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False alarms and system glitches can be aggravating, and more importantly, could prevent your home’s security from doing its job effectively. Thankfully, most troubles, from false alarms to dead batteries, are straightforward to remedy. Check out our recommendations for troubleshooting your home alarm system in St. Petersburg. We’ll help keep your family members safeguarded and your system operating the way it should.

Test Your Home Security System In St. Petersburg

One great way to troubleshoot your property’s security is to test it! The latest systems have a test mode so you don’t accidentally initiate an emergency response. Once you’re in test mode, do the following:

• Arm your system as you typically would when leaving.
• Open a window or door protected by a contact sensor, or try to set off something else. Shut the window or door so it doesn’t trip the alarm as you get out of test mode.
• Allow the alarm to sound for 60 seconds to make sure a signal is delivered to the security company and an entry is made in the alarm activity log.
• Continue testing sensors as you wish
• Review the systems’s activity log to validate proper function.

No need to worry, monitoring professionals will be aware that your alarm system is involved in a test. Just make sure to switch out of test mode when you’re done. It’s smart to test every other month or whenever you change your home’s phone or internet connectivity.

Check The Position And Condition Of Motion Sensors

Although an essential part of your alarm system, motion detectors are prone to false alarms. You can help prevent them with some easy troubleshooting.

• Perform a physical check. Are there items that could move within the detection path of the sensor, like drapery taken by a breeze?
• Is the sensor clean? Cobwebs, dirt, and grime can result in issues. Make sure the face is clean.
• Does the motion detector come with pet immunity you can enable? Some can be configured to disregard pets weighing as much as 100 pounds.
• When was the battery replaced? A nearly depleted battery can impact performance or result in false alarms.
• Is a heat source affecting the sensor? Excessive heat from direct sun or a fireplace can cause an alarm.

Keep Batteries On Hand And Pay Attention To Low Battery Warnings

One of the great aspects of modern home security systems is that they’ll let you know when batteries are dying. If your system has a smartphone app or control panel, you’ll typically see messages there. Depending on your system, you may hear an intermittent beep when batteries are running out. 

Motion detectors, smoke detectors, contact sensors, and other wireless devices have batteries that need to be replaced every so often. It’s a good idea to keep batteries around and establish a replacement schedule. Some systems also include a backup battery for the main control panel. This battery helps keep your system functioning if your power goes out and should recharge itself once power is restored. If it doesn’t, you will have to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Easy With ADT Home Security In St. Petersburg 

As the top name in home security, ADT designs systems that provide unsurpassed functionality and convenience. Accessing test mode is easy through the ADT+ app or MyADT.com, and you’ll always receive alerts when a battery is low. Contact Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to get more details and design a system ideal for your St. Petersburg home. Call (727) 258-2938 or submit our form today!