ADT® Authorized Dealer Serving The Entire Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
Mother and daughter in front of a window with an ADT contact sensor
August 05, 2026

Tips For Troubleshooting Your Home Alarm System In Dallas

System glitches and false alarms can be aggravating, and even worse, may prevent your security system from working the way it should. Luckily, most problems, from dead batteries to false alarms, are easy to remedy. Check out our suggestions for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Dallas. We’ll help you keep your household shielded and your system operating as it should.

Test Your Home Security System In Dallas

One effective way to troubleshoot your home’s security is to test it! The latest systems have a test mode so you don’t mistakenly trigger an emergency call. Once you’re in test mode, follow these steps:

  • Arm your system as you normally would when you leave.
  • Open a window or door that has a contact sensor, or try to trip another device. Close the door or window once you’re done so it doesn’t prompt the alarm when you leave test mode.
  • Let the alarm sound for 60 seconds to ensure communications with the security company and to make an entry in the alarm activity log.
  • Proceed to test equipment as you wish
  • Check the system activity log to verify that everything’s working.

No need to worry, monitoring agents will know that your alarm system is undergoing a test. Just make sure to turn test mode off when complete. It’s wise to test every other month or whenever you adjust your home’s phone or internet service.

Check The Placement And Condition Of Motion Detectors

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

  • Do a visual check. Is there something that could shift within the sensor’s detection area, like a curtain taken by a breeze?
  • Is the sensor covered in dust? Cobwebs, dirt, and debris can result in malfunctions. Make sure the face is clean.
  • Does the motion detector come with pet immunity you can activate? Some models can be set to disregard pets weighing up to 100 pounds.
  • When was the battery last replaced? Low batteries can affect performance or cause false alarms.
  • Is the sensor facing a source of heat? Excess heat from direct sun or a fireplace can set off an alarm.

Keep Batteries On Hand And Look Out For Low Battery Signals

One helpful benefit of new home security systems is that they’ll notify you when batteries are dying. If your system uses a smartphone app or control panel, you’ll typically discover messages there. Depending on the alarm, you could detect an occasional beep when batteries are low. 

Motion detectors, smoke detectors, contact sensors, and other wireless tools have batteries that will have to be replaced every year or two. It’s wise to keep batteries ready and establish a replacement schedule. Top systems also come with a rechargeable backup battery for the primary control panel. This 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 need to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Simple With ADT Home Security In Dallas 

As the leading name in home security, ADT creates systems that supply unsurpassed protection and functionality. Switching to test mode is straightforward through the ADT+ app or MyADT.com, and you’ll always get updates when a battery is low. Contact Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to learn more and design a system ideal for your Dallas home. Call (214) 997-6030 or fill out our form today!

Start the Security System Cost Quiz to Receive Personalized ADT Package Options