Home Security and the Integration of Smart Home Devices

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Comparing home security now to the home security grandma used to have is comparing apples to oranges. Sophisticated and technologically-stocked, homes security these days is the descendant of unattractive, simple systems of generations past. These days, home security does more than monitor home intrusions. Now, the integration of smart home devices gives you the power to fully monitor your own home. If you haven’t looked into home security in recent years, there are big changes you might’ve missed.

 

Integration With Smart Home Devices for Automation

Modern home security systems are much more multi-faceted than their older counterparts. The sole purpose of older systems was to secure a home. New systems can connect with a wide range of smart devices to link home automation with your security system to make your home easy to monitor and protect all from one system. Energy-saving devices like smart thermostats and smart light bulbs give you a way to automate your home and save money. With smart thermostats, you can program your home to be the perfect temperature year-round. Program your light bulbs to turn off when you’re usually in bed, or when you leave for work for extra convenience.

 

Integration With Smart Home Devices for Additional Security

Not only can you add smart devices to your home security system to make life a little easier. There are smart devices that offer additional safety features than the ones included in a basic smart home security system.

You can utilize smart smoke detectors and smart carbon monoxide detectors to monitor your home and family’s safety, especially when you’re away. You won’t have to wait for your neighbors to see smoke billowing from your house before the fire department is called. As soon as a fire or carbon monoxide is detected, you and the fire department will be notified. This prevents a bad situation from becoming completely disastrous.

Video doorbells also have the benefit of being convenient as well as safe. When they recognize motion, you’ll be notified and a clip of whoever is at your doorstep is recorded. You can use Ring’s two-way talk to give the impression that you’re home and to dismiss any unwanted visitors. Additionally, just having a smart doorbell is a way for people to know that you are protecting your home. Criminals have admitted that the presence of home security is enough to prevent criminals from breaking into a home. And now that the holiday season is here, you can use a video doorbell as an extra step to deter package thefts.

 

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Baby, It’s Cold Outside: Is Your Home Protected This Winter?

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Use Smart Home Security to Protect Your Greatest Asset

Winter is here and if you’re in a northern state, you’ve probably started taking some steps to winterize your home. But you may have missed a couple of key steps to making your home completely free of costly accidents. As we go deeper into winter, your home and assets are at greater risk of being impacted by freezing temperatures. Luckily, these 2 smart home security devices have you covered.

 

1. Smart Thermostat

Heating a house is expensive and we all want to save where we can. When people leave their houses in the winter, they have to take steps to keep their pipes from freezing. But the Nest Learning Thermostat makes leaving your house in the winter much more cost-effective. You can program your heater to be low on days that it’ll be warm. And you can bump it up on the days when you know it’s going to be below freezing. Additionally, you can turn up your heat on the way home so you come home to a warm house. 

And if you’re the forgetful type, you’ll never have to wonder whether you remembered to turn the heat up in the first place. Coming home to a flood from burst pipes is the last thing you want on vacation. Smart home security enables you to check your home’s temperature from anywhere, right from your phone.

 

2. Floor Sensor

In the unfortunate instance that you forget to turn your heat up and do have an incident with a burst pipe, there are at least some ways you can prevent a bad situation from becoming completely disastrous. While flood sensors are typically used in homes where there might be a faulty toilet or old pipes, they can be used as a backup sensor for homes in cold climates as well. If your home floods because of a burst pipe while you’re out of town, you’ll get a notification and be able to send someone over right away to take care of the situation. 

 

If you’re looking for unconventional ways to winterize your home, look into either of the two smart products above. When you bundle them with a smart home security system, you can be sure that your home is protected from the inside out.

 

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3 Essential Devices You Need to Add to Your Home Security System Today

It’s no secret that a basic home security system is great for securing your home and belongings. But if you’re wondering if there’s more you can do, the answer is a resounding yes. Home security has come a long way in recent years. There are many devices you can add to your system to not only make life more convenient but to also increase your home’s security. By using these devices, you can further prevent something from happening.

 

1. Ring Video Doorbell

There’s a new first line of defense in home security. The Ring Video Doorbell is the perfect way to stop crime before it happens. The Ring Video doorbell captures every movement on your front doorstep. It’s a perfect way to let criminals know that your home is secure. Criminals have admitted to being deterred up most of the time when they knew a home security system was present. And in cases where criminals were bold enough to break in any way, they were more likely to be caught.

 

 

2. Smart Smoke Detector

Securing your home doesn’t only include keeping the bad guys out. These days, you can use home security to more quickly catch disasters from occurring. A smart smoke detector and smart carbon monoxide detector will inform you of fires and gas leaks no matter where you are. While regular detectors are helpful when you’re home, there’s no way to know if there’s a fire or gas leak when you’re not home. Smart smoke detectors and smart carbon monoxide detectors get the proper authorities sent to your home before a small issue becomes a large disaster. You won’t have to wait for your neighbors to notice smoke coming from your home before the fire station is contacted. This is especially concerning for families with kids or aging parents who stay home alone.

