Are You Ready for Smarter Home Security?

As smart devices become more common, it’s no surprise to find homeowners who have opted to upgrade to smart thermostats or replace some of their lights with smart LED bulbs. While gadgets like these and virtual assistants like Amazon Echo and Google Home are great ways to make the home a bit smarter, these are not the only ways. There are a variety of sensors and smart devices that can make your daily life more convenient, including several smart security devices that can help keep you and your home safe and secure.

Smart Home Security

Traditionally, there were two ways that you could improve your home security. You could buy and install static items like deadbolts or reinforced door jams that that made it harder for someone to enter the home, or you could install an externally monitored security system that you typically paid a monthly or yearly fee for. With the rise in smart home devices, though, there is now a third option. A number of security-focused smart devices are available which not only work together to improve the overall security of your home, but also send alerts about suspicious activity around your house. While some smart home security devices are still linked to external monitoring, many of them provide you with pretty solid security without the need for ongoing subscription fees.

Cameras and Motion Detection

One of the more popular options for smart home security comes in the form of smart cameras and other smart monitors that you can install around the home. These cameras typically provide HD-quality video, and many feature tracking to follow potential invaders as they move, so you can get a clearer view of what’s going on in your house. To save power, these can be combined with motion detectors which allow the cameras to turn on only when someone or something is moving. Many of the motion detectors are advanced enough that you won’t have to worry about pets or things blowing in the wind setting them off, either. Once the camera is recording, you’ll receive an alert so you can view the video in real time and take action as needed.

Intrusion Sensors

Motion detectors aren’t the only smart sensors that can improve your home security. Smart locks, door sensors, and window sensors can tell you remotely whether your doors and windows are locked, unlocked, open, or closed. In many cases you can even trigger the locks remotely to lock a door that you might have forgotten when leaving the house. Should a window or door be forced open or broken, the sensors can alert you, and also send a notice to other security components you have in your home, such as cameras or an alarm panel.

Smart Doorbells

Another popular home security add-on is the smart doorbell. These doorbells typically contain a camera, alerting you when someone approaches your door, and also feature intercoms so that you can talk to visitors without having to actually open the door to greet them. Video clips are typically saved for easy access, and because of the eyes-front view of the doorbell they can be great tools for identifying package thieves and other people who shouldn’t be approaching your porch.

Total Security Systems

While you can buy a number of individual components to build your own home security setup, smart security systems are an option as well. Not only do these systems provide you with multiple smart devices that convey the benefits we’ve already discussed, but they also tie them together with a central alarm panel that typically provides monitoring and the ability to call the police if needed.