Home Security Essentials

Necessary tech to secure your home

Protecting your home and keeping your family safe require a reliable home security system. If you’re thinking about getting one, you’ll probably ask questions like, “What is a home security system,” and “How is it different from a security camera?” A home security system is an integrated collection of security equipment used to protect a home from intruders and keep an eye on property. With so many options available, deciding which security devices are essential can feel overwhelming. Read this shopping guide to learn which items are needed to secure your home.

Door and window sensors

Also known as contact sensors, these small devices attach to a home’s main points of entry. Entry sensors offer intruder alerts and are easy to set up if you’re leaning toward DIY home security systems. It’s important to secure the front and back doors of your home as well as large windows, as these are the likeliest points of entry for a burglar.

Unlike motion sensors, you can keep window and door security sensors armed even when you’re home. Once triggered, an entry sensor sounds a piercing alarm to startle and dissuade the intruder. Choose a model that also sends intruder alerts to your phone so you can monitor the situation remotely. It’s also possible to connect your door and window sensors with a monitored security system company so that a triggered sensor will also alert the authorities or a professional home security firm.

Smart locks

Besides securing your home, smart door locks make entering and locking doors more convenient. The ability to remotely lock and unlock doors makes smart locks good examples of home automation and a ready answer for anyone asking, “Are home security systems worth it?” Unlike regular doors, these smart home security devices may have biometric scanners and keypads to allow users to unlock doors by fingerprint or numeric code.

Some smart locks with Bluetooth capabilities pair with phones to enable automatic unlock when approaching doors. Look for a setup that incorporates smart door locks if you’re asking, “What is the best home security system for a vacation rental?” Similarly, if you receive guests often, consider a smart lock that allows you to provide temporary unlock codes for visitors.

Motion sensors

Motion sensors detect movements in the spaces they cover and then send out alerts. When you turn these home security system components on, make sure no one is home, so they aren’t set off accidentally. Motion sensors are ideal for rooms with multiple points of entry. They act as a second line of defense after door and window sensors to keep your home safe. However, you don’t need this type of sensor for every room in your house. Just set them up in places where an intruder is likely to pass through. If you have a pet, choose motion sensors that can detect and disregard their presence to avoid getting frequent false alarms.

Base station

When researching what is a home security system, the base station is a key component to explore. Also known as a smart hub, the base station serves as the brain of a home security system. The hub is the device that connects all the sensors and components together. It also doubles as a monitoring station, where you can receive alerts if an intruder activates any of the connected home security system components. As an added convenience, the base station can also serve as a smart display in your home.

The base station needs a reliable power source and a strong network connection to enable consistent monitoring of your home’s security. Therefore, it’s a good idea to choose a security kit that includes a base station with power and internet backups. This is an important feature to consider when figuring out what the best home security system is for you because a backup battery and an emergency cellular connection will keep the system running in the event of a power outage.

Doorbell camera

A doorbell camera provides quick access to your front door by allowing you to view and interact with people seeking entry. This handy device functions like a regular doorbell by notifying you with chimes when the button is pushed. For enhanced convenience and security, look for a smart doorbell that also offers two-way audio so you can communicate with whoever is at the door. You can also integrate this device with other smart home security components, such as smart locks. By doing this, you’ll be able to remotely unlock the front door if you approve of the visitor.

Security cameras

Security cameras are a vital part of home security systems. The cost of the security cameras will vary depending on which model you choose. When deciding between security cameras, go with models that’ll integrate well with your smart home. This makes it easier to check up on your home when you’re away.

You can use both indoor security cameras and outdoor security cameras to monitor your home. Both versions include wired and wireless options. Wireless models are easier for DIY installation and setup. When learning how to install a wireless security camera system at home, follow the instruction manual and download the device’s companion mobile app to enable remote monitoring of your home from anywhere.

A good security camera should not only detect and record intruders but also provide video clips that are sharp enough to identify the people in them. Therefore, choose a model that captures high-definition footage and has an infrared sensor so it can record detailed images at night and in poorly lit areas. A security camera can record livestreaming video of your home on a continual basis or can be scheduled to record only when it detects motion. Some models save their footage on local storage (memory cards), while others upload them to the cloud.

Automated lighting

If you’re looking for affordable smart home security components that are easy to install, smart lights can make a big difference at a small cost in keeping your home safe. Look for smart lighting products that offer Away Mode, a feature that lets you program a schedule that simulates your usual routine. When you're not home, they’ll turn on when it gets dark and then switch off at the time you'd normally go to bed. In an integrated smart home, lights in different rooms of the house can switch on and off throughout the evening to make it appear to the outside world that occupants are home and moving about for dinner and getting ready for bed.

Working together, indoor automated lighting and outdoor security lights with motion sensors are effective tools for dissuading potential intruders. The latter devices switch on when they detect movements in the dark to literally shine a light on a potential danger.

Installation

Whether you’re putting together a home security system piece by piece, or getting a kit from an established brand, you’ll have to consider how to install either option. If you’re unsure about attempting a DIY installation project, you can always rely on the professionals for smart home services.