Smart home devices and surveillance systems are getting more popular and common nowadays. The old-school CCTV cameras are becoming obsolete due to several reasons. Older models required an on-site storage option to store the footage. And the storage was costly if you needed to keep longer footage for security purposes. Moreover, they were unreliable if the internet connection was down or unresponsive.
Now, with the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI), home security is changing for the better. Modern security companies have so many IoT gadgets that can make your home security foolproof. From video doorbells to smart home locks, choosing the right security device and system for your home can be hard. This guide is here to help so that the plethora of choices doesn’t confuse you.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Smart Security System
You can get the most advanced security system and IoT devices to go with it. But it won’t make things any better if your internet connection is slow or unreliable. You should go for the internet from major ISPs and pair it with cable and phone. For instance, choosing from bundled service offers like Cox cable deals and internet packages may be better and more economical than standalone plans. Your security system is only as good as your internet connection.
There are a lot of other factors involved as well and you have to consider multiple things before installing a smart video monitoring system. Where your home is, what your routine is, and the size of your family and home are all important determinants.
#1: Size of Your Home
One of the first things to consider is the size of your home. The bigger your house is, the more security equipment you will probably need. For instance, if you live in an apartment building, you may only need to install a video doorbell or some window sensors. However, if you live in a large house or a villa things will be different for you.
Whether you are considering a DIY security system or a professional installation, a bigger home requires more security. You want all your bases covered and install sensors all around the house. As you will have more cameras and sensors, you will also need more cloud storage for the footage. So, plan your security system installation accordingly and consult a professional before investing.
#2: Your Budget
The cost of the security system might be a top priority for many people. Therefore, you may end up buying a less effective security solution for your home. This decision may save you some money at the time, but it risks losing a lot more of your valuable belongings. So, putting the price tag as your top priority might not be the right decision. You should look for the right equipment rather than the right price in most cases.
Different companies can have different packages for security systems. They can be different in price and the type of equipment and security features they come with. So, if you choose just by the price you may end up with the wrong equipment for your needs.
#3: DIY Kits, Cameras, and Locks
If you don’t want to hire a professional firm for security, the other option is to install a DIY security system yourself. Most security firms have security kits that can include cameras, locks, sensors, and sirens. You can install all of these yourself and wherever you want to. DIY kits can often come with a free month of surveillance from the firm and are often a great bargain.
One of the best advantages of a DIY system is the customization opportunity it gives the user. You can install a full-fledged system or just a single smart video doorbell on the main gate. Everything depends upon your use and requirements. So, if you don’t want to get a full kit you can invest in a few cameras and locks as well.
However, you should keep in mind that DIY security systems can come with a lot of responsibility as well. If you aren’t associated with a firm, they won’t take any responsibility and you don’t have insurance as well.
Conclusion
Video surveillance is one of the best ways to ensure your home is safe. Even when you are in another country, you can always check up on the activity outside your home. Moreover, the footage storage is cloud-based and you can access it at any time. The HD quality of the video is another advantage that CCTV cameras don’t offer. So, make sure you consider all your needs and then make an informed decision.
