How to Choose a Smart Home Security System

What is a Smart Home Security System?  

Your home is your sanctuary. Of all places, it’s where you want you and your family to feel the safest, with your belongings secure. As our world’s technology gets smarter, it gets smarter for everyone, including those who use it to do harm. You want to protect what matters most, and a smart home security system can help give you peace of mind. 

A smart home security system both monitors and protects your home with a network of interconnected devices such as cameras, motion sensors, glass break sensor, and window/door sensors. . A smart home’s security features are controlled using a smart device app or apps, allowing users to control the system remotely. Smart home security systems boast user-friendly features such as live video feeds and automated alerts available with an internet connection, so users can monitor their home and property even when they are not on-site. 

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Smart Home Security System 

Assess Your Home’s Security Needs  

There are a few important factors to consider when choosing the right smart home security system for you, your family, and your property. The size of your home, number of entry points, and the areas you want to monitor all will help determine how many cameras are needed for your unique security system. Whether you want to monitor areas inside and/or outside your home should be considered, too. This will also help determine the number of cameras needed, as well as what features will be necessary to properly monitor your home and property. 

Compatibility with Existing Smart Devices  

Another factor to keep in mind when considering smart home technology is your new system’s compatibility with smart devices that are already in your home. You will want to research how well those devices and any smart home assistants, such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit, will integrate with your new system. 

DIY vs. Professional Installation  

When it comes to installing your smart home security system, you may choose to do so yourself, or you may choose to have your system professionally installed. There are pros and cons to both routes of installation, as well as cost considerations. 

While the short-term cost savings of self-installing your own security system is enticing, a smart home installation company that has the knowledge, expertise, and professionalism to create a system designed to last and scale is often worth the investment.  

Setting up complex systems can be daunting. If you’re not tech-savvy, you might struggle with programming, troubleshooting, or maintaining the system. As you add more devices, you might find that your initial setup doesn’t easily accommodate new components, leading to integration issues and the need for more significant upgrades—and costs. 

Keeping software up-to-date and maintaining devices can be time-consuming, and ignoring updates may lead to performance issues or security vulnerabilities. DIY systems also often lack dedicated customer support. If something goes wrong, you might be on your own to troubleshoot and fix it. 

At HavenSmart, we offer several levels of service and support packages that fit a variety of budgets, ensuring that you are covered. 

Budget and Pricing Models  

Something else to keep in mind is your budget and smart home security system pricing models. There are one-time system purchases, as well as subscription-based systems where you may be paying a monthly or yearly fee.  

Make sure you know what features fall within each pricing tier. Also be aware of hidden costs for installation, monitoring your smart home security solutions, and equipment upgrades after your system is in place. These sometimes-unexpected costs can add up and quickly alter your budget. 

Monitoring Services: Professional vs. Self-Monitoring 

When it comes to the monitoring of your smart home security system, there are self-monitoring systems and professional smart home monitoring services, and there are advantages and disadvantages to each. 

Self-Monitoring Systems  

Monitoring your own system saves on costs and allows you more control over your system and your preferences. You also have more flexibility when it comes to to-dos such as timing of installation, updates, etc. Smartphone and smart device apps and alerts also aide in real-time monitoring, keeping you in the loop at a moment’s notice. 

However, the legwork of monitoring your systems and contacting any needed services, including emergency services, falls on you and your abilities. 

Professional Monitoring Services  

Using a professional smart home monitoring service, like ADT or HavenSmart, keeps the constant monitoring and stress off your plate. These services offer 24/7 monitoring and emergency response coordination, which in-turn gives you peace of mind. You can be confident your systems are running efficiently and effectively.  

HavenSmart offers a large range of surveillance solutions to fit the needs of any space, so you can rest easy knowing your property is secure. We offer both video and data security, including consultation, installation, and 24/7 monitoring of: 

• Cameras 

• Lights 

• Motion detection 

• Window sensors 

• Glass breakage sensors 

• Plus, local backups for maximum security 

Other Essential Features of a Complete Smart Home Security System 

Smart Sensors 

There are a few different kinds of smart sensors, including motion sensors, window sensors, and door sensors. These sensors improve security by detecting unusual activity. 

Smart Alarms and Sirens  

Once motion or the opening of a window or door is detected, smart alarms and sirens will sound, not only deterring burglars and notifying homeowners of the unusual activity but also notifying emergency services if you have a professional smart home monitoring service. 

Cloud Storage for Security Footage 

Another essential feature of smart home security solutions is the ability to store video footage via cloud storage system or other method, so you can access your system’s footage remotely as long as you have an internet connection. This feature comes in handy should you want or need to check your home and property’s security from a remote location.  

Find Peace of Mind with a Security System 

When selecting a smart home security system, it’s important to consider all your wants, needs, and habits. This makes the system unique to you and your household. For example, consider your home size, budget, and the level or security you are wanting.  

HavenSmart offers sophisticated and reliable surveillance systems, among other smart home solutions. Learn more about HavenSmart smart home solutions, including smart home security systems, here.