Best Ways to Protect your Home

Taking care of your home isn’t simply about keeping up with seasonal maintenance but keeping it secure and protected. And a wealth of new technologies can help us do that better than ever before.

Once upon a time, our only options were locks and basic intruder alarms. Now, tech companies are developing gadgets to help us have more control and peace of mind, whether we’re at home or on holiday.

With so many different security devices on offer, how do we know what’s best to invest in? Let’s take a look at the ways we can protect our homes and what different gadgets do.

Outdoor security cameras

Installing the best outdoor security camera may seem like a no-brainer, but what makes a security camera good? And how much protection do they give?

Firstly, there are wired and wireless versions which both have their pros and cons. For most of us, a wireless version is fine as it’s easier to install and our internet connection is good enough for it to work well. But a wired camera provides increased reliability, especially in large or remote properties, and a closed-circuit (CCTV) system is less vulnerable to hacking, interference, and picture quality issues.

There are other considerations too. If you’re going wireless, then long battery life and quick charging is a must. Wide and long viewing angles and night vision will not only detect an intruder but identify them too. A high IP (ingress protection) rating is useful in locations that are prone to harsh weather conditions.

Finally, let’s not forget the techy side of things. Smart home compatible systems make management and integration with other security features easier, and cloud storage options are a useful bonus.

Indoor security cameras

Indoor security cameras are another way to protect your home. Although they can’t prevent or deter an intruder, they can help monitor activity in your home whilst you’re at work or on holiday. They can protect your home in other ways too. For example, they can help you keep an eye on children and pets, making sure that nothing untoward is going on when your back is turned.

So, what makes a good indoor security camera? Well, as with outdoor cameras, the picture quality of at least 1080p is recommended and a wide-angle lens is again useful for capturing the whole room. But you should also consider whether you want the camera to be discreet or in full view and whether it offers flexible mounting options. Again, look at how it connects. Is it Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection and how reliable will that be in your home? Does the camera have cloud storage, is it remotely accessible and operatable?

Motion sensors and security lighting

Sometimes a simple deterrent is all you need to protect your home, especially if you’re only away for short periods. So, motion sensors and security lighting options are good gadgets to look at.

One of the most common household security installations is an outdoor light with a motion sensor. This turns on when someone walks onto or by your property. So, what features should you look for in this type of device? Well, LED lights are the most efficient and long-lasting options, but adaptability is also important. You want to be able to set the angle and sensitivity, so it works well and doesn’t annoy neighbors.

This isn’t the only security lighting available. Indoor lights can be hooked up to a timer, to turn on and off while you’re out. This gives the impression that someone is at home. In this instance, look for digital or plug-in options that are easy to install and have good programmability.

Smart doorbells and monitoring systems

Possibly the most hi-tech options for home security are subscription monitoring systems and smart doorbells. Again, these have their pros and cons, which are worth being aware of before you invest in them.

Firstly, for subscription services, you need to think about what you get for your money. On the plus side, someone can monitor your home around the clock and alert emergency services if needed. This gives you peace of mind if you’re away from home much of the time. However, you’re bound to a contract that can be expensive to break.

Smart doorbells can be a better alternative. Many low-cost versions are still packed with features such as HDR video, voice controls, easy streaming to your phone, and free cloud storage.

In conclusion

There are plenty of options to increase the security of your home. These work in different ways to give you different levels of protection. They come with varying features and costs. So, before you buy any device, weigh up what features and protection you need.