By Jason Fischbeck, owner of Automated Environments in Mesa
Security concerns are always at the top of mind for homeowners. Whether you are wanting to protect your packages from porch pirates or protecting your family from intruders you can install a security system to help with these issues without breaking the bank.
Through strategic planning and cost-effective devices, you can have a reliable home security system protecting your home. Let’s look at a few ways you can secure your home while staying on budget.
Lighting solutions
Having a well-lit home is a well-known way to deter potential thieves and trespassers from your property. While you could spend thousands on high end systems with a bunch of bells and whistles you don’t really need to go this far if you are on a budget.
When setting up your home security system the best lights to install are motion-activated. Place these lights around the perimeter of your home. They can be installed in the ground or on the side of your home. Essentially you want to place them in areas that are the darkest around your home. When these lights detect motion, they will automatically turn on, alerting you of a potential threat and discouraging people from being on your property.
Another option for lighting is solar-powered lighting systems. These lights are powered by the sun, so they don’t need connection to a power source. Solar-powered lights are best used to light walkways and highlight areas of the home that do not have a light directly shining on it at night, for instance a side yard gate. Using solar-powered lights will also save you a few bucks on your light bill each month.
Camera solutions
Installing security cameras around the perimeter of your home doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Many options exist on the market that are easy to set up and monitor.
The best budget-friendly options are wireless cameras that are easy to install. These cameras connect to your Wi-Fi and come with an application for your phone or computer so you can monitor activity.
Many of these cameras act with motion sensors so they aren’t constantly running and filling up your storage. When they notice activity, they turn on and film the area for a few minutes. These videos are timestamped so if someone is trying to break into your home you have the information needed to provide authorities. These cameras are easy to setup and install but as with any technology if you aren’t sure what you are doing contact a professional or someone computer savvy to help setup your camera system.
Smart doorbells
Smart doorbells are one of the most popular home-security devices on the market today. Most of these devices are relatively budget friendly depending on the brand and functions the doorbell has installed. These smart doorbells use audio and video so you can speak with someone at your door without physically opening the door to strangers. These devices are especially useful if you receive a lot of packages. You can deter porch pirates by speaking to them through the microphone and you can also speak to the courier and let them know to place the item behind a bench or out of site somewhere around your home. These are great beginner options when it comes to home security.
Physical security measures
While technology is a great option when it comes to securing your home, don’t overlook traditional physical security measures. Bill Herzog, president of LionHeart Security Services in Tempe, says using smart technology and cameras are a great option but people can still get in your home if you forget to lock your doors or windows.
“When securing your home go around at least once every couple of weeks and check your windows,” Herzog said. “Make sure they are closed tight, and the lock is locked. Also, check your door locks and make sure they are functioning properly. Over time deadbolts can stick and doorhandles can become loose so you will want to fix those issues if you find them.”
Using these budget-friendly tips when setting up your home security system allows you to create a safety system that protects your family and property without costing you thousands of dollars. By installing smart technology to updated cameras and lighting systems, you can be proactive with your home security system so your family and home stays safe from potential intruders.
Automated Environments, https://www.aearizona.com, has been installing residential smart home technology in central Arizona for over 25 years.
