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System hiccups and false alarms can be frustrating, and more importantly, may prevent your home security system from working the way it should. Thankfully, most issues, from dead batteries to false alarms, are straightforward to fix. Check out our suggestions for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Las Cruces. We’ll help keep your household safe and your system operating properly.

Test Your Home Security System In Las Cruces

One effective way to troubleshoot your home’s security is to test it! Newer systems allow you to put them in test mode to prevent you from triggering an emergency call. Once you’re in test mode, follow these steps:

• Turn on your system as you normally would when you leave.
• 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 trigger the alarm as you get out of test mode.
• Let the alarm go off for 60 seconds to make sure a message is dispatched to the security provider and an entry is made in the alarm system log.
• Proceed to test equipment as you wish
• Inspect the system activity log to validate functionality.

Don’t worry, monitoring agents can see that your alarm system is being tested. Just make sure to switch off test mode when complete. It’s smart to test monthly or whenever you adjust your home’s phone or internet provider.

Inspect The Position And State Of Motion Sensors

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

• Do a physical check. Is there anything that could move within the sensor’s detection zone, like a curtain blown in a breeze?
• Is the sensor covered in dust? Grime, dirt, and cobwebs can cause issues. Check to confirm the face is clean.
• Does the motion detector come with pet immunity you can enable? Some models can be configured to disregard pets up to 100 pounds.
• When was the battery replaced? Low batteries may impact performance or lead to false alarms.
• Is a heat source impairing the sensor? Excessive heat from sunlight or a fireplace can set off an alarm.

Keep Batteries Ready And Watch Out For Low Battery Notifications

One helpful perk of the latest home security systems is that they’ll notify you when batteries are running low. If your system uses a app or control panel, you’ll typically see notifications there. Depending on the alarm, you could detect an occasional beep when batteries are low. 

Contact sensors, smoke detectors, motion sensors, and other wireless tools have batteries that need to be replaced every year or two. It’s best to keep batteries on hand and create a replacement schedule. Many systems also have a backup battery for the central control panel. This backup battery helps keep your system operating if you lose power and should recharge itself once the electricity is working again. If it doesn’t, you should replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Easy With ADT Home Security In Las Cruces 

As the foremost name in home security, ADT builds systems that provide unrivaled protection and functionality. Accessing test mode is easy through the ADT+ app or MyADT.com, and you’ll always get updates when a battery is nearing depletion. Contact Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to get more details and design a system perfect for your Las Cruces home and family. Dial (575) 224-2547 or fill out our form today!