Your home is your safe haven, but in today’s world, it’s not always as secure as you might like.
Smart home security solutions allow you to monitor and protect your home, even when you’re away.
According to ComfyLiving, more than 69% of homeowners are at risk due to weak access credentials. This is why you should get smart home security instead.
But what exactly is a smart home security solution, and how does it work?
Read on to find out everything you need to know about this type of security system.
What Is a Smart Home Security Solution?
Smart security solutions are designed to blend protection into your daily routine.
You can monitor and operate your home’s security system from your phone using wireless sensors, alarm systems, and surveillance cameras.
A hub connects with these devices via one or more wireless protocols like Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, Uwb, or a custom mesh network is commonly included in entry-level systems.
You can expand your system to include locks on the doors, garage door openers, outdoor and indoor security cameras, lights, sirens, smoke and CO detection systems, water sensors, and more.
The options are nearly limitless, which is why these systems are becoming increasingly popular.
How Does Smart Home Security Solution Work?
Smart home security solutions rely on the Internet of Things (IoT) to connect all of your devices and create a cohesive security system.
Each device in your system is connected to the internet and can be controlled remotely using your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
You can receive alerts if a door or window is opened, someone enters a room, or something else happens that you want to be aware of.
You can also check in on your home or business using live video streaming from your security cameras.
What Does a Smart Home Security System Consists Of?
A home security system consists of many components; let us have a look at them one by one:
1. Motion Sensors
Motion sensors, as the name suggests sense motion and notify you when the system is armed. Motion sensors are ideally placed on the lower part of the walls or doorways.
And do not worry; most motion sensors are pet sensitive and do not ring off when they sense your pet’s motion.
Glass Break SensorsIntruders may try to break your glass window to get inside your house.
To avoid this, you can use glass break sensors which sense the noise of glass breaking and sends you a notification immediately.
2. Security Camera
Security cameras can be linked to your wi-fi connection and can help you in tracking live footage.
Some security cameras also come with nighttime infrared vision, a two-way talk feature, and even cloud storage for maximum benefits.
3. Entry Sensor
Entry sensors are also known as contact sensors. These sensors come in two parts. One part goes on the door or window, and another goes on the frame.
To determine if the entrance is opened, these sensors use magnets and alert us immediately.
Entry sensors are often planted on the floor near the door and come with a stick for easy installation.
4. Keypad
A keypad allows you to arm or disarms your security system by using a code. A keypad is usually planted on the wall.
5. Sirens
Sirens are a part of other security devices and are also provided by individuals with the home security kit.
The task of a siren is to ring along with any other security device when triggered to alert you at all costs.
6. Panic Button
In case of emergencies, a panic button can be used to alert nearby police stations, hospitals, or fire departments.
You do not install a panic button anywhere but carry it around or just keep it handy.
7. Key Fob
Key fobs can be attached to your keys and can be used to arm or disarm your security system from anywhere.
A key fob comes in handy when one does not feel like walking down to the control panel or when one simply does not have access to the control panel.
8. Smoke and CO detectors
Smoke or CO detector alerts you when it detects smoke or harmful gas levels in your environment.
9. Base Station
A base station is the heart of your security system. All other devices are connected to this hub, and it helps you in controlling all the devices linked to it.
10. Yard Signs
A Yard sign allows you to advertise that you have a security system installed inside your house to scare off burglars.
What Are The Benefits Of Having a Smart Home Security Solution?
Smart home security systems are getting increasingly popular and powerful. More importantly, the way they work together smoothly offers homeowners many advantages, such as:
1. Perimeter Security
Despite its effectiveness, CCTV is not a foolproof deterrence against attackers. Perimeter security should be your first line of defense regarding high-end security systems.
You may integrate perimeter security with smart home security systems in many ways. These devices are designed to detect prospective intruders before they get near your property.
In other words, smart perimeter controls can serve as an unnoticed watchtower. This allows homeowners and security managers to react promptly.
They can then take the necessary steps to ensure a property’s and its residents’ safety.
2. Alarm Systems
Burglar alarms have been a staple of home security systems for decades. Smart alarms have come a long way in recent years.
They have more features, are more accurate, and are easier to install, even if they do the same job.
An alarm system is used to notify homeowners when intruders enter their property. Alarm systems can also serve as a deterrent to burglars.
This is because many alarm systems are linked to sirens and lights, meaning that when someone tries to break into your home, all your lights will turn on, and a siren will sound to wake you up and notify your neighbors.
3. Intercom System
Intercom systems are a useful security measure for handling guests and deliveries.
They allow you to check the visitor’s credentials and also save a “mugshot” before allowing them to pass through your gates or opening your front door.
Intercoms can be connected to your smartphone, allowing you to answer calls anywhere in the world.
At the touch of a button, you can effortlessly unlock gates and doors, allowing delivery people, gardeners, and cleaners inside.
Types Of Home Security Systems
Here are the different types of home security systems that you can choose from:
1. DIY
In a DIY home security system you install the home security equipment yourself and monitor it yourself.
However, some DIY home security systems may offer professional monetoring too which incurs a montly or yearly fees.
2. Professional
A professional security system can mean two things. It can mean professional installation, where in a professional comes to your house and install the security system for a fees.
It can also mean, professional monetoring, where a team of actual people are present to help you in case of emergencies and send help whenever necessary.
3. Wirleless Security System
A wireless security system runs on internet or cellular connection and can be linked to your phone.
This means, a wirless security system sends you notification in case of any unusal activities.
These are usually easy to install, but require you to change their battery from time-to-time.
4. Wired
As the name suggests, a wired system is linked to your existing electrical system or landline system.
However, this type of system is not as safe as a burglar can very easily disarm your entire security system by cutting off the line.
5. Local
A local alarm system is not connected to your internet, so you do not get to remote control it or receive notification on your phone. However, you it notifies you by producing a high pitched alarm.
6. Smart Security System
A smart security system can be connected with your smart phone and it lets you take live footage, receive notifications and much more.
Pros And Cons Of Smart Home Security System
Pros
- Fast emergency and police response
- You receive convenient safety alerts
- Ability to track live camera footage
- A chance of a discount on homeowners insurance
- Yard signs and stickers can scare off burglars
Cons
- Professional monitoring incurs a monthly fees
- High equipment cost
- A false alarm may cause penalties or problems
Professional Monitoring vs. Self-Monitoring Smart Home Security
Wrapping Up
With the number of break-ins and home invasions on the rise, it’s no wonder that homeowners are looking for ways to their security a notch up.
Smart home security systems offer several advantages over traditional security systems, making them an ideal choice for those looking for peace of mind.
Now that you know all about smart home security systems, it’s time to start shopping for the perfect one for your needs.
FAQ’s
What is the best home security company?
There are so many home security companies to choose from that it might become difficult to choose the best one for you.
SimpliSafe, Abode, Ring, Frontpoint, etc., are some of the best options that you can consider.
What is the need for a home security system?
Home security systems help in decreasing crime or at least in saving you and your family from potential dangers.
This is because burglars deter from entering a house that has yard stickers and even in areas that do.
Are home security systems worth it?
If you want your family to stay safe, if you want to have access to your home right on your phone via a security camera, and if you want to get notified in case of intrusion or forced entries, then yes, home security systems are worth it.
Shefali Jain is a Content Editor & Writer at National Planning Cycles.
After completing her graduation in hospitality, Shefali decided to follow her passion and started writing. Shefali has been writing for two years now and contributes to our website as a skilled editor and content writer with strong research skills. Writing product and service reviews, biographies, and book reviews are some of her key areas, among many others in which she specializes.