You probably have a reliable family dog that you depend on to alert you in case somebody tries to break into your home. You also close windows and local the doors to your home. But, are these measures enough to keep your home and family safe?
According to NightOwl – one of leading home security companies, a home security system is an important investment when it comes to protecting your family and valuable possessions. When chosen and installed properly, this system can protect your household from fire, burglary, and flooding. But, choosing a good home security system is not easy. It feels complicated and even overwhelming for some people.
A home security system comprises of the security hardware and personal security practices in place. The hardware may include networked devices that secure a home. Security practices can involve monitoring or surveillance.
Different home security systems use different technologies and techniques to secure a home. Providers of these systems also offer different technologies and services to provide customers with safe living. Here is the best advice to help you choose a great home security system.
Decide Whether to Install a Hardwired or a Wireless System
Most modern security systems for homes are hybrids. That means they are partly hardwired but they can connect with wireless communication. Home security systems that use wireless communication are the best because they allow homeowners to monitor their homes remotely.
A home security system with cellular capabilities is also the best because it doesn’t go down whenever there is a power outage. Nevertheless, it’s important to choose a system with a battery backup. Surprisingly, some security systems do not come with a battery backup.
Don’t Just Settle for the Standard Alarm
A major advance in the home security systems today is the combination of automation and security into a single portfolio known as the smart home ecosystem. For instance, an ideal home security system notifies the relevant authorities immediately after the fire alarm trips. It can also unlock the exit door, shut down the heating and cooling system, as well as, start an exit pass or light pass for kids. Ideally, choose a home security system that integrates different capabilities.
Consider Self-Monitoring
Self-monitoring enables you to get an email or a text message when your home is broken into. This puts you in control of the security situation in your home. This notification lets you decide the action to take. You can pull the false alarm plug or contact the police.
How Much Does the System Cost?
In most cases, the cost is a major factor when choosing a home security system. The DIY market is affordable because you are responsible for the installation and surveillance. On the other hand, central monitoring comes with a monthly subscription. Nevertheless, it means that the relevant authorities are just a phone call away. The installation cost varies depending on the chosen company and the setup type. If you want to compare your total cost of a DIY system vs. a professional system, this calculator is a great resource.
Conduct Some Research
Don’t just settle for the first system you come across online. Instead, conduct some research to know what a home security system offers. Find out more about the equipment included in the security system. Common equipment of a home security system includes cameras, sensors, and other devices. Choose a system that provides the equipment you’re comfortable using to keep your home secure.
Consider Size and Type of the Security System
The market has different sizes and types of security systems. Each system can be personalized to suit the needs of a homeowner. Customizing a home security system might cost you more. However, it provides a higher security level. That’s because it makes a security system specifically designed to fit your lifestyle and home.
For instance, a small security system may be ideal for a small home or apartment. A large home, on the other hand, needs a system designed to handle large monitoring and more information. A large home’s security system should cover all windows, doors, and the ground.
Check out the Provider’s Reputation
Choose a home security system’s provider with a sterling reputation. Disclosing matters that relate to the security of your home to the wrong company or individuals will expose your hone to vulnerabilities in the future. Therefore, choose a company with a sterling reputation to provide your home security system.
Choose a System with Proactive Safety Features
An ideal home security system does more than just protect a living space from crime. It protects the family that lives inside from daily dangers. Contact sensors installed in a home can provide early awareness if the kids go to forbidden parts like the garage. Even if there are no alerts for such areas, some systems can still protect by providing activity patterns and sending alerts for unusual events.
Choose a System with Smart Deterrence
Deterring crime is better than waiting for it to occur then you start solving it. Installing the best home security system can make a home unattractive to burglars. Therefore, choose a home security system that incorporates deterrents like a doorbell camera and security cameras. Most burglars avoid homes with such deterrents.
Other deterrents that can help keep burglars away include smart lighting on the front porch that is programmed to switch on after sunset every day or when motion is detected by the doorbell camera. Such lighting puts anybody that tries to trespass into your home after-dark in the spotlight.
Choose a System that is More Convenient to Use
An ideal modern home security system makes life easier. That’s because it includes features like smart access control that lets you allow people entry into your home without compromising security. It can also give family members a permanent user code.
Trusted visitors can have a restricted user code that expires after some time and works between certain times. What’s more, the best home security system allows you to automate things like disarming the hallway lights and arriving home’s seen in an app.
The Bottom Line
The best home security system makes a living space more comfortable and safe without being too complex or breaking the budget of a homeowner. It has innovative features that make it more convenient to use and it is offered by a reputable company. Follow these pieces of advice to choose the best security system for your home.
