A vacation home can be a great investment and a source of joy, but it can also be a target for burglars, vandals, and squatters. According to the reports by the FBI, there were approximately 1.1 million burglaries in the United States in 2020, resulting in $3 billion in property losses. Many burglaries occurred in vacant or unoccupied properties, such as vacation homes.
You need a reliable and effective home security system to protect your vacation home from theft, damage, and other threats. A home security system can deter intruders, alert you and the authorities in an emergency, and provide peace of mind when you are away from your property.
However, not all home security systems are equal. You need to find the best home security system for your vacation home based on your needs, preferences, and budget.
In this article, we will guide you through finding the best home security system for your vacation home. We will cover the following topics:
- The Benefits of Having a Home Security System for Your Vacation Home
- Features and Factors to Look for When Choosing a Home Security System for Your Vacation Home
- The Best Home Security Systems for Vacation Homes In 2024, Based On Our Research
The Benefits of Having a Home Security System for Your Vacation Home
Having a home security system for your vacation home can provide you with many benefits, such as:
Preventing Burglaries and Vandalism. A home security system can deter possible intruders from breaking into your vacation home by making it more visible, audible, and difficult to access.
A home security system can detect and record any unauthorized entry or activity and immediately notify you and the local authorities, helping to prevent or minimize property losses, damages, and insurance claims.
Monitoring Your Property Remotely. A home security system can allow you to monitor your vacation home from anywhere in the world using your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
You can check the status of your doors, windows, locks, lights, cameras, sensors, and other devices and control them remotely. You can also view your property’s live or recorded video footage, receive alerts and notifications of any events or issues, monitor your vacation home, and ensure everything is in order.
Saving Energy and Money. A home security system can help you save energy and money by optimizing the use of your utilities and appliances.
You can use smart thermostats, lighting, and outlets to adjust your vacation home’s temperature, brightness, and power based on your schedule, preferences, and weather conditions.
Additionally, you can use motion sensors, timers, or geofencing to automate your settings and avoid wasting energy and money when your vacation home is unoccupied.
Increasing Your Property Value and Rental Income. A home security system can increase your property value and rental income by enhancing your vacation home’s safety, comfort, and convenience.
A home security system can make your vacation home more attractive to possible buyers or renters willing to pay more for a secure and smart property.
A home security system can also help you manage your vacation rental business by allowing you to grant or revoke access codes, monitor guest activity, and provide customer service.
The Features and Factors to Look for When Choosing a Home Security System for Your Vacation Home
When choosing a home security system for your vacation home, you need to consider the following features and factors:
The Security System Type. Two major security systems are professionally installed and DIY (do-it-yourself) systems. Professional systems are installed by trained technicians who can assess your property, recommend the best equipment and placement, and ensure proper wiring and connection.
The user self-installs DIY systems and can choose the equipment, customize the settings, and move or expand the system as needed.
Professionally installed systems may offer higher quality and reliability but may also cost more and require long-term contracts. DIY systems may offer more flexibility and affordability but require more technical skills and maintenance.
The Type of Monitoring. There are two main monitoring types: professional monitoring and self-monitoring. A third-party company provides professional monitoring, which can monitor your security system 24/7 and contact you and the authorities in an emergency.
Self-monitoring is done by the user, who can monitor their security system using their smartphone, tablet, or computer and decide how to respond to alerts or notifications.
Professional monitoring may offer more security and convenience but also cost more and require long-term contracts. Self-monitoring may offer more control and privacy but requires more attention and responsibility.
Type of communication. There are three main types of communication: landline, cellular, and broadband. Landline communication uses a phone line to connect your security system to the monitoring center. Cellular communication uses a cellular network to connect your security system to the monitoring center.
Broadband communication uses an internet connection to connect your security system to the monitoring center. Landline communication may offer stability and compatibility but may also be more vulnerable to tampering and power outages.
Cellular communication may offer more security and reliability, but it may also cost more and depend on the signal strength. Broadband communication may offer more speed and functionality but may also be more susceptible to interference and hacking.
The Type of Equipment. There are many types of equipment that you can include in your security system, such as cameras, sensors, locks, lights, thermostats, and more.
The type of equipment that you need depends on your property size, layout, features, and needs. It would be best if you considered the following factors when choosing your equipment:
- Coverage. You should choose equipment that can cover all the entry points, windows, and rooms of your vacation home and provide a clear and wide view of your property. It would help if you also chose equipment that can withstand the weather conditions and environmental factors of your vacation home, such as temperature, humidity, dust, or sunlight.
- Quality. You should choose equipment that can provide high-quality images, sounds, and signals and perform well in lighting and noise situations. Choose equipment with long battery life, low maintenance, and easy operation.
- Features. Go for equipment with features that enhance your vacation home’s security, convenience, and functionality, such as night vision, motion detection, two-way audio, smart integration, and remote control.
- Cost. The equipment you choose should fit your budget and offer good value for money. You should
Compare the upfront and ongoing costs of different equipment, such as the purchase price, installation fee, monthly fee, and warranty. Also, consider the potential savings and benefits the equipment can provide, such as energy efficiency, insurance discounts, and rental income.
