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System malfunctions and false alarms can be frustrating, and more importantly, might prevent your security system from working how it should. Thankfully, most problems, from dead batteries to false alarms, are simple to remedy. Explore our recommendations for troubleshooting your home alarm system in New York City. We’ll help you keep your family safeguarded and your system running as it should.

Test Your Home Security System In New York City

One effective way to troubleshoot your home’s security is to test it! Modern systems allow you to place them in test mode to avoid initiating an emergency response from monitoring agents. After switching to test mode, follow these steps:

• Activate your system as you typically would when you exit your home.
• Open a door or window protected by a contact sensor, or test other sensors. Close the door or window once you’re done so it doesn’t prompt the alarm when you turn the system back on.
• Permit the alarm to sound for 60 seconds to ensure communications with the security provider and to produce an entry in the alarm system log.
• Proceed to test equipment as needed
• Inspect the system activity log to validate that everything’s working.

Don’t worry, monitoring agents will be able to see that your system is undergoing a test. Be sure to switch out of test mode when you’re done. It’s wise to test monthly or whenever you make changes to your home’s phone or internet service.

Inspect The Positioning And State Of Motion Sensors

Although an integral element of your alarm system, motion detectors are well known for false alarms. Do your part to prevent them with a few basic troubleshooting steps.

• Conduct a visual check. Is there anything that could shift within the sensor’s detection zone, like drapery caught in a breeze?
• Is the sensor clean? Cobwebs, dirt, and grime can cause poor performance. Ensure the device is clean.
• Does the motion detector have pet immunity you can enable? Some can be set to ignore pets weighing as much as 100 pounds.
• When was the battery last replaced? A low battery might affect performance or lead to false alarms.
• Is a heat source impairing the sensor? Excess heat from direct sun or a fireplace can cause an alarm.

Keep Batteries Ready And Look Out For Low Battery Signals

One of the great aspects of modern home security systems is that they’ll let you know when batteries are getting low. If your system uses a control panel or mobile app, you’ll usually see messages there. Depending on the alarm, you may hear an occasional beep when batteries are low. 

Motion detectors, smoke detectors, contact sensors, and other wireless devices have batteries that will have to be replaced every so often. It’s best to keep batteries ready and create a replacement schedule. Many systems also have a rechargeable backup battery for the main control panel. This backup battery keeps your system operating if you have a power outage and should recharge once power is restored. If it doesn’t recharge, you should replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Effortless With ADT Home Security In New York City 

As the leading name in home security, ADT creates systems that provide superior functionality and protection. Getting into test mode is straightforward through MyADT.com or the ADT+ app, and you’ll always get updates 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 New York City home. Place a call to (212) 553-6591 or submit our form today!