Home Security: Selecting the Best Solutions for Your Home
Published on : May 10, 2019
What are the key points to an effective home security system?
- Installation
- Surveillance
- Sensors
- Locks
Investing in high-quality security systems in the Philippines is important. Keeping yourself out of harm’s way is the top priority. It feels safer leaving the house, knowing that your loved ones and valuables are secure. Criminals and shady individuals are afraid of being caught. These people want to keep their identity anonymous. Ensuring that your home security system is properly positioned and installed can prevent theft and life-threatening events at home. Here are some key points to remember for an effective home security system.
Installation: Professional vs. DIY
A good security system should be able to fit your budget and your needs. If you’re planning to do it yourself, this method of installation is usually best for those who are on a budget. Being good at handling technology can elevate your DIY project to an accelerated level. For those who are not yet comfortable with handling the system on their own, finding the right professional to install your security system can speed things up.
Professionals have the necessary tools and knowledge to handle various hardware and software of security systems. Choosing a professional is generally easier but may not be as budget-friendly because of the added labor and installation fees. Both these methods have advantages and disadvantages, so make sure that you’re making the right choice by doing extensive research.
Professional
Allow a professional to get your setup optimized. You need not worry about spending too much time reading manuals and finding the right tools. Professionals can provide a piece of mind; you know that you’re only getting top of the line services. These professionals can thoroughly explain how the system works, can provide quick solutions and can be on call should problems arise.
Pros:
- Time-saving
- Thorough installation
- Minimal downtime
Cons:
- Excess installation fees
- Standardized system setup
- Appointment based scheduling
- Complicated contracts
DIY
Doing it yourself can become a personal project. Installing your security system by yourself eliminates the need to wait for a technician or installer to drop by your house. Your DIY installation is fully customizable, you can add more to the system with carefully selected hardware and software to further optimize security. Companies who provide DIY kits can provide detailed instructions to guide you through the project.
Pros:
- No installation fees needed
- Installation is based on personal time and schedule
- Highly customizable
Cons:
- Complicated systems require more manual labor and time
- Your knowledge in technology might be limited
- Equipment can easily become expensive
- No warranties
Surveillance
Surveillance cameras are available in wired and wireless options. Strategically placing a visible camera can dissuade a potential burglar. Prevent break-ins and lost items through recorded footage.
This type of surveillance camera is mostly used in larger properties. The reliability of using a wired system makes it unlikely to experience interference. Unlike the latest wireless connection signals are the last thing you’ll worry about. For long term security solutions, wired systems are the best option for you.
Using a wireless system immediately transmits the footage to the recorder and camera. Going wireless requires a Wi-Fi network connection and is more flexible when installing in specific areas. Wireless systems compared to wired systems offer a semi-permanent solution, especially for renters. Since this is reliant on a wireless connection, it is prone to interference and interruptions. For larger homes, it’s better to adapt to a wired system compared to wireless due to its limitations.
Wire-free systems are the easiest to install. No external power sources and cables are required. Power outages are off the list of worries because of the batteries. Wire-free cameras can also upload footage directly to your cloud storage. Be mindful when replacing the batteries and always make sure that your Wi-Fi connections are up.
Sensors
Sensors are one of the main devices that detects or senses an intruder. Good sensor systems will always work, even when you’re not at home. Modern security sensors offer practical solutions for homeowners who are looking for efficiency upgrades.
PIR sensors are often referred to as “motion-based detectors”. The wavelength emitted by the sensor is not detected by the human eye. The sensors utilize infrared to sense the presence of people, animals, and objects. There is no heat or energy emitted from the sensors, therefore it’s passive. Some PIR sensors can be programmed to ignore certain shapes, such as pets. No need to worry if your household pets will trigger the alarm.
- Tomographic Motion Detector
TMDs provide complete coverage of a specific area while remaining hidden. This type of sensor doesn’t require a line of sight for it to be effective. By using nodes situated in the area, it detects electromagnetic waves that were disrupted. The nodes used in TMDs can detect motion and can indicate where the motion was detected.
A microwave detector uses electromagnetic radiation to detect disruptions. Waves are emitted, then reflected back to the receiver. The receiver analyzes the waves and is able to identify the changes accordingly. These sensors can detect if there are objects moving away or towards the sensor. Microwave detectors can be programmed to ignore certain areas or objects to avoid false alarms.
Ultrasonic detectors measure the distance to an object using ultrasonic sound waves. These sound waves vibrate above the range of human hearing. This can be installed in any lighting condition. The high-frequency sound waves can produce distinct echo patterns. This type of detector is not perfect due to the fact that soft materials can remain undetected.
Locks
A smart door lock is an electric lock that uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. These locks offer a fumble-free experience, allowing you to enter your home faster without pulling out any keys. Most electronic locks require a different deadbolt that takes only a few minutes to place. This is a small price to pay when converting to the best security solutions for your home.
Bluetooth smart locks don’t drain too much battery compared to Wi-Fi locks. However, the range you can get from Bluetooth locks is limited. It’s better to use one universal app to unlock doors instead of using multiple apps to save time. Bluetooth is a good choice for a primarily keyless experience.
Wi-Fi smart locks are one of the most popular lock choices today. Most Wi-Fi smart locks can be equipped with a ready to use deadbolt, eliminating the need to purchase a separate lock. Being Wi-Fi enabled allows you to communicate with your smart speakers such as Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa. Some locks allow remote unlocking and can sense if you left the house and can automatically lock the door for you.
Key Takeaway
Acquiring security systems in the Philippines can optimize your home further to protect from unwanted security risks and individuals. Prevent life-threatening instances that can put you and your loved ones in danger by investing wisely in the right home security system for you.