The Benefits of Getting a Home Security System
The primary purpose of getting a home security system is to protect your loved ones and your property. But there are many benefits to surveilling your home you may not be aware of.
If you’re interested in installing a home security system and wondering what its advantages are, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll cover the main benefits of getting a home security system. After reading, you’ll know whether installing one is the right choice for you.
Protecting Valuables
Protecting valuable property is probably what comes to mind for most people when thinking about home security systems. Burglars typically break into houses in search of valuable jewelry, art, electronic devices, etc. Sometimes, it’s not about material value; you may want to protect family heirlooms or personal belongings that are priceless to you. By installing a home security system, you’ll be able to monitor both inside and outside of your property. With live footage, you can react immediately upon noticing anything suspicious.
Deterring Crime
A study performed by the Rutgers University School of Criminal Justice in Newark investigated the connection between home security alarms and crimes. The results showed that the crime rate decreased as the number of registered home burglar alarm systems increased.
Having a home security system will not only protect your property but will also contribute to a safer neighborhood.
Accessing Your Property Remotely
Modern security systems enable you to do so much more than just monitor your property. Depending on the type you have, you can use your phone to monitor cameras and control smart devices in your house.
Remote access can also help you to save electricity. For example, if you left home and noticed you forgot to turn off the lights, you can do that remotely. Or you can control the thermostat to disable it from heating the house if you’re not going to be around for a few days.
Paying Lower Homeowner’s Insurance
By installing a home security system, you add an extra layer of protection to your property, and insurance companies are aware of this. Since security cameras deter crime, it means you’re less likely to experience a burglary, which leads to a lesser chance of filing an insurance claim. As a result, having a home security system could reduce your homeowner’s insurance by up to 20%.
Fire and Gas Leak Alerts
Many home security systems have built-in detectors that will alarm you if there’s a fire or a gas leak in your house. Depending on the provider you choose, you can even set your system to automatically notify first responders in case of an emergency.
That is significant in multiple ways: Firstly, you’ll be able to react in time to protect your family members and pets. Secondly, you’ll alert the authorities and do everything in your power to minimize the damage.
Monitoring Your Children
Another important benefit of having a home security system is keeping tabs on your children. If you’re at work or running errands, you can check what your children are doing at any time. If you have a video doorbell, you can also monitor who comes to your door and who was in your house while you’re gone. Moreover, if you have electronic locks, you can unlock the doors for your children when it’s time to go to school. That way, you won’t have to worry about them leaving the doors unlocked or losing their keys.
Increasing Your Property’s Value
While a regular home security system may not affect your property’s value, a smart one will. Smart home security systems offer a wide range of benefits that contribute to protecting your home and making house management much simpler.
According to recent research, around 75% of people looking to purchase a home stated they would be interested in smart systems.
Medical Assistance
People that live alone and suffer from different conditions and diseases could find home security systems very reassuring. For example, some systems feature emergency switches or wearable pendants you can use to call for immediate medical help.
Providing Peace of Mind
A home security system gives you a sense of comfort and relaxation, knowing your family members, pets, and property are protected from intruders. When you feel safe, you’ll enjoy your life more and be more productive.
If you own a home you visit only a few times per year, installing a home security system will allow you to oversee what happens in and around it. That way, you won’t have to worry about potential break-ins. Plus, you’ll be able to identify any damage right away.
Recording Interesting Events
These days, you can purchase security cameras with excellent image and video quality. By placing them both inside and outside your house, you’ll be able to record exciting and interesting events in or around the property. For example, you could save footage of a birthday party, anniversary, or any other occasion.
If you like playing pranks on your family members or guests, a security camera will let you save the recordings. Moreover, if you have pets, a security system will let you monitor them and track their behavior when you’re not around.
Modern home security cameras offer the option to share the camera footage on social media, which can also be useful and fun.
Additional FAQs
What Are the Disadvantages of Getting a Home Security System?
Although they are extremely beneficial, home security systems have their disadvantages. Let’s check some of them out:
Price
A home security system can cost anywhere from several hundred to a few thousand dollars. If you see an unusually affordable home security system, check what options it offers. Many brands tend to lure customers in by selling affordable systems and charging pricey monthly plans. Before you opt for one, ensure you’ve checked all future costs for storage, subscription, and maintenance.
It’s also essential to consider the installation cost, which can be a significant expense.
Privacy
Most security systems connect to the internet. While easy access to your system is an advantage, it could also be a flaw. If you can access your network in a few seconds, maybe someone else can, too. If you want to protect your privacy, here’s what you need to do:
· Change the default log-in credentials as soon as you set up your system.
· Use two-factor authentication.
· Don’t keep cameras in the bedrooms or other private areas on your property, just in case.
Connection
Home security systems typically run-on Wi-Fi. If the power is out, and there’s no internet, your house will not be protected. If you live in an area with frequent power outages, that is crucial to keep in mind.