 

 

3. Smart Garage

There is a myriad of reasons why your garage needs monitoring, too. Not only does it provide direct access to your home, but it’s also where a lot of homeowners store valuables. A garage usually stores tools, ATV’s and not to mention, your cars. All of these items are at risk for theft if someone were to break into your garage. With criminals being able to gain access to your garage in as little as six seconds, this is a device you’ll want to add to your home security system.

 

If you are missing these items, it may be time to reevaluate your home’s security system and consider adding these items to your plan. If you’re signed up with a reputable home security company, you should be able to add items at any time.

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Home Security for Families with Special Needs

Not all families are the same and, therefore, don’t require the same solutions to keep everyone safe. When you’re considering home security for your family, there are many things you might need to consider to make sure your home and family are protected. Many times, a family with special needs has to consider who they are keeping in the home rather than out of the home. So speaking with a company that understands the needs of families with special needs can ensure that your family is as protected and cared for as possible. Here are some home security solutions you may find valuable:

 

Door Sensors

If you have a wandering child, as is common in Autism Spectrum Disorder, door sensors are the first line of security you’ll want. Whether you’re home or away while a babysitter is at your house, you’ll know immediately if the doors have been opened. This will give you a head start on bringing your child safely back into your home.

 

Window Sensors

Like door sensors, window sensors will give you a heads up if your child is trying to leave. When you arm your child’s bedroom windows with sensors, you’ll find it easier to rest at night, knowing that you’ll be alerted immediately if a window is opened. Door and window sensors are also tamper-proof, so there’s no worry about it being bypassed at any time.

 

 Ring Video Doorbell

If your child is independent enough to come and go as she pleases, there are still solutions to give you peace of mind. Having a ring doorbell is one way to keep an eye on your kids. You’ll know who’s coming and going without relying on your system being armed. Every time your Ring Doorbell senses motion at your door, you’ll get an alert. Not only can you stream live video, Ring Doorbell’s two-way talk will also enable you to speak to your child.

No matter what your family’s special needs are, there is a solution within home security. Contact a home security specialist today to see what other options can benefit your family.

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Where to Find Affordable Home Security

A lot can make someone feel like they need to have home security. Whether your partner is always traveling, or you have family members to monitor while you’re working, home security can bring peace of mind to worrisome parts of your life. But even with the benefits of investing in a home security system, you might be wondering where to find affordable home security. First, you’ll have to look at your needs and realistic expectations for your budget. Then you’ll have to ask yourself what tradeoffs you’re willing to make for a little peace of mind.

 

Changes in Home Security

When it comes to home security these days, it no longer consists of window monitors and a control panel. Technology has provided a multitude of devices to not only protect your home but make your life easier and give you the ability to easily monitor your home from anywhere. When you sign up for a system with a professional home security company, you’re able to add and remove devices in a plan to make it fit your lifestyle and needs. On the other hand, do-it-yourself systems often come as a package. So no matter what size your house is, or how many doors you have, you might be paying for a system that isn’t matched to your needs. Talking with a qualified home security specialist is the best way to ensure that you’re getting what you need – nothing more and nothing less.

 

Be Honest With Yourself – And the Salesman

Of course, every household has its own budget and while many are able to afford some type of home security, it mostly comes down to choosing the right setup. Not everyone needs the extra smoke detectors, flood sensors, and door locks that bump up the price of home security systems. But you won’t know what your home needs until you speak with a qualified home security representative. Be honest about your budget and express that you need just enough to secure your home. An honest company will log out for your best interest. While they may initially assume that you want all the bells and whistles, it’s ultimately up to you to tell them what you want. 

 

It’s worth looking at your budget beforehand and seeing what extra expenses can be cut back to afford your new system. In the grand scheme of things, most basic monitored systems are affordable for the average American household. You just have to want to make room in your budget for it.

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What to Look for in a Home Alarm System

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Home security options have bombarded homeowners in the last few years. So you may be wondering what features you actually need to protect your home and family. There are a few key factors in deciding what home alarm system is best for you. Here are the questions to ask yourself when you’re shopping around for home security.

 

Why Do I Need Security?

First, you’ll want to think about why you are looking for home security. Do the possibility of break-ins worry you? Or are you more worried about the assets around the exterior of your home? If you park your cars outside, you may need exterior cameras more than interior cameras. Alternatively, if you have pets or kids that need monitoring, you’ll want to make sure that you have the right equipment.  And for those who are concerned with packages getting stolen off their porch, video doorbells are a common solution. 