The Best Home Security Systems for Vacation Homes in 2024
Based on our research and reviews, here are some of the best home security systems for vacation homes in 2024:
SimpliSafe. SimpliSafe is a DIY security system offering affordable, easy-to-use, customizable security for your vacation home. You can choose from various packages and equipment and install them in minutes without any tools or drilling.
You can also monitor and control your system using your smart device or computer and receive alerts and notifications of any events or issues.
SimpliSafe also offers optional professional monitoring and video verification, which can provide 24/7 protection and faster response times. SimpliSafe does not require long-term contracts or hidden fees, and you can cancel or change your plan anytime.
Vivint. Vivint is a professionally installed security system that offers comprehensive, reliable, and smart security for your vacation home. You can get a free consultation and a customized quote from a Vivint expert, who can assess your property, recommend the best equipment and placement, and install and test your system.
You can also access and manage your system using your smartphone, tablet, or computer and integrate it with other smart devices, such as locks, lights, thermostats, etc.
Vivint also offers professional monitoring and video verification, which can provide 24/7 protection and faster response times. Vivint requires a long-term contract and a high upfront cost, but it also offers flexible financing and a lifetime warranty.
Frontpoint. Frontpoint is a DIY security system that offers versatile, powerful, and user-friendly security for your vacation home. You can choose from various packages and equipment and install them in minutes without any tools or drilling.
You can also monitor and control your system using your smartphone, tablet, or computer and integrate it with other smart devices, such as locks, lights, thermostats, etc.
Frontpoint also offers professional monitoring and video verification, which can provide 24/7 protection and faster response times. Frontpoint requires a long-term contract and a moderate upfront cost, but it also offers a 30-day risk-free trial and a three-year warranty.
Our research and reviews show these are some of the best home security systems for vacation homes in 2024. However, you should also research and compare different options before deciding.
What Are Some Other Ways to Secure My Vacation Home?
Some other ways to secure your vacation home are:
Install a Monitored Security System. A monitored security system can provide 24/7 protection and faster response times for your vacation home.
A monitored security system can detect and record any unauthorized entry or activity and notify you and the local authorities immediately. You can also remotely monitor and control your system using your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Secure Windows and Doors. Windows and doors are the most common entry points for burglars, so you should ensure they are locked and reinforced. You can use deadbolts, window locks, security bars, or smart locks to prevent intruders from breaking in.
You can also install sensors and cameras on your windows and doors to alert you of movement or tampering.
Don’t Leave a Spare Key Outside. Leaving a spare key under a doormat, a flowerpot, or a fake rock is a common mistake that can invite burglars to your vacation home.
Instead, you can use a keyless entry system, such as a keypad, a fingerprint scanner, or a smartphone app, to grant or revoke access to your vacation home. You can also use a lockbox or a smart lock to store your spare key securely and remotely.
Get to Know Your Neighbors. A good relationship with your neighbors can help keep your vacation home safe and secure. Your neighbors can watch over your property, report suspicious activity, and collect your mail or packages when you are away.
Join a neighborhood watch program or an online community to stay informed and connected with your neighbors.
Make Sure Your Home Appears Lived In. A vacant or unoccupied home can attract unwanted attention and invite burglars to your vacation home.
You can make your home appear lived in by using timers, motion sensors, or smart devices to control your lights, TV, radio, or curtains. You can also hire a house sitter, a gardener, or a snow remover to maintain your home and make it look occupied.
These are some other ways to secure your vacation home that you can consider. These tips help reduce the risk of burglary, vandalism, or squatting in your vacation home, and enjoy your time away from it.
How Can I Make Sure My Home Looks Lived In When I’m Away?
There are several ways to make your home look lived in when you’re away, such as:
Use timers or smart devices to control your lights, TV, radio, or curtains. You can set up timers or smart devices to turn on and off your lights, TV, radio, or curtains at different times of the day to create the illusion that someone is home. You can also use motion sensors or geofencing to activate your devices when someone approaches your home.
Ask a friend, neighbor, or house sitter to monitor and maintain your home. You can ask a trusted person to monitor your home, collect your mail and newspapers, take out your trash, water your plants, and do some yard work.
Hire a house sitter to stay in your home and take care of your pets if you have any, as it will make your home look occupied and prevent any signs of neglect.
Secure your windows and doors and install a security system. You should ensure that your windows and doors are locked and reinforced and that you don’t leave any spare keys outside.
You should also install a security system that can deter intruders, alert you and the authorities in case of a break-in, and allow you to monitor your home remotely. You can use cameras, sensors, alarms, locks, and smart devices to create a secure and smart home.
• Get to know your neighbors and possibly join a neighborhood watch program. You should establish a good relationship with your neighbors and tell them when you’re away, and I’ll be back.
You can also ask them to watch over your home, report suspicious activity, and contact you if anything happens.
These are ways to make your home look lived in when you’re away.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ensuring the security of your vacation home is critical to maintaining peace of mind and protecting your property. By considering the specific needs of your vacation home, conducting thorough research, and consulting with security professionals, you can find the best home security system tailored to your requirements.
Whether installing smart cameras, sensors, or a professional monitoring service, investing in the right security measures will deter potential threats and assure you that your vacation home is well-protected, allowing you to enjoy your time away fully.
Remember, the safety of your vacation home is an investment in your peace of mind, so take the time to find the best security system that aligns with your needs and preferences.