One of the reasons for purchasing a home security camera is to keep your property, possessions, and loved ones safe at all times. Whether you are at home or not, you need to feel confident that your valuables are secure. A security camera system will enable you to monitor events at home and alert you of any intrusion.
The demand for home camera systems is increasing each day due to the prevalence of crime. However, these devices require constant maintenance to stay in excellent working condition and provide optimal performance for longer.
Here are various ways of maintaining home security camera systems for better performance outcomes:
Clean the Camera Lenses Regularly
Security cameras mounted outside will often accumulate dust and dirt. When this happens, their image quality will deteriorate. Check and clean your camera lenses regularly – at least once a week – to remove dust and dirt that may prevent the camera from capturing clear images.
Use an air blower to remove the dirt and a microfiber brush to clean the lenses. When using a blower, make sure you blow at a shallow angle to move the dust away from the lenses and other parts of the camera. Avoid using anti-bacterial detergents or other solvents such as alcohol and ammonia, which may affect the camera clarity.
Inspect the Housing of Your Camera
The exterior camera housing may be weatherproof, but it cannot be left unattended. If exposed to harsh weather, the camera may end up getting damaged. Inspect the housing carefully to identify possible leaks and signs of corrosion. Replace damaged housing immediately. You can also cover the camera with encasements to protect it from adverse environmental elements.
Inspect the Cable Connectivity
Check the connectivity of the cables to the video surveillance system, monitor and other connections to ensure proper power supply. Split, cracked, worn out or cables with loose connections can interrupt the power supply and cause the system to malfunction.
Inspect the cables to ensure they are tightly sealed with no space for water to accumulate inside. Exposure to moisture can cause corrosion which may result in a short circuit and loss of valuable information.
To clean the cables and prevent corrosion, use a mixture of salt, baking soda, and vinegar. You can also suck out the moisture from the cables by filling the air spaces using silicone dielectric grease and tensioned electrical wrap. Use a heat shrink tubing to cover the connections.
Check the Camera Position and Video Recordings Regularly
Your camera system should always be well-positioned to remain responsive to your needs at all times. Make sure they stay firmly in place and if not, adjust their position accordingly.
Also, check to see if the video recordings are functioning correctly. If possible, verify the recordings every day to ascertain that there are no glitches in the footage or loss of data.
Always Check the System’s Power Supply
Make sure that your camera system has constant power all the time. Any power surges, thunderstorms, outages, or deliberate tampering to the system can affect the function of the cameras. Use a voltmeter to check if the recommended power is flowing into the cameras.
If you are using a UPS system, ensure that it receives adequate power and remains fully charged.
Ensure the System Drive Remains Free
The camera system comes with a hard drive that helps to store security data. Since recorded data is stored on the hard drive daily, the drive will likely run out of space. Depending on your camera’s storage space and usage, you can empty the drive of unnecessary data every week or month whenever you are backing it up.
Conclusion
The security camera maintenance tips above can help you preserve your system for longer while ensuring it gives you uninterrupted coverage and feedback every day. Proper maintenance helps to maximize the function and performance of the system.
Always perform regular inspections and carry out the necessary repairs and replacements to get the most out of your home security camera systems. Get genuine parts from reputable companies. You can have the system inspected by a professional once every year to assure you of its status. They will also give you additional tips on how to properly carry out your maintenance procedures.
