Tips To Setup Your Own Smart Home Security System

The recent expansions in the smart market have given more options for smart devices that people can use at home.

10:22 17 February 2020

If it's something for home security that you want, new systems with DIY-friendly setup and installation can be an excellent choice.

Thanks to the improvement in consumer technology, you can now install a burglar alarm system at home without professional help. However, you have to do it right and make sure that everything will correctly function for you to achieve the results that you want. There are resources over the internet, like Norco Alarms, that can give you guides and recommendations for your next smart home security system.

The good thing about DIY-friendly systems for home security using smart home technology is that they provide flexibility to homeowners, enabling them to implement changes over time. Renters will also find such technology useful because of their ease of installation. Some manufacturers even release 'plug and play' systems, which means that you can easily set them up right out of the box.

Are you excited to make your home a safer abode for your family? Below are tips to ponder when setting up your own smart home security system:

Use A Smart Hub And Check Compatibility

The brain of your smart home is a smart hub. It uses Artificial Intelligence and can get activated using your voice. Thus, giving you control over different smart devices at home using one central device.

While it's possible not to use a hub, since your home security system will function anyway, having one will make things easier for you. It's especially true if you like the idea of syncing the system with other smart devices, like thermostats, appliances, lightbulbs, and security cameras, among others.

Please take note, though, that compatibility is essential for a smart hub to seamlessly control all devices using your voice. The good news is that partnerships with different brands and common smart home frameworks, like Alexa of Amazon, Google Home, and HomeKit of Apple exist. However, before making any purchase, it would be best to double-check if your smart hub is compatible with a specific device for you to be on the safe side.

If you live in an internet-restricted place, a security camera without wifi and other devices that work without an internet connection can be your best bet.

Get Your Security Kit And Check Compatibility

Now that you already have a smart hub, it's time to work on getting the security kit that best fits your needs. A piece of good news is that you can now obtain complete kits from many companies. That said, you can now get all the essential elements of a home security system, like detectors, sensors, and alarms in one package.

Again, like your smart hub, compatibility is also essential for your security kit to work with other devices. Thus, the need to double-check it before choosing one. Avoid packages that’ll only be compatible with one manufacturer as it’ll prevent any upgrade in the future.

The ideal choice is a kit that’s going to sync with Apple’s HomeKit and other major AI hub without any problem.

Cover All Entrance Points And Doors/Windows In The Ground Floor

When purchasing smart security for your home, it's essential to cover your ground floor since most of the burglary incidents occur through it. Place sensors in the windows and doors, and don't forget to check the batteries every day if you're going to use wireless and battery-operated sensors to make sure that they're always up and running.

An alarm that detects motion is also ideal, especially if you're fond of leaving your windows open for ventilation.

Pick Your Alarm System And Place The Main Alarm Outside

The heart of your smart home security system is the alarm. Installation of the traditional alarm systems can be a hassle as they require drilling your walls for a few holes and use a lot of wires.

If you want a more lightweight approach, then go for alarm systems with wireless connection capability and follow a more straightforward installation process.

Once you already have the alarm system and you're ready to install it, don't forget to place the alarm box outside where you and your neighborhood can easily see and hear it once it goes off. Putting it outside will also drive potential burglars away since they'll know that the house they're going to break into has an anti-theft system.

Opt For A Self-Monitored Security System

While the idea of having a monitoring service looking at your security system 24/7 is excellent, it can also be expensive. So, if you want to save, opt for a self-monitored system instead.

You don't have to worry about a burglary taking place when you're not home since smart systems now have intelligent features that send a notification to your smartphone once a door or window sensor at home get tripped while you're away. Once you get notified, it'll be up to you to alert the police or fire department about the emergency.

The good thing about self-monitored systems is that you can upgrade them later on and use a monitoring service if you change your mind.

Final Thoughts

Setting up your own smart home security system is not as complicated as you think. The improvements in technology have made installing its different components easier.

Use the tips above to make sure that your security system functions the way it should.