With home automation systems becoming commonplace these days, most new homeowners are already familiar with things like smart thermostats and home entertainment systems. However, there is one element of home automation that is making huge inroads into new homes constructed across the country; home automation for home security systems.
Most home security systems these days come with some form of home automation built-in. This allows homeowners to not only arm and disarm their system remotely, but also receive alerts if there is any activity detected while they are away. Homeowners can also use home automation to control things like lights and door locks, adding an extra layer of security to their homes. While home automation for home security systems is becoming more and more common, there are still some things that homeowners need to be aware of before they dive in.
Tips for home automation for their home security system
Do your research:
There are a lot of different home automation systems on the market these days. It’s important to do your research and find the one that best fits your needs and budget.
Consider professional installation:
Home automation systems can be complex, so it’s important to make sure they are installed properly. Many home security companies offer professional installation services, so be sure to ask about this when you are shopping around.
Be sure to read the fine print:
Home automation systems often come with monthly fees. Be sure to read the terms and conditions of your contract so you know exactly what you are responsible for before you sign on the dotted line.
Know your home’s Wi-Fi capabilities:
Home automation systems rely on a home’s Wi-Fi network to function. If your home’s Wi-Fi is not up to snuff, you may have difficulty getting your home automation system to work properly. Be sure to talk to your home security company about this before you make a purchase.
Home automation for home security systems is a great way to add an extra layer of protection to your home. They can even bolt on so to speak to existing systems already in place, which makes installation an easy proposition. Just be sure to do your research and be aware of the potential pitfalls before you dive in.
Home Automation Options for Home Security Systems
Smart Home Security Cameras
A home security camera is one of the most important pieces of home automation for a home security system. A quality home security camera can provide live footage of activity inside and outside your home, as well as recorded footage in the event that something does happen. Home security cameras these days come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s important to find one that meets your specific needs.
It's essential to get the maximum value out of your home automation and security system. This means having a solid understanding of what features are essential and come as standard, and which features are good to opt for. In our experience, Here are the features that we advise all of our customers to go with, provided they have the means to do so and the home security system supports it.
High-resolution images
Home security cameras these days can provide high-resolution images, so be sure to look for one that can. This will ensure that you have clear footage of any activity that takes place, both inside and outside your home.
Wide-angle lens
A home security camera with a wide-angle lens is also a good idea. This will give you a wider view of your home, making it easier to spot any potential intruders.
Motion detection
Motion detection is a must-have for any home security camera. This feature will notify you if there is any movement detected by the camera, so you can take action if necessary.
Night vision
If you want to be able to see footage of activity taking place outside your home at night, then you’ll need a home security camera with night vision. This way, you’ll be able to see what’s going on even when it’s dark out.
Audio recording
Some home security cameras come with the ability to record audio as well as video. This can help identify intruders, as you’ll be able to hear what they are saying.
Encrypted data storage
Encrypted data storage is a must for any home security camera. This ensures that your footage is safe and secure and that only you have access to it.
Wireless connectivity
Wireless connectivity is another essential feature for home security cameras. This allows you to connect your camera to your home’s Wi-Fi network, so you can view footage from anywhere in the world.
Smart Home Security Sensors:
Home security sensors are another important piece of home automation for home security systems. These sensors can be placed throughout your home and are designed to detect a variety of things. Many home security systems will send an alert to your smartphone or tablet if one of these sensors is triggered, so you can take action quickly.
Here are the different kinds of sensors we recommend to our clients:
Carbon Monoxide Sensor
A carbon monoxide sensor is a must-have for any home, as this gas is odorless and colorless, making it impossible to detect without a sensor. This kind of sensor will notify you if there are high levels of carbon monoxide present in your home, so you can take action quickly.
Smoke Sensor
A smoke sensor is another essential kind of home security sensor. This sensor will detect if there is smoke present in your home and will notify you so you can take action.
Water Sensor
A water sensor is a good idea if you want to be alerted if there is water leakage in your home. This can help prevent flooding and water damage.
Door and Window Sensors
Door and window sensors are home security sensors that are placed on doors and windows. These sensors will detect if a door or window has been opened and will notify you so you can take action.
Driveway Sensor
A driveway sensor is a home security sensor that can be placed in your driveway. This sensor will detect when a car or other object enters the driveway and will notify you so you can take action.
Garage Door Sensor
A garage door sensor is a home security sensor that can be placed on your garage door. This sensor will detect when the garage door is opened and will notify you so you can take action.
Motion Sensor
A motion sensor is a home security sensor that can be placed in any room of your home. This sensor will detect when there is movement in the room and will notify you so you can take action.
Perimeter Sensor
A perimeter sensor is a home security sensor that can be placed around the perimeter of your home. This sensor will alert you as soon as someone or anything crosses the perimeter so you can act.
Smart Home Security Lights:
Smart home security lights are a great way to deter burglars and other unwanted guests. These lights can be connected to your home automation system and programmed to turn on when someone approaches your home, making it appear as though someone is home even when they’re not.
There are a few different kinds of security lights we recommend to our clients, these include:
Spotlights
Spotlights are a great way to flood an area with light, making it difficult for someone to approach your home undetected.
Floodlights
Floodlights are similar to spotlights, but they cast a wider beam of light, making it even more difficult for someone to approach your home undetected.
Path Lights
Path lights are a great way to light up a walkway or path to your home. This can help you and your guests see where they’re going, but it will also make it more difficult for someone to approach your home undetected.
Smart Home Security Locks:
Smart home security locks are a great way to add an extra layer of security to your home. These locks can be controlled remotely, so you can let people in even when you’re not home. Many smart home security locks also come with features like fingerprint recognition and tamper alerts, so you can rest assured that your home is as secure as possible.
The different kinds of smart home security locks include:
Keyless Deadbolts
A keyless deadbolt is a type of smart home security lock that doesn’t require a key to unlock. These locks can be opened with a code or a fingerprint, making them more secure than traditional deadbolts.
Wi-Fi Locks
A Wi-Fi lock is a type of smart home security lock that can be controlled remotely using your home’s Wi-Fi network. This means you can lock and unlock your doors from anywhere in the world.
Bluetooth Locks
A Bluetooth lock is a type of smart home security lock that can be controlled remotely using your home’s Bluetooth network. This means you can lock and unlock your doors from anywhere in the world.
Conclusion
Home automation is a great way to make your home more secure. By adding home security sensors, smart home security lights, and smart home security locks, you can deter burglars and other unwanted guests. These home automation features will give you peace of mind, knowing that your home is as secure as possible.