As with just about anything you own, your home security system must be properly maintained if it is to remain effective for you over the long term. Most home security systems will let you know when it is time to perform your maintenance, which should occur about once a month just to be on the safe side. You want to be secure in knowing that your system will work when you need it most. Unfortunately, you never know when that might be, so it's best to be prepared for anything at any time.
The first step you should take toward monthly maintenance of your home security system is to contact your monitoring company to ensure that your system is still connected to their server. They will verify whether or not they are receiving a solid signal from your system. If it's weak, they can either suggest ways you can make it stronger or they will send out a repairman to fix it for you.
Then, you will want to check each sensor that is connected to your system. The sensors are typically mounted with either Velcro or tape, both of which can deteriorate over time. You don't want your sensors to become dislodged or even fall off because then they will not respond to an intruder the way they should. Each sensor should be in place and not be loose in any way. This will make sure that the sensors will detect intruders in the proper manner.
Finally, you will want to test the alarm by opening a door or window to make sure the siren goes off immediately. However, before you do this, contact your home security monitoring company and have them place your system into test mode. This way, they will not send emergency personnel to your home by mistake. Any sensor you have a question about can be tested during this time. Just be sure to remember to call your company back after the test is done. You definitely want to have your system put back on line as quickly as possible.
In the event that you change your Internet, telephone or cable provider, you need to talk with your security system company to ensure that your alarm system is going to still work with your new provider. Usually, there won't be a problem with compatibility, but if there is, your company or provider can usually install an adaptor to solve the problem.
The first step you should take toward monthly maintenance of your home security system is to contact your monitoring company to ensure that your system is still connected to their server. They will verify whether or not they are receiving a solid signal from your system. If it's weak, they can either suggest ways you can make it stronger or they will send out a repairman to fix it for you.
Then, you will want to check each sensor that is connected to your system. The sensors are typically mounted with either Velcro or tape, both of which can deteriorate over time. You don't want your sensors to become dislodged or even fall off because then they will not respond to an intruder the way they should. Each sensor should be in place and not be loose in any way. This will make sure that the sensors will detect intruders in the proper manner.
Finally, you will want to test the alarm by opening a door or window to make sure the siren goes off immediately. However, before you do this, contact your home security monitoring company and have them place your system into test mode. This way, they will not send emergency personnel to your home by mistake. Any sensor you have a question about can be tested during this time. Just be sure to remember to call your company back after the test is done. You definitely want to have your system put back on line as quickly as possible.
In the event that you change your Internet, telephone or cable provider, you need to talk with your security system company to ensure that your alarm system is going to still work with your new provider. Usually, there won't be a problem with compatibility, but if there is, your company or provider can usually install an adaptor to solve the problem.
John is a shrewd consumer who writes about personal finance, home deals and consumer topics like: security system and Little Rock home security systems.
