With smart home security systems, protecting your home is now easier than ever. Not only are smart home security systems convenient and easy to use, you can even set many of them up yourself. Here we’ll review different kinds of smart home security systems and what they can do for your peace of mind.
How Does a Smart Home Security System Work?
Smart home security systems use sensors and smart components installed strategically inside and around your home to both monitor and alert. Usually the systems let you control and monitor the space through a camera or an app on your phone or computer. Smart security devices, like cameras and door sensors, connect to the internet via Wi-Fi or use a protocol like Zigbee or Z-Wave.
How to Install a Smart Home Security System
If you’re worried about the complexity of installing a smart home security system, you’ll be glad to know it’s easier than you think!
All-in-one systems let you control everything all from a central control panel and a smart phone app. Many components and sensors require only the use of adhesive tape, typically included with the system. Handy smart phone apps for your system will walk you through installation with easy to follow instructions. Even if you’re generally nervous about tech, these systems’ setups are very user friendly.
Always be sure to pick a strong password for your system and don’t share it with anyone. If your system manufacturer recommends any other security measures like two-factor authentication, be sure to follow their guidelines for easy and secure setup.
Building Your Smart Home Security System
You’ve got two basic options for creating a connected and protected home.
Option one is choosing a DIY smart security system that comes with a central hub that everything connects to, such as:
Option two is that you set up your own smart home using individual kits and components, or professional help.
Smart Lighting: A Great Starting Point For Your Smart & Secure Home
A basic first step in a smart home security system is lighting. Lights with sensors pointed at any dark spots inside and around the outside of your home will go a long way to helping you feeling safe at home. Look for smart lighting that’s Wi-Fi- or Bluetooth-enabled. You can choose from components like:
- Timer-controlled LED bulbs
- Smart table lamps
- Smart lighting strips
- Smart outdoor spotlights with motion sensors
Smart bulbs and lighting systems come in a range of colors, giving you full control over the brightness and scene variations.
Smart Locks: Essential Advanced Entry Point Access Control
A smart lock allows you to let a friend or relative into your home at the touch of a button. Add a smart doorbell or surveillance camera, and you can even see your visitor remotely utilizing a connected smartphone app.
Basic locks offer standard entry point access control, while high-end models come with features like:
- Tamper alarms
- Voice commands
- Push notifications
Smart Video Doorbells: Always Letting You Know Who’s There
Smart video doorbells stream direct to an app on your phone or computer, and come with tons of useful features. Be on the lookout for full 1080p or 4K ultra high-definition video for the clearest images.
You may want to choose cameras with motion detection plus night vision so that you can clearly see what’s going on at night. Some other more advanced smart video doorbell features you can choose from include:
- Facial recognition capabilities
- Cloud video storage
- Options for a battery-powered or wired system
Outdoor Smart Security Cameras: Tough, Rugged, and Reliable
Standard smart security cameras aren’t suited to outdoor use, so if you want some cameras outside your house, make sure you go for outdoor-specific cameras.
Just as you’d research the camera’s features, make sure you also take the weather into consideration. Outdoor smart security cameras will all be waterproof, but dig deeper into how a particular camera is built if you live in a spot that’s extra windy, gets a lot of annual rainfall, or if you expect a big snowstorm or two each winter.
Smart Smoke Sensors: Around-the-Clock Fire Protection
Another thing not to overlook when setting up your smart home security system is smoke detection. Real-time smoke detection makes sure you know about a fire or smoke immediately and will also notify the fire department for you. This gives you important time to deal with the fire or gather your family to leave the house.
Smart devices in your home can certainly make everyday life more convenient. And adding a smart security system to your home can also make you feel more safe. With all of the options out there you’re sure to find a system that fits your home and lifestyle.
