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August 05, 2026

Tips For Troubleshooting Your Home Alarm System In Tempe

False alarms and system glitches can be frustrating, and even worse, might prevent your security system from working the way it should. Fortunately, most problems, from false alarms to dead batteries, are straightforward to correct. Check out our suggestions for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Tempe. We’ll help you keep your family shielded and your system running as it should.

Test Your Home Security System In Tempe

One of the most effective ways to troubleshoot your property’s defense is to test it! Newer systems allow you to put them in test mode to prevent you from triggering an emergency response. After moving to test mode, take these steps:

  • Activate your system as you typically would when you leave.
  • Open a window or door that uses a contact sensor, or try to trigger another sensor. Shut the door or window so it doesn’t trip the alarm as you leave test mode.
  • Allow the alarm to sound for 60 seconds to ensure communications with the security company and to create an entry in the alarm system log.
  • Continue testing equipment as needed
  • Inspect the system activity log to confirm proper function.

Don’t worry, monitoring agents will be able to see that your system is involved in a test. Be sure to switch out of test mode when done. It’s a good idea to test once a month or whenever you change your home’s phone or internet provider.

Inspect The Positioning And Condition Of Motion Detectors

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

  • Do a physical check. Are there items that could shift within range of the sensor, like a window treatment taken by a breeze?
  • Is the sensor clean? Dirt, cobwebs, and debris can result in issues. Ensure the sensor is clean.
  • Does the motion detector offer pet immunity you can activate? Some can be set to disregard pets weighing as much as 100 pounds.
  • When was the battery replaced? A low battery may affect performance or result in false alarms.
  • Is a heat source impacting the sensor? Too much heat from direct sun or a fireplace can set off an alarm.

Keep Batteries On Hand And Pay Attention To Low Battery Signals

One of the great aspects of modern home security systems is that they’ll let you know when batteries are running low. If your system is equipped with a smartphone app or control panel, you’ll often discover messages there. Depending on your system, you may notice an intermittent beep when batteries are getting low. 

Contact sensors, smoke detectors, motion sensors, and other wireless tools have batteries that need to be replaced every so often. It’s wise to keep batteries on hand and create a replacement schedule. Some systems also have a backup battery for the central control panel. This battery helps keep your system operating 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 Tempe 

As the leading name in home security, ADT builds systems that offer unrivaled functionality and protection. Getting into test mode is straightforward through MyADT.com or the ADT+ app, and you’ll always get alerts when a sensor battery is running low. Reach out to Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to get more details and design a system perfect for your Tempe home and family. Place a call to (480) 608-0064 or fill out our form today!

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