Wireless Security Without Monitoring

Smart technology has changed the home security game, for better and for worse. As wireless security cameras and sensors — and of course, the user-friendly mobile apps that integrate them — get more sophisticated and accessible, many homeowners opt for wireless home security systems.

Many are even tackling the technology themselves, installing do-it-yourself home security systems, and taking all things home security into their own hands. No matter which technology you choose, the most critical distinction is this: some of these systems come with monitoring services, and some do not.

Instead of learning about the differences in home security monitoring the hard way, make sure you’re up to date on the capabilities — and limitations — of modern home security systems without monitoring. Let’s start with three of the most surprising facts about home security systems that don’t include monitoring:

1. You may not save as much on homeowners’ insurance

If you want to know which forms of home security are most effective, look to the experts, the insurance companies. Because security systems do thwart break-ins (and make it easier to recover losses that do occur), many insurance policies offer discounts for merely having a system in place. But these policies usually reserve the biggest deal for home security systems with monitoring.

Why the more significant discount for monitored homes? Insurance companies know that home security monitoring is an investment that pays off. When security systems are attached to central monitoring stations, real human beings are always on call to handle breaches. Insurance companies prefer maximum protection, so they reward homeowners who have backup.

2. Emergency response calls are still up to you

Wireless home security systems offer an attractive arrangement: You get instant and constant access to your home, wherever you go.

Push notifications can now tell you about everything from stray movement inside the house to doors opening, windows breaking, and even temperatures changing while you’re away. When you receive these notifications, you may even have the option of alerting authorities. This arrangement only works as long as the hardware functions and your mobile device has a signal.

If burglars break-in (or a fire starts) while you’re on an airplane or out of range, who will call 911 and alert first responders? The convenience of wireless cameras still hasn’t eliminated the need for professional help. Only home security systems with 24-hour monitoring can identify emergencies and call for help.

3. Broadband internet problems may leave you vulnerable

You can turn any modern home into a “smart” home, thanks to synchronized hardware and software that links everything from home security cameras and automatic door locks to sound systems, light bulbs, and refrigerators. However, all this wireless technology still depends on one vital thing: the internet itself.

A wireless home security system uses your home’s internet connection to send updates and footage to you, unlike monitored security systems that rely on cell towers to deliver reliable and immediate results. Without home security monitoring, you’ll be dependent on your Wi-Fi or cell signal wherever you go, as well as the strength of your broadband internet connection back at home.

That means any of these everyday events will seriously compromise your security:

• Bad cell service

• Power outages

• Heavy broadband traffic at home

• Dead batteries on mobile devices

• Internet outages

Of course, monitored security systems rely on radio towers and real human beings, rather than assuming you’ll be able to receive and respond to notifications. Investing in monitoring services means you don’t have to worry about any of these fluctuating factors.

If you want your home to be as secure as possible, you want 24-hour monitoring and reporting.

Ready to upgrade to monitored home security now? Contact Brinks Home™ today.

Jason Stevens is a senior writer for Brinks Home. He is a "tech guy" who enjoys sharing home security and automation tips with others.