Safety First: 7 Tips for Updating Your Security Maintenance System
Posted by Raphaela OBrien on
Searching for ways to make your home more secure?
In this current era, security maintenance is an important component of home safety. Your home alarm system is the minimum. As property crimes become more rampant, it's crucial to look into upgrading your system.
Ready to upgrade your home security? If so, read the rest of our extensive guide. You’ll learn when to upgrade and what to focus on.
Signs You Need to Upgrade Your Security Maintenance System
Over the last decade, the technology involved in home security improved. Smartphones and home automation changed the industry in the last few years. As long as you’re a smartphone user, you can control your security features at home.
Evaluate your security system based on the following factors. This will help you determine if you need a more modern alternative:
1. You Have a Decade-Old System
Before, your security system might be cutting-edge. The truth is that any system over ten years old will find it difficult to maintain modern home security. Again, with the rate of advancements in technology, older systems can’t compete.
Consider upgrading your system when it’s over a decade-old. It allows you to get more reliable security alongside other features. It gives you a more intuitive, interactive, and easier-to-understand interface.
However, some systems might have significant vulnerabilities. It matters not whether it’s technical or hardware compatibility. If you have this type of system, upgrade it even if it isn’t over a decade-old.
2. Your Security System has Wires
For decades, home security systems have used wires as their foundation. Now, they’re obsolete because wireless technology became more affordable. They’re more convenient and intuitive than the most expensive wired systems.
If your house’s security system uses wired gadgets, your home is at risk. Wired security systems often share the same flaw, allowing burglars to bypass them.
Cutting the wires will disable your home’s security system. Something that simple can leave your home and family unsafe. If your security system still uses wires, it’s time to ditch it for a wireless system.
3. You Only Have an Alarm
Alarms are important security features for your home. However, it’s only a part of a bigger whole. It means you must invest more money in other security gadgets.
Alarms are useful to alert your family and law enforcement about your home’s security breach. Beyond that, the loud, piercing noise will do little to nothing. The best it can do is to startle a more amateur burglar into fleeing.
You’re putting your home at risk if you only have an alarm. For instance, alarms won’t sound when opening the door to a stranger. If they force their way inside your home, you must have alternatives.
You could avoid this by installing a smart doorbell. You can see them on your phone’s video feed, allowing you to identify who they are. This is beneficial if you need to stay away from windows and doors during a break-in attempt.
4. Your Security System Isn’t Connected to Home Automation
Most modern homes have impressive home automation systems. It can range from automatic lighting to environmental control and beyond. Home automation features can benefit you more when combined with your security system.
You can adjust your thermostat with your phone while looking at your front porch camera feed. Before you leave, you can arm your alarm system using a few taps. It’s convenient while letting you discover your home habits.
Your home life becomes more comfortable with this seamless integration. It will also let you discover the activities that make you spend lots of energy. It’s a handy feature if you’re concerned about your monthly electric bills.
To personalize your home experience, various features are customizable. You can set the trigger at a certain time or situation. If a burglar trips your alarm, your smart home can switch on the lights and alarm the authorities.
5. You Use a Key to Unlock Your Door
House keys aren’t as secure as before. You can lose or misplace your home keys, especially when you’re forgetful. The worst part is that criminals can steal or copy your keys, giving them access to your house.
Keyed locks aren’t always reliable. Anyone with enough expertise can break or pick your lock. Digital locks require a code or remote access from approved devices like your phone.
Tips to Upgrade Your Security Maintenance System
Now you know about the vulnerabilities of old security systems, it’s time to upgrade. Before calling professionals, you must consider what to upgrade first. Here are some tips:
1. Get Rid of Landline-based Monitoring
Beefing up your security equipment isn’t enough. You must upgrade your alarm system’s monitoring methods too. If you have a central monitoring station, it’s easier for law enforcement to respond.
If you want a timely rescue, it’s best to upgrade monitored systems that use your landline. Switch to smartphone monitoring instead. It allows your security system to connect to a central station without phone lines.
It’s imperative when you’re planning to cancel your landline service. It prevents burglars from cutting phone lines to break into your home. With that, law enforcement will always be available to respond.
With a smartphone-based system, you have more methods of controlling your security system. As stated above, modern security systems come with an app that lets you arm or disarm your alarms. You can do this anywhere in the world while allowing you to get alerts for any security status changes.
The updates can range from low battery alerts to power failures. It allows you to know whether your home remains secure even when you aren’t there.
