Security System How-To Guide

Home Security

Overview
Maintenance
Questions/Answers
Articles

To maintain the effectiveness and performance of your home security system, it is important that your home maintenance program include the proper maintenance for your home security system.

A home security system sets off an alarm when your house or building has unauthorized entry or movement within the premises. There are five key components to most home security systems: monitors (both motion sensors and door/window contact sensors), control pad, alarm horn, a back-up battery, and a remote monitoring system.

Shown in the "Maintenance" tab above are the recommended routine maintenance tasks for your home security system. The "Questions / Answers" tab above shows our answers to related questions. And the "Articles" tab above provides links to related informational articles and sources.

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		Maintenance Task #1: Test system

		How do you test a home security system?
		The security system should be tested in accordance with your manufacturer's recommendations. Items to be tested include Operation of each monitor Operation of alarm horn Control pad operation

		Why is it important to test a home security system?
		Reduces risk of false alarms or lack of alarm.

		How often should you test a home security system?
		Perform annually (June). NOTE: If your alarm system connects to a central monitoring company or the police department, be sure to coordinate any tests with them.

		How does Home-Wizard rate the costs and benefits for this task?
		The cost of this task is relatively low. It is estimated that this task should only take about 45 minutes to complete. No specialized tools are required.

		The benefits of this task are moderately high, as it helps to confirm that your system is prepared to protect your home.

		Overall Home-Wizard benefit-versus-cost rating (one 'hat' = low and four 'hats' = high):


		Maintenance Task #2: Verify contact information

		How do you verify contact information for a home security system?
		If your system is set up to alert a central monitoring station when an alarm is triggered, then the system is typically set up to automatically dial the central station over your phone line. The central monitoring service will then call the phone numbers they have on file for you. As such, you should contact your central monitoring service and verify: Their current dial-up number. The phone numbers you want them to call you at if they get an alarm. The password you use with them to signal "all clear".

		Why is it important to verify contact information for a home security system?
		Since area codes can change, or a monitoring system can change their records system, verifying the contact numbers help to ensure proper procedure during an alarm.

		How often should you verify contact information for a home security system?
		Perform every 2 years (June), or when new area codes or dialing procedures are instituted in your area.

		How does Home-Wizard rate the costs and benefits for this task?
		The cost of this task is very low. It is estimated that this task should only take only a few minutes to complete, since it only requires making a phone call.

		The benefits of this task are relatively high. Doing this task helps ensure that your monitoring company can reach you in an emergency.

		Overall Home-Wizard benefit-versus-cost rating (one 'hat' = low and four 'hats' = high):


		Maintenance Task #3: Replace back-up battery

		How do you replace the back-up battery for a home security system?
		The alarm system typically has a back-up battery so that the system can operate even during a power failure. This battery should be replaced with a fresh one. The battery is typically about 5 inches wide by 3 inches high by 2 inches deep, and is located inside of control box for your system.

		Why is it important to replace the back-up battery for a home security system?
		Replacing the back-up battery helps to ensure proper protection operations.

		How often should you replace the back-up battery for a home security system?
		Perform every 5 years (June).

		How does Home-Wizard rate the costs and benefits for this task?
		The cost of this task is relatively low. It is estimated that this task should only take about 30 minutes to complete, but you will need to purchase the appropriate battery for your home security system in advance.

		The benefits of this task are moderately high. Doing this task helps ensure that your system can run during a temporary power failure.

		Overall Home-Wizard benefit-versus-cost rating (one 'hat' = low and four 'hats' = high):

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