You’re probably familiar with the old adage, “It’s better to be safe than sorry.” Well, this is especially true when it comes to protecting your home and family from harm. No matter where you live in an urban or rural area crime rates have increased in recent years.
And while there are many reasons for this (including economic downturns), increased crime rates are also due in large part because of advances in technology that make it easier for criminals to commit crimes anonymously and without fear of consequences.
Still, every person has a right to feel safe at home and secure against intruders; after all, this is where we keep our most precious belongings like photos of loved ones, heirlooms passed down through generations, etc. and where we spend the majority of our time relaxing after working hard all day long.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| When selecting a home security system, consider factors such as monitoring options, smart home integration, and equipment features. |
| Simple upgrades, such as outdoor lighting and upgraded door locks, can provide added home security. |
| Home security cameras offer peace of mind and protection and are available with features such as motion detection, night vision, and remote viewing. |
| There are many reasons why every home needs a security system, from deterring burglars to monitoring property and loved ones. |
| Protecting your home doesn’t have to be expensive, with affordable security measures such as window lock installation, doorbell cameras, and pet ownership. |
Door And Window Sensors
Door and window sensors are a must-have for any home security system. They alert you when a door or window is opened, letting you know whether your house is secure or not.
Door and window alarms are one of the most basic pieces of hardware in a security system, but they can be used to secure windows and doors in creative ways that make entry much more difficult for thieves.
In addition to standard door contacts, which are placed at waist height on either side of a doorframe so that they trigger when opened, there are also magnetic contact strips that stick to windows and glass panes (like those found in sliding glass doors) for detecting when someone has broken into the house by breaking through those surfaces.
These strips will send an alarm if tampered with by removing them from their sticky backing or bending them out of position and if an intruder manages to remove them all together? This can be problematic because then it’s hard to tell whether someone tried entering via a window or not!
The top 13 home security cameras offer peace of mind and protection to homeowners. “With advanced features like motion detection, night vision, and remote viewing, these cameras can be a valuable addition to your home security system,” says UnifiedTechy.
Motion Detectors
The motion detector is the most basic and cost-effective home security device. It can be used to detect movement in a room or hallway, in your yard, driveway or even in your basement.
You will find that some models are wireless and others are wired. The wireless ones may be good for smaller areas where there aren’t too many obstructions, but if there are plenty of trees or bushes nearby it might not work as well because of interference from them.
For this reason we recommend getting one with a cord if possible so that you don’t have any problems with signal strength affecting its performance.
Here is a table of popular motion detector options for your home security system:
| Name | Brand | Description |
|---|---|---|
| PIR Motion Detector | Honeywell | Passive infrared detector that detects body heat and movement with minimal false alarms. |
| Motion Sensor | SimpliSafe | A discreet, wireless sensor with a wide angle lens and 30-foot detection range. |
| Pet-Immune Motion Sensor | ADT | Can distinguish between pets and potential intruders, with a detection range of up to 35 feet. |
| Motion Detector | Cove | A small, battery-operated device with a 120-degree field of view and up to 35-foot range. |
| Motion Sensor | Ring | A compatible add-on for Ring security systems with customizable motion zones and sensitivity settings. |
Security Cameras
Security cameras are the most important security device you can have, because they’re the best way to catch intruders and record evidence. But how do you choose the right one?
Price: Cost is a factor when buying a camera, but you can’t just go with the cheapest option. Cheap security cameras won’t be able to hold up in all weather conditions and may not even offer HD resolution.
Durability: If your house is in an area with cold winters or scorching summers, you’ll want a camera that’s made of metal instead of plastic.
The same goes for high winds; if your house is near a windy coastline or desert area (like Texas), look for something produced by an established brand known for its durability over time like Nest Cam Outdoor or Arlo Pro 2 Weatherproof.
Resolution: Depending on what type of home footage you want (full-frame vs panoramic), consider aiming for at least 1080p HD resolution for each camera you buy so that it will provide good quality video feeds both day and night thanks to its infrared LEDs which let them see up to 32 feet away even in pitch black conditions!
Protecting your home doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple upgrades like adding outdoor lighting or upgrading your door locks can make a big difference. “These upgrades are affordable and easy to implement, but can provide an added layer of security to your home,” explains UnifiedTechy.
Glass Break Sensors
If you have a home with glass windows or doors, we suggest using a glass break sensor. Glass breaks can be caused by natural disasters and accidental events, but they can also be used as tools of burglary.
A good glass break sensor is capable of detecting broken glass or someone trying to break through your window or door. When this occurs, it will trigger an alarm in your house so you know someone has been trying to get in!
