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System hiccups and false alarms can be frustrating, and more importantly, might prevent your home security system from doing its job effectively. Luckily, most issues, from dead batteries to false alarms, are simple to fix. Explore our tips for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Milwaukee. We’ll help keep your family members protected and your system running smoothly.

Test Your Home Security System In Milwaukee

One of the most sensible ways to troubleshoot your property’s defense is to test it yourself! The latest systems have a test mode so you don’t mistakenly prompt an emergency response from monitoring agents. After moving to test mode, follow these steps:

• Arm your system as you would when heading out.
• Open a door or window that has a contact sensor, or test other equipment. Shut the window or door once you’re finished so it doesn’t prompt the alarm as you switch the system back on.
• Let the alarm sound for 60 seconds to make sure a message is delivered to the security company and an entry is created in the alarm activity log.
• Proceed to test equipment as needed
• Review the systems’s activity log to verify proper function.

Rest assured, monitoring agents will be aware that your alarm system is undergoing a test. Just be sure to switch out of test mode when you’re done. It’s smart to test monthly or whenever you change your home’s phone or internet provider.

Check The Position And State Of Motion Detectors

Although an integral element of your alarm system, motion detectors are notorious for false alarms. Prevent them with some simple troubleshooting.

• Conduct a physical inspection. Is there something that could move within the detection path of the sensor, like drapery blown in a breeze?
• Is the sensor clean? Cobwebs, dirt, and debris can cause issues. Check to confirm the device is clean.
• Does the motion detector offer pet immunity you can activate? Some sensors can be set to disregard pets up to 100 pounds.
• When was the battery changed? A low battery might impact performance or lead to false alarms.
• Is a heat source impacting the sensor? Excess heat from a fireplace, direct sun, or something else can set off an alarm.

Keep Batteries On Hand And Watch Out For Low Battery Warnings

One of the great advantages of new home security systems is that they’ll notify you when batteries are running low. If your system has a control panel or app, you’ll typically find alerts there. Depending on your alarm, you might hear an occasional beep when batteries are getting low. 

Motion sensors, contact sensors, smoke detectors, and other wireless components have batteries that should be replaced every so often. It’s best to keep batteries on hand and create a replacement schedule. Some systems also come with a backup battery for the main control panel. This backup helps keep your system operating if you lose power and should recharge itself once power is back online. If it fails to recharge, you will need to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Easy With ADT Home Security In Milwaukee 

As the leading name in home security, ADT designs systems that supply unsurpassed functionality and protection. Switching to test mode is easy through the ADT+ app or MyADT.com, and you’ll always receive alerts when a battery is nearing depletion. Get in touch with Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to learn more and design a system perfect for your Milwaukee home. Place a call to (414) 376-0805 or submit our form today!