Guide to Home Security and Automation in Massachusetts

Where you live has a direct impact on your quality of life, from affordability to economic stability to education. If you live in Massachusetts, you’re lucky enough to live in the state that holds the top spot for best places to live in the country.

Massachusetts truly has something for everyone. It’s rich in history, arts, and entertainment and is known for excellent schools and job opportunities.

Whether you already call Massachusetts home or are considering a move to the Bay State, keeping your home protected is a top priority. What better way to do that than with a home security system?

This guide will help you learn more about home security and automation and how to choose the best system for your home in Massachusetts.

Home security systems for Massachusetts residents

There are hundreds of security devices on the market, so shopping for a comprehensive home security system can be a bit overwhelming.

The system you choose will depend on your budget and security needs, but all security systems should include equipment with security sensors and alarms:

Security sensors

Security sensors are responsible for tripping the alarm system when the alarm is set and someone attempts to enter your home. Typically, they include:

• Door sensors, which sound an alarm if a door or in your home is opened while the system is set. You can also set them to play a chime whenever a door opens, even if the alarm isn’t set.
• Window sensors, which include both contact sensors and glass break sensors, so the alarm is tripped either by opening or breaking a window.
• Motion sensors, which detect motion if someone walks in front of the sensor’s field of view.

Safety alarms

Home security isn’t just about protection from burglars. Safety alarms protect your home against potential life-threatening situations. Your security services should include:

• Smoke alarms. They’re required by law in every state, so fire alarms are a must-have.
• Carbon monoxide detectors. In Massachusetts, carbon monoxide detectors are also required by law inside residential buildings. Because carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, CO detectors are the only way to alert your family members to the presence of deadly carbon monoxide.
• Water sensors. Damage from a leaking appliance or pipe may not be deadly, but it can be expensive to fix. It also happens quickly. Water sensors are small devices you can place by areas in your home prone to leaks that alert you to the presence of water.
• Panic pendant. With a panic pendant, your loved ones have a direct line of access to your system’s professional monitoring services in the event of an emergency. These are worn on a necklace or around the wrist.

Surveillance cameras

Security cameras are another important component of your security system. You can find cameras for all areas of your property, inside and out, including:

• Doorbell cameras that let you answer your door remotely. You can also see when someone comes to your door whether they ring the bell or not.
• Outdoor cameras give you a view of your property day or night. Some of the more advanced security systems have outdoor cameras with more advanced features. Vivint’s Outdoor Camera Pro, for example, identifies lurkers on the property and warns them that they’ve been spotted.
• Indoor cameras can be placed in different rooms throughout the home and can double as a nanny cam, pet cam, or surveillance camera.

Alarm monitoring

Security system monitoring can be monitored either professionally or by the homeowner. Professional monitoring is beneficial for a number of reasons, including:

• Monitors your home while you’re away and contacts emergency services if needed
• Allows you to focus on getting your family to safety while the monitoring center calls police or fire rescuers
• Provides peace of mind for homeowners knowing their homes are monitored day and night

With self-monitored systems, you might save a little money on the monthly monitoring costs, but you run the risk of not knowing whether or not a false alarm occurred or your home is truly in danger.

Home automation in Massachusetts

Home automation and home security go hand in hand, allowing you to remotely control and monitor various devices and systems throughout your home (including security).

You can also automate certain functions, making your home safer. For example, with home automation you can set your front doors to lock when you arm your security system.

Smart home automation can be used throughout your home, or it can be as simple as a connected smart device that you can control with an app. Your specific system will depend on your personal preference, but some of the most useful smart home devices include:

• Smart thermostat. You’ll save energy and money with smart thermostats, which automatically adjust the temperature in your home based on your preferences and location.
• Smart locks. Smart locks eliminate the need for a physical key. Instead, you unlock your door via a unique code, or you can unlock it remotely through your smartphone.
• Garage door control. Attached garages have an entry door that leads to the home, and many people keep that door unlocked. You can protect that entry point with garage door control. You’ll get notified if your garage door is open, and you can close it with your phone no matter where you are.
• Smart lighting. With smart lighting, you can turn your lights on and off no matter where you are with your phone. You can also pair your lighting with your smart speakers for hands-free control.

As you shop for home automation, you should also consider what smart devices you already have. Not all smart home devices work together, so look for a security provider that integrates with what you already own. Vivint smart home products work with many of the most popular smart home devices, including Nest Thermostat, Google Home,. You can use your existing Nest, or use your smart assistants for hands-free control of your new smart home and security devices.

Security systems near me

Whether you live in a condo in downtown Boston or a house in the suburbs, there are security solutions in Massachusetts to fit anyone’s needs.

Boston area

Few cities have histories as rich and well-known as Boston. While we know it for historical events around the American Revolution, it was actually inhabited by the indigenous Massachusett tribe for thousands of years.

Today, it’s one of the 25 biggest cities in the country and a hub for sporting events, arts and entertainment, and beautiful outdoor spaces. A home security and automation system in Boston will help you keep an eye on your home while you’re out and about enjoying everything your city has to offer.

The greater Boston area includes cities like Arlington, Waltham, and Woburn. While these cities don’t have the same crime rates you’d see in a bigger city, a security system in Arlington or Waltham is still a great investment, especially if you’re a commuter. With an average commute of over 30 minutes each way, it’s not exactly easy to turn around if you forgot to lock the front door. Smart home security can keep you connected to your home wherever you are.

Cambridge

Across the river from Boston is Cambridge, and well known for being the home of prestigious universities Harvard and MIT as well as many pharmaceutical and biotech companies. With that in mind, it’s no wonder that Cambridge is one of the most educated cities in the US, with 90% of residents having completed a Bachelor’s degree or higher.

Unfortunately, property crime in Cambridge is pretty high—more than twice as high as Massachusetts overall. But with a smart home security system in Cambridge, you can ensure your home is protected around the clock.

Worcester

People are drawn to the central Massachusetts city of Worcester for a comparatively affordable cost of living and a more suburban, small city feel than Boston or other large cities.

With crime rates nearly double that of Massachusetts in general, a security system in Worcester will give you peace of mind that your home is protected.

Why you need a Vivint system for your Massachusetts home

Now that you know what to look for in a home security system, how do you choose a top notch company you can trust to protect your home?

When it comes to smart home automation and security, Vivint tops the list. In addition to years of experience as industry leaders, Vivint boasts advanced devices and capabilities you won’t find anywhere else.

Other benefits that help Vivint stand out from the crowd include:

• Professional installation. All Vivint systems include professional installation from our licensed Smart Home Pros. They’ll also show you how to use your system and get the most out of its features.
• Industry-leading response time. In an emergency, every second counts. Vivint has an average response time of less than 10 seconds.
• Customer service. A dedicated customer service team and online library of helpful resources, guides, and videos will help with any questions you have.

No matter where you live in Massachusetts, Vivint can make your home more comfortable, convenient, and safe for your family.

Ready to get started? Let Vivint help you build the perfect system today. Give us a call at 855.822.1220 to get started.