Home security systems have come a long way since Léon Theremin invented the first burglar alarm in the 1920s. Although today's home security systems still include and basic burglar alarm with door and window monitoring features, they now include some very futuristic technology. Knowing how to choose a home security system depends on understanding your needs then knowing the security features available to meet those needs, like wireless security cameras, doorbell cameras, smart locks, automated climate and lighting controls, and mobile garage door controls.
How to choose a home security system
Knowing how to choose a home security system depends on understanding your needs then knowing the security features available to meet those needs, like wireless security cameras, doorbell cameras, smart locks, automated climate and lighting controls, and mobile garage door controls. Here's a list of standard home security features along with the benefits they provide:
HD video recording
Security cameras were one of the first features added to the basic burglar alarm. Like the alarms, themselves, security cameras have evolved over the years. Modern cameras feature:
- Wireless connection
- HD resolution
- Color pictures
- A privacy button
- Remote control for pan-and-tilt models
The days of low-resolution, black-and-white images are over. With our wireless security cameras, you’ll get HD, color recordings you can stream anywhere there’s an internet connection, safely stored in the cloud, or stored on a local storage device like Vivint Smart Drive.
Doorbell video feed
One of the more creative uses for cameras, doorbell cameras let you see who’s at the door from anywhere in your house – or anywhere in the world. A small camera that’s installed next to your doorbell, our smart doorbell camera sends you a mobile alert when someone rings your doorbell, shows you who is on your front step and lets you talk to them.
Remote door access
With remote access locks, you no longer need to be home to lock or unlock your door. Simply log on to your account and turn their locks on our off over the internet. Whether you frequently forget to lock your doors, want to grant someone one-time access while you’re away or are just don’t want to get up, remotely controlling your door’s locks improves security and convenience. You can even check to make sure you remembered to put the garage door down from your office or at the grocery store with garage door control.
Smart temperature and light control
Through smart home technology, you can control many electronics in your home. Again, through your account, you can:
- Adjust your thermostat
- Turn lights on or off
- Control some small appliances
When you have complete control over your thermostat, lights and small appliances, you’ll soon notice significantly reduced energy bills. By making small adjustments while you’re away, you will be able to save a lot on heating, cooling, and electricity. When you’re home, you can still keep the house how you like it.
Advanced garage door security
Traditional burglar alarms don’t monitor your garage door, even though they’re the second-most-common point of entry for thieves, according to HomeAdvisor. That’s why we offer a tilt sensor that can tell when your garage door is opening, as well as a highly advanced control panel. Your garage is part of your home, and it should be part of your burglar alarm, too.
Many companies offer burglar alarms. At Vivint, we set ourselves apart from the others by providing a comprehensive smart home solution. Our smart home security systems include alarms, but they go well beyond just notifying you when a door or window open.
To learn more about just what our systems can do for you, give us a call.