There is a significant percentage of domestic burglaries happening every year in UK, and the interesting part is that most of them are done during the daytime. This shows how bold thieves have become, and why more and more homeowners have started to rely on intruder alarms and surveillance systems to secure their property.
A home security system protects against burglary but offers additional protection in case of fire and raises in carbon monoxide levels, ensuring overall personal safety.
So if:
Then, read on as we will help you learn how to choose a home security system for your property by pointing out the main things you should look for in a good product.
In the last 10 years, home security systems have experienced a significant technological jump. You can unlock your home not only through a key but with microchips and even bio scanners, too.
The high-tech leap has introduced modern access control as a part of your home security package, so make sure to take advantage of it. Not only that, but your home’s smart functionality can add another layer of protection.
For example, you can schedule your audio system to play theft deterrent sounds to prevent burglary attempts. Curiously, the sound of active conversations and dog bark will scare even the boldest of robbers.
Heat sensors cameras, also known as infrared cameras, are another addition which premium home security systems often come with.
Smart features assist in protecting your home against all dangers, and many households already experience the benefits of a smart home. Modern security systems can pair with your property’s smart control and provide a top level of automation.
Those functionalities allow you to have a remote command of your home. For example, you can schedule the function of your light fixtures to scare burglars away and remotely control the access to your property.
The smart system can also connect with your fire alarm and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure the safety of your family members.
Technology has evolved to a great extent with cellular connectivity. The wireless connection gives you the ability to secure your property in flexible and efficient ways. It hooks your security system to the smart functions of your home.
And if you are unsure whether your Wi-Fi signal is strong enough, consider installing a range extender to provide that extra coverage without drilling through your whole house to add additional sensors.
An old hard-wired security system, on the other hand, would require professional installation. An expert has to join the system to your main circuit breaker box. To do that, they have to run multiple wires to connect the different components. All of that adds up to the extra set-up costs.
Voice recognition is another one of the features of the new technologies. They let you speak to your guests through your doorbell camera and protect your elders with the innovative panic pendant.
In the case of a sudden Internet outage, the security companies have developed backups for VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) systems. If any issue occurs, your system’s mobile app will notify you. This way, you can easily locate the source of the problem and see a live camera feed.
Nowadays, home security systems’ designs are appropriate for users of all ages. The simplicity of the control panels makes it easy to arm the system in case of an emergency. And, because there are no wires and electrical connectors involved, you won’t have to drill through the walls or floors of your property.
The modern systems are small but powerful enough to improve the security of your home and highly increase the chance of preventing a burglary.
They are elegant and easily blend into the interior of your home. Based on the type of system, you can either control it through your mobile application or via small control panels. The system sends notifications for any technical issues or other present errors.
An important feature that your domestic security system is worth having is the specialised monitoring service. Once your alarm signals for danger, a team of experts will examine the issue and decide further actions.
The specialists work 24/7 to ensure the safety of your home, which means that the service requires additional membership agreements. This kind of assistance is a great addition to any home security system, especially if you travel a lot or have an unoccupied property.
Whenever you choose to self-monitor your place, you must notify the authorities when emergencies occur. Yet, it depends on the security provider and type of memberships you have signed in for whether you have professionals monitoring for your property or not. Pros can examine your property and advise you on the best option, based on your expectations and your budget.
There is also the question of professional vs DIY installation. Though self-installation comes at a lower cost and could be easier for smaller homes, there is still a risk of an error, especially for inexperienced people. So if you are unsure of your actions, it’s better to call a security expert to avoid any possible risks caused by a faulty configuration.
As security systems evolve, burglars try to keep up and improve their skills. With low-end systems, thieves could be able to access your property, and even get a complete hold of your home’s security.
Cheap systems often lack the required defence features against such attacks. Low-priced products use old firmware, which is often vulnerable to breaches. The least that you can do in his case is to improve the security of your router by setting stronger passwords and keeping its firmware up to date.
Every now and then your security will generate a false alarm. High-priced systems can detect the misinformation and take action, while cheap variants will report the issue.
Such events may mislead the authorities into believing that a real breach is just a false alarm. This problem often occurs when the motion sensors of low-cost systems malfunction.
Cheap home security systems may hide risks for your family members. Whether it’s a burglary attempt or a fire accident, the low-priced system may lack the functionality to notify the emergency services. And even if it has that function, a simple connection error may cost you more than you think.
A higher-class security system should include this feature and give you peace of mind that emergency services would be notified if necessary.
Remember that the cost of a sufficient home security system is less than the financial loss of a successful burglary. Plus, it isn’t worth the stress that your family can experience.
Cheap systems can’t respond well to a power outage, while expensive ones have a back-up battery. Quality systems run on low voltage and a portion of the electricity powers up the cell. The battery stores enough power so the security system can operate for several hours until everything goes back to normal.
The developers of some security systems have found ways to maintain connectivity, even if there isn’t power or Internet access
Stop any uninvited guests to your property and improve your home’s security with an expert CCTV installation service. Whether you need outdoor or indoor surveillance installed, we’ve got you covered.
In case you’re wondering where to begin, what smart devices to install in your home, how to do it, and where to find a trusty installer, Fantastic Services is here to help!
We will be happy to take care of your home security.
For your peace of mind, select a security system that can be set-up to meet your lifestyle and your requirements. Smart security systems’ technological development makes them the most efficient way to create a safe home environment. And before you buy one, consider this:
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Do you have a home security system? What’s the feature that you find most useful? Feel free to share your thoughts!
Image source: Shutterstock / Andrey_Popov
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