Why it matters
Safety criticalThis task protects people, not just the house. Do it on a schedule to make sure it gets done.
Staying on schedule matters beyond the repair bill: a consistent maintenance record is one of the factors in a home's Roots Home Health Score, and well-kept homes typically sell faster and closer to asking price.
How to do it
A security system quietly loses reliability as sensor and camera batteries drain and connections drop. A periodic test confirms it's actually watching and will alert you when it counts.
- Put the system in test mode (or notify your monitoring company first) and trip each door, window, and motion sensor.
- Confirm each triggers and reports, and check the app shows every camera live and recording.
- Replace low batteries in wireless sensors and cameras, and confirm the panel's backup battery is healthy.
- Test the siren and, if monitored, that the signal reaches the monitoring center.
Alternatives & optional extras
- Wireless cameras and sensors usually report low battery in the app; act on those alerts rather than waiting for the test.
- Confirm the system fails over to cellular or battery if the internet or power drops.
Time: 30 minutes · Typical cost: Free to test; batteries as needed
DIY: testing and battery swaps are owner-level. Coordinate with your monitoring company first.
If you skip it
Dead sensor or camera batteries create blind spots, so the system misses the break-in or event it exists to catch.
Related systems to keep on schedule
- Smoke & CO detectors — start with: test smoke and co detectors, once a month
- Fire extinguisher — start with: check fire extinguisher gauge and condition, once a year