Do-it-yourself home security systems have become increasingly popular over recent years. Homeowners, and renters, see DIY home security systems as an easy and inexpensive way to protect their home and their belongings. And, with a slew of home security products on the market, and thousands of DIY YouTube videos, an entire DIY system can be purchased and set up in a matter of hours. Sounds pretty easy, right?
Buyer beware! Many DIY home security systems can bring on more headache and hassle than security and can leave homes and families more vulnerable than they were before the system was installed.
To find out why DIY home security systems might not be the best solution for your security needs, we’ve compiled the top concerns and problems we hear about DIY security.
1.Thieves Can Easily Hack into Your DIY Systems
Far and away, the number one problem with DIY systems is that they can be easily taken over, turned off or manipulated by thieves and crooks. Instances like these have been well documented – by Forbes, Business Insider, SecuritySales.com, and more.
According to an article from Forbes last year, many mass market security devices can be easily hacked into and compromised. “Anyone who can locate a SimpliSafe owner can use basic hardware and software, bought for between $50 and $250, to harvest customer PINs and turn alarms off at a distance of up to 200 yards away.”
2. Faulty Installation Can Mean A False Sense of Protection
Another problem with the DIY’ers and YouTubers of home security systems is that a 20-minute installation video can make a very important security feature install look much simpler than it really is. Professional technicians go to school and receive extensive training for this very purpose. Protecting your home and your family shouldn’t be left to chance, and by attempting to install your own system, you run the risk of setting up equipment incorrectly or in the wrong places, and leaving your home unprotected.
3. Customization is Key to Properly Securing Your Home
Every home is different. Everyone’s family and lifestyle is different. Your home security system needs to protect both, and that’s why one simple system won’t work for everyone.
How many entry points does your home have? How many windows do you have that are easy for potential burglars to access? How many exterior blind spots do you have that are hidden from view of the street or your neighbors? Or, maybe you need more lifestyle sensors, like remote keyless entry for school-age children and cameras that let you know when they’ve safely come home from school in the middle of the afternoon?
All of these are problems with solutions easily provided by professional home security systems. Don’t try to piece together different products and create your own unique (and overly complicated) DIY system. Let an industry expert identify the right types of products and setup for your specific home and lifestyle needs.
4. Poor Security Equipment Quality
Products created for mass market consumption can often sacrifice quality to make production and costs of goods decrease and keep prices low. This means that a lot of the out-of-the-box home security products that you can buy at retailers or online will be of a much lower quality than products provided and relied upon by professional security system providers.
Don’t take our word for it, though. Check out what consumers and have said about SimpliSafe, LiveWatch, and others.
5. No Smart Home Technology and Integration
Ok, so that’s not exactly true. There are ways to install and rig DIY security products for SmartHome use, however, this can definitely lead to vulnerability issues and faulty performance when not done correctly.
You also have far fewer options to integrate with a DIY system than you do with a system setup and installed by a team of professionals. And, as with any new technology and integrations, you want to be sure to leave yourself ways to upgrade and enhance the tech as newer, “smart”er versions become available, which can be limiting with specific manufacturers and product lines.
6. Monitoring Can Be Tough
Think about it. Do you really want a minimalist, low-grade service responsible for safely monitoring and responding to your family’s security needs?
The marketing message of $10/month, no contract “monitoring” service sounds attractive, but remember, you get what you pay for.
With a professional services company monitoring your home, you’re guaranteed a 24/7 central monitoring service that can dispatch police, fire and medical aid immediately.
Want to learn more about your security system options? Contact Fortress today.
With the proliferation of technological advancements, both home and business security industries are constantly receiving new innovations. And, you, the consumer, gets to reap the benefits. A top-of-the-line home security system two years ago has evolved tremendously into different options that are available today. But, just what kind of security system offers the most state-of-the-art protection for your home today? It starts with the creation of a fully automated home, or a “smart home.”
And, what exactly does “smart home” mean? A smart home means your home is responsive to your lifestyle. Smart homes, too, give you the ability to control items around the house with a simple push of a button. Having a smart home means you can control your home, from your central keypad, or from your phone, tablet or desktop computer.
A smart home security system always starts with a central hub – your control panel. It’s the heart of your system. Fortress Security’s home automation solutions include the Honeywell Tuxedo keypad, the Rolls Royce of control panels in the industry. This control panel features a high-resolution, 7-inch touch screen. It is from this panel that you can control everything “smart” in your home. Or, you can go remote. Fortress Security’s Total Connect smartphone app allows remote control and management of all your Fortress Security systems and home automation features including, security, cameras, energy, lighting, and your doorbell.
Modern Monitoring
Just as important as using modern equipment to build your system, is the kind of monitoring your alarm system receives. Fortress Security has one of the nation’s largest network of monitoring centers. Because of this, our customers receive the fastest response on the market. Our 4G interconnected network of five monitoring centers are U.L. listed and equipped with the latest telephone, computer, and redundant back-up power systems available today. This monitoring coverage ensures your services are never interrupted. Our professional monitoring staff are fully trained, licensed, and background checked, and they are there 24/7 ready to respond to any emergency at any time.
IP Video
An IP camera, or internet connected camera, is another popular component of today’s security systems. This digital video camera can send and receive data via a computer network and the internet, unlike an analog or closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras. Is this add-on worth the additional price? Yes, if you’re interested in watching real-time streaming video via your smartphone or PC.
With IP cameras, you can save, record and access all your recorded data from virtually anywhere. This technology is helping to make quickly and accurately identify criminals breaking into a house or stealing packages off of your front porch.
Safety Sensors
Fortress offers top-of-the-line sensors for safety. Our glass break sensors for doors and windows use a shatter recognition technology listening for glass break frequencies. And, Fortress’s line of motion sensors gives you the protection you need in any environment using today’s latest optics technology. Another lesser known benefit, Fortress Security’s door and window sensors can protect against any opening, like important cabinets or safes inside your home.
When it comes to in-home safety, our smoke sensors offer state-of-the-art photoelectric, optical sensing chamber technology. And, our carbon monoxide sensor utilizes electrochemical sensing technology that measures carbon monoxide levels in the air. This allows for the highest level of protection against smoke and fire dangers for you and your family.
Other Smart Home Automation Solutions
Many cutting edge smart home features incorporate into a Fortress system, starting with the addition of a touch screen smart thermostat. Fortress’ Smart Z-Wave thermostat can set heating and cooling profiles and reduce energy waste. Have it set to turn off while you are at work, and come on thirty minutes before you come home at night. Using smart home technology like this can save you up to 33% on annual heating and cooling costs. The Z-Wave smart lighting feature can also control the lights in and around your house so you don’t waste energy. And, with smart technology you can make sure you never forget to turn on your front porch light at night.
Fortress also offers automatic door locks to help you lock or unlock your doors remotely. Remote locking and unlocking is super convenient for kids coming home after school or when you want to unlock your door for a visitor when you are not home.
SkyBell, a video doorbell, is another new smart security device now available to help homeowners. SkyBell lets you see, hear, and speak to visitors at the door while you’re not there (or even home). All of these smart features easily combine with Fortress’s Honeywell Total Connect® 2.0 Remote Services app, so you can manage all aspects of your home from mobile devices.
Security systems will continue to evolve as smart homes continue to evolve. Right now, these security features are the best in the business. Fortress security lets you pick and choose the products you want or need for security in your daily life.
Choosing between the different types of security systems and accessories isn’t an easy decision. Searching through the marketplace, you’ve probably noticed different features and types of systems.
By learning the meaning of these security system details, from monitoring types to power sources, you can better prepare yourself for making the right decision. Read More »
