All home security systems operate on the same basic principle of protecting access points, such as doors and windows as well as the interior, with all the values that can be found there. Regardless of the size of your home or the number of doors and windows or the interior, security is required. The only real difference is the number of security components installed throughout the house and controlled by the control panel.
How do home security systems work?
Home security systems control access to entry points to the house by means of sensors that interact with the control panel installed in a convenient location somewhere in the house.
Sensors are usually placed on doors that lead in and out of the house as well as on easily accessible windows, especially those that are not protected by anything and at ground level. The interior of the house can be protected by movement sensors.
The control panel is a central element that secures and disarms the security system, interacts with each installed component, generates an alarm when the security zone is breached and sends a signal to the company that monitors the alarms.
The control panels can be equipped with a touch panel for easy programming and interaction, through which pass codes are entered for arming and disarming the system.
How much do home security systems cost?
As with any other product, not all security systems are created in the same way. Some of them can be installed for only $60 and others for $4.000. Usually, the price is slightly more indicative than the functions that the security system offers. To maintain the integrity of this analysis, let’s use the average figure for a standard installation, as provided by Hikvision, of $200.
In addition to this price, home security systems require a monthly monitoring fee. To do this, let’s use the monthly monitoring fee for the medium range alarm system that comes with some useful home automation functions, which is around $20 per month.
Most security companies offer different options when it comes to equipment, functions and services. These systems are often paired with features such as cage control, as well as remote control of lighting and a thermostat.
What are the best home security camera systems?
The safety of a flat or summer house is important in today’s reality. Security camera systems are very helpful in this. Modern models make it possible to broadcast images over the Internet.
Our list includes the best models for video surveillance in both a private home and a flat:
Xiaomi Mijia 360: The CCTV camera rating for the home is headed by a device from Xiaomi. It is an IP model with a swivel mechanism. It captures colour images in Full HD, has fixed focus, night mode, IR illumination, built-in microphone, speaker and a memory card slot. It communicates with the receiver or router via Wi-Fi. The H.265 codec is used for video. The device can rotate through 360°.
Hikvision Outdoor Security Camera DS-2CD2022WD-I: The camera is able to survive critically low temperatures and is also IP67 protected against water and dust. The lens with CMOS sensor has 2 megapixels. There is a fixed focus. The minimum focal length is 4 millimetres. The angle of view is 90°, there is no automatic rotation mechanism. There is IR illumination with a range of 30 metres. There is a special night mode.
Falcon Eye FE-104MHD KIT: The CCTV rating was headed by a set of 4 cameras and a receiver. The last one is dressed in a strong metal case. It has 4 channels on board to connect as many cameras as possible. There is a built-in mechanical hard drive with enough capacity to store records. The set includes sets of four combined wires 18 meters long. The analogue type of signal transmission is used.
How effective are home security systems?
The security systems have proven to be effective in preventing theft and other property crimes. In this case, it is very important to prevent potential intruders’ intentions to harm you. For example, when you go on holiday, many people think about how to solve the safety issue; the first thing you need to do is to securely isolate the room, while at the same time somehow creating the illusion of being there (working with electrical appliances, lighting, etc.).
If you do decide to install a security system in your home, weigh the pros and cons before purchasing it. For example, think about the possibility of directly connecting the alarm system to the nearest police station on duty, in the event of any unforeseen situations, law enforcement officers will be able to react quickly to them.
Internal alarms disorientate burglars in most cases, which is a plus in cases where a break-in is spontaneous. External alarms are a great way to warn your neighbours of theft, but it is also worth considering whether such a system will cause any discomfort to those living in the neighbourhood.