Did you know that installing an alarm system in your home is enough to deter burglars? Well, this is if the results of the study conducted by researchers at the Rutgers University – School of Criminal Justice are anything to go by.
According to the data, neighborhoods that had burglar alarms installed in the majority of homes were less attractive to burglars compared to the neighborhoods that fewer alarms installed. The study showed that burglars were 31% more likely to retreat from a home that had a security system of some sort installed.
The benefits of having a secure living environment need no explanation. Keeping your family and property safe from intruders should be your number one priority. To do this, you’ll need to employ the right tools and equipment.
This guide explores the best recommendations for home security.
Home Security 101 – Choose Wisely
With so many residential security options to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, especially if you don’t have all the money in the world to spend on an expensive, cutting-edge home security system. Nonetheless, there are certain aspects of the entire process that you can’t afford to ignore.
Here’s what you should look out for when choosing a home security system.
1. Around-The-Clock Surveillance
The best security cameras or motion sensors won’t be of any use to you and your loved ones if the system didn’t come with a professional “behind-the-scenes” monitoring service. After all, what would you do if you got an alert that the motion sensors triggered the alarm, and there is indeed an intruder in your home? You would certainly want the professionals to look into it for you.
Find a home security provider who offers 24/7 professional monitoring who will not only notify you of the breach but investigate the reason and contact emergency responders if necessary.
2. Ease of Use
Your home security system could have the best outdoor security cameras, top-of-the-range indoor motion sensors, glass break detectors, window sensors, alarm systems, and all the bells and whistles that make it highly effective in warding off the bad guys. But, if you don’t know where the panic button is when there’s an emergency in your home or even how to arm or disarm your security system, then it’s probably not the best choice for you. Choose one that’s easy to use and won’t require technical assistance every time you need to change the batteries – for instance.
3. Home Security Mobile App
The best security system wouldn’t be complete if it didn’t come with a mobile app. You want a system that you can control easily from your smartphone regardless of where you may be. It should instantly alert you when an outdoor motion sensor has been triggered and allow you to see live footage of what’s happening without having to peek through the window or set foot outside.
If you’re away on vacation in another state and something triggers your alarm system, you’ll be able to use the app to view live footage of everything that’s going on. That way, you can alert law enforcement authorities to deal with the intruder.
4. Security System Automation
You want to find a home security system that has smart home automation capability. It should be able to connect to voice assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, or Amazon Alexa. That way, you can create automated home routines that are great money-savers as well.
So, if you’re not home, for instance, it would turn on the outdoor lights at a specific time in the evening and turn them off in the morning as well. You can even create automated intervals for switching the lights on or off in different parts of the house to trick lurkers into believing that there are people home.
5. Expandability
When installing a home security system, you don’t have to get all the equipment at a go. If you did, it would be quite expensive, especially if you have a limited budget to work with. So, ensure that you pick a system that allows you to add more equipment to your existing system.
Be sure to ask your home security provider if they offer additional cameras, sensors, and any other security equipment you might require in the future if you wanted to expand the existing system. That way, you can add to it as you go along.
6. Design
Some of the best wireless security camera designs you’ll find in the market today are small, sleek, and stylish. But make no mistake about it – they are just as powerful as they are beautiful.
If you’re all about aesthetics, then you’re better off choosing an inconspicuous security system that blends into your home’s natural design without the bulky control panels and base stations that stand out like a sore thumb. Some systems come with sleek tablet control panels that are stylish, simple, and inconspicuous.
7. Cost
Many homeowners don’t have security systems installed because of the perceived costs associated with them. The reality is that they are more affordable than you think. If you’re looking to save some money while still keeping your home and property secure, here’s a little tidbit you might find interesting: The best-wired security cameras cost drastically less than their wired counterparts. So, you don’t have to break the bank to keep your home and property safe.
8. Features
Here’s a list of the standard features and devices the best home security systems must have:
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