Security cameras are great for monitoring your home, office, or commercial space. They’re also a useful deterrent when it comes to home invasions and burglaries. So when it comes to security, there are no shortcuts. You don’t want to be that guy with the duct tape on his laptop cam when the police come to your door. Equip yourself with one of these top-rated security cams and never worry about being left in the dark again. After all, nothing alerts the police faster than video footage of a masked man ransacking your living room. However, security cameras will do you little good if they aren’t working properly. While some security cameras come with warranties that cover any defects, these cameras require additional maintenance to keep them in tip-top shape. Even if your system is still under warranty, taking the proper steps now will extend its longevity and give you peace of mind that everything is running smoothly without fail.
What to Look for When Purchasing a Security Camera
You’ll want to keep a few things in mind before purchasing any security camera. One, it’s important to understand what kind of connection the camera uses, especially if you’re planning to install it yourself. The most common connections are Ethernet and Wi-Fi, though some cameras may also have Bluetooth capability. Next, you’ll want to make sure the camera offers the features you need, including built-in artificial intelligence (AI) for facial recognition or motion detection. Other features to look for include two-way audio, the ability to record video remotely, and varying degrees of zoom. Finally, before you purchase a camera, make sure it’s compatible with the DVR or other recording device you plan to use. Cameras are available with different inputs and outputs, including BNC jacks, RCA jacks, and BNC or RCA connectors.
Monthly Maintenance for Security Cameras
As soon as your system is installed and running, start the process of maintenance. This will help you spot issues before they become big problems. For example, if you notice that your cameras are starting to tilt or are being pulled off the wall, you can take steps to correct the issue so that it doesn’t get worse.
Perform monthly inspections - Whether you have one camera or ten, make sure to check your system at least once a month. This ensures that all of your cameras are still properly mounted and recording.
Cleaning your cameras and lenses - Once you’ve inspected your security cameras, clean each one with a microfiber cloth. Doing so will help you keep dust from settling on the lens of each camera.
Testing recording functions - Make sure your cameras are recording properly by testing their recording function. You don’t want to discover your system isn’t recording because a camera is malfunctioning after an incident.
Scheduled Weekly Checks
In addition to monthly inspections, perform weekly checks as well. This will give you enough time to catch any issues before they get worse or require more drastic measures.
Check your monitoring software - Make sure your monitoring software is working properly and that all your cameras are up-to-date with the latest software. If they aren’t, you may run the risk of losing footage.
Check your cameras - Take an hour to walk around your home, office, or commercial space and check all of your security cameras. Make sure they’re mounted and facing the right direction and that they’re still recording. Test your recording functions - Just like with monthly inspections, make sure your cameras are properly recording.
Rotating Your Camera’s Field of View (FOV)
Some security cameras offer the ability to rotate their FOV. If you’re noticing a lot of activity in one area of your home, office, or commercial space and want the camera to focus on that specific area, rotate the FOV. This will keep you from having to change the position of the camera entirely. If you want to reduce the activity in that area, try installing an indoor camera with a wide-angle lens. Doing so will help you catch a greater portion of the room, which will reduce the need to move cameras. If you notice too much activity or want to reduce the amount of space being captured, switch to a camera with a narrower field of view.
If you need to zoom in to a specific area of your video, try using a camera with zoom capabilities. You can also position the camera closer to the subject to zoom in on the frame. Many cameras offer different shooting modes that allow you to adjust lighting, frame rate, and more to suit your needs. Additionally, if you’re using a webcam, try adjusting the lighting to make sure your subject is well-lit. You can also use a backdrop to avoid any visual distractions in the frame and make the background darker to make your subject stand out. This will limit the area that each camera is capturing, reducing the need to move cameras.
Tending to Batteries and Cables
Batteries and cables are a central component of your security camera system. They power your cameras and help them transmit footage to your monitoring software. When buying a new battery, make sure to keep the receipt in case there’s a problem, and you need to exchange it. Most batteries need to be maintained to keep them functioning optimally, which means monitoring their charge levels, keeping them clean, and not leaving them in the car during freezing weather. When you’re ready to replace your battery, make sure to research the best options for your car, as they all have different features and may be better suited to certain driving styles. Batteries typically come with a warranty, though they may need to be replaced sooner if they’re not being maintained properly.
- Cleaning cables - It’s important to keep your cables clean if you want them to last. Dust and dirt can cause cables to fray, which could lead to a breakdown.
- Check your cables - Make sure your cables are properly connected. If you notice any loose connections, take the time to make sure everything is connected correctly.
- Checking cables for damage - If you notice a cable is frayed or there are visible signs of damage, you should replace it as soon as possible.
Conclusion
To keep your rental property in good working order and to avoid costly repairs, it’s important to stay on top of your maintenance schedule. Where possible, try to schedule these tasks for the least busy times of the year. Many landlords find that fall and winter are the best times for certain types of maintenance, such as furnace and air conditioner repairs. While some maintenance tasks can be done on a monthly or even weekly basis, others warrant more immediate attention. If you notice any issues with your security cameras, address them as soon as possible to avoid further damage. If one of your cameras is not working properly, try rotating its FOV or repositioning it entirely. If a cable is causing a short, shut off the power to the entire system until you can replace the cable. If a camera is loose, unmount it and reattach it to the wall. If a camera is broken, call your technician as soon as possible to avoid any damage to the rest of the system. It’s important to remember that security cameras can last from five to 10 years if they’re properly maintained. Keeping your system clean and well-maintained will extend its life and ensure that it works when you need it most.
