If you're reading this, you're one of the 60% of homeowners across the country who use home security systems to keep their property, their valuables, and their loved ones safe from harm. Given the wide range of options available from an equally wide range of companies, home security systems these days need to be looked after and protected from things like weather, insects, physical damage, and regular wear and tear for continued operation.
The trouble is, most people have no idea about how to maintain home security camera systems once they've been installed, in some cases, assuming incorrectly that maintenance falls under the company's purview, when in actuality it's the homeowner's responsibility to keep systems up and running.
Here are the top 5 tips for security camera maintenance:
1. Keep your security cameras clean
One of the most important things you can do to keep your security cameras in good working condition is to keep them clean. Dust and dirt can build up on the lenses, obstructing the view and making it more difficult for the cameras to see clearly. Clean your security cameras regularly with a soft, dry cloth to prevent this from happening.
2. Check the wiring
Another important aspect of security camera maintenance is checking the wiring. Make sure all the wires are securely connected and there are no loose or exposed wires that could cause a short circuit.
3. Test the security cameras regularly
You should test your security cameras regularly to make sure they're working properly. Check the image quality and make sure the cameras are positioned in such a way that they can see all the areas you want them to.
4. Keep an eye on the batteries
If your security cameras are battery-operated, make sure to check the batteries regularly and replace them as needed. Dead batteries will render your security cameras useless, so it's important to keep an eye on them.
5. Stay up-to-date with security camera software updates
Security cameras rely on software to function properly. As new security threats emerge, security camera manufacturers release updates to their software to address these threats. It's important to stay up-to-date with these updates and install them as soon as they're available.
Bonus Tips For Security Camera Maintenance
Clean the Surrounding Area & Field of View
One security measure you may overlook is keeping the surrounding area clean. This includes trimming bushes and trees so they don’t obscure the view, removing debris, and regularly cleaning windows.
Inspect for Physical Damage
Check your security cameras for physical damage regularly. Look for cracks, loose wires, and anything else that looks out of place. Additionally, check if any physical damage has altered the viewing angle. Make sure they’re positioned in such a way that they can see all the areas you want them to. If not, reposition them or add additional security cameras.
Clean & Refocus Camera Lenses
Just like your home security cameras, the lenses need to be kept clean for optimal performance. Dust and dirt can build up over time and obscure the view. Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe away any debris. You may also need to refocus your security camera lenses from time to time.
Clear Data Storage (NVR/DVR)
Your security camera footage is stored on a dedicated device, such as a network video recorder (NVR) or digital video recorder (DVR). Over time, the storage space will fill up. To free up space and improve performance, delete unused or unneeded footage from time to time.