A home security system is the ultimate peace of mind for a
homeowner. But installing all those parts, dealing with false alarms, and the
constant arming and disarming can make you wonder if there's really any point
in using a home security system. However, if you want to protect your loved
ones and possessions, there's nothing else as effective. So, what is the
importance of a home security system? What makes a home security system a good
option? Let's take a look:
It's a deterrent
Okay, so the essential function of a home security system is
to protect your items and quickly sound the alarm if there is a break-in. Thus,
the quick response prevents your things being stolen and scares a prospective
burglar away. However, one other great benefit of a home security system is
that it deters crime in the first place. Just the sight of home security system
objects makes a prospective burglar less likely to want to rob that particular
house. Even fake home security devices make it appear as though your house is
protected. For example, cameras, a flashing LED, or even a sticker or sign
saying œThis door is alarmed - regardless of whether it really is - will stop
a robber from targeting your home.
It gives you peace of mind
Another one of the main advantages of a home security system
is the peace of mind it gives you. You can truly relax knowing that you have
your alarm set and your security system connected up, with motion sensors in
place. These days, your security system can be linked to the internet. This
allows you to check how your home is doing from whatever location you want -
work, school, during the commute, or on holiday. You can check whether an
appliance is turned on or off, check if a window is open, see if someone is
home yet or just set up alerts about motion. You can even set up cameras for
the areas outside and watch birds or the neighbourhood cat's daily prowl!
They provide protection
A more obvious benefit of a home security system is that it
gives you personal protection. For example, security cameras, locks, motion
detectors, and alarms can deter or help catch a burglar red-handed. However,
this isn't the only thing a home security alarm system can protect you against.
Home security systems also notify you about other dangers and hazards. For
example, a motion sensor can tell you about a fire, burst pipes, or a broken
window. Home security systems can even notify others about medical emergencies
and help you get prompt help. Though security system apparatus can be
expensive, even the most pricey devices are cheaper than a burglary or
disaster.
They mean cheaper insurance
Did you know that a home security system can lower your
insurance premiums? It makes sense - with instant access to emergency
responders and police and a significantly decreased likelihood of any robberies
being committed at your house, you have less need for insurance. You have to
pay every month for your alarm system. But, with most homeowner's insurance
companies giving you a discount of anything from 5% up to 20%, I'd say this is
a great deal! The higher discount values are typically reserved for systems
that can detect water damage, smoke, fire and intrusions - if your home does
all this itself, you hardly need insurance. On top of this, if you have cameras
in your home security system, this footage can give you a hand if you ever need
to file an insurance claim.
They help you save energy
We're all looking for ways to reduce our impact on the
environment these days. But did you know that home security system gadgets can
actually help you save a lot of energy? It's true! Think about motion-activated
lights. Though they were first intended as a security and theft-prevention
feature, lighting up only when somebody walks past is also a great way to save
energy. You can also use these motion-activated lights when you spend time
outdoors, and you don't have to worry about accidentally leaving them on when
you go back inside. This prevents the need for a torch or other forms of
external lighting.
These internet-connected motion-sensor lights, smart
thermostats and other smart home gadgets can also pair with your alarm system.
Then, when the alarm is not currently set, these gadgets can automatically turn
their features off since no one is home to use them.
You can even get intelligent locks and doors that open only
when friends or family are due to come over, allowing secure access to your
home.
They can help you keep an eye on the home
As we've touched upon, home security systems aren't just for
deterring robberies. Home security systems can also help you be aware of fires,
gas, any motion detected, windows open, and many other hazards. However, some
home security system appliances can actually help you feel more at home when
you're away. Video doorbells, for example, allow children, delivery workers and
other members of your household to leave you a message when they come to the
door or when they come home. Alternatively, you can use a security camera to
check that someone has come home and to talk to your household members. You can
even get electric door locks - perfect for letting a child in after school
without them needing to worry about a key. You can also choose to get
notifications when your carbon monoxide or smoke alarm goes off and decide
whether to ping authorities, too.
Help you manage energy
We mentioned earlier how home security devices could help
you save energy by only turning on when you want them to. However, did you know
that your home security system can also help you manage your energy? Not only
do smart thermostats know to turn off when the alarm system is armed, but you
can also control these thermostats from any mobile device thanks to the app.
Left for a trip in a hurry and forgotten to change the temperature? No problem
with a smart thermostat. Is the weather going to be better than you realised?
Are you going to be home earlier than you thought you would? That's okay
too.
Have you ever gone out and forgotten to turn something off?
Rather than rushing to make it home or spending an evening worrying about
straighteners burning a hole in the floor, why not just turn it off right at
the socket? Smart sockets are an extra add-on to most home devices, but they're
also incredibly convenient. Schedule your kettle or coffee machine to get into
action first thing in the morning, and tell your TV to turn on just in time for
your favourite show - the smart options are endless! You can even turn your
lights off and on when you're not home to dissuade intruders.
They keep you safe
You aren't Kevin from Home Alone, but that doesn't mean you
don't have to keep safe. Protecting your valuable physical possessions and
preventing theft when you aren't home is important, but so is keeping yourself
safe. That's the other thing a good security system can do.
Wearable devices like an alarm button or fitness tracker can
monitor your health at home. These devices can alert someone else if your heart
rate is too high or if the data is otherwise strange. A friend or family member
can then text you or come to visit. You can even discreetly raise the alarm
yourself.
Then there are the smart smoke alarms and carbon monoxide
alarms. Connected to the internet, these intelligent devices can also alert a
friend or family member if smoke or dangerous gases are detected while you are
home and call emergency services if the threat continues.
Smart doorbells and locks also keep you safe while you're
inside. These devices can send an alert to your phone if motion is detected and
automatically lock during certain hours of the day. These devices can
furthermore only allow household members in with their smartphones or
biometrics.
Intelligent home security devices can even lock windows and
close blinds during set times of the day. This clever feature prevents
intruders from seeing objects they may want to steal and prevents people from
gaining access to your house in this way.
If you're interested in investing in smart home security
devices, you'll need good broadband to make things work. Compare different
types of broadband today with Compare Broadband to find the perfect broadband to make your intelligent home
security system run smoothly. You'll need a fast internet plan for your devices to work optimally and a fast mobile internet
connection - preferably 5G - to use remote smart home control apps on your phone.
