Home Security - How It Works

Home security in the digital age means you have a large choice of gadgets and services to keep you and your loved ones safe, from home-monitoring devices for the elderly, to fire alert systems, to video and other monitoring systems, there are plenty of options to give you peace of mind in your home.

Home Monitoring Systems and Services

Home monitoring services generally employ a large range of components to build a secure anti-theft system in your home. Components such as motion detectors and alarms work in conjunction with alert reporting to get the police to your home, should there be an unwanted entry. Who needs a home monitoring system? People who travel a lot, people who live in high-risk neighborhoods, people who have lots of valuables, people who are hearing impaired, older people, anyone and everyone who wants peace of mind, really. You could benefit from one whether you are a homeowner or a renter, but if you are the latter, you will need permission from the property owner to install one.

A home monitoring system simply gives you confidence and a feeling of safety while when you’re away, at work, or even when you’re asleep. Along with motion detection, other equipment can be integrated into your system and tailored to your particular needs. Your system can be as simple or as complex as you need it to be. Surveillance cameras, fire and gas leak alerts, and other devices can be included in your system, depending on your need and budget.

Systems be monitored in a number of ways including from your home phone (landline), or through a GMS system (cell), which usually have more bells and whistles.

Home Security Cameras

Have you had issues with break-ins or multiple break-ins. Has your neighborhood been getting hit? Do you have a sneaky suspicion about someone? Perhaps you have a questionable nanny or caregiver, or workers on your property. While we don’t want to raise suspicions, there may be lots of reasons for home security cameras. Maybe you want to see who is eating your birdseed from the feeder or who’s knocking over your trash at night. Whatever the concern, a home security camera might give you peace of mind.

Other reasons for having security cameras are more pedestrian. You may want an exterior entryway camera to see who approaches your home, or a doorbell-integrated camera so you can decide whether to answer. Baby or elderly monitoring are another way security cameras are commonly used. You may have other uses for security camera, in which case you can talk to a security company about some custom options. Many systems connect to your phone or computer for monitoring, but there are a huge range of devices and controls on the market today.

To recap--security cameras are used for:

• Nanny cams
• Entryway exterior and interior monitoring
• Entry gate monitoring
• Contractor, cleaning or other worker monitoring
• Repeat theft monitoring
• Small business monitoring

Home Automation Systems

Home automation systems are for the gadget freaks who want to streamline their digital lifestyles. Automated systems include apps from which you can control things like lights, doorbells, thermostats, and other connected home devices. Say you are not at home and a package delivery arrives. Provided the delivery person rings the doorbell, you could see them and ask them to hold it. If you stay out late or decide not to return home, wouldn’t it be convenient to turn down your heat in the dead of winter to save on electricity? Or turn on a light so it looks like someone is home?

Garage door openers are another must-have to those techie kinds of folks who love convenience. Do you prefer that Alexa boss around your appliances (yes, there are submissive appliances on the market now)? Well, some home automation systems can integrate your appliances, so you’ll be the casual commander of your kitchen—you and Alexa, your bossy sidekick. These are just a few of examples of potential benefits of having a home automation system. You can likely imagine some creative customizations for your own space.

In a nutshell, home automation systems can be configured to control:

• Thermostat
• Interior and exterior lights
• Entertainment systems
• Garage door
• Doorbell monitoring
• Appliance operation
• Alexa-capable control of your home (some systems)

Home Safety Alerts

Safety alerts undoubtedly fall into the universal domain as everyone needs them. Safety alerts include fire, carbon monoxide, flood detection and panic alerts. Which features you need will depend on your lifestyle and the area in which you live. Everyone needs the first two.

Do you have an elderly loved one who lives independently or perhaps stays with you but spends part of the day alone while you are at work? A panic alert will give you and that loved one peace of mind. A simple press of a button could be life saving should there be an emergency. A panic button can (and should be) wearable—in the form of a bracelet, neck chain, or key fob. The device is only a component of the system. The comforting part is knowing that a trained professional will be responding to a fall or other emergency. Depending on your home system, safety alerts, automation, video, and other monitoring devises can all be integrated into a complete home system.

In short, home safety alerts are great for:

• Fire alerts/alarms (in-home and remote notification)
• Panic alerts
• Carbon monoxide alerts
• Flood detection
• Hearing impaired alerts and alarms (this is a more specialized type of alert)

What Does a Home Security System Cost?

Security systems vary in price depending on how many components there are, the length of your service contract, and what type of monitoring you have (landline or GPS). A basic home system could cost between 25-30 dollars per month for landline, with a GPS chip costing $40-$70 per month. The components of the systems (such as cameras) cost additional but are often included in package deals. Ask your security pro for an analysis of your needs and an estimate. The pricing will really vary by provider/installer and equipment.

Other Benefits of Home Security Systems

• Homes with well-marked security systems are 33% less likely to get robbed than unsecured homes.
• Monitoring can include doors, windows, doorbell, glass breakage—plus motion and sound detection.
• Live video monitoring can tip you off to potential intruders or repeat visitors.
• Mobile apps allow instant connection from almost anywhere (with GPS limitations).
• Lock-in rates are sometimes available (be sure to ask).

If feeling safer or providing extra safety to your elderly parent or other loved ones appeals to you, consider getting a free quote from Billy.com. It’s fast, painless and requires no commitment (until you sign a contract).