Be it the big-name home security systems that have multiple centers for monitoring or the do-it-yourself (DIY) ones that let you keep a watch using your smartwatch, there are several thousands of options available. The system that would be ideal for you should be the one that makes your life more convenient, comfortable, and safer without burning a hole in your pocket. Additionally, the best security system should be easy to operate and streamlined.

Things to consider when looking for security systems

• Personal belongings that require protection
• The size of the home
• The daily routine of members of the household
• The amount of money that can be spent on the security system
• The installation process

Such factors are important to consider, as they will indicate the must-have features in the home security system, the system size that would be ideal for your house, and the required method of installation.

Features of home security systems

Before you decide on the type of security system you want for your home, ask yourself what are you trying to protect in particular. Do you want to check on leaking pipes? Or are you on a lookout for some nanny cam to help you keep a check on your kids? The work and functioning of home security systems go beyond just keeping trespassers at bay. They have some exciting features, such as telling you when a new package is delivered or letting you virtually talk to your kids after they come back from school. The ideal features, equipment package, and the payment plan would primarily revolve around what you expect from your home security system. In today’s time, you can find three types of home security systems:

• Environmental monitoring
  These home security systems include equipment such as pipe freeze detection systems, smoke alarms, or leak detectors. Those families who live in older homes should opt for this category.
• Security equipment
  These systems include devices such as glass break detection systems, burglar alarms, and outdoor cameras. If you are concerned about vandalism, theft, or intrusion, this could be your choice of equipment.
• Home automation system
  These adjust according to the preferences and the schedule of your family. For instance, it will ensure that the lights turn on when you are not in town or perform other smart tech tasks such as letting the dog walker into the house when you are away.

Various aspects of home security systems

Here, we have compiled a list of some of the standard and most commonly used home security systems that you can find in the market. Since the security providers happen to bundle certain devices differently, you must have your preferences sorted while browsing through the different product packages. Now, let’s take a look at some of the aspects of home security systems and their features:

• Doorbell camera

The primary feature of the doorbell camera is to see what’s happening on the other side of your front door. So, this lets you see who stops in front of your door. You can even talk to the visitors remotely via this device. This can be used for shooing away salesmen, giving instructions to the delivery agent, catching thieves, and preparing to welcome guests.

• Nanny camera

This is a camera that can be used to watch over the rooms of the kids, caretakers, and nurseries. You can use it for your aging parents, communicating with the babysitter or the nanny, and watching your pets when you are not at home.

• Spotlight camera

This camera would light up the area surrounding it whenever it detects motion. It is ideal to ground sneaky teenagers, catch trespassers, or curtail curious animals.

• Panic pendant

This is your wearable panic button that you can use in case of an emergency to call for help. This one is ideal for older people and can be a life-saving home security system.

• Window or door sensor

This will tell you every time a window or a door is opened. This security system is ideal for preventing children from reaching areas that are off-limits and for guarding the entrances.

• Glass break alarm

This is a sensor alarm that will alert you whenever there is broken glass or any loud noise. This can be a good security system to scare off trespassers who try and enter through the windows.

• Motion sensor

This is a great home security system that will send out an alert every time it detects a suspicious motion. This equipment system is helpful to keep large pets and kids out of possible dangerous areas. It also alerts you of intruders.

• Smart home system

This device combines the power of the smart home device and the security system. It is great if you wish to voice-control your system or if you wish to create a customized routine for family members.

• Wireless monitoring

This employs the use of radio signals to connect to different devices around your house. With the help of the wireless sensors, it sends out alerts to its associated base station for easy monitoring from there. The installation is easy, and it easily functions even during any power outage.

• Carbon monoxide detection system

If this system senses CO in the home, it will be activated and trigger an alarm. This can really help save lives as carbon monoxide is odorless. The best thing about it is that it will send out alerts even if you are not around in your home.

• Freeze sensor

If there’s a severe drop in temperature, the freeze sensor is activated. This one is ideal to prevent faulty plumbing and frozen pipe issues.

• Two-way talk

This system safety device works as an intercom and lets you speak and hear through it. This home security system is ideal for keeping a check on the kids, communicating with the visitors, catching trespassers, and getting your pet off the couch.