Fire Monitors
Fire monitors are the most important home security system you can have. They detect smoke and fire, which is the leading cause of death in America.
Installing a fire monitor is simple: just place it near or on your furnace or wood-burning stove, plug it into an outlet, then set up your smartphone app to alert you if something isn’t working properly. That’s it!
Testing your monitoring equipment can be scary you never know what might happen—but there’s really no need to worry about that either.
All you have to do is press a button and everything will be fine! If anything does go wrong with any part of your system (like if one sensor fails), then simply contact us at [email protected] so we can take care of the problem for you within 24 hours
Choosing the right home security system for your needs is essential to ensure the safety of your family and property. UnifiedTechy’s guide provides valuable information on factors to consider when selecting the right system. “From monitoring options to smart home integration, we cover it all to help you make an informed decision,” says UnifiedTechy.
Keypads And Control Panels
Keypads are the most common way to control a security system, and in most cases they’ll be all you need.
They work well for systems with up to four doors or windows that can be monitored, but if there are more than four points of entry into your home, you may want to consider installing a control panel instead.
Control panels are much like keypads but offer more functionality and flexibility. These devices can be easily mounted on walls near entrances around the house so that children and family members know where to find them in case of an emergency
They also provide another layer of protection against intruders by allowing occupants to arm or disarm their systems remotely using smartphones or computers.
Here are popular keypads and control panel options for your home security system:
| Name | Brand | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2GIG Go!Control | 2GIG | A touchscreen control panel with remote arming and home automation features. |
| Qolsys IQ Panel 2 | Qolsys | A sleek, user-friendly panel with a built-in camera and ambient light sensor. |
| ADT Command | ADT | A wireless panel with a built-in Amazon Alexa, optional remote access, and Z-wave compatibility. |
| Honeywell Tuxedo Touch | Honeywell | A full-color touchscreen display with custom graphic icons and compatibility with Honeywell systems. |
| DSC Touch | DSC | An intuitive, user-friendly touchscreen panel with built-in cellular connectivity and expandable zones. |
Yard Signs And Window Stickers
Yard signs and window stickers are an effective way to warn intruders of the presence of a security system. They can also serve as a deterrent, reminding family members to use their alarm systems, and informing the police of a break-in.
A good yard sign will be bright and eye-catching, with clear wording that makes it obvious what kind of home you have: one that is protected by a security system.
It should be placed where it will be clearly visible from the street (but not so close to your house that someone could easily break in).
Many people choose to place these signs on their front lawns because it’s highly visible from both sides of the road—and any would-be crooks are likely going to pass by this sign during their search for homes without alarms on them!
There are many reasons why every home needs a security system. “Whether you’re looking to deter burglars, monitor your property, or keep an eye on your kids, a security system can provide peace of mind and protection,” explains UnifiedTechy.
Outdoor Alarms
Outdoor alarms are a great way to maximize the security of your home. They can be installed on windows and doors, as well as around any other entry points where you want to keep intruders out.
They’re also easy to use: when a door or window is opened, a signal will be sent to the nearest monitoring station for immediate response.
The best thing about outdoor alarms is that they don’t require wiring; simply attach them with double-sided tape or screws, then leave them in place until you need them!
There are several types of outdoor alarms available on the market today each one designed for specific purposes and it’s important for homeowners to understand how each type works before deciding which one would work best at their home:
Door/Window Sensors – These devices are installed on doors and windows throughout your property so that whenever these openings move (even slightly), an alarm will sound within seconds of detection.
Motion Sensors – These devices detect when someone moves within their range (usually 20 feet) and trigger an alarm at that point in time because they know that something isn’t right! This allows homeowners plenty of time before anything happens so they can react accordingly until help arrives.
Smart Locks
Smart locks are the perfect solution for granting access to your home when you’re not present, whether it’s to a friend or family member, or even a service provider such as a cleaner or landscaper.
They can be used remotely through an app on your smart phone, and many have features that allow you to receive real-time notifications of who is entering and leaving the house (or, if you’re away from home).
The only drawback with these smart lock systems is that they can cost more than traditional locks but if you’re willing to invest in this technology, it could make all the difference between feeling safe in your own home and being vulnerable.
Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats are smart devices that can be used to control the temperature in your home remotely.
If you want your home to be a few degrees warmer or cooler when you’re away from it, you can use a smart thermostat to adjust the temperature of your home by either turning up or down the heat.
Smart thermostats are also great because they allow users to set schedules for when they want their heating systems turned on and off.
For example, if you know that power usage is cheaper during certain times throughout the day and night, then using a smart device like this will allow you to set up such heating schedules so that they only turn on at those times.
