Having a security system is a great intruder deterrent. And we aren’t talking about the snazzy features of it. Studies show that 60% of burglars will seek a different target if they discover a security system on the property. That’s reassuring, but it also means 40% of burglars will still attempt a burglary despite an alarm being present. To account for that 40%, it’s important to ensure your system is working as intended. So how do you determine if you need to perform security system maintenance? How do you know if there’s a problem?
In this blog, we’ll discuss the telltale signs that you should look into home security alarm maintenance.
1: Frequent False Alarms
Sometimes, your alarm goes off and you never find the culprit. It’s possible it was an animal who fled before you spotted it. Maybe a bird decided to inspect your security camera. Or maybe nothing happened and your system was experiencing a true malfunction.
Such malfunctions can be caused by issues such as:
- Sensor misalignment that causes inaccurate motion readings.
- Wiring issues that disrupt proper transmission of vital signals.
- Out-of-date software that may lead to delayed or misleading alerts.
When this happens, it’s much more than a simple annoyance. You rely on your system to give you accurate, reliable alerts in order to keep you safe. If it keeps crying wolf, you may stop trusting it altogether.
2: Unresponsive Sensors or Cameras
Motion detectors, door and window sensors, and security cameras all serve to detect when someone may be trying to gain unauthorized access to your home. If any of these measures fail, your protection is weakened and you’re put at risk.
So what causes these failures? A common culprit is low or dead batteries in your devices. If there’s no power, there’s no way to deliver an alert. Other common causes are weak wi-fi connections that delay or outright prevent alerts, as well as damaged connectors or wiring in sensors and cameras.
It could be argued that this malfunction is potentially more dangerous than unprompted alerts. If your system is sending you false alarms, it’s much easier to determine there is an issue. Sensor malfunctions are much more difficult to notice if you aren’t vigilant. We suggest testing your equipment every few weeks to ensure everything is working as intended. If you do notice a problem, schedule security system maintenance as soon as you can.
3: Outdated Software or App Performance Issues
Software and mobile apps have become an integral part of modern security solutions (and even home security alarm maintenance). It’s for this reason that your security devices themselves aren’t the only thing you should be checking for functionality. If your security app is glitchy, slow, or failing to notify you of issues, it may be out of date.
Luckily for you, this is likely a quick (and cheap) fix to make. Simply check for updates on your apps and other software and install them! If old versions are the culprit, this step should fix the problem without the need for emergency security system maintenance.
4: Strange Noises or Power Problems
When we notice that beeping coming from our smoke detectors, it’s a pretty good indicator that that battery is low. It’s an electronic device’s cry for help. The same thinking applies to security system devices. If you notice odd beeping, buzzing, or even power interruptions coming from any component, it could be a sign of electrical trouble.
What causes this unreliable performance and these “cries for help”? Common culprits are failing backup batteries, loose wiring, or old, worn-out hardware components. Notice any of these telltale signs? Don’t procrastinate on scheduling security system maintenance!
5: System Age or Missed Professional Inspections
As technology evolves and would-be intruders get craftier in their tactics, innovation is key to maintaining home safety. Because of this, new hardware is created and software is constantly updated. If your devices are older than five or six years, they may be losing their ability to keep up. If you haven’t scheduled regular security system testing and maintenance, you may not be aware if your equipment is outdated.
Scheduling regular, consistent maintenance helps you ensure that:
- Your sensors, control panels, and cameras are functioning properly.
- Your software is up-to-date.
- Wiring, batteries, and backup batteries are reliable.
Stay Safe with Regular Security System Testing and Maintenance
Your home security system is your first line of defense. If it’s well-maintained and up-to-date, it’s also your last line of defense. When false alarms, strange noises, and buggy software rear their ugly heads, it’s your security system’s cry for help. Is it time for your home to get some security system maintenance? Work with Next Generation Security Concepts and we’ll make sure your system is ready to serve you!
