Categories

System glitches and false alarms can be frustrating, and more importantly, could prevent your home’s security from doing its job effectively. Fortunately, most issues, from false alarms to dead batteries, are straightforward to remedy. Take a look at our tips for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Oklahoma City. We’ll help you keep your household safeguarded and your system operating the way it should.

Test Your Home Security System In Oklahoma City

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

• Turn on your system as you typically would when you head out.
• Open a window or door that has a contact sensor, or try to trigger another sensor. Shut the door or window once you’re finished so it doesn’t trip the alarm as you switch out of test mode.
• Let the alarm resonate for 60 seconds to ensure communications with the security provider and to create an entry in the alarm system log.
• Proceed to test equipment as you wish
• Review the system activity log to confirm proper function.

Rest assured, monitoring specialists will be able to see that your alarm system is being tested. Just be sure to switch off test mode when complete. It’s smart to test once a month or whenever you change your home’s phone or internet provider.

Evaluate The Position And Condition Of Motion Sensors

Although an crucial aspect of your alarm system, motion detectors are notorious for false alarms. Prevent them with some easy troubleshooting.

• Conduct a physical check. Is there anything that could move within the sensor’s detection range, like a window treatment blown in a breeze?
• Is the sensor dirty? Grime, dirt, and cobwebs can cause issues. Ensure the face is clean.
• Does the motion detector offer pet immunity you can enable? Some models can be programmed to ignore pets weighing as much as 100 pounds.
• When was the battery replaced? Low batteries may affect performance or lead to false alarms.
• Is the sensor pointing toward a source of heat? Too much heat from sunlight or a fireplace can trigger an alarm.

Keep Batteries Ready And Watch Out For Low Battery Signals

One of the great aspects of the latest home security systems is that they’ll alert you when batteries are getting low. If your system has a mobile app or control panel, you’ll often see notifications there. Depending on your system, you may notice an intermittent beep when batteries are running out. 

Contact sensors, motion detectors, smoke detectors, and other wireless devices have batteries that will have to be replaced every year or two. It’s a good idea to keep batteries around and establish a replacement schedule. Many systems also have a backup battery for the central control panel. This backup battery helps keep your system functioning if your power goes out and should recharge itself once power is restored. If it fails to recharge, you will have to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Effortless With ADT Home Security In Oklahoma City 

As the leading name in home security, ADT designs systems that offer unsurpassed functionality and protection. Switching to test mode is easy through the ADT+ app or MyADT.com, and you’ll always be sent notifications when a battery is nearing depletion. Contact Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to learn more and design a system ideal for your Oklahoma City home. Dial (405) 347-5898 or submit our form today!