If you are a homeowner with a security system installed, maintenance is important.
There are so many questions you might be asking. Such as: how long do I need to perform them?
This guide will answer that and a few common questions. We’ll also go over the checklists for maintaining your home security system.
If you notice any potential issues during your maintenance procedures, you can call Smith Thompson and a professional will be dispatched to check on the issue.
Maintenance is as important as you think. Especially when you need to keep your home safe from the inside and out. Let’s get started with the maintenance process.
Contents
Weekly Maintenance Checks
There are maintenance checks that you need to perform within specific time periods: weekly, monthly, twice a year, and annually.
We will go over the tasks you need to do during these frames. Let’s start with what you need to do on a weekly basis.
1. Check the Batteries
There are some pieces of your security system that can suck up a lot of energy.
Especially if they run on batteries. So it may be a good idea to check the batteries every week on wireless cameras and smart locks (among other elements).
The batteries can last weeks regardless if they are a fresh set or recharged. But make sure everything is operating accordingly.
But changing or recharging the batteries may be a task you’ll need to perform.
2. Cleaning the Devices
Some security devices will need to be cleaned. Particularly your greatest threats will be dust and cobwebs.
There are sensors that are so sensitive that it may not work properly if there is enough of either of them.
If you are cleaning cameras, use a microfiber cloth. This will ensure that it doesn’t get smudged. It may be a smart idea to use a glass cleaner.
Smudges will affect the footage clarity, which will be no good when it’s needed most (such as a break-in).
Also, back up any storage files that you might need. At some point, you’re going to need to clear the storage because it can only take up so much space.
Monthly Maintenance Check
1. Updating the App
This may be done automatically depending on the updating system it’s operating on.
Otherwise, you may need to do it manually. This may require you to visit the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) to ‘update’ the app itself.
Updating the app will ensure that it’s running the latest software.
At the same time, you’re also preventing security vulnerabilities that hackers will take advantage of.
2. Self-diagnostics on Control Panel
Test your control panel using the self-diagnosis option that is available. This will check for any issues and fix them when they are present.
If you run into any issues, you’ll want to call your home security company to help you through the process.
Trying to figure out any issues can lead to false alarms and inadvertent visits from the authorities.
3. Checking the Status of Medical Alert Devices
If you have medical alert devices, make sure you check the status of them.
They should have test buttons to help you make sure things are up and running properly.
Alternatively, you can call the security system company to do the job for you (which can be done remotely).
4. Test Your Fire Detectors and Alarms
This is a task you should never forgo. You’ll want to test the fire alarms (especially smart smoke detectors).
There should be test buttons that you may need to press to double-check whether or not things are running smoothly.
Every Six Months
1. Sensor Checks
Your sensors will need to be taken care of accordingly. They are attached throughout areas of your house that are necessary. They are typically attached with strong adhesives.
Yet, they can still get knocked down. Humidity can even affect them (especially in the summer months). Try and set off each of the sensors and make sure you’re getting notifications.
Do whatever it takes to set them off like walking in and out the door, moving your hands, or something else. If you need to do a silly dance, go for it.
2. Checking Your Perimeter
Throughout the year, things in your yard can change. You may have a tree sprouting up and a branch is causing a series of notifications. If that’s the case, try and find a way to maintain it.
Also, it would help to check for any lights that may be burned out. Your flood lights or related security lights along with their sensors need to be in working order.
3. Check Batteries
These are the batteries in your remotes, sensors, and detectors for smoke and carbon monoxide.
Annual Maintenance Check
1. Audit for Vulnerabilities
It may be a good idea to check around the property to see what may be missing. What could you use more of?
Could it be an additional security camera or a temperature sensor?
This should also be a good idea to check out for any changes that may have occurred on your property or inside your house (such as newly built areas, growing vegetation, etc.).
2. Warranty/contract Checkup
Is your warranty still good? See if it is by calling your security system company. They will be able to give you the status of both.
If your warranty is ending, make sure everything is in working order. Otherwise, you might be missing out on needed repairs that only the security company professionals can do for free.
Final Thoughts
It’s always a good idea to perform security system maintenance when needed.
Make sure that you use each checklist for every specific time period and follow it to a T. Even if you have to rely on your phone for reminders, you need to stay on top of maintaining your security system.
You don’t want something to malfunction and not be able to do its job.
Especially when anything can happen at any time, whether you or your family are home or not.
