Even the best home security systems won’t be impenetrable forever. To keep your home ready to withstand threats, you have to keep it updated.
In this article, we’ll show you some of the best ways to keep your security solution on the cutting edge of home protection.
10 ways to upgrade your home security system
1. Upgrade your security equipment
Home security providers add new technology, equipment, and features every year. If you’ve had your security equipment for a few years, now is a good time to expand your system with some of these new options, such as:
- New keypads/control panels
- Security cameras
- Safety alarms
Many companies allow you to purchase individual devices to strengthen your system. Reach out to your provider to see what they offer and to ask if you can upgrade your equipment.
2. Add home automation
Smart home devices are the latest and greatest options for security solutions. You can integrate products such as:
- Smart locks
- Smart home ecosystems, such as Google Home, Amazon Echo, and Apple HomeKit
- Smart garage controllers
- Smart thermostats
- Smart lighting
Your security system connects these devices into a single network, allowing you to automate simple actions. You can automatically arm your system when the front door locks, automate lighting around your schedule, and so much more. Even if you forget to secure your home, your smart system will take care of these tasks for you.
3. Install security cameras
Security cameras protect your home when and where you can’t, showing would-be burglars that your home is protected. They can alert you to lurkers before they attempt to break into your home. If someone does target you, your cameras ensure you have clear footage of the person who’s committing the crime.
Smart cameras can live stream video to your phone, giving you a look at everything happening in and around your home at all times. Personalize your settings to automate recordings, outline custom activity zones, and more.
Additional features, including two-way communication, intelligent analytics, and smart integrations, further strengthen your security and convenience.
4. Use remote access
Older systems, and wired systems in particular, can only be controlled and adjusted at home. If you forget to arm it or experience a break-in while you’re out, your control is limited by your proximity.
Upgrading your system to a wireless model gives you remote access to every device connected to it. You can view live video from all of your cameras or arm/disarm the system from afar. With smart devices, you can use your phone to change the temperature, adjust lighting, and lock the front door.
No matter what happens around or within your home, you can monitor and control your security.
5. Get a security consult
Want to improve your security system but not sure where to start? A security consultation will show you the best devices to add to your home and system.
After evaluating your security system and home’s vulnerabilities, the security expert you hire can recommend the best ways to strengthen your protection. You can share what kind of security system you are looking for, getting their advice on the available options.
6. Sign up for professional monitoring
By itself, your home security system can detect and alert you to any intrusions. During a break-in, however, you have to call emergency services yourself to get help.
A professional monitoring service improves your security system by making sure someone is always watching for an alert. If your system is triggered, it will send an alert to the monitoring team. They will contact you to confirm that it isn’t a false alarm before dispatching emergency responders to your home.
If you don’t see the alert or can’t respond, your security provider will make sure that you can still get the help you need. You can depend on their support, letting go of any worries about your safety.
7. Secure your login info
On the rare occasion that a home security system is hacked, it’s usually because the account’s login details have been leaked or are too weak.
If you haven’t already, secure your account with a strong password that you haven’t used anywhere else. Never share your login details or security system codes with anyone.
8. Add smart safety alarms
Security systems don’t just focus on threats from burglars and intruders. They also protect you and your family from environmental threats such as fires and carbon monoxide leaks.
Smart home security systems, in particular, provide powerful guards against these dangers. Smart smoke/heat and CO detectors integrate with your security system, sending alerts to your phone when they are triggered. At the same time, they will alert your professional monitoring team to the situation so they can send rescue crews as quickly as possible.
9. Customize your settings
Today, security solutions can meet the exact needs presented by your home and lifestyle. You can automate smart devices around your family’s schedule to make sure everyone gets home safely. Adjust your settings so you can arm your security system without getting false alarms from your pets.
Security providers understand that security isn’t one-size-fits-all. From the devices you choose to the features you use, you can personalize your security solutions.
Plus, with smart home integrations, you can bring all of your devices into a single system. Your security system will work on your terms, improving safety and convenience along the way.
10. Use it consistently
Though it may seem like common sense, this point is worth making. A home security system can’t protect your home if it isn’t armed when your house is vulnerable.
Some users forget to arm the system or choose to leave it inactive. Rather than turning off the system because the door chimes bother you, however, adjust your settings. Get in the habit of arming the system whenever you leave and before bed every night.
If the day comes when a burglar tries to enter your home, you’ll be glad that your system was ready to respond.
