Home security alarms: what are the basics you need to consider?
Is your home a house or an apartment?
If you’re in a house, you may well have total freedom to install whatever home security systems you like. If you’re in an apartment block, you’ll need to check with your building management team or landlord before installing home security systems.
Are wired or wireless home alarm systems the right choice for you?
In terms of price, wireless systems have the upper hand. Rather than dealing with the high price of installation costs, you might just be able to install your own wireless security system with a DIY approach.
Plus, wireless home security systems – including a wireless alarm – are the most flexible home security option. Add new devices into your home security systems as and when you want, without the need for complex internal wiring. Plus, if you’re moving from home to home, you’ll be able to take your wireless home security set-up with you.
How will your home security systems co-ordinate and react if there’s an intruder in your home?
It’s totally up to you to choose the ‘smart’ level of your home security systems. If we’re talking home security alarms, there are various different options to choose from:
- Straightforward siren alarms, without any smart remote control options
A loud alarm siren is one of the most basic ways to put off an intruder in your home. If your security alarm goes off and attracts attention to your home, the intruder might be forced to leave the scene before they have a chance to steal anything. Plus, as we’ve seen, a visible security alarm can act as an effective deterrent to put off a potential burglar from targeting your home.
- A wireless GSM home security alarm that will alert you via an SMS message
A GSM home security alarm is linked up to the surrounding mobile network. So, if your GSM security alarm is set off by an intruder or burglar in your home, you’ll get a message letting you know. One drawback of this set-up – and this applies to the additional smart home security options we’ll see, too – is an increase in price. Much like for a mobile phone, you’ll need to pay to keep your home GSM alarm connected to the mobile network.
- A smart home security alarm that will alert you via a notification on your smart devices
Smart home security systems will most likely operate using the WiFi network in your home. Simply link your smart home security accessories – including your alarm – up to the wireless network and they’ll be able to send you instant notifications via an app on your smart devices, if there’s an intruder or burglar in your home.
- Home security systems that simultaneously alert your home security company
Some home security systems will offer the option to link the devices in your home straight up to your home security company’s surveillance services. So, if there’s an intruder in your home who triggers your home security systems, the security company will be able to respond accordingly. If there are especially valuable items in your home, this could be the home security arrangement that gives you most peace of mind.
Remember, a smart home security system will give you total remote control of the systems in your home. You’ll be able to set off, or turn off, your security alarm, motion sensors, door and window opening sensors or security cameras, for example, from anywhere, anytime. Simply link your smart devices up to your home security!
Your smart home alarm kit : what wireless accessories can you include?
If you’re seriously considering installing a security alarm in your home, it’s worth thinking about what other home security accessories you might want to install in future.
So, let’s take a look at the main home security accessories on offer:
Main security alarm
A wireless or wired security alarm might be the best choice for your home. Similarly, you might choose to install a GSM or PSTN alarm, depending on how you’d like your home security system to work. Plus, you’ll need to think about your chosen control method: keyboards, LCD screens, touch screens, remote control options and virtual control panels via an integrated smart application are all great control options to consider.
Smart motion sensors
Smart motion sensors can focus either on the perimeter of your property, or on movements within the area around your home. Either way, motion sensors are a reliable way to pick up on, say, a potential intruder that has entered your property. Connect your smart motion sensors up to smart security cameras and you’ll be able to monitor movements in and around your home quickly and easily.
Smart door and window opening sensors
Immediately receive notifications if an intruder enters – or attempts to enter – any door or window around your home. Smart door and window opening sensors are sensitive enough to pick up the subtle vibrations that indicate an intruder is trying to prise open a door or window around your home. So, these smart motion sensors are a great way to increase your home security at a reasonable price. Think carefully about where you position these sensors: a back or side door, perhaps, or lower floor windows that would be more vulnerable to an intruder.
Smart security cameras
Security cameras are an integral element of any comprehensive smart home security system. If you’re considering installing smart security systems in your home, why not check out the Netatmo range of Smart Indoor and Outdoor Cameras?
Install a wireless home security alarm and you’ll have total freedom to continue adding more smart home security accessories to your integrated system. Keep adding to your systems, as and when the need – and the price – suit you!