With the rapidly advancing technology and the all-powerful, pocket-sized computer known as the smartphone, security systems have become much more robust and affordable. All you have to do is install a few simple pieces of surveillance hardware and connect them to a monitoring company and you’re good to go.

Which Features Do I Need in a Home Security System?

But there are hundreds of options available, each slightly different, that make choosing one system seem overwhelming. By researching available features and determining which are most important to you, you can find the best home security system for your needs without spending a fortune. Here are some tips.

Monitoring

Many of the security companies that sell home systems also offer—or sometimes require you to purchase—monitoring services. Once you’ve purchased and installed your security system, it can be connected to a remote monitoring center where alerts can be sent. The main benefit of these monitoring systems is their quick response time; they’re always watching, so when somebody breaks into your home, they can quickly and easily notify the police.

The downside to purchasing monitoring services is the continuous investment. When you buy a security system without monitoring services, you’re making a one-time investment that will continue to benefit you for years to come. With a monitoring service, however, you have to make payments each month that can add up over time.

Also, if you’re in a particularly remote area that police can’t quickly get to, paying for a monitoring service may not be worth the investment.

Motion Sensors

At the very least, home security systems are usually equipped with motion sensors. The most common placement is at entry points, such as the front and back doors. This is an effective way to keep burglars from entering your home through the main points of entry, but there are always other ways to get inside.

For added protection beyond entry motion sensors, you can add motions sensors to various rooms in your home. These can be placed in corners to monitor any activity in the room, working as a second line of defense in case a burglar finds a way into your home that doesn’t set an alarm off.

If you only need the bare minimum, entry motion sensors will work, but additional sensors will provide backup security. If you do opt for entry sensors only, you should have one at each common entrance to your home.

According to leading security experts, motion sensors are one of the strongest tips to secure your home. Not only are they very cost-affordable, but they can guarantee enhanced levels of safety and security in your premises. Even the slightest of movements can be picked up and the alarm sounded would be enough to ward off the criminal elements from your home. 

Home Automation

A product of the Internet of Things (IoT), home automation is a relatively new feature that allows you to automate tasks and remotely control things in your home.

Home automation is more about convenience, but there are plenty of security features embedded within. By connecting your smartphone with a home automation system that’s connected to devices in your home, you can control things such as the lights, heating and cooling, door locks, and more. While these features may not deter burglars, they can give you peace of mind by allowing you to check up on your home and make sure you didn’t forget to do anything before you left.

This isn’t a necessary feature in home systems, but it’s an added benefit that may help you choose between two systems you’re considering.

Smartphone Connectivity

The rise of the smartphone was a big step forward for home security, particularly because of its ability to easily connect with any devices that are also connected to the internet. Aside from monitoring services, this is really the main selling point with home security systems—being anywhere in the world and staying connected to your home security system.

But do you really need smartphone connectivity? Absolutely. If you’re unable to view a live feed of your cameras and receive alerts while you’re away from home, you aren’t fully experiencing the benefits of a home security system. This should be one of the first features you look for when choosing a system.

Choosing the right home security system for your needs may seem difficult, but determining which features you need and finding a system that offers them makes the process easier. And with a fully connected home security system protecting your family and your belongings, you’ll have the peace of mind to sleep soundly at night and stress less at work.