Smartphones, smart TVs, and now smart home systems. It seems everything around us is getting smarter, thanks to the upgrades in technology. The world really went from asking Alexa to book an appointment at a restaurant to having their homes secured with smart doorbells, smart locks, and much more. As home robberies and break-ins are not completely out of the picture yet, it only makes sense to have a secure home. If we look at some of the statistics, it is scary to think that there are about 3 burglaries every minute in the U.S.
However, there is also the fact that burglaries in the U.S. have dropped by 37% since the year 2008. So, while it is good news, there are still measures to be taken to keep your home safe from intruders. What can you do to ensure this? Smart home systems are the answer. The regular home alarm does not cut it anymore and you need something new and more advanced. So, this blog is the right place to be if you are looking for that new and advanced security system.
Let’s take a look at what a smart home system consists of.
Smart Lighting
Smart lighting is not so much secure as it is entertaining and somewhat useful. Smart lightbulbs are, no doubt, more expensive than a regular light bulb and they can be dimmed, brightened, turned off or on, and can even change colors. All of these can be done either through a connected device like your phone or a voice command. You can also set timers on the bulbs for the lights to go on or off automatically like at bedtime. Some smart lightbulbs can also make use of the GPS on your phone to detect when you enter or exit a room and then turn the lights on or off automatically.
Home security cameras
A home security camera is a necessity in every home. It is the basic security measure that is possibly the first step in securing your home. Not only is it useful for when you’re away from home, but it is also a security measure when you’re at home. With children and pets at home, you never can be too careful with everything. While indoor cameras are important, outdoor cameras are also a must as they can capture anyone and everyone who comes and goes into your home. If you were outside and came back to your house in a mess and realized you were robbed, you can check the cameras, indoor and outdoor, to identify the intruder and so on.
Some latest camera versions also have motion sensors, allowing the camera to be more effective in tracking and recording any movements, etc. After detecting such motion, you will get a ping on your phone warning you of the detection. Some cameras record the footage so you can view it later on if needed. Here are some more benefits of smart security cameras:
- Face Tag: A smart camera can detect faces, which allows you to determine real threats from empty alerts. For instance, all you need to do is upload pictures of your family and friends so that you are not alerted every time one of you walks by. You will only get notified when the camera detects a new face.
- Communication: Not only does your smart camera record video, but you can also record audio and be warned if there is any such noise right outside your home or within the premises of your home. Moreover, you can communicate with anyone using this feature as well. For example, if there is a delivery at your home and you want to request the delivery person to leave the parcel on the side or somewhere else. You can also use it to scare off any burglars about to break into your home.
- Wireless design: Like many electronic devices, you can get wireless smart security cameras. You need to install an app to be able to access the controls of this camera and the best part is you can install it anywhere as you are not restricted by any wires.
If you are wondering where you can find a good smart camera, you should check out Xfinity home security services. With the Xfinity home plans, you get door/window sensors, a wireless keypad, and a pet-friendly motion sensor with the addition of an indoor and outdoor home security camera.
Video doorbells
Video doorbells are basically a type of camera, as they also perform most of the same functions. You are alerted if anyone presses the doorbell, or even if they are on your porch. The video is transmitted directly to your phone and you can communicate with the person through your phone as well. Some versions can differentiate between people and pets and some can even detect packages at your doorstep. Video doorbells don’t necessarily have local storage, so that means you will need to connect them to a cloud service to save recordings.
Oftentimes, people wonder about the difference between an outdoor camera and a video doorbell, and which is better. And while both are similar in functionalities and features, however, there are some important differences to be made. For example, a doorbell will let you know when someone is at the door when a camera can’t unless you are looking at the live camera video. Video doorbells are also easier to install as compared to security cameras. But, security cameras are able to capture more areas than a video doorbell. So, we can’t rule one out and substitute it with the other. Both are equally as important to protect your home.
Smart smoke detectors
Smart smoke detectors will send you an alert on your phone and to anyone you added as a contact in case of an intruder entering your home. In addition to that, some smoke detectors have emergency lights that can help you to find your way out of a smoke-filled room or house. Other smoke detectors, that are not connected to your phone, are connected to the other devices in your home and once they detect smoke, they will sound the alarm and cause other devices to set off an alarm as well. Some smart smoke detectors come with apps as well so you can have a way to control them.
So, now you know!
Now you know how to make your home smart and secure! Of course, we would say that you are making smart decisions by purchasing these smart devices (pun intended). Of course, you don’t need to purchase every smart device there is or even all on this list, however, you should consider getting the necessary ones, like the indoor/outdoor cameras, and video doorbells. Other than that, you can leave out the rest, if it is too expensive for you.
Another option you have is getting a deal or a home security plan, which includes a lot more than a few smart devices and comes with other benefits like support tools, troubleshooting tips, and more. You might even get it at an affordable price making it all the more valuable. To find something like that, however, you will need to do your homework and research accordingly.
