Tips For Troubleshooting Your Home Alarm System In Kansas City
False alarms and system malfunctions can be aggravating, and more importantly, may prevent your home security system from doing its job effectively. Luckily, most issues, from false alarms to dead batteries, are simple to correct. Check out our suggestions for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Kansas City. We’ll help keep your family members safeguarded and your system running properly.
Test Your Home Security System In Kansas City
One of the best ways to troubleshoot your property’s security is to test it yourself! The latest systems let you place them in test mode to prevent you from initiating an emergency response. Once you’re in test mode, follow these steps:
- Activate your system as you would when heading out.
- Open a door or window that has a contact sensor, or try to trigger another device. Close the window or door once you’re done so it doesn’t trip the alarm as you switch out of test mode.
- Let the alarm sound for 60 seconds to ensure communications with the security company and to make an entry in the alarm activity log.
- Proceed to test sensors as needed
- Inspect the alarm’s activity log to validate proper function.
No need to worry, monitoring agents can tell that your alarm system is being tested. Be sure to switch out of test mode when done. It’s wise to test monthly or anytime you adjust your home’s phone or internet provider.
Check The Placement And State Of Motion Detectors
Although an essential part of your alarm system, motion detectors are prone to false alarms. Do your part to prevent them with some easy troubleshooting.
- Do a physical inspection. Are there items that could shift within the sensor’s detection area, like a curtain caught in a breeze?
- Is the sensor covered in dust? Cobwebs, dirt, and debris can lead to malfunctions. Make sure the device is clean.
- Does the motion detector come with pet immunity you can turn on? Some can be set to disregard pets weighing up to 100 pounds.
- When was the battery replaced? Low batteries can 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 trigger an alarm.
Keep Batteries On Hand And Watch Out For Low Battery Notifications
One helpful benefit of new home security systems is that they’ll alert you when batteries are dying. If your system uses a app or control panel, you’ll usually see alerts there. Depending on the alarm, you may notice an occasional beep when batteries are low.
Contact sensors, motion detectors, smoke detectors, and other wireless components have batteries that need to be replaced every 1 to 2 years. It’s wise to keep batteries ready and set a replacement schedule. Top systems also have a backup battery for the central control panel. This battery helps keep your system functioning if you have a power outage and should recharge once power is restored. If it fails to recharge, you should replace it.
Troubleshooting Is Simple With ADT Home Security In Kansas City
As the leading name in home security, ADT creates systems that supply unsurpassed functionality and convenience. 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 get more details and design a system perfect for your Kansas City home and family. Call (816) 287-1177 or fill out our form today!