Categories

False alarms and system malfunctions can be exasperating, and even more concerning, could prevent your home security system from working the way it should. Luckily, most issues, from false alarms to dead batteries, are easy to correct. Check out our tips for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Portland. We’ll help keep your family protected and your system running as it should.

Test Your Home Security System In Portland

One of the best ways to troubleshoot your property’s defense is to test it! The latest systems have a test mode so you don’t mistakenly trigger an emergency response from monitoring agents. After switching to test mode, do the following:

• Activate your system as you normally would when heading out.
• Open a door or window that uses a contact sensor, or test other devices. Close the window or door once you’re done so it doesn’t trip the alarm when you reactivate the system.
• Let the alarm resonate for 60 seconds to make sure a signal is sent to the security provider and an entry is made in the alarm system log.
• Proceed to test equipment as needed
• Check the systems’s activity log to confirm proper function.

Don’t worry, monitoring specialists can tell that your alarm system is undergoing a test. Just be sure to turn test mode off when done. It’s smart to test once a month or whenever you change your home’s internet or phone service.

Evaluate The Position And Condition Of Motion Detectors

Although an integral part of your alarm system, motion detectors are prone to false alarms. Prevent them with a few straightforward troubleshooting steps.

• Do a physical check. Are there things that could move within the sensor’s detection area, like a curtain caught in a breeze?
• Is the sensor clean? Grime, dirt, and cobwebs can lead to issues. Check to confirm the sensor is clean.
• Does the motion detector offer pet immunity you can enable? Some sensors can be configured to disregard pets up to 100 pounds.
• When was the battery last replaced? A low battery may affect performance or cause false alarms.
• Is the sensor aimed toward a heat source? Excessive heat from direct sun or a fireplace can cause an alarm.

Keep Batteries Ready And Pay Attention To Low Battery Signals

One of the great aspects of modern home security systems is that they’ll tell you when batteries are running low. If your system is equipped with a control panel or smartphone app, you’ll usually discover messages there. Depending on your alarm, you could detect an occasional beep when batteries are low. 

Contact sensors, motion detectors, smoke detectors, and other wireless devices have batteries that will have to be replaced every so often. It’s best to keep batteries on hand and set a replacement schedule. Many systems also include a backup battery for the central control panel. This battery helps keep your system functioning if you have a power outage and should recharge itself once the electricity is working again. If it doesn’t recharge, you will need to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Effortless With ADT Home Security In Portland 

As the foremost name in home security, ADT designs systems that supply unsurpassed functionality and protection. Getting into test mode is simple through the ADT+ app or MyADT.com, and you’ll always receive updates when a sensor battery is low. Reach out to Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to get more details and design a system perfect for your Portland home. Dial (503) 300-4377 or fill out our form today!