What to Look for When Shopping for a Smart Home Security System?
A smart home security system should be a long-term investment that provides you with the tightest protection for many years.
The longevity of high-tech cameras and motion sensors makes choosing the right system all the more important. While there are plenty of low-cost options available, what’s the use of realizing a little further down the line that it isn’t providing a suitable level of security?
The right security system means feeling safe when you’re tucked in bed, assured that your children return home safe, and relaxed even when halfway around the world on holiday.
So, what exactly do you need to look for when shopping for a smart home security system? What features and capabilities are necessary to give your property maximum protection and ensure replacing your smart home security system isn’t a regular occurrence?
Common Home Security Equipment
Doorbell Camera
The doorbell camera records visitors on your doorstep and lets you communicate with them remotely. Aside from being useful in organizing deliveries, the doorbell camera is great for getting a first look at unsuspecting intruders and keeping track of family’s coming and goings.
WiFi Camera
The WiFi camera can be placed indoors or outdoors and monitors your property 24/7. Watch live video footage from your smartphone and be the first to know when there is suspicious activity in and around your home.
Motion Sensor
The motion sensor alerts you as soon as unexpected motion is detected in the home. The device can be placed near entry points or over precious items.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector
The carbon monoxide detector triggers an alarm when carbon monoxide is detected in the home. The device alerts you the minute the gas is detected, so you can take care of the situation and evacuate.
Water Sensor
The water leak sensor alerts you to expensive and troublesome household leaks. The device catches leaks early, helping to prevent serious and costly water damage.
What Features You Need When Shopping for Smart Security Devices
When you start to shop for the smart security devices listed above, there are some specific features you should look out for. Considering the following features will help you select a reliable security device that keeps you alert at all times.
1) Device Support
Some smart home security systems have limited connectivity to other devices. If you already have smart devices in your home, such as Amazon Alexa and Google Home, it’s important to consider whether the new security system additions will work alongside them.
Additionally, look at the IFTTT (If This Then That) capabilities. These let you connect devices and create sequences; for example, you could have your smart lighting automatically switch on when motion is detected on your porch.
BAZZ smart home monitoring devices are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant and can also be used to program automated scenes with other Bazz Smart Home products.
2) Wireless Connection
Wireless security systems are even easier to install and don’t require a professional technician’s assistance. The equipment is often pre-programmed and ready to use, ‘plug-in and play’. While wireless connections might be the preference, wired connections can be just as useful - it all depends on your unique circumstance.
3) Sensor Range & Supports
If you have a large property or one that is spread out, close attention needs to be paid to the security system’s support range. It could be possible that cameras at either end of the property fall out of range, deeming them unfunctional.
Different systems require different connection protocols: Bluetooth, WiFi, Z-Wave, and Zigbee. Before you buy, look into the specs and be sure that the devices work with your home’s infrastructure.
For BAZZ smart home monitoring systems, all that’s required is a moderate WiFi connection. And with no hub necessary, there’s no chance that your cameras, sensors, and other security systems will fall out of a hub’s reach.
4) Battery
The last thing you want is for the battery on your cameras to deplete and miss out on vital protection and footage. To prevent that from happening, some smart home security systems come with back-up battery power, and others are hardwired into the home’s power.
BAZZ smart home cameras are hardwired into your home’s power with no chance of the battery running out. Our sensors and alarms, which are powered by battery, have back-up battery power for when power runs low, too.
5) Mobile App Remote Control
The very best home security systems make it easy for you to control and view your smart home security cameras. With a mobile app, it doesn’t get much easier. Whether you’re at work, in a different country, or cooking in your kitchen, a mobile app instantly sends you alerts when sensors are triggered.
The BAZZ Smart Home app sends you real-time notifications when motion is detected, lets you watch live stream surveillance, and record footage. With BAZZ, you’re in control of your security no matter where you are.
6) Waterproof
If your home security systems are going to be outdoors, they need to be waterproof. It’s no use their capabilities coming undone at the first sign of bad weather. That way, you’ll be forever moving them in and out. That being said, you’ll be surprised how many smart home security systems do not have a suitable level of waterproof.
BAZZ’s smart outdoor cameras have waterproof IP65 certification, so you can be confident in its ability to stay working no matter the weather.
Types of Home Security Systems
Wireless Home Alarm System
Wireless home alarm systems are precisely what the name suggests: security systems that communicate without wires. If your home doesn’t have a security system installed, wireless systems make things easy - there is no need to drill holes and make home modifications, and you can take the security system with you when you move house.
Wireless home alarm systems operate using either mobile, landline or WiFi connections. These connections are already up and running in most households, so installation is fast and straightforward. BAZZ Smart Home products connect to your WiFi network so you can control devices using your smartphone.
Wired Home Alarm System
A wired home alarm system uses linked wires throughout your house to relay information and transmit signals. If your home doesn’t have a system already hardwired, installing one can be a hassle and requires a professional’s work. Additionally, every time you add a smart device, it has to be connected with wires - meaning you’ll have to enlist the help of a professional again.
Homes with a wired system also risk the wires being destroyed, rendering the system useless.
Electric Current Home Alarm System
Electric current home alarm systems are security in its most basic form. These alarm systems monitor entry points and are often installed when a home is built. The system works by passing an electrical circuit between two points. When doors/windows are shut, the current flows, but the circuit is blocked, and an alarm is triggered as soon as they open.
Easy to Install Smart Home Security Systems
BAZZ home monitoring systems are an easy way to keep your family safe. From motorized HD indoor and outdoor cameras to motion sensors and video doorbells, BAZZ has everything you need to keep your home secure.
After installation, you will be able to remotely monitor and control the devices directly through the BAZZ Smart Home App. Explore our range of products and bolster your home’s security today!
