The smartphone is completely redefining the home security landscape. More and more systems, devices and technology are being geared towards being able to be controlled remotely through a smartphone, iPad, or internet connection. From being able to lock and unlock doors to checking in on live video feeds, this technology allows you to have a much greater control over your home when your away.
In addition, you can set up automatic updates, alerts, and notifications that can come in the form of email, text, or push notifications directly to your phone. In this article, we’ll discuss a few of the benefits of remote home security, third party vendors that offer this service, and an explanation why this technology can’t fully replace the benefits of a monitored alarm system.
Benefits of Remote Home Security
The benefits of remote home security are as vast as your imagination. Nearly any device that runs off electricity can be set up in such a way that allows you to control that device through a smartphone. Smart plugs, garage door openers, door locks, thermostats, security systems, doorbells, lights, sound systems, are just a few of the thousands of devices that can be controlled through a smart phone.
Remote Home Technology Uses
Say you want to let a trusted worker in to your home without having to leave work, no problem. You want to check in and see if your children are home from school, pull up a live video feed. Hate coming home to a dark house? Cut the lights on from your car. Did I leave the garage door up this morning? Not only can you shut the door, you can set up an alert that will notify you if it happens again.
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Sources for Remote Home Security
Honeywell’s Total Connect and Alarm.com both offer outstanding remote home security services. However, these services require more than simply downloading an app. If you want to be able to unlock your doors with your smartphone, you’ll need to have new locks installed that are compatible with this sort of technology. Additionally, locks and other smart equipment will need to be able to communicate with the outside world through a device in your home, such as via a cellular or internet line.
Central control panels serve as a great intermediary between the smart devices and the outside word. This is one of the reasons many people hire security companies like Butler Durrell to help set up automated smart homes.
Why Hire a Monitoring Company if I Can Monitor Everything myself?
When it comes to a fire or beak-in, seconds matter. There are many DIY systems on the market that allow you to monitor the security of your home entirely by yourself. We don’t recommend putting the safety of your family in the hands of a smartphone. While this may be better than nothing, these self-monitored systems absolutely do not replace the safety advantages of having a third party monitor your home.
What happens when you’re out to dinner or in an important business meeting? What if your phone dies? What if you wake to a dark, smoke filled room? What good is an alert to your phone going to do? Probably not a lot. Conversely, a monitored system ensures help would already be on the way in these sorts of scenarios.
Invest in Smart Home Technology
Smart home technology can make your life easy, help cut down on monthly energy usage, and help to keep your home safer. Remote home security is a great addition to any residential home, but don’t think of this technology as a replacement for a monitored security system though. Contact us if you’d like to learn more about smart home technology or for a free quote.
