IN THIS POST
– Reasons to Buy Home Security Systems
– Types of Home Security Systems
– Features of Home Security Systems
Do you want to give your home an additional layer of protection against any potential intruders? Whether you own a house or are currently living in a rental property, you should consider buying a home security system to keep out the burglars as well as ensure your family is safe from any major threats. They also allow you to monitor your home, unlock electronic door locks, turn on the light and adjust the thermostat remotely.
Since there are a lot of cutting edge home security systems available in the market right now, finding the one that fulfils all your security needs and goals can be a little overwhelming. This is why we have brought you a comprehensive guide on what to look for in a home security system. We will discuss different types of home security systems along with their features.
However, we must first take a look at the advantages of home security systems and how they can make your life much easier.
Reasons for Buying a Home Security System
These are the main reasons to get a home security system:
To Protect the Valuables
One of the biggest advantages of home security systems is to protect your jewellery, electronics, family heirlooms and other high-value items from burglars. A home security system comes with motion sensors and alarm, which can effectively deter home invasion.
Apart from the doorbell cameras, most home security systems come with motion sensors that can be installed near glass windows and other potential entry points to trigger an alarm in case someone tries to break and enter.
Make Your Neighbourhood Safe
Several research studies have concluded the increase in the number of home security systems in a neighbourhood leads to a decrease in the number of robberies in that area. Even people who don’t have security systems in their homes benefitted from their neighbours installing one.
One of the main benefits of having a home security system is that it will not only deter burglars from entering your house but also make your neighbourhood safe.
Allow Remote Access to Your Home
Most home security systems allow homeowners to monitor what’s happening in each room of their house through their phones when they are not there. You can use these systems to access all security cameras installed inside and around your house from a remote location. The modern security systems also allow users to remotely turn light on and off in their home through the smart lighting feature. They can also be used to control thermostat, keyless door locks and other smart gadgets in a home.
Helps Keep an Eye on the Kids
Buying a home security system will help you keep an eye on your kids when they are home alone.
For example, if you are at work, you can use the home automation system to remotely unlock the electronic door locks to let your children in after they return from school. Similarly, if you have to step out of the home for some time, you can use your cell phone to monitor your home and ensure your kids are completely safe and sound.
Types of Home Security Systems
Want to choose the best home security system? Here are the most common types of alarm systems you can install in your house or apartment.
Electric Current Home Security Systems
These are the most basic types of security systems where a monitoring tool is installed near doors and windows. These systems are usually installed when the house is being constructed.
An electric current security system is connected to the main switchboard of a home. It allows low voltage current to flow between two points. When the door or windows are closed, the current flows without any problem. However, if either of them is opened, the circuit is disrupted and the alarm is triggered.
Wired Home Security Systems
These home security systems are relatively affordable as they use your phone landline to transmit signals to the monitoring centre. The wired home alarm systems are relatively affordable and need to be installed permanently.
However, the biggest downside of installing this system is that cutting or destroying the home landline cables can essentially render it useless. Similarly, harsh weather conditions can also make it hard for these alarm systems to connect with the provider.
Wireless Home Security Systems
These are presently the most commonly used home alarm system. They are also rather easy to install as there are no wires involved. Wireless home security systems comprise a control panel along with a range of sensors. These sensors connected with built-in radio frequency transmitter that sends a signal to the control panel to activate the alarm once it’s triggered
The wireless home security systems can integrate with other smart home features like video surveillance through mobile devices and the functioning of smart lights.
Unmonitored Home Security Systems
Buying monitored vs unmonitored security systems is a major debate among those looking to get an extra layer of defence for their homes.
The unmonitored home security systems are also referred to as local alarms. In this system, audio and video alarms are triggered and activated when someone tries to enter your home. However, instead of alerting the authorities or security provider on its own, this alarm system relies on the homeowners or neighbours to call the emergency services. Needless to say, these systems do not offer the same level of protection against intruders and robbers as the latest monitored home alarm systems.
Monitored Home Security System
Compared to an unmonitored home security system, a monitored home alarm system offers a lot more protection to homeowners. When triggered and activated, these home security systems immediately alert the authorities as well as notify the monitoring centre set up by the service providers. The monitoring centre operators will then determine the reason behind the alarm activation, for instance, if it was triggered because of movement near the motion sensors, a loud noise or if someone activated the alarm manually.
In some cases, they can also gain access to the video cameras installed inside the house to monitor the situation.
Before we proceed further, here is a list of most popular companies that provide home security services in Pakistan.
Features of Home Security Systems
Wondering what to look for in a home security system? We have put together a list of modern equipment and cutting-edge features that security providers include in their product packages and bundles, which vary from each other depending on their coverage and price.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular features of home security systems that are essential to the safety and protection of your property.
Doorbell Camera
As the name suggests, a doorbell camera is installed outside the main gates of your home near the doorbell. A small screen is installed inside the home that allows the residents to see and record who stops by their front step. It also allows them to speak with the visitor without opening the door.
It is a great feature of home alarm systems as it helps to welcome the guests as well as get rid of any unsolicited visitors.
Door and Window Sensors
These sensors are triggered when someone opens or enters through a door or a window. They are easily the most important part of any home security system. The door and window sensors not only help guard all the entryways of your home and prevent intruders but they also help keep young children from accessing off-limit parts of a home such as a balcony or a terrace.
Glass Break Sensor
The glass break sensor is also a piece of important security equipment that can deter intruders who try to break and enter through the windows. These alarm systems are activated by loud noises and broken glass.
Motion Sensor
This feature of home alarm systems alerts homeowners when it detects motion in certain parts of your home. It can be used to keep children and pets away from the balcony and staircases as well.
Spotlight Camera
A spotlight camera is used for catching intruders and trespassers. It lights up the part of your home where the motion is detected.
Nanny Camera
Most home alarm systems include a nanny camera, which can be extremely important for households with kids. These camera systems help parents keep a watchful eye on the children’s room and their caretakers. They can also be used to make sure the ageing parents in the home are doing alright while you’re away.
Panic Button
If you have elderly parents or someone with a disability at home, consider buying a home security system that includes a panic button.
This modern equipment is rather small and can be worn around the wrist or the neck. In case of an emergency, medical or otherwise, the wearer can press the button to alert the emergency authorities as well as the homeowner if they are not around.
Smart Home Integration
The latest high-tech home security systems integrate the features of home alarm systems with those of smart automation systems. They allow you to control your smart home devices from a remote location and help create customized routines for your household. These systems are also voice-controlled, making them much easier to use.
Fire and Smoke Alarm
A fire and smoke alarm system is also an ideal feature that must be taken into consideration when buying a home security system.
These alarms go off when they detect fire, smoke, or severe heat in any area of your home. The modern systems also alert the authorities on their own, which can be truly critical for saving lives.
To conclude, buying a home security system is a budget-friendly way of ensuring foolproof security for your family. Therefore, if you are looking to buy a home security system, it is recommended to research different packages offered by the top companies in Pakistan and compare them to figure out which one provides the best features at the most desirable rates.
Here are some more tips on how to build your own home security system while living alone as well as effective yet easy ways to protect your home from burglary and other unpleasant situations.
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