What Are the 5 Most Common Aspects of a Home Security System?
Whether you’re a first-time buyer of a home security system or looking to upgrade to a system with newer technology, it’s not always easy to know what should come standard. Here are five of the most common aspects of home security systems you can expect to see in any high-quality equipment:
1. Indoor and Outdoor Cameras
Probably the most common element of a sound home security system is cameras. But you’ll want more than just one type of camera; an advanced system will have both indoor and outdoor cameras.
You can incorporate these cameras in several ways to conceal or highlight them. A good example is doorbell cameras, which are usually entirely invisible and help you see who’s at the front door before you answer.
Alternatively, if you’d rather ensure that people know you have round-the-clock surveillance or want something with crisper video quality, many smart cameras are available that will do both.
2. Smoke Detectors
While many homeowners might have smoke detectors as a separate part of their home security, there are many benefits to having one that works with a home security system.
More innovative systems have smoke detectors that can give detailed information on where the smoke comes from. Some will even speak the alerts out loud, giving you a clearer picture of what’s happening, instead of simple beeping that may not reveal the location of the fire.
3. Door and Window Sensors
Door and window sensors aren’t always standard unless you have a whole home security system. But having a home security system without them can feel incomplete. Most sensors will have two separate parts: the sensor on the door or window itself and the one on the frame.
The two sensors communicate with each other if the door is opened, triggering an alarm or alert to your security system. This tried-and-true security measure has proven to be effective over the years.
4. Motion Sensors
Motion sensors are one of the most essential parts of a home security system, primarily because they interact with other elements of the security equipment.
The sensors detect motion and respond accordingly. You can set them up to trip alarms, turn on lights, activate cameras, and other actions. Sensors like ultrasonic or infrared are also becoming popular since they can notify you of intruders based on sound or heat.
5. Easy-To-Use Design
If a home security system is too complicated for you to use, it’s not going to be helpful in protecting your home. While the technology it boasts can be incredibly complex, the user interface and design should be straightforward.
Home security professionals teach you how to use your system during the installation. But ideally, most features will be intuitive, so you don’t have to guess to get the results you need.
Customizing Home Security to Meet Your Needs
There are many ways you can upgrade or customize your home security system. But by keeping these five key aspects of a home security system in mind, you can ensure you choose the right system and the best upgrades for your home.