July 2025
If you’re struggling to set your house alarm properly, you’re not alone. Though they are installed in many homes across Northamptonshire, many homeowners aren’t fully confident in how to use them day-to-day, especially if the alarm system was installed before you moved in.
Our guide will walk you through the basics of setting your alarm, including how to stop it going off unnecessarily.
Do Your House Alarm Settings Matter?
Your burglar alarm helps protect your home from potential intruders and is your first line of defence - both in practice and as a visual deterrent. Setting it properly ensures your system works as it should, and gives you peace of mind when you leave the house or go to bed at night.
Failing to set your house alarm regularly can leave your property vulnerable when unattended. Worse, incorrect use might trigger false alarms, disturb your neighbours, or cause confusion if there’s ever a real security incident. It’s worth reviewing the coverage that your alarm provides to ensure your property doesn’t have vulnerabilities. Likewise, the introduction of pets into the home may require alterations to the alarm settings or type of devices appropriate.
How to Set a House Alarm
Most house alarms are either keypad-controlled, tag/fob-operated, controlled through an app facility or a combination of these.
Here’s how to set them safely:
1. Checks before you leave:
First you should always make sure that all doors and windows are closed. Open windows or unsecure doors may stop the alarm from setting (and make your home look inviting to intruders). Secondly, think about if anything is likely to move while you are out - this is particularly important for systems that include passive infra-red detectors (PIRs) which are likely to trigger.
It’s also good practice to ensure that valuables are not visible and that good housekeeping is followed - a build up of cobwebs is likely to cause false activations caused by spiders.
2. Set your alarm:
- Keypad: Enter your code and press the relevant button to arm the system.
- Tag: Present this to the keypad to arm the system.
- Fob (or digital remote): Press the button to arm the system (within signal proximity of the system).
- App: Use your phone to set the alarm remotely.
3. Confirm your alarm is active:
Look for an indicator light or listen for the beep that signals the alarm system is successfully armed. If arming remotely via an app, this should tell you once the system has armed successfully. If your system incorporates a door contact, you are likely to need to open and close this door to complete the setting process.
Setting Your Alarm at Night
Most modern alarms allow for part-setting (sometimes called ‘night mode’) so you can secure downstairs doors and windows whilst you move around freely upstairs.
How to Stop False Alarms
If you’re struggling with false alarms, consider these checks:
- Are there any sensors in areas where pets can trigger them?
- Are there any cobwebs present that could of triggered a PIR?
- Is your system overdue for a service?
If you hear your alarm and it isn’t a real threat, enter your code, use your TAG/fob, or disarm it via your app. If your house alarm keeps going off without reason, it may need investigation from an engineer.
Related: Why Pets Are Important in Intruder Alarm Design
How to Turn Off a House Alarm During a Power Cut
A modern alarm should have a backup battery to continue operating during a power cut. For helpful tips about what to do if a mains failure triggers your alarm, click on the link below:
Related: Power Outages: How Will They Impact Your Intruder Alarm System?
Need Extra Support?
At Lynx Fire & Security, we help home and business owners across the East Midlands stay protected with reliable, easy-to-use alarm systems.
If you’re having trouble setting your system, we’re here to help. Please get in touch with us via our website, telephone or email address - we’d love to hear from you!
Enjoy this blog? Check out our other blogs here for more tips, answers and advice!
Common Customer Queries
1. Does having a home security system affect my insurance?
Whether your home security system reduces the cost of your insurance policy is entirely dependent on the terms and conditions of your insurance provider.
2. What system is best for my property?
It would be a lie to tell you one specific system without knowing the layout and the requirements of your property. For this reason, we employ experienced Surveyors who you can meet to discuss the property you wish to protect.
3. What should I do if I have a break-in?
If you suspect someone has entered your property unlawfully or you have been a victim of theft, contact your local Police as soon as possible.
4. Will my pet trigger my home security alarm?
If your pet stands higher than the average adult human knee, or is prone to jumping onto furniture or counter-tops, it is likely they will activate your home security alarm system in rooms that have detectors.
However, altering your security system may be possible. Speak to us today to find out. If you’re thinking of installing an alarm, you can talk to us and consider including your pets when making your bespoke house alarm.
Check out our FAQ's page for more.