ADT Birmingham, Alabama

New Home Security Systems Offer More Versatility Than Ever Before

The function of a home security system has always been the same: to set off an alarm in case of unauthorized entry into your house. While the goal of home security remains the same today, newer systems have added functionality that make them more versatile. In much of the same way that cellphones have evolved into smartphones, adding a new security system to your home can offer enhanced benefits. Here’s a look at some of the benefits that come with installing or upgrading to a new security system.

Intrusion Protection

First things first, home security systems still protect your home against burglary. No matter the other functions that come with your intrusion protection system, being an effective deterrent against burglary is still the most important feature. In the world of today, not having a security system is not an option. According to the FBI, over 2 million burglaries happen in the United States every year, and 75 percent occur on residential property.

Think you can’t afford a home security system? Consider this: The average cost in lost property for a break-in is $2,100. Additionally, a Rutgers University study found that security systems not only alert the authorities of a break-in but also deter break-ins altogether. This puts the need to own a security system into perspective.

Remote Home Monitoring

One new feature that’s often included with modern home security systems is remote monitoring. This is a feature that allows you to see what’s going on outside and inside your home when you’re away. Being able to monitor your home in real time can put your mind at ease when you’re on vacation. If you have young children that get home from school before you get home from work, you can keep an eye on them with your remote monitoring system. You can also use the technology to check on your pets.

Carbon Monoxide, Water and Fire Detection

There are numerous things to worry about besides just home break-ins. For example, would you know if there was a carbon monoxide leak in your home? What if you were away and a fire broke out? New home security systems can detect these kinds of problems and much more.

By alerting the authorities directly, your home security system could save your home and priceless memories from being destroyed in an accidental fire. The same can be said about a random pipe bursting in your home. The water damage that could be done to your home before you’re aware of it may be catastrophic.

While it’s true that most states require a home to be fitted with a smoke detector, most don’t alert the authorities in the event of a fire. They are designed to alert you of a fire, but if you and your family are away from home, they offer little value.

Insurance Discounts

Depending on your home insurance provider, you could qualify for a discount after having a new home security system installed. This is because insurance companies want to reward homeowners who are doing their part to protect their homes against break-ins. When a person does more to protect themselves, insurance companies view them as less risky to insure. In some cases, the discounts are as high as 20 percent. While this discount might not be enough to cover the monthly cost of your home security system, it’s enough to help offset the cost some.

Total Home Control

In an era when nearly everything in your home can be connected together, home security systems can be used to control multiple aspects of your home while you’re away. These features are typically controlled via your smartphone device. Many home security systems allow you to control

• the locks on your doors,
• lights both inside and outside, and
• your thermostat.

Having this control allows you to come home to a well-lit house. You can also save money on your cooling bill by turning up the temperature in your home while you are away and turning it back down to cool the house before you return.

Remote Arming and Disarming

Did you leave your home and forget to set your alarm? No worries because you can remotely set your home security system with most units. As with other remote features, you can set the alarm using your smartphone. You also have the option to disarm your home security system should a special situation arise.

24-Hour, 7-Day a Week Protection

You can’t always be there to protect your home, but a home security system is. Most systems come with live support that monitors your house 24 hours a day, seven days a week. So no matter if you’re at home and asleep or away on vacation, you can rest easy knowing that your home is being protected and watched over.

In general, there aren’t any reasons why homeowners shouldn’t have home security systems installed in their homes. Most units cost just a few dollars a day and provide a wide range of features that simply aren’t possible without a security system.