Landline or Wireless Home Security Systems: How to Know Which Is Best

,

When you’re in the market for a reliable home security systems, it can feel overwhelming trying to decide on the best system for you. There are so many different options and so many choices to make. You know you want a trustworthy and dependable company. You’ve probably also narrowed down your price range. One thing many people don’t think about, though, is which type of connection they want. You’ll have to choose between cellular and wireless home security systems. Unless you have experience with home security, though, how can you know which is best? Here are the pros and cons of these two common types of systems:

Landline Home Security Systems

This type of system used to be the most common, but now it’s frequently being replaced with more up-to-date technology. The benefit of using a landline system is that it may be cheaper than other options. The downside, though, is that it’s easy for intruders to get around.

When landline security systems were first put in homes all over the country, burglars learned that simply cutting a wire would lead to easy access to any home. Because of this, it’s better to go with another option. If you already have landline security system technology installed, it might be a good time for an upgrade.

Wireless Home Security Systems

The more reliable option is to go with a wireless system. These systems are very difficult for burglars to disable. They are also compatible with modern automation technology. This means your system will not only keep your home protected, but it will also run more smoothly. You can automate your doorbell and door locks. Automated door locks allow you to monitor who is entering and exiting your home, while also eliminating the need to carry around house keys.

Making the Decision

Although wireless systems have more benefits than landline systems, some people still prefer landline. Perhaps you moved into a house that already has a landline system in place, and it isn’t in the budget to upgrade. Or maybe you’ve found an excellent deal that you just can’t turn down. Every home has different needs, and it’s important to choose whatever works for you. In the end, the thing that really matters is that you and your family feel safe in your home.

 

How Can a Smart Home Save the Family Budget?

,

When people hear the phrase “smart home” they think it must be a massive expense. The truth is, though, it actually saves money in the long run. Families who’ve recently implemented smart devices into their lives love how much money they save every month. The return on investment for smart home products is the reason more and more families are automating their lives.

Improve Energy Efficiency

According to the Department of Energy, the average home can save as much as 10% on heating and cooling by adjusting the temperature by 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a day. While you’re away at work or asleep at night, you won’t even notice this adjustment. Adjusting the temperature with a traditional thermostat can lead to many frustrations, though.

If you adjust the temperature when you leave in the morning, the temperature when you return home could be boiling hot in the Summer or uncomfortably cold in the Winter. It could take an hour or more for your home to reach a comfortable temperature. Similarly, many people struggle to sleep when the temperature is adjusted at night unless the adjustment occurs after they are already fast asleep.

Smart thermostats, such as the Nest thermostat, allow you to control the temperature in your home from afar. When you leave work in the evening, set the thermostat to start heating or cooling your house to a comfortable level. It’s also possible to set a schedule so the temperature can be adjusted during sleep. You’ll be able to save significant amounts of energy without sacrificing any comfort. You’ll realize one day that you have more money, and you hardly had to change a thing.

Keep Utility Bills Low

Sadly, too many of us know the pain of getting an electric bill that nearly gives you a heartache. Parents especially know the struggle of trying to get kids to remember to turn out the lights when leaving a room. Smart lights can save you from that endless battle, though, because you can turn out the lights even after you’ve left home. You can set all your lights to turn out at night, so you never have to walk the house checking each room when you really just want to go to bed.

Not only can smart lights turn out the lights when they aren’t needed, but you can also dim the lighting when full brightness is unnecessary. When lights only have an “on” or an “off” feature, most people use more electricity than is really needed. When you install smart lights, you have so much more control, which can bring your electric bill down tremendously.

3 Essential Things to Look for in a Business Security Camera System

Whether you’re a large-scale company or you operate a small business out of your home office, a security camera system will help you keep your most important assets safe. Some small business owners think only large corporations will be targeted by burglars, but nearly 9% of small businesses experience a burglary in an average year. Intruders target small businesses assuming the security will be minimal.

Installing a security camera system is an important step in keeping out intruders. These are the three most important things for a business to look for in a strong security system:

1. Resolution

A security camera is only helpful with a clear image. You don’t want to cut corners when it comes to resolution. Look for cameras that are able to shoot at 800p or above at least 60 feet. A shorter range can work, but it means you’ll have to place more cameras around your office.

2. Infrared Light

Be sure you choose a camera package with the ability to shoot with infrared. Cameras with this capability are able to record even in very low-lighting as well as in foggy or polluted conditions. The infrared allows the camera to see better than humans. This means no one will be able to take advantage of you at nighttime or on a low-visibility day.

3. Storage Capacity

The amount of storage you’ll need will depend on the system you choose. A low-quality system will require less storage space, but low resolution and minimal cameras also leave you vulnerable. High-resolution cameras require a lot of storage space.

The size of the space you are monitoring will also impact the amount of storage space necessary. More cameras mean more footage that must be stored, so large businesses may need large amounts of storage capacity. The important thing is to check in advance if the storage capacity is sufficient to cover your needs, so you won’t be caught off-guard in the future.