5 Security Systems for the Modern Home

Table of Contents

1. Security Systems for the Modern Home
2. Google Nest
3. ADT
4. Ring
5. Qolsys
6. SimpliSafe[+]
   1. Things you can do to reduce break-ins
   2. Create the impression that you are at home
   3. Keep tools out of burglars’ reach
   4. Eliminate hiding places
   5. Deadlocks on external doors

Security Systems for the Modern Home

Protecting your home is a top priority for most people. It’s the place where we spend time with our families, store important documents and items, and plan for the future. And while some of us might not have a lot of money to invest in high-end security systems for the modern home, there are still plenty of low-cost options available that can help keep our homes safe. In this blog post, I’m going to go over 5 different security systems from popular companies like SimpliSafe and Nest so you have an idea about what’s out there in terms of home protection.

Google Nest

Nest is best known as a smart thermostat company, but they recently entered the home security realm by partnering with two industry leaders: Google-owned video doorbell company, Nest Hello, and ADT. Their starter kit includes the most important devices for any home security system, including a keypad, base station, contact sensor with two entry sensors for doors or windows, motion detector, range extender (for larger homes), and z-wave smoke/CO alarm while still maintaining an affordable price tag.

Nest announced its latest security device, Nest Secure, at its big event earlier this month. The starter kit includes one base station with a built-in alarm siren, two wireless door/window sensors that integrate into the Nest app for real-time alerting, and one Nest Tag that can disarm the system without a passcode. They also showed off new security cameras at their event which will likely start shipping sometime this year.

ADT

ADT is an industry leader in home monitoring systems with over 140 years of experience between them and the now-spun-off company, Protection One (which is now an independent company). In comparison to SimpliSafe and Nest, their most basic package starts at $34.99 per month, which includes 24-hour monitoring by security professionals. The professionals will contact local authorities if something is detected.

Additionally, ADT Pulse has an upgraded package with interactive security options including remote control of all your devices, home automation capabilities via IFTTT integration, and the ability to adjust the temperature, lighting, smart locks, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide sensors with one touch.

Ring

Amazon’s Ring is a home security company that specializes in cameras and doorbells. Their starter kit includes four different contact sensors, one motion detector, two wireless keypads (so you can place them anywhere), one range extender to help with signal problems, and three separate video doorbells so there are multiple entry points for thieves.

Qolsys

Qolsys is a company that was recently acquired by security giant, Honeywell. They offer competitively priced systems with the latest in technology including smartphone apps to control devices and video monitoring options. Their starter kit includes one base station, two wireless door/window sensors, one motion detector, one key fob used to arm and disarm the system, and a touchscreen keypad to add more devices to your home.

SimpliSafe

The most cost-effective on this list, SimpliSafe is a well-established company that has been around for almost ten years. Their starter kit includes one base station, two entry sensors (one motion detector), and three window decals to help deter intruders from entering through an open door or window. And like ADT, they offer 24-hour monitoring by professionals (at an extra cost). While there are some limitations, they have a lot of positive reviews and boast an extremely high customer satisfaction rate.

This is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of home security companies that are on the market today. Chances are, one of these can provide the right service for you, but if you want to explore your options, feel free to do more of your research before selecting a brand.

Things you can do to reduce break-ins

It is all well and good to have smart security systems in your homes, but there are also things you can do to reduce the likelihood of a thief choosing your home to burgle. We have listed some basics below

Create the impression that you are at home

Whether you’re leaving the house or coming home from work, setting up an interior timer light can keep burglars guessing. Some modern security cameras and video doorbells allow you to communicate with people at your front door via your mobile phone. As long as you pretend you’re at home but can’t get to the door right now, it’s easy to act like you’re at home. At the very least, they’ll know you’re watching.

You should only share your holiday adventures on social media if you’d be comfortable leaving them alone in your home.

If you don’t, you’re just tempting burglars with an empty house. Ask a trusted neighbor to help you out by clearing your letterbox daily, putting your garbage out and bringing it in again, and hanging different items on the clothesline every few days. If you can, arrange a house sitter to help.

Keep tools out of burglars’ reach

People can use several objects, including fallen branches, garden tools, ladders, and even children’s toys, to break windows and gain access to your home. Make life harder for burglars by keeping things tidy and locking tools away.

Eliminate hiding places

Take a stroll around your house while you are out on the street. Consider places where a burglar could hide from view or sneak in when no one is watching. Consider installing motion-activated security lights around your home if you experience poor lighting at night. Many people install day/night cameras that stream live video to their mobile phones.

Deadlocks on external doors

Exterior sliding doors in older models often feature easily opened flimsy locks. A security bar can enhance security by preventing the door from sliding open, even when the lock is unlocked. The use of deadlocks is another option for sliding and standard doors.

Even if a burglar cuts or breaks the glass to get inside, they still won’t be able to open the door. It is also a hassle for burglars to steal large items when the doors are deadlocked. If you need to escape within a few minutes of a fire, remember to leave the keys in the deadlocks while you are at home.

Thank you for reading!