The most popular means of home security is by far surveillance. Being able to activate and monitor a property 24 hours a day gives peace of mind to homeowners. Advances in video cameras, video recorders, and networking capabilities have propelled many homeowners to install cameras as one of the main features of their security system. But what about other home security capabilities that are integrated to the main alarm system and camera system? In this post we explore a few options that not every homeowners thinks about when it comes to securing their home and loved ones.
Smart Door Lock
Smart door locks are an obvious device to consider for your smart home, and there have been several new door lock gadgets introduced over the last year or so, each with their own benefits and issues. Your choice for a smart home lock should not be taken lightly. Reliability and a reputable name stand out as critical features for these important devices.
Smart Doorbell
A smart doorbell can prompt lighting, cameras and even send a text message alert that someone is at the door. In the not so distant past, the initiated home automation enthusiast needed to rig up a custom device to provide doorbell alerts using a dry contact bridge and relay. Now there are more complex and robust entry systems out there that include cameras and intercom systems.
Door/Window Sensors
Door and window sensors rank perhaps right up there with security cameras when most people think about components of home security systems. These sensors let your controller know when a door or window is open or closed in order to trigger corresponding alerts, messages or actions. Aside from the obvious security benefits for intrusion detection, they can also allow you to quickly verify that all of your doors and windows are closed – and give you reminder alerts if a door or window remains open after a certain time at night.
Lighting Control
The usefulness of lighting control cannot be understated. Besides making the energy savings and connivence, lighting control offers many security benefits. For example, outside lights to turn on and off while your away to give the appearance that you are home. Turn your porch lights on before heading home after dark. Add a remote dimmer to your inside hall lights and program them to turn on as a nightlight in the evening for added safety and security.
Home Automation Garage Door Opener
Most garage door openers could be considered simple home automation devices to begin with, so why would you want to add additional smart garage door opener controls?
- You can check on the status of your garage door while you are away, and close it if it is open.
- Grant friends or trusted neighbors access into your home or garage while you are away.
- If you want to receive notifications when your garage door is opened or closed, or you want to receive a notification if your garage door is currently open during a certain time of day or night.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector
When it comes to protecting your family, pets and possessions, reliability and a reputable name stand out as critical features. Relax with piece of mind that you will be alerted if smoke or carbon monoxide is detected while you’re away. An absolute necessity if you have pets.
Water / Flood Sensors
Although not as devastating as a fire, a burst water heater or kitchen pipe can cause a fair amount of damage to your flooring, walls, and furnishings. For those in condominiums and town homes, there also may be liability concerns as well. As a minimum, install water sensors at your water heater and under your kitchen sink. An automated alert can be sent to notify you if there is a leak that needs attention.
Final Thoughts
AHT can help design and implement a complete security home automation solution for your home. If you have questions, feel free to contact us from the link below.
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