Depending on what you’re looking to accomplish with home security, you will need different pieces of equipment to suit your needs.

Am I Looking For Convenience?

Additionally, you may be looking more for devices that will make your life more convenient. Smart home automation is transforming the way people control their homes. Monitored smoke alarms can give you extra peace of mind when you’re out of town. Nest Learning Thermostats can be programmed to turn on when you pull into your driveway. And light bulbs can be programmed to turn off at bedtime. These are just a few of the ways you can make life simple with a comprehensive home alarm system. 

 

Can I Afford It?

The most common concern for homeowners is the affordability of home security. When you find a trustworthy home security company, your representative will do what he can to make sure your system fits your needs as well as your budget. The affordability of home security may surprise you, especially when you factor in discounts from home insurance companies and lower energy costs. Not to mention, the cost of home security far outweighs the repercussions of getting your home broken into.

 

 

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Building the Best Home Security System for Families

With kids back in school, many parents are worried and looking for solutions to keep an eye on their children in those few hours between the end of school and work. Children sometimes have a mind of their own (okay, not sometimes, but most of the time) and parents want to make sure they’re safe and healthy as they finish up their workdays. Luckily, home security isn’t like it used to be. Parents no longer simply rely on security systems keeping out the bad guys, but also to keep a watchful eye on their kids. There are many devices that parents can utilize to monitor the safety of their children. Ring Home Security devices ensure that you have the best home security system on the market and the best chance of keeping your kids safe.

 

Using Ring Security Products as Front-Line Devices

The first product Ring came out with was their well-known video doorbell camera. The Ring Doorbell Camera serves as two forms of security. First, you can see when your children arrive and leave your house. Secondly, you can keep a watchful eye on any visitors to your home. Using the two-way talk feature gives the appearance that there is an adult in the home and your children will never feel obligated to open the door for strangers. 

Ring also has the best outdoor cameras on the market. While these function a lot like the Ring Doorbell Camera, you can set them up around your property. This means you can monitor every door in your home. With two-way talk and a spotlight feature, you can be sure that your home and kids are safe.

The Indoor Ring Cam is one of the best ways to know exactly what’s going on in your home at all times. Even when you’re home, it can help you keep track of nurseries, play rooms, and basements. So you don’t have to worry about what your kiddos might be up to (and why the house is suspiciously quiet…).

 

Other Solutions for Monitoring Your Family

Smart smoke detectors and smart carbon monoxide detectors are popular among families. You can be notified immediately if your children are in danger, no matter where you are. And, in the rare case that you need fire services, your alarm will notify the fire department long before your neighbors would notice any smoke coming from your home.

Electric door locks are another device that is popular among families. Parents no longer have to worry about your kids losing their keys and being locked out of the house until you get home. You also won’t have to worry about who has retreived said lost keys. If your children are forgetful (i.e. they’re normal children), chances are they’ll forget to lock the front door at some point. You can always check the status of the door and lock it right from your phone. These solutions are great additions that give parents additional peace of mind. 

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How to Protect Aging Parents With Monitored Home Security

A constant worry as we get older is how we can protect aging parents. Providing a security system should be at the top of your priority list. Ultimately, the main reason to add monitored home security is to ward off intruders. Older homeowners are typically less able to fend off criminals on their own, making them easy targets for invasions. Also, the top ten places to retire also happen to have high crime rates. Studies show that criminals are less likely to commit property crimes when they know a home security system is present. This gives you an upper hand to protect your aging parent and their home.

 

Solutions for Compromised Health

We’ve all seen the commercials of elderly people falling and not being able to get up. As much as these situations have been made light of, they’re actually very serious, with dire consequences. Having a panic pendant monitored 24/7 by a security system is the best way to make sure that your aging parents are not left in a compromised situation without help. With a variety of wear options, it makes it easy to have protection every day with a barely-there device.

 

Monitored Security Solutions for Wandering Parents

Even the most basic monitored security system will come with door sensors. This is exactly what you need if you have a parent who tends to wander due to Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Any time an exterior door is opened, you’ll be alerted right away, reducing the chances of your loved one being lost. Additionally, you can install a Ring Video Doorbell that will pick up on any motion. This will alert you of a parent leaving or entering a home. Many find invaluable peace of mind from these devices.

 

Added Convenience

Even if your parents don’t need the safety devices above, a monitored security system is still convenient. If they’re forgetful, they’ll appreciate being able to close their garage or front door from their phones. They’ll also love being able to turn their lights on and off from the comfort of their couch. In addition, they’ll be absolutely grateful that they can turn up the heat from their phone without having to get out of bed.

 

Protect your aging parents starts with monitored home security. The addition of smart devices adds additional peace of mind and convenience. So get started today by speaking with a monitored home security representative.

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