2. Consider Replacing Your Old Cameras
It’s common for vandalism or burglaries to get captured on your home’s security cameras. However, the authorities can’t do anything for you if the footage has poor quality. It matters not whether it’s blurry, out of focus, or too dark.
The last decade saw lots of improvements in camera technology. Now, 720p is at a lower tier compared to the 1080p and 4K camera resolution nowadays. Outdated security cameras won’t give you assurance nor peace of mind.
Newer camera systems have better resolutions and wider fields of view. You can use your gadgets to view their feeds even at night. If a burglar tries to break into your home, this makes it easier to identify them.
3. Upgrade Your Doors with Technology
Your doors act as your home’s first line of defense. It’s why you must invest in technological upgrades for your front door. As said above, simple mechanical locks are easy to break or lockpick.
To make your door impenetrable to most burglars, it’s better to get ones with a solid framework. Use an advanced deadbolt lock that you can only unlock using a smart code. It’s one of the most effective methods of reducing break-ins.
The only way for someone to break in using your front door is to use loud, heavy equipment or know your code. However, the chances of this happening are low. As long as you never leave your phone unattended, no one else can access your home.
You can also use your smartphone to check your door’s status. It will also send notifications whenever someone other than you opens it. It isn’t as cheap as traditional locks, but its security features help you sleep better at night.
To make the most out of it, invest in a lock immune to bumping. Lock bumping is a common technique most intruders use to compromise your lock.
4. Increase Your Camera Coverage
Aside from upgrading your old cameras, consider adding more. Cover all major home areas with these modern cameras. Ensure that your walls have ears and hedges have eyes, as the saying goes.
Even when you have enough cameras, ask whether they’re in the right position. Scattered cameras won’t do a lot when protecting your home. Burglars may inspect your home first to take advantage of various camera blind spots.
Avoid this by investing in a smart security camera system. It must have the following features:
Motion detection and tracking
Alarms
Recording mode
Cameras with these features allow you to identify burglars when break-ins happen. Ensure they cover your various points of entry. It means your front and back doors, your driveway, and the entire first floor’s windows.
Never forget to put cameras in your garage. It’s because most intruders will take advantage of open garages to enter your home. Once you set it up, ensure it connects with your phone.
5. Invest in Better Motion Detectors
Your home benefits more when you install outdoor motion detectors. It’s especially when you already have an indoor system. Since outdoor sensors are often difficult to wire, it’s harder for intruders to disable.
The technology involved in these sensors makes false alarms a thing of the past. They won’t trigger unless the movement meets certain conditions. For example, it won’t trigger when bright car headlights shine on them.
Modern motion sensors can also identify whether the movement came from small animals. It gives you more peace of mind as these critters are common causes of false alarms for outdoor sensors.
Again, if you have more funds, invest in wireless motion sensors. They’re versatile since you can mount them anywhere. It matters not whether it’s from a wall post or a fence.
6. Install Monitored Smoke and CO Detection
Burglars aren’t the only things you must worry about for your home. If you’re upgrading your security system, install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Connect them to your monitored system to send for help when it senses copious amounts of smoke and CO in the air.
To make the most out of this, add a wireless relay. It helps track your smoke detectors and keep them interconnected. All smoke alarms will start blaring when one alarm gets triggered.
After detecting the smoke alarms, the wireless relay sends an alert to the alarm panel. It calls the central station to notify the nearest fire department.
An automatic fire emergency response can save your house in case it happens while you’re away. It also saves people caught inside when fires start. It’s especially when you’re sleeping or otherwise unable to contain the fire on your own.
7. Install Wireless Shock Sensors
Even when you have a great security system, it might have some loopholes. For example, you might forget to close an open window before going out. If your cameras aren’t working for any reason, intruders can break-in.
To add more layers of protection, install wireless shock sensor systems. They notify you whenever someone unauthorized opens or closes your windows. It will also trigger your alarm whenever glass breaks or someone forces their way into your home.
Worried about false alarms? If so, know that you can adjust the sensitivity of these shock sensors. It’s easy to install these on your own, but it’s better to let professionals handle them.
Honorable Mention: Notify Burglars About Home Security
Paste a sticker on your home informing strangers that it has 24/7 surveillance. Put it somewhere visible to ensure everyone knows about it. It tells intruders that your home isn’t worth their time.
9 out of 10 burglars confessed that they’re likely to avoid homes with security systems. It matters not whether they have some valuable equipment in the home theater system.
Invest in Better Security Maintenance Today
Your home safety depends on how much you’re willing to spend on security maintenance. Never be complacent and upgrade whenever possible.
