Smart Home Security System

Protecting their homes and personal belongings is one of the top priorities for most people. So, depending on the burglary statistics in the area where you live and the type of protection you want to have in your home, you may have been thinking about installing a smart home security system to help deter intruders and make your home safer.

To help you make an informed decision, we’ll go over the different systems you can install in your home for security purposes, discuss whether you should leave the installation to a professional or do it yourself, and review some smart home security systems you may want to try out. Let’s get started.

Types of Security Systems

Depending on the type of protection you’re after, there are a few basic types of home security systems:

• Fire alarms and smoke detectors
• Carbon monoxide detectors
• Environmental sensors
• Burglar alarms
• Video surveillance
• Monitored home security systems
  Let’s get into more details and features of each system.

1. Fire Alarms and Smoke Detectors

As the name suggests, smoke detectors detect smoke in your home and trigger the fire alarm and the sprinkler system to prevent both your family and property from being harmed. Most homes already have these systems if the property is insured, but if you don’t, we recommend that you install them.

The benefits of installing this system include:

• Preventing a fire from even starting
• Preventing a fire outbreak
• Protecting your home when you’re away
• Alerting the fire brigade in case of a fire

2. Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous and flammable gas that can be fatal if you inhale a significant amount. Because this gas is odorless and colorless, it can only be detected with a carbon monoxide detector.
Generally, carbon monoxide detectors are integrated with the fire alarm system, but if not, you should definitely invest in one. Carbon monoxide is a common gas found in almost every home and it’s generated from automobile exhaust, gas stoves, chimneys, generators and space heaters powered by gas, as well as furnaces, therefore, you should install a detector on each level of your home.

Carbon monoxide detectors are great for:

• Alerting you if there are harmful chemicals in your home
• Protecting you if you don’t have a proper ventilation system

3. Environmental Sensors

Another way to protect your home from damage is by installing environmental sensors that protect against weather damage. The environmental sensors will notify you about extreme temperatures while the flood and freeze sensors alert you in case of excessive rainwater or potential flooding in your home.

The benefits of including this system are:

• Protection and notification in case of extreme weather conditions (for example, in case of extremely low temperatures, you’ll be able to take the necessary steps to prevent other systems from malfunctioning)
• Providing a comfortable environment in your home because they’ll help you optimize the cooling and heating in your home
• Alerting you in case of potential problems, such as extremely high and low temperatures, so you can check other systems in your home, such as the HVAC system

4. Burglar Alarms

Burglar alarms protect you and your home against intruders and theft. If someone breaks in, the alarm system will notify both you and your local law enforcement team immediately.

Burglar alarm systems are triggered when a door or window is opened or if motion detection is activated and the alarm is armed. More advanced systems include intrusion detection systems where an operator is constantly monitoring what’s happening on your property, but these are often used in protecting properties where business is conducted.

The benefits of a burglar alarm include:

• Increasing the value of your home and decreasing your insurance premium.
• Preventing burglary.
• Giving you peace of mind.

5. Video Surveillance

Video surveillance systems are useful for keeping an eye on your property 24/7. They’re perfect for providing proof to local law enforcement in case of a burglary, but they’re also great if you have pets that you leave at home when you go to work. You can pick which type of system works best for you and choose between video recording, a remote monitoring feature, and a video doorbell.

The benefits of having video surveillance of your home include:

• Monitoring your home 24/7.
• Providing evidence in case of a break-in.
• Monitoring your pets.

6. Monitored Home Security Systems

Last but not least, we have the system to control all systems in your home. The monitored security systems are connected to your smartphone or smart devices and can be used to lock and unlock your doors, control the lighting and temperature in your home, turn smart systems in your home on and off, and check on your kids and pets if they’re home alone.

Installing this system allows you to:

• Have additional protection in your home.
• Call for medical assistance from a distance.
• Have access to different systems in your home from your smartphone.

How to Equip the House With Security Systems?

If you still haven’t decided which system you need and how to install it, we’ve got you covered.

Choose the Right System for Your House

To choose the right systems for your house, you must first decide what types of systems you need and what your criteria are for making a decision.

The Size of Your Home

Houses have different security needs compared to apartments. The former will need more sensors compared to the latter and the security system will probably be pricier. When thinking about how extensive the system needs to be, remember to cover all the exits and entrances to the home with either a sensor or a camera to get an adequate amount of security on your property.

The Budget

Another aspect that will affect which type of security system you end up purchasing is your budget. The good news is that home security systems nowadays come at different price points and have different features, so you’ll definitely find one that fits your budget and needs. Before you sign the contract, read it thoroughly and look at both the one-time and regular fees to see whether they fit in your budget or not.

Installing Your Home Security System

Depending on your budget and how technically savvy you are, you can do the installation yourself or have a professional team install your home security system. There are pros and cons to both options.

Self-Installed Home Security Systems

If you like to do things around your home, you’ll probably opt for this option, especially if you’ve ordered a system that has straightforward installation directions. Even though this is a budget-friendly option, you will need to do all the work yourself and call customer services in case of any problems.

Professionally-Installed Home Security Systems

Even though you’ll have to pay an installation fee, the professional installer will install your security system without you having to lift a finger. You can also use this time to discuss your security priorities and ask questions.

Best Home Security Systems

While there’s no specific factor that defines whether one home security system is better than the other, there is a perfect home security system for everyone. To figure out what works best for you, think about the following criteria:

• Equipment costs
• One-time fees
• Monthly costs
• Smart-home compatibility
• Contract requirements

The following brands are among the most popular when it comes to home security systems:

• Vivint is one of the best security systems that you can have for just $29.99 per month, and the price for the equipment is $599.
• SimpliSafe is one of the most budget-friendly options in terms of quality, you can get it for $17.99 per month and the price for the equipment is $245.
• Frontpoint is one of the best options if you want to install the security system yourself. It comes at a monthly fee of $34.99 and a price for the equipment of $129.
• Cove is one of the companies that have the best customer experience, and you can order their home security system for a monthly subscription of $17.99.
• Abode is the best home security system that works perfectly for Apple customers at a price of $21.99 per month and $279 for the equipment.

Final Thoughts

The type of smart home security system you choose needs to be able to provide you with the right kind of protection for your specific purposes. To do that, you must first consider the features you need and the budget you’ve allocated before you start researching different companies.

In this day and age, the right home security system will not only keep you safe but also make home automation easier, enable you to environmentally monitor your surroundings, and make it easier for you to figure out potential problems with different systems in your home.