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System hiccups and false alarms can be frustrating, and more importantly, could prevent your home security system from working the way it should. Thankfully, most troubles, from false alarms to dead batteries, are straightforward to correct. Check out our recommendations for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Napa. We’ll help you keep your household protected and your system operating as it should.

Test Your Home Security System In Napa

One sensible way to troubleshoot your home’s security is to test it! Modern systems have a test mode so you don’t by accident trigger an emergency response. After moving to test mode, follow these steps:

• Activate your system as you normally would when you head out.
• Open a door or window that uses a contact sensor, or try to set off another sensor. Close the door or window once you’re done so it doesn’t prompt the alarm as you switch the system back on.
• Let the alarm go off for 60 seconds to ensure communications with the security provider and to produce an entry in the alarm activity log.
• Proceed to test sensors as needed
• Check the systems’s activity log to validate proper function.

No need to worry, monitoring agents can tell that your system is involved in a test. Just be sure to turn test mode off when you’re done. It’s a good idea to test monthly or anytime you change your home’s internet or phone provider.

Inspect The Position And State Of Motion Detectors

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

• Perform a visual inspection. Is there something that could shift within the path of the sensor, like a window treatment caught in a breeze?
• Is the sensor covered in dust? Grime, dirt, and cobwebs can lead to issues. Check to confirm the sensor is clean.
• Does the motion detector come with pet immunity you can activate? Some sensors can be programmed to disregard pets weighing as much as 100 pounds.
• When was the battery changed? A low battery can affect performance or result in false alarms.
• Is a heat source impacting the sensor? Excessive heat from sunlight or a fireplace can set off an alarm.

Keep Batteries On Hand And Look Out For Low Battery Notifications

One of the great things about modern home security systems is that they’ll tell you when batteries are dying. If your system has a control panel or smartphone app, you’ll often see alerts there. Depending on the alarm, you may detect an intermittent beep when batteries are running out. 

Motion detectors, smoke detectors, contact sensors, and other wireless devices have batteries that should be replaced every year or two. It’s a good idea to keep batteries ready and establish a replacement schedule. Top systems also come with a rechargeable backup battery for the main control panel. This battery keeps your system functioning if your power goes out and should recharge once power is back online. If it doesn’t, you will have to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Easy With ADT Home Security In Napa 

As the top name in home security, ADT designs systems that supply unsurpassed functionality and protection. Accessing test mode is straightforward through MyADT.com or the ADT+ app, and you’ll always receive notifications when a sensor battery is low. Get in touch with Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to find out more and design a system ideal for your Napa home and family. Call (707) 244-9280 or fill out our form today!