Looking to improve your home alarm system? If so, why not message us? You can fill our contact form to discuss your home project.
In this current era, security maintenance is an important component of home safety. Your home alarm system is the minimum. As property crimes become more rampant, it's crucial to look into upgrading your system.
Ready to upgrade your home security? If so, read the rest of our extensive guide. You’ll learn when to upgrade and what to focus on.
Signs You Need to Upgrade Your Security Maintenance System
Over the last decade, the technology involved in home security improved. Smartphones and home automation changed the industry in the last few years. As long as you’re a smartphone user, you can control your security features at home.
Evaluate your security system based on the following factors. This will help you determine if you need a more modern alternative:
1. You Have a Decade-Old System
Before, your security system might be cutting-edge. The truth is that any system over ten years old will find it difficult to maintain modern home security. Again, with the rate of advancements in technology, older systems can’t compete.
Consider upgrading your system when it’s over a decade-old. It allows you to get more reliable security alongside other features. It gives you a more intuitive, interactive, and easier-to-understand interface.
However, some systems might have significant vulnerabilities. It matters not whether it’s technical or hardware compatibility. If you have this type of system, upgrade it even if it isn’t over a decade-old.
2. Your Security System has Wires
For decades, home security systems have used wires as their foundation. Now, they’re obsolete because wireless technology became more affordable. They’re more convenient and intuitive than the most expensive wired systems.
If your house’s security system uses wired gadgets, your home is at risk. Wired security systems often share the same flaw, allowing burglars to bypass them.
Cutting the wires will disable your home’s security system. Something that simple can leave your home and family unsafe. If your security system still uses wires, it’s time to ditch it for a wireless system.
3. You Only Have an Alarm
Alarms are important security features for your home. However, it’s only a part of a bigger whole. It means you must invest more money in other security gadgets.
Alarms are useful to alert your family and law enforcement about your home’s security breach. Beyond that, the loud, piercing noise will do little to nothing. The best it can do is to startle a more amateur burglar into fleeing.
You’re putting your home at risk if you only have an alarm. For instance, alarms won’t sound when opening the door to a stranger. If they force their way inside your home, you must have alternatives.
You could avoid this by installing a smart doorbell. You can see them on your phone’s video feed, allowing you to identify who they are. This is beneficial if you need to stay away from windows and doors during a break-in attempt.
4. Your Security System Isn’t Connected to Home Automation
Most modern homes have impressive home automation systems. It can range from automatic lighting to environmental control and beyond. Home automation features can benefit you more when combined with your security system.
You can adjust your thermostat with your phone while looking at your front porch camera feed. Before you leave, you can arm your alarm system using a few taps. It’s convenient while letting you discover your home habits.
Your home life becomes more comfortable with this seamless integration. It will also let you discover the activities that make you spend lots of energy. It’s a handy feature if you’re concerned about your monthly electric bills.
To personalize your home experience, various features are customizable. You can set the trigger at a certain time or situation. If a burglar trips your alarm, your smart home can switch on the lights and alarm the authorities.
5. You Use a Key to Unlock Your Door
House keys aren’t as secure as before. You can lose or misplace your home keys, especially when you’re forgetful. The worst part is that criminals can steal or copy your keys, giving them access to your house.
Keyed locks aren’t always reliable. Anyone with enough expertise can break or pick your lock. Digital locks require a code or remote access from approved devices like your phone.
Tips to Upgrade Your Security Maintenance System
Now you know about the vulnerabilities of old security systems, it’s time to upgrade. Before calling professionals, you must consider what to upgrade first. Here are some tips:
1. Get Rid of Landline-based Monitoring
Beefing up your security equipment isn’t enough. You must upgrade your alarm system’s monitoring methods too. If you have a central monitoring station, it’s easier for law enforcement to respond.
If you want a timely rescue, it’s best to upgrade monitored systems that use your landline. Switch to smartphone monitoring instead. It allows your security system to connect to a central station without phone lines.
It’s imperative when you’re planning to cancel your landline service. It prevents burglars from cutting phone lines to break into your home. With that, law enforcement will always be available to respond.
With a smartphone-based system, you have more methods of controlling your security system. As stated above, modern security systems come with an app that lets you arm or disarm your alarms. You can do this anywhere in the world while allowing you to get alerts for any security status changes.
The updates can range from low battery alerts to power failures. It allows you to know whether your home remains secure even when you aren’t there.
2. Consider Replacing Your Old Cameras
It’s common for vandalism or burglaries to get captured on your home’s security cameras. However, the authorities can’t do anything for you if the footage has poor quality. It matters not whether it’s blurry, out of focus, or too dark.
