Before choosing a home security system or security features, it is important to understand the hardware you will typically see being offered.
Entry Sensors
What are they: Entry sensors detect when doors and windows are opened and can be programmed to alert you when necessary.
How do they work: The vast majority of sensors use magnets. When a door or window opens, the magnets separate, an alert is triggered.
Is this a good choice for me? Entry sensors are great if you have a big home and can’t constantly check up on every point of entry. They are also great for peace of mind because you know you will be alerted should there be an unwanted entry. They also work great when you are away from home!
Motion Sensors
What they do: Motion sensors are often used for alarms or motion activated lighting.
How they work: These devices use lasers and when the beam is broken, they sound an alarm. Motion activated lighting uses heat waves that radiate from moving objects. When the detector senses an object (especially warm objects like people or animals), it will turn on the lights.
Is this a good choice for me? Overall motion activated lights are a great staple for every household. They are great for when you’re walking to your front door in the night or taking out the trash while it’s pitch black.
Motion sensors shouldn’t be your primary source of defense but they are a great additional layer of protection.
Sirens and Alarms
What they do: Sirens and alarms are loud (100+ dB) and either produce a high pitch noise or an authoritative voice.
How they work: Sirens are programmed to work on a schedule that can be set by you. They work best with other security features like cameras or the options mentioned above!
Is this a good choice for me? This option is great if you plan on incorporating other security features in your home. A siren will – in the best case scenario – deter the thief.
Security Cameras
What they do: Security cameras are a great option as they can be placed indoors and outdoors to keep an eye on your property. Majority of security cameras offer continuous recording and an app you can download on your phone to monitor your home remotely.
How they work: There are a multitude of security cameras that offer continuous recording, motion-activated recording, two-way talk and siren activation.
Is this a good choice for me? If you are looking for peace of mind, remote security and video proof, this is a great option for your home. Burglars are significantly less inclined to break in when they see a security camera. For more information on available cameras, check out our services page.
Video Doorbells
What they do: Majority of the new video doorbells offer two-way communication as well as video recording. Check out our services page for more information!
How they work: Video doorbells can be battery powered or hardwired into your home’s electrical system. They are often accompanied by phone apps that allow you to communicate with any visitors at your front door.
Is this a good choice for me? Video doorbells are a staple for everyone’s household as they not only help with deterring robbers but also help with porch pirates. You will also have footage in case you need to provide proof to the authorities.
Smart Home Integration to Home Security Systems
What is it: Smart home integration takes all of the features we mentioned above and consolidates them into one Home Security System, available on your phone. Not only can you integrate your smart lock or remote blinds into that system but you can also add light control!
How does it work: Devices in a smart home are interconnected through WiFi or Bluetooth. The devices can be controlled remotely by using a phone or any other device connected to a network.
Is this a good choice for me: Smart home integration is a great feature for anyone who wants to control home features from the palm of their hand. It is also a great feature to have peace of mind for something as small as leaving a light on to something important like seeing your video doorbell feed at any time. Check out our services page for more information on the systems we can integrate!
In conclusion, there is an abundance of Home Security System features so it really depends on what your priorities are. You can choose to go with one of the features mentioned above or bundle different systems together! If you are interested in finding out more, check out our services page or contact us!
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