Home security doesn’t have to be expensive. Affordable security measures like securing your windows, installing a doorbell camera, or even getting a dog can make a big difference. “We’ve compiled a list of 17 affordable security measures that can help protect your home without breaking the bank,” says UnifiedTechy.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide detectors are inexpensive and easy to install. They should be installed in the kitchen, garage and other areas where there is a risk of carbon monoxide.
Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless and tasteless so you won’t know when it’s leaking into your home unless you have a detector that will alert you to the presence of this deadly gas.
Here is a table of popular carbon monoxide detector options for your home:
| Name | Brand | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Nest Protect | Google Nest | A smart detector that can detect both smoke and carbon monoxide and send alerts to your phone. |
| First Alert | First Alert | A basic detector that provides loud alarms and voice alerts when carbon monoxide levels rise. |
| ONELink | First Alert | A photoelectric smoke and CO detector with voice alerts and compatibility with Apple HomeKit. |
| Carbon Monoxide Detector | Kidde | Equipped with a digital display for easy CO level reading and a backup battery. |
| Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detector | Kidde | A convenient and simple option that plugs into an outlet and includes a battery backup. |
Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors should be installed in every bedroom, hallway, and living room. They should be placed at least 10 feet away from any cooking appliances so that they will not go off when you’re cooking or using a space heater.
Smoke detectors should also be installed at least 3 feet above the floor so that children cannot reach them and pull them down accidentally.
You should also install smoke detectors outside bedrooms and in the kitchen. If there is no other way to do this without interfering with other rooms’ entrances, then you can consider installing a separate smoke detector just outside each entrance to those rooms.
Flood Sensors
Flood sensors are designed to detect water. Some flood sensors are designed specifically for certain areas of the home, such as basements or garages.
These devices can be useful if you have a leaky basement or garage ceiling, but you should also install a flood sensor in every area of your home. If a pipe bursts somewhere else in your house, you want to know about it immediately so that you can take action before any damage occurs.
Here are some popular flood sensor options to consider for your home security system:
| Name | Brand | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Water Sensor | Aeotec | Detects the presence of water and sends an alert via Z-Wave technology. |
| Water Leak Detector | Honeywell | Provides audible and visual alerts when water is detected. |
| Water Sensing Cable | Fibaro | A flexible cable that can be placed in hard-to-reach areas to detect water buildup. |
| Water Leak Detector | Samsung SmartThings | Sends alerts when water is detected and integrates with other SmartThings devices for automation. |
| Flood Sensor | D-Link | Can detect water and extreme temperature changes and integrate with other D-Link devices. |
Conclusion
We hope you’ve found this article helpful in planning your security system. With so many options out there, it can be challenging to choose the best one for your home.
We know that feeling all too well! But now we have a few more tools in our toolbox thanks to this research project: we know what some of the top companies offer, which features they provide (like 24-hour monitoring), and what price point they fall into.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to learn more about home security systems:
Security.org: Security.org’s guide to the best home security systems offers comprehensive reviews and comparisons of the top providers.
Forbes: Forbes provides an overview of the best home security systems for 2021, including popular brands and features to look for.
CNET: CNET reviews the best home security systems of the year, including packages and pricing, equipment, and smart home integration.
FAQs
What is a home security system?
A home security system is a network of devices and technologies designed to protect your home from intruders and other potential threats. These systems typically include sensors, cameras, alarms, and other monitoring tools.
How does a home security system work?
Home security systems work by monitoring your home for potential intrusions or other threats. When triggered, sensors and cameras will send an alert to a central monitoring system or directly to your mobile device via an app. Depending on the type of system, you may be able to set up rules, automations, or other responses to these alerts.
What are the benefits of a home security system?
A home security system can enhance safety, reduce the likelihood of break-ins, and provide peace of mind. Additionally, many security systems include smart home integrations and automation features, which can improve energy efficiency and simplify home management.
What are some popular features of home security systems?
Common features of home security systems include door and window sensors, motion detectors, surveillance cameras, alarms, and smart locks. Some systems also come with additional features, such as environmental sensors (for monitoring temperature, humidity, and other conditions) and home automation capabilities (such as remote access to lights, thermostats, and other devices).
How much do home security systems cost?
The cost of a home security system can vary depending on the provider, type of system, and level of monitoring service. Basic systems can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand, while more advanced systems with professional installation and monitoring services can cost several thousand dollars upfront plus a monthly service fee.
Hi there! I’m Hellen James and I’m a writer and editor with a passion for home technology. I’ve been working in this field for over 10 years, so I know what it’s like to be a part of the growing field of smart home technology. I’ve written about everything from how to choose the right smart thermostat to what the best smart doorbell is for your needs.
