What is the lifespan of a house alarm battery?

Author: Carmella Nikolaus  |  Last update: Friday, August 29, 2025

Although there is some variation in battery longevity, most batteries in alarm systems today will last somewhere between three and five years.

How do I know if my house alarm battery needs replacing?

The most obvious indicator that its time to replace your alarm battery is when the low battery alert for your alarm system flashes on for no apparent reason. Make sure that the replacement batteries you use are the same type and capacity as the ones you're changing out.

How often should I replace my home alarm battery?

Alarm panel batteries should be replaced about every five years. However, this amount of time can vary between different types of batteries and how often the panel switches over to its backup battery power. The system should display a warning message when the backup battery is low.

How long does a house alarm battery last?

Low Battery Indicators. Most manufacturers recommend changing your system's battery every 3–5 years. Newer devices may last up to 7 years. If you don't know when your system was last serviced, start looking for a replacement battery now.

What happens if a house alarm battery dies?

98% of the time an alarm rings during a power cut is because this battery is dead! Therefore when the mains is removed, the main control panel battery can't keep the system running so the external sounder starts ringing to inform you there's a problem.

How long does it take to charge a house alarm battery?

How much does it cost to replace a house alarm battery?

Home alarm system battery replacement cost

The typical cost of a replacement burglar alarm battery is between £12 and £30 depending on the type and make of battery.

How often do ADT batteries need to be replaced?

We recommend changing all your wireless sensor batteries on an annual basis or as directed by your ADT system.

Can I change a house alarm battery myself?

If you have basic DIY skills, changing the battery in your burglar alarm is relatively straightforward. To change your home alarm battery, follow these steps: Open panel: first remove the cover of your main alarm panel by unscrewing the screws holding the front of the panel on. The alarm will then sound.

How to stop a house alarm from beeping?

Beeping Home Alarm? Here's What To Do!
  1. Check the Manual. The first step is to identify the cause of the beeping, and the easiest way to do this is to check the manual. ...
  2. Reset the Alarm. ...
  3. Low Battery. ...
  4. Sensor Fault. ...
  5. Electrical Disconnection. ...
  6. Use an accredited security installer for peace of mind.

Will a house alarm work without a battery?

Yes, house alarm systems work when there is no electricity as long as there is a backup power source. But you should keep in mind that even with a backup, there is still the potential for the power source to go out, and the house alarm will go off if the battery dies.

Will house alarm go off if I disconnect battery?

Although the main source of power has been disconnected from the home security system, the backup battery is still providing power to the alarm. A screwdriver may be required to access the battery box and you will need pliers to remove the battery.

Does a house alarm use a lot of electricity?

Comparing House Alarms to Other Household Appliances

A typical house alarm system often uses less than 70 watts a year.

Do you have to reset alarm after replacing battery?

You typically will not need to do anything to reset your car alarm after a battery change, but it should automatically reset for you. Some vehicles or alarm systems may require you to push a reset button on the alarm box that may be located near the steering wheel.

Why is my house alarm beeping low battery?

Change the batteries

There is always a chance that it's a weak or low battery. In today's connected smart homes, sensors, detectors, and the panel itself, all function on batteries. Alarm beeping is a built-in warning that signals the power is fading, and that a new battery will be required soon.

When should I replace my alarm battery?

Maintain your alarms

If your alarms use regular batteries, swap in fresh batteries at least once a year. A “chirping” sound means that it's time to change batteries. Because alarm sensors wear out, replace each alarm at least every 10 years.

Why does my house alarm keep going off even when not set at night?

System Issues – Possible wear and tear, outdated components, or the need for servicing may cause false alarms. Environmental Factors – Open windows can let in wind which can cause objects to move and trigger sensors. Obstructions To Sensors – Dust, cobwebs, or even larger spiders near the sensors can set it off.

How do I silence my alarm chirping?

Three ways:
  1. Most smoke alarms have a “silence” button. You can use a broomstick to press it. But, it will start chirping again in 2–8 hours. ...
  2. Twist it counter-clockwise to disengage it from the celling. Remove the battery. ...
  3. Smash it with a hammer. Continue smashing until the chirping stops.

How do I turn off my whole house alarm?

Step-by-Step Guide for Deactivating Alarm Systems
  1. Locate the Control Panel.
  2. Identify the Power Source.
  3. Disarm the System.
  4. Unplug the Transformer (if applicable)
  5. Remove the Backup Battery (if applicable)
  6. Test the System.
  7. Reactivating the Alarm System.
  8. Seeking Professional Assistance.

How do I get my alarm to stop beeping without battery?

To get the device to stop chirping once the battery has been removed, you must drain this residual charge by holding the test button for 15 seconds.

How do I know if my alarm battery is bad?

If the keypad for your home alarm system starts beeping, it's a sign that the power supply is low and the battery might need to be replaced. The keypad may beep infrequently at first, but it will beep more consistently as the power supply drains.

Do you have to turn power off to change house alarm battery?

Make sure to power down the security system before you work to avoid any injury. Disconnect the transformer or flip the circuit breaker switch to ensure power is off while you replace the old battery with a new one.

Can a low battery cause a house alarm to go off?

In most cases the alarm system will activate or at least beep if there is a low battery or if the alarm system battery dies.

Does ADT replace batteries for free?

When you order on MyADT, your QSP provides one free system battery per year. Additional system batteries cost $29.99.

Do I need to call ADT to change battery?

Requesting a Replacement Battery

If you choose to replace the battery yourself, contact ADT at 1-800-ADT-ASAP to have a replacement battery sent to you or you can purchase one at a local battery supply store.

What happens when ADT battery is low?

A low battery warning is most often displayed as BAT, LOW BATT or SYSTEM LO BAT on the touchpad. This warning signals that your battery is low and must be either recharged or replaced. ADT offers several battery-replacement options for our customers, including a self-service option on most systems and devices.

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