The safety of your loved ones and the security of your home is priceless. I think we can all agree on this. In fact, that’s probably why you’re interested in home security system reviews in the first place.
Let’s define security by using its simplest definition. Security is simply the process of systematically preventing unwanted scenarios, such as burglary or fire. Do you ever truly feel safe and secure? If you’re like most people, you always have some lingering doubt left around… Whatever you do in terms of the safety of your home or business, you always wonder if it is truly keeping you safe. You wonder if it is enough.
There are many companies that offer a wide range of home security systems and services, all depending on your needs and lifestyle. The best companies are the ones that try to keep up with the latest technological advances. They work hard to provide you with the cutting-edge security features that you deserve.
Therein lies a problem though. What do we do about all of this choice though? You might wonder – how can you tell the vendors apart and make the right choice for your needs? That’s where home security system reviews come in. Professional reviews will empower you to make a quick and informed decision and get the best security system for you and your family.
First you have to decide on the type of security system that interests you. Then, you can go start and researching these types of products and compare them by vendor. Reviews are the best way to compare prices, compare features and compare quality of service.
With the rise of the DIY home security and CCTV system market there are hundreds of products all vying for your attention and cash. But which ones will keep you most secure?
Before You Delve into Any Home Security System Review, Learn About The Basics
Before you start browsing the reviews, you should get acquainted with some basic information about how a home security system works, what is important, and what is not.
There are three types of alarms that we commonly use today – a burglar alarm, a safety alarm and a fire alarm. Alarms can therefore detect intrusion, burglary, presence of carbon monoxide, and fire. Alarms typically alert you using loud beeps and are sometimes supported by bright flashing lights. Some of them also include door or window chimes.
Fire alarms fall under three general categories – heat, smoke and flame detectors.
Safety detectors on the other hand use thermostats to detect high temperatures and extreme concentrations of carbon monoxide, or water sensors to detect flooding.
How to choose the best home security system?
Innovations in technology have made for home security features that provide for unprecedented levels of safety and security. There are so many types of home security products and services nowadays, with each one of them satisfying different safety needs. This makes it very hard to make a choice.
When you start reading about all the products mentioned in our home security system reviews, you will find yourself fascinated and confused at the same time.
You can try to narrow your choices down according to your budget and needs, but there are some features that you must take into consideration. Here are the most important features to look for when perusing home security system reviews.
Basic features of security systems
Although there are many technological inventions in the field of security alarm systems, some of the basic features will always remain essential. A control panel connected to a remote alarm is still the basis to every home security system. Other basics include door chimes, alarms and sensors. Do note that these features have been greatly improved in the past few years, and some models implement them better than others.
Wireless features in security systems
Wireless technology is one of the largest developments in home security systems. It enables the installation of security systems without any drilling. What is even more important, it enables remote monitoring which does not depend on telephone lines.
A few years ago, one of the biggest issues about security systems was their dependence on telephone lines. It was a real vulnerable part of security because all the intruder had to know was how to cut the telephone wire. Once the telephone line was cut, it would make the entire security system useless.
When based on wireless technology, security systems have a cellular connection or a cellular backup. It’s the most reliable connection you can have. Due to the power of wireless sensors and cameras, all major security providers today offer wireless packages.
Want A CCTV System As Part Of Your Home Security Set Up?
You may also be interested in a CCTV system. CCTV surveillance systems today are very discreet and like all good wireless security alarms, CCTV systems can also operate wirelessly. Wireless systems make use of cellular technology, and they are a lot less complicated than wired systems.
Advanced camera features in security systems
Previous generations of security cameras offered low quality black and white video feeds. The latest advances in video and imaging technology have made video surveillance one of the best features of home security systems.
Now we can have full color HD feeds, with an option to pan, tilt and zoom individual cameras (PTZ cameras) with remote controls. High capacity DVR (digital video recorder) technology can record many gigabytes of HD footage which gives us a clear picture of what is going on.
Perhaps the most essential advance in security camera technology is their size. You can get HD footage from cameras that are so small as to be practically invisible and can be hidden inside your home decor.
Home automation feature
Home automation means that you can now combine two-way wireless communication and mobile technology. When you connect your home security system with a mobile application, you can get insight on what is happening in your home, wherever you are, whenever you are. Moreover, you even can control your security system right from your mobile phone.
A mobile application like this enables you to control your lights, thermostat and the security system as a whole. You can also lock and unlock your doors right from your mobile phone. The ability to arm, disarm or change the settings of your home security system using your mobile phone is crucial. It will help you relax and free you from safety related worries when you are away.
Other features
While video advancements are cool, advances in technology have affected many other aspects of home security systems. There have been improvements in many aspects related to security systems.
Sensors
Basic window and door sensors have now been improved so they are now more precise than ever. Next, there are many more new types of sensors that can be used in your home security system.
– Modern air sensors that surpass the smoke detector on many levels. These new air sensors will analyze and warn you about any dangerous changes in the air inside your home. There are also temperature and humidity sensors that detect fire and flood, and carbon dioxide sensors that warn about changes in air quality.
– Tamper-sensitive sensors can alert you if someone breaks your window or tries to access the control panel.
– Refined motion sensors now offer a pet-friendly option that makes a difference between your pet and intruder. Now you won’t have to deal with your alarm every time your pet moves around the house.
Panic buttons
Although technology has broadened the number and type of safety features, the primary reason people get home security systems is for things like protection against fire, intrusion and burglary. There are now wearable panic buttons which improve emergency responses, especially for handicapped and elderly family members.
Two-way voice feature
Two-way voice feature means that you no longer have to wait for the monitoring center to call you on the phone. Now you can have instant communication through an intercom incorporated in the control panel. This feature significantly increases safety, especially for the handicapped and elderly.