from doing its job effectively. Thankfully, most problems, from false alarms to dead batteries, are straightforward to correct. Check out our tips for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Chico. We’ll help keep your family protected and your system operating as it should.

Test Your Home Security System In Chico

One sensible way to troubleshoot your home’s security is to test it yourself! Newer systems have a test mode so you don’t accidentally initiate an emergency response. After moving to test mode, take these steps:

• Activate your system as you would when heading out.
• Open a window or door protected by a contact sensor, or test other sensors. Shut the window or door once you’re finished so it doesn’t prompt the alarm when you switch the system back on.
• Permit the alarm to go off for 60 seconds to ensure communications with the security provider and to produce an entry in the alarm system log.
• Proceed to test devices as you wish
• Check the system activity log to confirm functionality.

Don’t worry, monitoring agents will know that your system is undergoing a test. Just be sure to switch off test mode when you’re done. It’s a good idea to test every other month or whenever you make changes to your home’s internet or phone service.

Check The Placement And State Of Motion Detectors

Although an integral aspect of your alarm system, motion sensors are notorious for false alarms. Do your part to prevent them with some basic troubleshooting.

• Conduct a physical check. Are there things that could move within range of the sensor, like a curtain blown in a breeze?
• Is the sensor covered in dust? Dirt, cobwebs, and debris can cause issues. Ensure the face is clean.
• Does the motion detector offer pet immunity you can activate? Some can be set to ignore pets weighing up to 100 pounds.
• When was the battery changed? A low battery may affect performance or lead to false alarms.
• Is a heat source affecting the sensor? Too much heat from direct sun or a fireplace can cause an alarm.

Keep Batteries On Hand And Look Out For Low Battery Warnings

One helpful benefit of modern 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 your system, you might notice an intermittent beep when batteries are running out. 

Contact sensors, smoke detectors, motion sensors, and other wireless devices have batteries that will have to be replaced every year or two. It’s best to keep batteries ready and set a replacement schedule. Many systems also have a backup battery for the primary control panel. This backup helps keep your system functioning if your power goes out and should recharge itself once power is back online. If it doesn’t recharge, you will have to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Easy With ADT Home Security In Chico 

As the leading name in home security, ADT builds systems that provide unsurpassed protection and functionality. Switching to test mode is straightforward through MyADT.com or the ADT+ app, and you’ll always get notifications when a battery is low. Get in touch with Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to learn more and design a system perfect for your Chico home and family. Place a call to (530) 205-3977 or fill out our form today!