Whether you are looking for greater peace of mind while away from your home or simply want to breathe a little easier when lying down to go to sleep, there’s no better time than now to invest in some high-quality safety equipment.
Of course, there are all sorts of devices and options out there, but two of the most effective are home security systems and video cameras. Knowing which type of solution represents the best fit for your home can be tricky, though, so here’s everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
What Does a Home Security System Include?
Generally speaking, a home security system will consist of several components, including window and door sensors, alarms, monitoring devices, and at least one control panel. Many modern solutions also feature a key fob, which allows you to trigger an alarm at the touch of a button. Most will offer 24/7 monitoring services, as well, capable of alerting the authorities in the event of a breach or other incident, such as a fire or medical emergency.
The Pros and Cons of Security Systems
Let’s take a closer look at the advantages and potential drawbacks of home security systems:
Benefits of Home Security Systems
A reliable security system will work to keep you and your home safe by monitoring entry points such as doors and windows. These solutions can detect unauthorized access and trigger an alarm if someone tries to break into your home.
And given the versatility of modern home security systems, you can access yours while away at work, on vacation, or even just in your bedroom during the night so you can sleep soundly.
Perhaps one of the biggest perks of having your own home security system is the deterrent effect. If you choose to install an alarm, make your decision clear to the neighborhood. Put up a sign and place a sticker on your window. Many criminals will be deterred from attempting to break into your home, believing alarms will increase their odds of being caught in the act.
Potential Drawbacks of Home Security Systems
Despite their advantages, there are still three main concerns to be aware of with a home security system. The first is costs. Purchasing a comprehensive security solution and paying for a professional installation can cost you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Some hard-wired systems offer do-it-yourself (DIY) installation options, but hooking these up to your existing electrical infrastructure can be complicated, not to mention dangerous.
Another issue is the risk of false alarms. Some systems, especially less finely-tuned ones, can be triggered by technical malfunctions and environmental factors. False alarms can be inconvenient at best and detrimental at worst. Some police departments will even charge fines for repeated occurrences, given that these erroneous alerts pull resources away from real emergencies.
Complexity represents the third and final concern. Some systems are simply too complicated, meaning they can be tedious to install, use, and maintain. Fortunately, DIY wireless home security systems like Tattletale address not just complexity concerns but all of these worries. Our system can be set up in as little as 30 seconds, it’s portable, and it’s affordable.
The Good and Bad of Cameras
Security cameras have become increasingly popular and affordable in recent years. There are lots of different models and configurations to choose from, including wireless models that feed information to the cloud via a Wi-Fi connection. And they are versatile tools to boot. You can install cameras both indoors and outdoors to always have an eye on your home.
Nevertheless, let’s dig a bit deeper into the good and bad of security cameras:
Benefits of Cameras
The mere presence of security cameras can act as a visual deterrent to potential trespassers and burglars. But beyond that, they’re also great evidence-collection tools. You can turn over video footage to law enforcement so that they can identify suspects during criminal investigations. Modern camera systems even have user-friendly apps that make it easy to share, save, or download video clips.
With the right camera system, you can remotely monitor your home as well. Whether you want to check on your pets while you are at work or scope out your yard during a vacation, cloud-based video cameras fulfill that purpose perfectly.
Drawbacks of Cameras
Security cameras aren’t surefire safety solutions, especially if you intend to use them as your only home protection tool. For starters, they may not have the capability to detect break-ins or unauthorized access in real-time.
Additionally, your camera network may have blind spots that criminals can exploit. If you don’t cover every possible angle around your home, you could inadvertently leave a window or door vulnerable to intruders.
Lastly, some cameras can be expensive. While there are plenty of cheap options out there, they typically offer subpar video quality and fewer features. Therefore, it’s important to balance functionality with cost-effectiveness.
Which Option Deters Crime More Effectively?
According to a growing body of research and recent studies, home security solutions have shown to be slightly more effective than cameras. Researchers found that 60% of hypothetical burglars would choose another target if they discovered an alarm while casing a home. Roughly half stated that they would flee a house instantly if they found an alarm in the middle of a crime.
Check Out Our DIY Wireless Home Security System
The tattletale® DIY wireless home security system offers a fast setup process, portability, and a reliable cellular connection, thanks to the Verizon network. You can protect yourself and loved ones against intrusions and rapidly contact the authorities in an emergency. Contact tattletale® to learn more, or order your system today!
