Fall is right around the corner, bringing cooler temperatures, earlier sunsets, busy school schedules, football weekends, and more time spent away from home enjoying everything the season has to offer.

It’s also a great time to make sure your home security system is ready for the change in season.

A few simple checks now can help make sure your cameras, alarm system, and connected devices are working properly when you need them most. Here are seven things homeowners should add to their fall home security checklist.

1. Check Your Outdoor Security Cameras

Summer weather can be tough on outdoor equipment. Heat, thunderstorms, wind, insects, and growing trees or landscaping can all affect your cameras.

Take a few minutes to review each camera and make sure:

• The lens is clean and unobstructed
• Trees or landscaping aren't blocking the view
• Cameras are still positioned correctly
• Night vision is working properly
• Recorded and live video is clear

With daylight hours getting shorter, good nighttime camera coverage becomes even more important.

2. Test Your Door and Window Sensors

Doors and windows may be opened frequently during the warmer months. Before fall arrives, check that your security system is properly recognizing each protected opening.

If a sensor is loose, damaged, or no longer communicating with your system, it's better to discover it during a routine check than during an emergency.

3. Take a Look at Your Outdoor Lighting

Earlier sunsets mean your home's exterior will be dark for more of the evening.

Check lighting around your:

• Front and back doors
• Garage
• Driveway
• Walkways
• Side entrances

Good exterior lighting improves visibility around your property and can also help your security cameras capture clearer footage.

4. Check Your Video Doorbell

Your front door gets plenty of activity throughout the fall, from everyday deliveries to visitors and eventually holiday packages.

Make sure your video doorbell provides a clear view of the porch and entryway and that motion notifications are working the way you want them to.

If you haven't checked your notification settings recently, now is a good time to make adjustments.

5. Review Who Has Access to Your Home

Fall often means changing schedules. Kids are back in school, activities pick up, and family members may be coming and going at different times.

If you use smart locks, alarm codes, or other connected access features, review who currently has access.

Remove codes that are no longer needed and consider creating individual codes for family members instead of sharing one code. Depending on your system, individual users can also make it easier to see when someone arrives or leaves.

6. Don't Forget About Your Wi-Fi

Today's homes rely on Wi-Fi for much more than streaming movies.

Security cameras, smart TVs, doorbells, thermostats, phones, tablets, and other connected devices may all be competing for the same network.

If you're experiencing dead zones, buffering, slow connections, or cameras that frequently lose their connection, the problem may be your home's network rather than the device itself.

A professionally designed Wi-Fi system can help provide more reliable coverage throughout your home.

7. Make Sure Your Monitoring Information Is Current

When was the last time you reviewed the contact information associated with your monitored security system?

Make sure phone numbers, emergency contacts, and other important account information are up to date.

It's a small task, but accurate information can make a big difference when your monitoring station needs to reach you.

Get Your Home Ready for Fall

Your home security system shouldn't be something you only think about when there's a problem.

Seasonal changes are a great reminder to check your equipment, review your settings, and make sure your technology is still meeting the needs of your home and family.

At ACE-HTI, we help homeowners throughout the Triad with professionally monitored security systems, security cameras, video doorbells, smart home technology, Wi-Fi solutions, and more.

Whether you need help with an existing system or you're ready to upgrade your home's technology, our team is here to help.

Ready to get your home connected and protected for fall? Contact ACE-HTI today to learn more.