For many homeowners and residents, home security is more important than ever. With smart technology allowing you to monitor on the go and easily access footage, CCTV cameras, burglar alarms, and other security systems can provide peace of mind while protecting your property and belongings.
If you’re wondering where to start with setting up a reliable smart home security system, our guide has all you need to know and we can provide second-to-none security solutions for every property type.
What is a smart home security system?
Smartphones are the norm for most of us nowadays, and the concept of ‘smart’ technology can make other areas of our lives more connected, safer, and more convenient.
From smart speakers using voice control so you can listen to your favourite music while cooking to smart thermostats that ensure your home is always at a comfortable temperature, these devices are designed to upgrade our homes and make everyday life easier.
Smart security systems work on a similar basis. They allow you to keep your home safe and secure with a network of interconnected devices. Usually connected to a smartphone app, they provide remote access, so you can monitor, control, and receive alerts wherever you are. This access can offer full peace of mind knowing that your property is protected and that you’ll be alerted as soon as there is any attempted breach.
How to set up smart home security
Once your smart home security system is up and running, you can relax knowing that you can check on your property when you’re away. However, it’s important to set up the right devices, access, and level of security for your residential space.
Step 1: Work out your security needs
Whether you want to keep your home safe while you’re away on holiday or simply feel confident knowing no intruders can get in at night, you’ll need to work out your security requirements. Here are a few points to consider:
- Your location and security risks — do you live in an area with a high crime rate?
- How many doors and access points do you have?
- Will you need to monitor a garden, land, or outbuildings?
- Do you live in a property with ground access or are you in a block of flats?
- Will you need to exclude pets from motion detectors?
Factoring these elements in will help make sure you set up the right home security systems and devices for your requirements. For example, if you live in a block of flats, you may wish to set up a video doorbell for surveillance rather than external CCTV cameras.
Likewise, if you’re a property manager looking to set up smart home security for an entire apartment block, then setting up access control for each resident is a wise move.
Security audit
If you’re unsure what type of surveillance you’ll need, the team at Argus Fire & Security can carry out a comprehensive security audit. We’ll visit your property and assess any weaknesses in its current security. From there, we can recommend the best home security system solutions tailored to your property.
Step 2: Check your Wi-Fi
No matter the function, most smart devices require a strong Wi-Fi connection. This allows you to link up your speakers, doorbell, or home security system with your phone or another device for remote monitoring.
As such, before setting up your CCTV cameras, burglar alarms, or other security solutions, we recommend checking you have a stable Wi-Fi connection. It can save time, stress, and money down the line.
You may also need to connect different devices using Bluetooth, so it’s worth checking this type of connection, too.
Step 3: Set up effective security systems
Once you’ve identified your security needs, you can look at setting up the best alarm and monitoring systems. These could include:
CCTV cameras
Security cameras are available in a broad range of styles and forms these days. From traditional CCTV systems you can mount to your home’s exterior to handy video doorbells, there’s a security camera solution for every property.
By monitoring the area outside your front door — or another access point — these cameras allow you to keep track of who comes and goes. They can also act as an effective deterrent to would-be intruders, fly-tippers, or anti-social neighbours.
Remote viewing is a very worthwhile feature to look for in a security system, and many CCTV cameras can connect directly to a smartphone app, so you can check in and see your property in real-time. Many are also equipped with motion sensors so you can receive notifications when anyone enters the detected zone.
We can help you install security cameras from trusted remote video surveillance brands, including:
- Smart Tel
- Adpro
- Dedicated Micros
- Tele Eye
- Videcon
- Hikvision
Intruder alarms
As with security cameras, there are many different burglar alarms available to alert you of any intruders and deter them in the first place. Burglar alarms can be audio-only, creating a sound to alert you of a break-in.
Alternatively, you can get smart security systems with an array of other features, including perimeter and internal motion detection systems, pet immune detectors — so you don’t get unnecessary alerts — panic alarms, smoke detectors, and more.
A wireless burglar alarm with remote monitoring is an excellent choice. By connecting it to your smartphone or another device, you can receive alerts when an unauthorised entry is detected.
We work with some of the best alarm signalling systems that can connect to your landline, mobile network, or Wi-Fi. These include:
- Dualcom GPRS, Digi Plus, and DigiAir
- Redcare Secure, Classic, and GSM
- Digital Communicators,
- Emizon
Access control systems
From smart door locks and key card access systems to smart intercoms, access control systems can provide you with greater oversight of who enters your home without the need to open the door.
Whether you opt for keypad entry, swipe cards, or biometric access, these systems can offer better security than standard locks. They can also be a convenient alternative to classic locks — there’s no need to worry about losing your key or having it stolen.
Some smart locks even connect to your smartphone, so all you need to do is scan to enter.
Step 3: Connect them to a smart hub
If you want all of your home security systems connected, you can link them up to a smart hub, such as Amazon Echo, Google Nest, or Apple HomePod. This allows you to integrate various smart technologies to provide ultimate protection.
As an example, you could sync your CCTV system with your lights so that when unauthorised motion is detected, your lights switch on to deter prospective intruders. Other helpful smart security pairings include:
- Smart alarm plus smart locks — if your burglar alarm is triggered, your smart locks will automatically shut, preventing anyone from getting in.
- Smart doorbell plus smart speakers — a visitor can announce their name via your doorbell, and a smart speaker can relay the information to you. If an unknown visitor lingers, you can play a pre-recorded voice message.
- Smart locks, alarms, and geofencing — geofencing allows you to set a boundary around your property. Connected to your smartphone and synced up with a burglar alarm and smart locks, the boundary will detect when you come and go. When you leave, it will signal to your locks and alarm to activate; and when you return, it will unlock your door and deactivate the alarm.
Is smart home security worth it?
Smart home security systems can absolutely be worth the investment. Not only can it put your mind at ease when you’re at work, on holiday, or otherwise out of the house, but it can also help reduce your home insurance premiums.
Home security — particularly visible systems such as CCTV cameras, motion-detected lights, and smart doorbells — can act as effective deterrents against burglars. This means that home insurance providers will see your property as lower risk.
With the right security systems, you can feel confident knowing that your belongings are protected, your family is defended, and only authorised visitors can enter your home. After all, every resident has the right to feel safe on their property.
Home security solutions from Argus Fire & Security
Whether you’re looking for CCTV systems, burglar alarms, or a fully integrated smart home security system, the team at Argus Fire & Security can help.
We offer a comprehensive range of security solutions for residential and commercial spaces. We can also provide repairs and maintenance to ensure your property is protected at all times.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touchtoday to discuss your requirements and arrange a security audit.