The last decade saw lots of improvements in camera technology. Now, 720p is at a lower tier compared to the 1080p and 4K camera resolution nowadays. Outdated security cameras won’t give you assurance nor peace of mind.
Newer camera systems have better resolutions and wider fields of view. You can use your gadgets to view their feeds even at night. If a burglar tries to break into your home, this makes it easier to identify them.
3. Upgrade Your Doors with Technology
Your doors act as your home’s first line of defense. It’s why you must invest in technological upgrades for your front door. As said above, simple mechanical locks are easy to break or lockpick.
To make your door impenetrable to most burglars, it’s better to get ones with a solid framework. Use an advanced deadbolt lock that you can only unlock using a smart code. It’s one of the most effective methods of reducing break-ins.
The only way for someone to break in using your front door is to use loud, heavy equipment or know your code. However, the chances of this happening are low. As long as you never leave your phone unattended, no one else can access your home.
You can also use your smartphone to check your door’s status. It will also send notifications whenever someone other than you opens it. It isn’t as cheap as traditional locks, but its security features help you sleep better at night.
To make the most out of it, invest in a lock immune to bumping. Lock bumping is a common technique most intruders use to compromise your lock.
4. Increase Your Camera Coverage
Aside from upgrading your old cameras, consider adding more. Cover all major home areas with these modern cameras. Ensure that your walls have ears and hedges have eyes, as the saying goes.
Even when you have enough cameras, ask whether they’re in the right position. Scattered cameras won’t do a lot when protecting your home. Burglars may inspect your home first to take advantage of various camera blind spots.
Avoid this by investing in a smart security camera system. It must have the following features:
Motion detection and tracking
Alarms
Recording mode
Cameras with these features allow you to identify burglars when break-ins happen. Ensure they cover your various points of entry. It means your front and back doors, your driveway, and the entire first floor’s windows.
Never forget to put cameras in your garage. It’s because most intruders will take advantage of open garages to enter your home. Once you set it up, ensure it connects with your phone.
5. Invest in Better Motion Detectors
Your home benefits more when you install outdoor motion detectors. It’s especially when you already have an indoor system. Since outdoor sensors are often difficult to wire, it’s harder for intruders to disable.
The technology involved in these sensors makes false alarms a thing of the past. They won’t trigger unless the movement meets certain conditions. For example, it won’t trigger when bright car headlights shine on them.
Modern motion sensors can also identify whether the movement came from small animals. It gives you more peace of mind as these critters are common causes of false alarms for outdoor sensors.
Again, if you have more funds, invest in wireless motion sensors. They’re versatile since you can mount them anywhere. It matters not whether it’s from a wall post or a fence.
6. Install Monitored Smoke and CO Detection
Burglars aren’t the only things you must worry about for your home. If you’re upgrading your security system, install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Connect them to your monitored system to send for help when it senses copious amounts of smoke and CO in the air.
To make the most out of this, add a wireless relay. It helps track your smoke detectors and keep them interconnected. All smoke alarms will start blaring when one alarm gets triggered.
After detecting the smoke alarms, the wireless relay sends an alert to the alarm panel. It calls the central station to notify the nearest fire department.
An automatic fire emergency response can save your house in case it happens while you’re away. It also saves people caught inside when fires start. It’s especially when you’re sleeping or otherwise unable to contain the fire on your own.
7. Install Wireless Shock Sensors
Even when you have a great security system, it might have some loopholes. For example, you might forget to close an open window before going out. If your cameras aren’t working for any reason, intruders can break-in.
To add more layers of protection, install wireless shock sensor systems. They notify you whenever someone unauthorized opens or closes your windows. It will also trigger your alarm whenever glass breaks or someone forces their way into your home.
Worried about false alarms? If so, know that you can adjust the sensitivity of these shock sensors. It’s easy to install these on your own, but it’s better to let professionals handle them.
Honorable Mention: Notify Burglars About Home Security
Paste a sticker on your home informing strangers that it has 24/7 surveillance. Put it somewhere visible to ensure everyone knows about it. It tells intruders that your home isn’t worth their time.
9 out of 10 burglars confessed that they’re likely to avoid homes with security systems. It matters not whether they have some valuable equipment in the home theater system.
Invest in Better Security Maintenance Today
Your home safety depends on how much you’re willing to spend on security maintenance. Never be complacent and upgrade whenever possible.
Looking to improve your home alarm system? If so, why not message us? You can fill our contact form to discuss your home project.