Only 17% of homeowners or renters invest in a security system.

If your home doesn't have a security system, however, it's 300% more likely to be broken into.

Home burglaries occur every 13 seconds. It's unfortunate that burglaries occur, but it's a reality we are tasked to deal with. We can't control the criminal actions of others, but we can put protections in place to deter them.

Security systems provide some of the best protection for our homes. Security systems keep our homes, valuables, and families safe. Alarm systems are very reliable, but sometimes they need maintenance to function at their best.

Changing the batteries in our security systems is one of these maintenance tasks. Technology may not be your strong suit, but luckily, it doesn't have to be! You can Learn how to change your home security system's battery by yourself.

We all want to keep our homes and families safe. We put a lot of effort into maintaining and pouring love into our homes. We all want to protect our investment and keep unwanted intruders out.

Read on to learn how to change your alarm system battery all by yourself.

1. Know When It Needs To Be Changed

Alarm batteries need to be changed every 3 to 5 years. Your home's security system should alert you when the battery needs to be changed.

It's normal for the keypad to state "low battery" or it will chirp daily to alert you.

If you need help understanding the low battery codes on your alarm system, locate your user manual. User manuals can also be found online.

2. Locate the Control Panel

To begin, you must locate the control panel. This is usually located in the basement, utility room, or closet. Since it isn't aesthetically pleasing, security systems installers usually place it in a spot it won't normally be seen.

The control panel is usually tan and is marked by the manufacturer with the security system's logo.

If you forgot where the control panel is located, contact your installation company.

To open the control panel you will need a screwdriver or an access code.

3. Identifying the Battery

Once the control panel is open, you will notice a variety of components. The control panel should at least contain circuit boards, wiring, and the battery.

The battery is a square-shaped box, and it's connected to red and black wires which connect to the circuit board. Most security systems use a 12-volt battery, but check the user manual or the previous battery to determine battery requirements.

Make sure to also note the size of the battery. Batteries will denote a number relating to its "Amp-Hours" or "AH" which dictate its size. The higher the AH, the larger the battery. Smaller batteries will be measured in Milliamp-Hours or "mAH."

Match the old battery size and voltage to the new battery. If you haven't yet purchased a new battery, they can be purchased online or at a hardware store.

4. Disconnecting the Battery

Each battery has a negative and positive terminal. The negative terminal is connected to the black wire and the positive terminal to the red wire. Each of these wires has a connector that latches onto the battery terminal.

Start by gently pulling the black wire's connector from the negative battery terminal. Depending on the type of connector, you may need to use pliers to remove it. If pliers are not needed, the connector may need to be wiggled a bit to release it from the battery terminal.

Next, gently pull the red wire's connector from the positive battery terminal. If you needed pliers for the disconnecting the black wire, then you will need to use these again. If not, then wiggle the connector gently to release it from the battery terminal.

Once the wire connectors are removed from the battery terminal, the battery will be freestanding and ready to remove from the control. Remove the battery from the control panel. Use extreme caution to not touch any metal objects to the wire connectors or the battery terminal!

5. Replacing the Battery

Discard the new battery's packaging. Make sure to also remove any plastic covering on the terminals.

Place the battery where the old battery rested. Make sure that it rests flatly and is balanced.

Now, it's time to reconnect the wires starting with the red wire. Connect the red wire to the red terminal or the terminal labeled "positive." Gently push the red wire's connector onto the terminal.

Next, grab hold of the black wire. Place the black wire's connector onto the battery's negative terminal. The battery's negative terminal may also be black.

Push the connector down onto the battery's negative terminal.

Both connectors should latch to the terminal and not be loose.

6. Testing

Once the new battery is replaced, check your keypad to see if it updated and doesn't show a low battery code. Your keypad may need to be reset in order for changes to take place. Read your alarm system manual to learn more about testing the new battery to make sure the system and battery are functioning properly.

Voila! Once these steps are completed, you can expect your security system to be working at full capacity so it can get back to what it does best: deterring burglars and keeping your home safe

Ready to Change Your Alarm System Battery?

Your alarm system battery is a critical component of your security system. It provides backup power to your system as needed. Power outages occur, and your security system is ready to handle it!

Security systems are our protection from criminal activity. In order to keep our homes safe, we must keep up with our security system's maintenance, which includes replacing the battery.

If you need an alarm system, check out our security products to find the right system for your home!