• Smoke and fire alarm

This will alert you in case of severe heat, smoke, or fire. This home security device helps save lives by preventing house fires.

• Flood sensors

This alerts you of pooling water or leaks. This security system helps you learn about any appliance or plumbing issues or any serious water problems.

The importance of system size and costs
Be it a professional or a DIY installed system, you’ll have to look for home safety equipment that adequately fits into your home. If you live in an apartment, you could opt for a DIY safety system that comes with lesser sensors. However, for larger homes, you can go with professional providers. Whichever safety system you use, you have to ensure that all the exits and the entrances are properly covered with cameras or sensors. The equipment should also do its bit at protecting your family members. You should certainly consider adding sensors at the basement entrances and the window wells for further security.

A lot of people tend to base their entire decision regarding a home security system on how much it would cost them. However, this isn’t the right basis. You need to assess why you need this system, compare the functionalities of your chosen system, and then think about the price. There’s no point in buying a security system that does not serve an adequate purpose. All the different home security systems in the market come with different price tags, features, and services. Moreover, each system has its share of pros and cons. Yes, it is good to buy a system on a budget, but making a compromise here could be a compromise with your safety.

Pros and cons
Here are the major pros and cons to consider when it comes to home security systems

Pros
Here are some key benefits of home security systems.

• Peace of mind
  One of the prime reasons why people install a home security system is because it assures peace of mind for your belongings, assets, and of course, your family members. With the installation of this system, your home is secured. A lot of systems even come with a feature wherein the owner can directly contact 911 if there’s a medical emergency. For people who live alone and have medical or chronic illnesses, this feature could be a life-saving one.
• Protection
  Everything that is in your house has a certain value, both in terms of money and sentiments. However, beyond these lifeless items, it is your life that is worth it all. Hence, if you wish to stop fretting about the possible crimes in your neighborhood, you could consider installing a security system in your home. It will ensure that you and your family stay safe and protected even while you are around or not.
• Easy installation for DIY systems
  In case you do not want to shell out a fee for the installation or pay a hefty sum of money for monthly monitoring, you can opt for DIY systems. Most of these have been upgraded recently and can be used even when you shift to some bigger apartment or own a bunch of valuables. In this tech-based world, it is fairly easier for you to personalize your systems to cater to your needs.
• Easy remote viewing
  Wish to see what’s going on in your home when you are not around? Well, with a home security system, it is every bit possible. These systems will give you camera access, which you can position to see what’s happening in your home via your laptop or phone. What’s better is that these are capable of recording, too. So, if there’s a trespasser, you have evidence to reach out to the authorities.
• Reduced home insurance costs
  If you want to reduce the insurance premium for your home, you could consider installing a home security system. It could be particularly helpful if you reside in an area that has a notably high theft or crime rate. So, saving in the home insurance costs makes installation of the home security system a hit for everyone skeptical about the idea.

Cons
The installation of a home security system certainly has a bunch of benefits, but there’s a flip side too. So, let’s take a look at a few of the demerits of these systems.

• Easy to omit
  At times, you’ll get so comfortable with the idea of a home security system that you’ll even forget activating it. It could usually happen when you are just going around the corner running errands or getting late for your work. In this haste, you might often omit to activate your systems. Now, there are some ways that you can overcome this. If you are a naturally forgetful person, you should opt for a security system that can be turned on remotely. You could also consider leaving a note at the door to remind you to set an alarm before heading out.
• Not easy to install yourself
  If you take the DIY route, it wouldn’t be easy to install the equipment all by yourself. You might experience a few routings or wiring issues. But if you are technologically sound, you will be able to read through the instructions and follow it. Still, the whole process can be a bit cumbersome.
• False alarms
  If you trip on your alarm, or forget the passcode, or take longer than normal to set off the alarm, you might have to answer a couple of phone calls to sort it out. At times, even law enforcement shows up right at your door. It could particularly be difficult for old people who are unable to get to the system quickly. Following a first accident, the companies even start charging a fee for this. So, people who move around slowly or tend to forget things should be wary of this.
• Costly
  Usually, the cost of good system equipment could be anywhere between $250 and $1500 for installation. Additional charges include a monitoring fee of 30 dollars a month. However, it may be variable and depends on the system you opt for and the area where you reside. A DIY security system could cost you somewhere between $100 and $750.