A home security system is a set of devices and services that protect your home from intruders, fire, carbon monoxide, flooding, and other threats. A home security system can provide peace of mind, convenience, and smart home integration. However, choosing a home security system can be daunting, as many options and factors must be considered.
This comprehensive guide will teach you how to choose a home security system that suits your preferences and budget. We will cover the following topics:
- What are Home Security Systems?
- The benefits of having a home security system
- Types of home security systems
- The features and factors to Look for when choosing a home security system
- Common Home Security Equipment
- Frequently Asked Questions
What are Home Security Systems?
A home security system is a set of devices and services that you can use to protect your home from various threats, such as intruders, fire, carbon monoxide, flooding, and more.
These security systems can also provide convenience, comfort, and smart home integration, and the system typically consists of a central hub or control panel, cameras, sensors, alarms, locks, lights, and smart home devices, which can communicate with each other and with you, using landline, cellular, or broadband communication.
Professionals can install a home security system, DIY (do-it-yourself), professionally monitored, or self-monitored. A home security system can help you prevent or minimize damages, injuries, and losses and notify you and the authorities in an emergency.
Furthermore, a home security system helps you monitor your property remotely, save energy and money, increase your property value and rental income, and enhance your safety, comfort, and convenience.
Benefits of Having a Home Security System
Having a home security system can provide you with many benefits, such as:
Preventing Burglaries and Vandalism. A home security system can deter potential intruders from breaking into your 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 notify you and the local authorities immediately, preventing or minimizing property losses, damages, and insurance claims.
According to a 2021 report from the FBI, there were about 1.1 million burglaries in the United States in 2020, resulting in $3 billion in property losses.
Monitoring Your Property Remotely. A home security system lets you monitor your home from anywhere using your smart devices.
The system lets you check the status of your doors, windows, locks, lights, cameras, sensors, and other devices and control them remotely.
Furthermore, you can view your property’s live or recorded video footage and receive alerts and notifications of any events or issues, keeping an eye on your home and ensuring everything is in order.
Home Security System Saves 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 home’s temperature, brightness, and power based on your schedule, preferences, and weather conditions.
Use motion sensors, timers, or geofencing to automate your settings and avoid wasting energy and money when your home is unoccupied.
Home Security System Increase Your Property Value and Rental Income. A home security system can increase your property value and rental income by enhancing your home’s safety, comfort, and convenience. A home security system can make your home more attractive and appealing to possible buyers or renters willing to pay more for a secure and smart home. A home security system can also help you manage your rental business by allowing you to grant or revoke access codes, monitor guest activity, and provide customer service.
The Types of Home Security Systems
There are two main types of home security systems: 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 professionally installed systems usually offer a wide selection of components and feature professional monitoring as the only option for operating them. A third-party company provides professional monitoring, which can monitor your security system 24/7 and contact you and the authorities in an emergency.
Professionally installed systems may offer higher quality and reliability but may also cost more and require long-term contracts. Some examples of professionally installed systems are ADT, Vivint, and Brinks.
The user self-installs DIY systems and can choose the equipment, customize the settings, and move or expand the system as needed. DIY systems are usually wireless and easy to install, without any tools or drilling.
The DIY systems allow the user to choose between self-monitoring and professional monitoring. 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.
This system may offer more flexibility and affordability but requires more technical skills and maintenance. Some examples of DIY systems are SimpliSafe, Ring, and Abode.
The Features and Factors to Look for When Choosing a Home Security System
Even as you choose your ahome security system, you need to consider the following features and factors:
The 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. You should choose the type of communication that works best for your location, budget, and needs.
Equipment Type. 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. Consider the following factors when choosing your equipment:
Coverage. You should choose equipment that can cover all your home’s entry points, windows, and rooms and provide a clear and wide view of your property. Choose equipment that can withstand the weather conditions and environmental factors of your 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. Go for equipment with long battery life, low maintenance, and easy operation.
Features. Get equipment with features that enhance your home’s security, convenience, and functionality, such as night vision, motion detection, two-way audio, smart integration, and remote control.
Cost. Ensure your equipment fits your budget and offers good value for money. Compare the upfront and ongoing costs of different equipment, such as the purchase price, installation fee, monthly fee, and warranty.
You should also consider the savings and benefits that the equipment can provide, such as energy efficiency, insurance discounts, and rental income.
The type of monitoring. There are two types of monitoring: 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. You should choose the type of monitoring that works best for your lifestyle, budget, and needs.
Installation Type. There are two major types of installation: professional installation and DIY installation. Professional installation is done by trained technicians who can assess your property, recommend the best equipment and placement, and ensure proper wiring and connection.
