Did you know that 60 percent of would-be burglars would look for a new target if they found signs of an alarm? If you want to maximize protection in your work or personal life, business or home security camera systems aren’t just a luxury—they’re a necessity. Whether you install them for a general reason or a specific purpose—theft deterrence, activity mentoring, or simple peace of mind—a good system will cover all the bases. You’ll rest a little easier and be able to focus on the things that matter. That said, you won’t get the most out of your system without some security system maintenance. In fact, if you slack on maintenance for too long, it could become a safety issue thanks to dirty lenses, poor connections, bad camera angles, and out-of-date software.
Let’s take a look at some essential tips to follow if you want to keep your business and home security camera systems working effectively.
Clean Camera Lenses Regularly
Camera lenses should be kept as clean as possible, and that means taking some time every now and then to remove anything that could obstruct their vision—dust, dirt, and smudges. If you neglect to do this, image clarity suffers, meaning it could be tougher to identify license plates, faces, and other important details in the event of an incident. If an image is too blurry or otherwise obstructed, it can be useless in any sort of investigation.
To avoid this situation, put some effort into routine camera lens cleaning using:
- A microfiber cloth that allows you to gently wipe away obstructions without damaging the lens
- A non-abrasive solution made specifically for lenses if tougher buildup is present
- Extra caution around camera sensors, as these components are typically easily damaged
Paper towels, household glass cleaners, and other rough materials are strongly discouraged to clean camera lenses, as they could cause permanent damage.
Check Camera Angles and Positioning
Various factors could contribute to camera angles shifting slowly over time—building vibrations, weather conditions, or even loose hinges. And unfortunately, intentional tampering is a possibility. If a camera is misaligned, critical areas like entries and high-traffic zones may lose coverage.
It’s a good idea to get in the habit of checking your cameras on a regular basis to ensure they’re pointing where you want them to—especially after a thunderstorm, heavy winds, or a nearby construction project that could have rattled the building. If you want to go the extra mile, check the feeds for visibility at different points throughout the day to account for changing lighting conditions.
Inspect Cables and Connections
Checking cables and connections is perhaps the most vital component of security system maintenance. After all, if they’re not working, you don’t have security at all. Over time, wiring can suffer wear and tear, loosening, or corrosion. Be on the lookout for:
- Frayed and/or exposed wires, as they could lead to short circuits
- Rust and other signs of corrosion on connectors
- Loose plugs and jacks, as they could cause video feed disruptions
As a final check, make sure all connections are tight and secure.
Update Firmware and Software
Most modern technology is supported post-release through software updates in order to stay up-to-date with security trends and add new features. That’s why it’s vital to be aware of any updates your provider releases for your DVR/NVR software. This is a bit of security system maintenance that should only take a few minutes and provides invaluable support for users.
Here’s how you can stay on top of the updates:
- Only install official updates from the manufacturer
- Set monthly or even weekly reminders to check for new firmware and software update releases
- Ensure compatibility between your equipment and any new updates released.
We strongly advise against ignoring software updates, as they can leave your system vulnerable to cyber threats and cause numerous other performance problems.
Test the Functionality of Home Security Camera Systems
It’s always a good idea to perform routine system tests, even if you’ve been performing security camera maintenance and keeping everything up to date. Be sure to check video recording and playback, motion detection functionality, remote-viewing capabilities, and alerts and notifications to make sure everything is running according to your preferences. This ensures image clarity, accurate triggering, and compatibility between devices. It could be catastrophic if an urgent incident occurred but no notifications were sent to you.
Security System Maintenance Is a Must
A security system is a great tool in deterring bad actors, minimizing incidents, and maximizing your peace of mind. That said, its effectiveness is only as reliable as the security system maintenance you perform on it—cleaning lenses, checking positioning, installing updates, securing cables, and performing system checks. So take some time to give your security some attention, and everything will run as smoothly as possible.
Looking for a security solution to suit your home and business needs? Get in touch with the professionals at Next Generation Security Concepts. We’re happy to perform security camera maintenance or install a new system altogether. Get in touch and make your life more secure!
