What Home Security System Features Do You Really Need?

Everyone wants to feel safe and secure in their home, but what that means in terms of technology varies from person to person. For some people, a doorbell camera may suffice. Others may want an indoor camera to keep an eye on the babysitter or the cats while they’re away. Residents of transitioning or high-crime neighborhoods might sleep better at night with the full works — including wireless motion sensors, door sensors and maybe an outdoor security camera or two.

The trick is to get exactly what you need and not overspend on features that aren’t important to you right now. With Brinks Home™, you can pick and choose the devices you want, thereby creating the perfect, custom-designed, smart home security system for you.

A little peace of mind

Break-ins can happen anywhere, but if you live in a relatively low-crime area, you might be less interested in motion sensors and more interested in seeing who’s at your front door before you decide to answer it. Doorbell cameras help you monitor the company your kids bring home when you’re at work, as well as potentially catch porch pirates in the act of stealing packages. You can also use the two-way audio feature to make it seem like you’re home when you’re not, which can dissuade thieves posing as solicitors.

Depending on your situation, an indoor or outdoor security camera might give you additional peace of mind. If you have a pool and want to keep an eye on who goes near it, train an outdoor camera with motion detection there. If you want to check in on your kids or an older relative when you’re not home, an indoor camera that sends livestream video to your smartphone, tablet or computer will give you a birds-eye view.

A taste of Fort Knox

If you live in a neighborhood with higher crime rates or in a large home filled with expensive items, break-ins may be higher on your list of concerns. In those cases, in addition to a doorbell camera and perhaps an outdoor camera trained on the back door or garage, you may want to install door/window sensors that alert you — and Brinks Home’s alarm response center personnel — when a door or window has been opened.

Add-on devices let you take home security even further. A wireless vibration detector, for example, can detect vibrations made by an intruder trying to break a window or door. A glass break detector can alert you if window glass has been broken. If you have an attached garage, a garage door tilt sensor can let you know if a burglar tries to enter your house by opening the door.

Smart tech for frequent fliers

Often away from home? You can still be king or queen of the castle by adding compatible smart devices to your Brinks Home system. These let you control your lights, thermostat, front door lock and more, all from afar. With a smart door lock, for instance, you can let in the dog walker or the neighbor who’s watering your plants or collecting your mail.

If you’re worried about possible flooding from a leaky water heater or other appliance, add a wireless flood detector to avoid headaches from water damage. Find out about frozen pipes before they burst with a wireless freezer sensor.

No matter which set of devices you decide is right for you, consider the importance of one more home security system feature: professional monitoring. It can make the difference between a successful robbery or home invasion and a foiled attempt. Brinks Home can also respond rapidly to any number of household crises, such as flood and fire, summoning emergency services even when you can’t.