Searching for just the faultless home security system can be a pain in the neck, especially when you’re also trying to save costs on electricity bills and insurance levies at the same time. This confusion arises as a result of the vast array of smart home integrated security systems present in the market today. However, owing to the emergence of newer home security options in recent years, looking for a system that takes into consideration your requirements and budgets just got easier.
The newer systems have very much improved technology in the way they operate and the ease with which they can be managed and supervised. Owing to the widespread availability of home broadband networks and home Wi-Fi networks, security systems can now be easily controlled right from your mobile devices, regardless of your current location. Alerts can be sent to your phone anytime sensors detect unapproved entry or break-in. This feature is buttressed by the fact that one can use one’s mobile device to stream live videos captured by the monitoring camera linked to one’s home security system.
The Old Security Systems
Some years back, security systems were less of digital systems than what we have today. They consisted of a panel mounted on the wall of a house. This panel sent alerts of a suspected break-in or smoke buildup. These alerts got to the monitoring station staff through the landline-phone network of the security panel, or via a home’s broadband modem.
Smart Home Amalgamation
However, in recent times, these monitored systems, in addition to sending notifications to one’s mobile device, also connect via a wireless interface to one’s smart-home products which includes door locks and leak detectors. Integrated security and mobile devices systems also have an automated function which could be used to set a specific time at which the doors are locked or even, to turn the lights on and off at specific time intervals while you’re away from home.
The definition of home security has encountered modification over time; from a unit that once sets off a loud siren to one that carries out a variety of functions including checking for new deliveries at your doorstep to checking on your kids.
As of today, options as to how these security systems are installed and monitored abound. In addition to the basic services of security services which includes installing these security systems, monitoring it remotely for a fixed monthly fee, and contacting the fire unit or the cops in cases of suspected break-ins; they now compete with two classes of systems”: the do-it-yourself (DIY) and monitor-it-yourself (MIY) class, and also the DIY install with professional monitoring class. For those who’d like to save the cost of professional monitoring, the DIY with MIY class is definitely for you. However, for those who wouldn’t have the luxury of time to monitor their security systems, professional service providers such as www.thinkprotection.com are ready to provide such professional monitoring at a not so high price.
The struggle with new competitors
As newer technologies continue to abound in the market, so also are companies stepping up their game to deliver pocket-friendly DIY and MIY packages to service providers that install and monitor such equipment. These service providers charge as low as $20, and as high as $70 monthly depending on the array of detectors and smart home products one has installed in one’s home. Also, many of them make compulsory the signing of a contract agreement, which can extend for a number of years.
In addition to these services, these providers also offer in-home consultation where they help discover the unsecured areas in your house. These consultation services also include the search for the spot with the strongest cellular signal where the placement of the wall-mounted controller would be.
Most newer service providers offer two basic types of systems:
- DIY-installed systems sold with professional monitoring.
- DIY/MIY systems, where monitoring activities are carried out by you, without the need for monthly fees.
Companies such as LG and Samsung offer the DIY-installed systems with optional professional monitoring.
DIY/MIY systems are put up for sale by companies such as Abode, SimpliSafe, and Getafe.
A number of companies such as Abode offer on-demand monitoring services ranging from a few days to weeks at an affordable price for individuals running the DIY/MIY systems, but won’t be able to monitor it during the said time.
Conclusion
Over time, home security systems have evolved from the archaic panels mounted on wall houses to a smart home integrated security systems that can be operated right from one’s mobile device. Today, an array of options abound as to the form of security system you want running in your home. If you’re someone who is always busy and does not have enough time to monitor the security system, you’d be most likely interested in going for the DIY-installed systems sold with professional monitoring. However, if you’re trying to save costs, then the DIY/MIY system is your sure bet.
