Due to the increased number of break-ins, we are forced to fortify our homes. Regardless if you live in a house or an apartment, you want to make it as secure as possible. Although there are many ways you can improve your home security, the best one is installing a home security system.
But since not all home security systems are made equal, you will have to choose the one that suits you the most. Having in mind that there are different security systems, it can be really hard to choose one. Luckily, there are certain things you should consider when choosing a security system.
How to Choose the Home Security System?
Before you even start looking for a security system, you should ask yourself several questions, including:
- Why do I need the security system?
- How and where will I place it?
- How big is my home?
- How much can I spend on the system?
- Am I looking for a high-tech smart system or a regular one?
- What do I need from the security system?
- Do I want to have my home monitored by a security agency or not?
Once you know the answers to these questions, you can start the search. But, bear in mind that there are more options than you imagine. So, it’s always good to know what you are looking for, but still be open to other options.
The Features
One of the most important things we are interested in when buying something is the package. This refers to what comes with the system – the features and parts. While some systems offer basic features and elements, such as door camera and alarm, there are more equipped systems that contain more than 10 elements. If you are looking for basic protection, you can go for the basic package. But, if you really want to fortify your home, you should look for the most equipped packages. Those usually include:
- Video monitoring – doorbell, nanny, and spotlight camera
- Sensors – door, window, glass-break, motion, flood, and freeze sensors
- Fire and smoke alarm
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Panic pendant
- Smart home automation
- Two-way talk
- Wireless monitoring
- Professional monitoring
The Size of the Security System
This refers to the number of parts and devices included in the system package and depends on the size of your home. Hence, if you live in a small apartment you will need a smaller system with less equipment. But, if you live in a house, you will need more equipment because houses are usually bigger than apartments and they have more entrance (break-in) points. Regardless of which system size you choose, make sure there’s enough equipment to cover all entrances and exits, including basement and window wells.
The Video and Audio Backup Storage
This refers to how much material you can store on the system’s hard drive. This depends on whether you want the hard drive to store more video and audio material or less. How fast the storage fills out depends on the video and audio quality. Hence, if you want an HD video and audio quality, the HDD storage will fill out faster and if you want a lower-quality video and audio, the storage will fill out more slowly. Regardless of the quality, it’s always better to have more storage capacity, around 3TB.
The Type of Connection
There are two ways you can connect your devices to your central console system – wired or wireless. The wired type uses your analogue phone line to connect the devices whereas the wireless type uses Wi-Fi or cellular network.
Both of these connection types have their pros and cons. Namely, the wireless systems are easy to set up but it may be a target to hackers. Also, if your network goes down, the system won’t work and your home will be completely unprotected.
On the other hand, the wired systems are harder to set up because you can’t reach to the furthest corners of your home. But, these systems can work even when there’s no network in your home, thus keeping your home safe. Therefore, the best option would be to choose a system that can be connected both, with wires and wirelessly.
Other Things to Consider
You should also consider is the installation, i.e. do you want to have your system installed by professionals or you want to do it yourself. Also, the monitoring, i.e. do you want to have an agency monitor your home or you will do it yourself. And the last thing is the price. Although it plays a major role in your decision-making, you should choose your system based on the other factors and then look at the price. There will be some compromise between the system’s quality and price.
