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Editor’s Note: This blog was originally published in April 2018 and has been revised to reflect industry updates.
As homeowners seek to safeguard their properties and loved ones, the need for increased technology, convenience, and efficiency for everyday household functions remains top of mind. Whether you’re a new homeowner implementing a security system or upgrading your current solution, consider utilizing smart technologies
Smart home security systems boast several significant advantages over traditional models, such as real-time alerts, motion detection, video surveillance and analytics, and fire and life safety protection. Designed to also include utilities and energy management, wellness measures, and more, these applications can be easily integrated into your current system with access from any mobile device.
Below we’ll highlight key advantages of smart automation—all of which can be remotely managed through the Alarm.com mobile app.
1. Proactive, Real-Time Security Alerts
Standard security systems alert you when a breach has already occurred. By the time you get an alert, it’s too late to do anything about a break-in, fire, or carbon monoxide leak. These systems react rather than provide proactive, real-time alerts.
Featuring a wide range of capabilities to further protect your home, smart security solutions can immediately detect and alert these incidents, leading to reduced instances of injuries, theft, and even possible fatalities. Notifications can be received from anywhere via any mobile device, providing critical updates on recent activities in and around your home.
If a door or window is left ajar or unlocked, smart locks and contact sensors immediately alert to keep would-be trespassers or other unwanted guests at bay. Smart motion sensors and detection provide added peace of mind for parents and caregivers, should young children wander toward any potentially dangerous areas.
2. Remote Monitoring & Video Surveillance Solutions
Adding security cameras with video surveillance provides insight on what’s happening, whether you’re home or away. Receive mobile device alerts as children arrive home from school, check on elderly loved ones, and even household pets. Indoor cameras let you also “peek in” throughout the day to ensure activities such as homework, meal preparation, and medications are appropriately handled. This also applies to front-porch cameras, which facilitate contactless communication via two-way audio and video functionality, even when you can’t be there.
3. Control Household Functions From Anywhere
As homeowners seek to safeguard their properties and loved ones, the need for increased technology, convenience, and efficiency for everyday household functions remains top of mind.
Smart technology isn’t just for security measures. This specialized automation also lets you customize various household functions. Never worry about leaving lights on or forgetting to turn off appliances after cooking. Rather than adjusting your thermostat before you leave for the day and when arriving home that evening, you can schedule a temperature change according to the local weather forecast. Adding temperature and flood sensors can also alert to moisture or leaks leading to potential damages.
You can do the same to schedule lights to turn on and off at certain times of day. This is also helpful if you’re going to be out for extended periods. A well-lit home and property is likely to discourage would-be thieves and trespassers rather than a dark, closed-up setting.
These technologies also help with automatically shutting down TVs, personal computers, and gaming devices to manage energy and screen time.
4. Save Money on Utility Bills
Automating your home with smart thermostats, LED bulbs and outlets can also conserve a significant amount of energy, while also lessening your carbon footprint. Since remote adjustments can be made and the devices themselves can regulate settings, homeowners will likely save money on monthly utility bills, such as electric, heating and cooling, and water.
5. Increased Property Values & Possible Insurance Discounts
According to market research firm Strategy Analytics, approximately 19 percent of (or 400 million) households worldwide will have at least one type of smart technology present by 2025.
Results of the 2018 Coldwell Banker Real Estate Smart Home Marketplace Survey noted potential homebuyers are also seeking smart-equipped technology when shopping for a new home. Participating respondents stated smart thermostats, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, security cameras, smart locks, and lighting at the top of their wish lists.
As millennials continue shopping for their first homes, it’s important to pay close attention to their preferences, since many expect automation and convenience via mobile device apps. Sellers should consider this as smart features gain popularity.
With home security solutions providing increased safety and security, some insurance companies might also offer up to 10 percent discounts on homeowner policies. It’s best to check with your designated company for exact amounts and qualifications.
6. Smart Systems Can Be Fun and Entertaining
While smart systems for home security functions are safe and practical, they are also fun and entertaining for family members, friends, and neighbors—especially during the holidays. Imagine being able to automatically turn on lights and music at dusk during Halloween to depict a "haunted house" or implementing tripwires to activate outdoor holiday lawn decorations and lighting.
This can also be used for wake-up times, turning on music instead of traditional phone or clock alerts. Simply set your Alarm.com app or voice recognition tool to activate any electronic device at certain times of day.
Even though security is serious, Smart Home security can be fun and cool!
Customizing Your Smart Home Security Solution
As you decide on areas of your home to safeguard and automate, it’s recommended to work with a reputable service provider such as General Security. They can provide an expert assessment of your smart home goals and best practices.
General Security provides homeowners reliable, effective security systems with smart home capabilities for added convenience and protection. Request a free quote today!
