To say maintaining an alarm system is essential for the safety of your home and business is an understatement.
As the saying goes, “Prevention is better than a cure.” Regular upkeep of your security system is the best way to avoid potential issues and protect your property.
Let’s examine some tips for keeping your system in top shape and when to call in the professionals.
Why Regular Maintenance of Alarm Systems Matters
The alarm system in your home or business serves as the first line of defence against potential threats. It is important to conduct regular checks and upkeep of your security systems to ensure optimal performance. When the alarm isn’t functioning correctly, it could leave you and your home or business vulnerable to danger.
According to data collected by police stations nationwide, between July and September 2024, South Africa recorded 34,631 cases of home burglaries. This amounts to approximately 377 attempted burglaries per day. Keep in mind that these are only the reported cases.
With so many cases of break-ins, having and maintaining an alarm system is imperative to keeping you safe.
Proper maintenance of alarm systems minimises false alarms and prevents costly repairs. By addressing small issues as soon as they arise, you can extend the lifespan of your system and maintain its reliability.
DIY: Alarm Maintenance Tips
Although professional maintenance is recommended, there are steps you can take to ensure your system stays in good condition:
- Test the alarm system regularly – Ensure it responds as expected to triggers.
- Replace batteries – A weak battery can disrupt the functionality of an alarm system, so replace them every 6–12 months.
- Inspect sensors – Keep motion detectors and other components free of dust and debris. You would be surprised at the trouble dust bunnies can cause in an alarm system.
- Check the connections – Loose wires can hinder performance, so inspect the system for physical issues.
If these steps don’t resolve the issue, it may indicate a more significant problem requiring professional help.
Common Alarm System Issues and How to Fix Them
Even the best security systems can go through a few hiccups. Here are some common problems and quick fixes:
False Alarms:
Pets or objects triggering motion sensors are a frequent cause. Adjust the sensitivity settings or reposition the sensors so your dog Rex doesn’t trip the alarm.
Unresponsive Alarm:
Check for loose connections or dead batteries if the alarm system doesn’t activate.
Weak Signal:
Ensure your system has a stable connection to the control panel or monitoring centre.
When these solutions don’t work, it’s time to call in the experts for a thorough inspection and repair.
When to Call in the Experts
While some issues can be resolved on your own, certain situations demand professional assistance:
- Persistent false alarms despite adjustments.
- Failure of the alarm to activate during tests.
- Outdated security systems that require upgrades.
- Complex problems that DIY maintenance cannot fix.
Professionals diagnose and repair your system and ensure it meets the latest security standards.
Choose Monitor Net For Your Alarm Maintenance
As one of Centurion’s leading security companies since 1995, Monitor Net specialises in providing and maintaining alarm systems for residential and commercial properties. Our comprehensive service structure includes:
- 24/7 support: For maintenance, monitoring, and armed response.
- Advanced solutions: Smart technologies tailored to ensure the highest level of protection.
- Personalised service: Open communication with managers and senior staff.
- Community-focused efforts: Supporting local clusters and initiatives to enhance safety for your home and business.
Choosing Monitor Net to ensure the alarm system you rely on functions at its best, keeping you and your home and business secure.
With a simple call, Monitor Net will send out a professional team to fix any problem with your security system.