Home security technology is a growing industry that’s changing the way we think about protecting our homes. These systems can keep your house safe while you’re away or help you monitor your children or pets.
Choosing the right system depends on your needs and budget. But no matter which type of system you choose, it’s important to remember some basic tips:
Security Cameras
Security cameras provide a way to deter criminals and keep an eye on your property. They record video and send alerts when motion is detected, making them a great addition to your home security system.
They can also help you track a trespasser, keep an eye on your kids or watch out for a robbery. Plus, many of them are mobile-friendly and can be accessed via an app on your smartphone or tablet.
Some features that you should look for include a wide viewing angle, high resolution and cloud recording. Cameras should also have a battery backup, which can be a lifesaver in the event of a power outage or when a burglar cuts the electricity before breaking into your home.
Night vision: Most break-ins occur after dark, and night-vision technology is an important safety feature. These cameras use infrared light technology to see and detect movement. This helps them function at night, but it can be tricky to get a good view when windows or other glass objects are in the way.
IR lights can reflect off of these glass surfaces, and degrade the quality of your video footage. This is why you want to make sure that your cameras are positioned away from the windows in your home.
Cameras with a wide viewing angle can also help you spot suspicious activity. However, you should be aware that wide-angle cameras can create a fisheye effect in some cases.
Motion detection: Most modern cameras use motion-detection sensors to trigger recording when they sense movement. These sensors are sensitive enough to pick up on a slight movement, but they can also be adjusted to reduce false alerts.
Scheduling: Some cameras can be set to turn on and off, detect motion and/or send alerts at predefined times. This is a great feature for monitoring your home when you’re away, and it can also cut down on the number of false alerts.
Some cameras even have a local storage option, which allows you to store the videos directly on your device instead of sending them through the internet. This can eliminate the cost of monthly storage fees and give you an easy way to check on your house when it’s not home.
Environmental Sensors
Using environmental sensors in your home security technology can help you keep track of the safety of your property and family. These sensors can alert you if something is wrong and allow you to act quickly to resolve issues before they get out of control.
These devices measure a variety of aspects of the environment including temperature, humidity, and gas levels. They also detect smoke and carbon monoxide, which can be helpful in a fire situation.
Some environmental sensors are designed to be used on the ground while others are used indoors. In the case of smoke and CO detectors, they are often wireless and WiFi-connected so you can get alerts even if you aren’t at home.
Other types of environmental sensors are used to monitor the health of a person, such as those that measure air quality or oxygen levels. These devices can be useful in determining whether someone is sick and need medical attention.
These sensors can be integrated into a system that automatically adjusts its settings depending on the conditions. They can also be used to monitor the condition of a vehicle or other object and provide information about its status.
This type of sensor is a great addition to any home security system. It can help you detect any leaks, floods or other issues so that you can take the appropriate action to solve them as soon as possible.
The sensors are connected to the Internet and can be accessed remotely through an app. They can then send a notification to you, your family or your neighbors if there is an issue with the temperature, moisture or gas levels in the house.
Another great use for environmental sensors is to monitor the amount of solar radiation in your area. This can be a useful tool for monitoring plants that need to receive sunlight to grow.
Environmental sensors can be used for various reasons and in many different industries, including agriculture, mining, water treatment and sewage processing. They can also be used for environmental research and environmental education. These devices are becoming more popular with the Internet of Things (IoT).
Remote Access
If you’ve ever left your home unlocked and wondered if you’re leaving your family or pets vulnerable, remote access to your alarm system can provide peace of mind that the people in your home are safe. You can adjust your alarm, check surveillance camera footage, lock and unlock doors and even check on your kids or pet while you’re on vacation.
In addition to providing peace of mind, remote access technology also makes managing your alarm system easier and more convenient. For instance, you can use your smartphone to turn on entertainment or lights before you get home from work, adjust thermostats, and control your door locks. You can even set schedules for these features so you never have to do them manually.
Another common scenario in which you might use remote access software is to connect to your work computer from home. You can do this using a virtual private network (VPN), which creates a secure tunnel that keeps your data away from other users and system administrators on the internet. This can be particularly useful when you’re traveling and want to access files on your business’s servers without having to leave your home.
Similarly, technicians and IT professionals often use remote access software to help customers or employees with their computers and mobile devices. They can troubleshoot an issue and give support remotely, so the customer doesn’t have to wait in a call center or come into the office to get help.
While remote access has many benefits, it can also be a security risk. For example, if you’re on public Wi-Fi, a hacker can easily see what you’re doing when you’re not paying attention to your security.
A better alternative is to connect to your home security system over cellular service, which is much more secure. You can also use a VPN, which extends a private network over a public connection, so your home’s information stays more private.
Remote access is a crucial part of today’s modern home and workplace, with a growing number of employees working remotely to reduce costs. It also can improve employee engagement and help prevent disasters, since data can be stored off-site and not lost in the event of a natural disaster.
Monitoring
There are many different types of home security technology, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The key to deciding which one will work best for you is understanding your specific needs and the different types of systems available.
Monitoring is a key feature of most modern home security systems. It’s how a system alerts you when someone breaks in, and it’s an essential part of keeping your family safe.
What’s more, monitoring gives you a chance to catch suspicious activity early on so you can take action before it becomes a real problem. It also helps you identify strengths and weaknesses in a program, so you can adjust your strategy accordingly.
A basic security system includes sensors that detect when something is out of place, like a door or window, and a central control panel that alerts the homeowner. The system then sounds an alarm and contacts the authorities.
Some security systems even offer remote controls that fit onto a keychain so you can arm and disarm the system without walking to your front door. This is a convenient way to keep an eye on your house, especially when you’re away.
However, self-monitoring systems do have a few drawbacks. For example, if you miss an alert on your smartphone, it could give an intruder time to sneak in. It also doesn’t always provide the same level of security as a professionally monitored system.
Professionally installed systems are typically more expensive than self-monitored systems, but they’re often worth the extra expense in terms of peace of mind. They’re installed by a trained technician who takes the time to ensure your home’s sensors are working correctly, and they have a helpline if anything goes wrong.
The cost of monitoring varies by company and depends on the service you choose, but it’s important to understand the costs before signing a contract. Besides the monthly fee, most monitoring contracts include installation fees, activation fees, equipment costs, and taxes or surcharges.
You can also compare pricing by visiting our Best Home Security Companies page, where we rank the top providers based on price and quality.