DIY installation is done by the user, who can choose the equipment, customize the settings, and install them without any tools or drilling. Professional installation may offer higher quality and reliability but may cost more and take longer. DIY installation may offer more flexibility and affordability but requires more technical skills and maintenance. You should choose the type of installation that best suits your skills, budget, and needs.
Common Home Security Equipment
Home security equipment is a set of devices and services that protect your home from threats like intruders, fire, carbon monoxide, flooding, and more. Home security equipment can also provide convenience, comfort, and smart home integration.
However, there are many types and options of home security equipment to choose from, depending on your needs, preferences, and budget.
This section will introduce common home security equipment, functions, and benefits.
Some of the common home security equipment are:
Cameras. Cameras are devices that can capture and record video and audio of your home, both inside and outside. Cameras help you access your property remotely, deter intruders, and provide evidence in case of a break-in.
Cameras can also have features such as night vision, motion detection, two-way audio, and smart integration, which can enhance their performance and functionality. Cameras can be wired or wireless and either self-monitored or professionally monitored.
Sensors. Sensors are devices that can detect and alert you of various events or conditions in your home, such as movement, opening or closing of doors or windows, breaking of glass, smoke, carbon monoxide, water leak, temperature, and more.
Sensors can help you prevent or minimize damages, injuries, and losses and notify you and the authorities in an emergency.
Sensors can also be integrated with other devices, such as cameras, alarms, or smart home devices, to create a more comprehensive and responsive security system. Sensors can be either wired, wireless, self-monitored, or professionally monitored.
Alarms. Alarms can produce loud sounds and flashing lights to warn you and others of a potential threat or danger in your home. Alarms can also scare away intruders, attract attention, and request help.
Alarms can be standalone or connected to sensors, cameras, or smart home devices to create a more effective and coordinated security system. Alarms can be either wired or wireless or self-monitored or professionally monitored.
Locks. Locks are devices that can secure your doors and windows and prevent unauthorized access to your home. Locks can also have keyless entry, remote control, smart integration, and biometric recognition, enhancing their security and convenience. Locks can be either mechanically or electronically self-monitored or professionally monitored.
Lights. Lights illuminate your home, both inside and outside, and create a more visible and welcoming environment. Lights can also deter intruders, enhance your cameras’ performance, and improve safety and comfort.
Lights can also have features such as motion activation, timers, dimmers, smart integration, and color changing, which can enhance their functionality and efficiency. Lights can be either wired, wireless, self-monitored, or professionally monitored.
Smart Home Devices. They connect to the internet and communicate between themselves and with you using your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Smart home devices can include thermostats, outlets, speakers, voice assistants, and more, which can help you control and automate your home’s functions, such as temperature, lighting, power, entertainment, and more.
Smart home devices can also be integrated with your security system to create a more seamless and intelligent security system. Smart home devices can be wired, wireless, self-monitored, or professionally monitored.
You can choose from this common home security equipment to create a security system that suits your home. Using these devices, you can protect your home from various threats and enjoy the benefits of convenience, comfort, and smart home integration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most asked questions regarding the subject of our discussion:
How Much Does a Home Security System Cost?
The cost of a home security system depends on several factors, such as the type of system, the type of monitoring, the type of communication, the type of equipment, and the type of installation.
According to our research, the average cost of a home security system is around $300 for equipment, $35 per month for monitoring, and $99 to $199 for installation. However, these costs vary significantly depending on the company and your chosen options.
Do I Need a Home Security System In an Apartment?
The answer to whether you need a home security system in an apartment depends on your personal preferences, budget, and risk factors.
Overall, getting a home security system for your apartment can have many benefits but also some challenges and costs. You should weigh the pros and cons of getting a home security system for your apartment and decide based on your personal preferences, budget, and risk factors.
You should also research and compare different options before making a final decision. You should consider your apartment size, layout, features, needs, and landlord’s permission and policies.
Can I Install a Home Security System If In a Rented House?
Whether you can install a home security system if you rent depends on several factors, such as your lease agreement, landlord permission, budget, and security needs.
You can install a home security system if you rent and follow some guidelines and precautions. Here are some steps you can take to install a home security system if you rent:
Conclusion: How to Choose A Home Security System
Choosing a home security system is a decision that can affect your safety, comfort, and convenience. There are many options and factors to consider, such as the type of system, the type of monitoring, the type of communication, the type of equipment, and the type of installation.
Research and compare different systems, and find the one that suits you. Looking for potential savings and benefits, such as energy efficiency, insurance discounts, and rental income, would be best.
A home security system can help you protect your home from threats and provide peace of mind, convenience, and smart home integration.