Using a home security system It can give you excellent access control and security, but it comes with a lot of decisions to make. That includes which product is best for youand what security kit is right for your home and what devices to add to complete it. Both websites and professional installers can be forced to recommend as many add-ons as possible — how do you know they’re right for you?
I use my years of security reviews to examine the worst devices in your home, why they’re redundant or redundant and how you can save money by ditching them before you hit the buy button.
Read more: How To Turn Your Security Camera Into An All Purpose Home Security Tool
Alarm touch screens
Touch screens look great, but they don’t need to be part of your security system.
Years ago, a nice, colorful touch screen on the wall was the sign of a very advanced security system with all the bells and whistles. Not so today. With app-based controls, those touch screens have become smaller and lighter, ultimately taking up unnecessary space and increasing system costs.
Today, your phone and a simple keypad on the security system hub are often all you need. Unless you want another keypad option near the entrance, consider cutting out the touchscreen and lowering your prices.
Temperature sensors and smoke detectors
Your home probably already has enough smoke detectors.
There is nothing wrong with temperature sensors or smoke detectors. They are the most important parts of a smart home. In fact, they are so important that you probably already have them. Smoke detectors are already required by law in certain parts of your home (depending on your state or country). Thermostats, especially smart thermostats with satellite sensors, already do a great job of detecting temperatures throughout your home.
Home security products may try to sell you their own temperature or smoke detector to put in the kitchen or fireplace, etc. If your home is not so large that smoke detectors are far from these areas, you can probably skip these. Or look for devices that can listen for sirens from existing detectors to give you remote notifications as a bonus.
Motion sensors
Motion sensors are generally not as reliable or useful as access sensors.
Motion detectors are a common sensor in home security systems, a staple for years that can detect movement in certain rooms or areas and trigger alarms. But I don’t think it’s necessary for two reasons.
First, motion detectors are not as useful as access sensors, such as open/close sensors that can tell you when a door, drawer, safe or window has been opened and sound alarms accordingly. Vibration sensors, capable of detecting glass breakage or attempted break-ins and tampering, can serve an important role in highly targeted applications. With those two sensors, there isn’t much left for motion sensors to do.
Second, motion sensors are not as reliable as the devices I mentioned. They can be small, often very sensitive or dull even after correction, and need to be in the right place. Even modern sensors can be triggered by large pets or wall-pounding, so dog-friendly homes may need to turn them off when a four-legged friend is around.
If possible, skip or reduce motion sensors to save money, or buy them separately from your security system.
Panic buttons
Panic buttons may provide peace of mind, but they are no longer necessary these days.
Panic buttons sound like a great idea, whether they’re carried as a fob or mounted on the wall in a convenient location. But I also put these in the “unnecessary” category, since today we all have SOS settings and emergency buttons on our smartphones that we can use anywhere, anytime. At the very least, you can ask the smart speaker to call the emergency services.
Smart identity locks
Smart locks are a great addition to the home, but beware of limited models.
Far from having a problem with smart locks, I think everyone should get one as long as they don’t mind changing the batteries from time to time. But beware of smart locks specially created by a home security company that doesn’t work well without it. Often, these proprietary smart locks suffer from poor designs, missing features and poor performance.
Instead, look for a security system that supports third-party smart locks, which are often superior. ADT, for example, offers useful support for the Yale smart lock, and other brands support a variety of third-party locks. You can also get a smart lock that is separate from your security system and not worry about connecting it.
This is true for other smart home additions that security systems can provide. Always go for systems that support the latest third-party devices, rather than just offering proprietary models.
What home security features are best for you?
Intrusion and access sensors are one of the most useful parts of a security system.
Today’s security systems offer many useful additions and settings that I have come to appreciate when monitoring and protecting my home. Access and vibration sensors are always useful when set to detect open doors or broken glass. The accompanying security camera is also a great addition, especially if it has two-way audio, so you can quickly check the situation when your alarm goes off. Integration with a third-party smart lock with multiple supports is also welcome.
If you’re still deciding between a security system and a single device, be sure to check out my guides on the best security cameras, the best security cameras without a subscription and the best security cameras for outdoor use.
