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False alarms and system malfunctions can be aggravating, and more importantly, might prevent your home’s security from working how it should. Luckily, most problems, from dead batteries to false alarms, are straightforward to correct. Take a look at our tips for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Myrtle Beach. We’ll help keep your family members safe and your system operating properly.

Test Your Home Security System In Myrtle Beach

One of the best ways to troubleshoot your property’s security is to test it yourself! The latest systems have a test mode so you don’t accidentally trigger an emergency call. Once in test mode, take these steps:

• Arm your system as you typically would when you exit your home.
• Open a door or window that uses a contact sensor, or try to trip another device. Close the door or window so it doesn’t prompt the alarm as you leave test mode.
• Let the alarm go off for 60 seconds to ensure communications with the security provider and to produce an entry in the alarm system log.
• Proceed to test sensors as you wish
• Check the system activity log to validate functionality.

Don’t worry, monitoring professionals will know that your alarm system is undergoing a test. Be sure to turn test mode off when you’re done. It’s wise to test once a month or anytime you adjust your home’s internet or phone provider.

Evaluate The Placement And State Of Motion Detectors

Although an essential aspect of your alarm system, motion sensors are notorious for false alarms. Do your part to prevent them with a few basic troubleshooting steps.

• Do a physical check. Are there items that could shift within the path of the sensor, like drapery taken by a breeze?
• Is the sensor covered in dust? Cobwebs, dirt, and debris can cause malfunctions. Check to confirm the sensor is clean.
• Does the motion detector come with pet immunity you can activate? Some can be configured to disregard pets up to 100 pounds.
• When was the battery last replaced? Low batteries can impact performance or cause false alarms.
• Is a heat source impairing the sensor? Excess heat from a fireplace, direct sun, or something else can set off an alarm.

Keep Batteries On Hand And Look Out For Low Battery Warnings

One of the great advantages of the latest home security systems is that they’ll let you know when batteries are getting low. If your system uses a smartphone app or control panel, you’ll usually discover messages there. Depending on the alarm, you could notice an occasional beep when batteries are low. 

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

Troubleshooting Is Simple With ADT Home Security In Myrtle Beach 

As the leading name in home security, ADT builds systems that offer superior functionality and protection. Getting into test mode is simple through the ADT+ app or MyADT.com, and you’ll always be sent alerts when a sensor battery is nearing depletion. Get in touch with Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to get more details and design a system perfectly suited to your Myrtle Beach home. Call (843) 310-1682 or complete our form today!