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Your home is your safe space where you return at the end of the day for comfort and security. It is very important to keep it protected against all kinds of threats and to take all the necessary measures to make that happen.
One of the best ways to do so is to install some type of residential security system. There are several types to choose from and choosing the right one for your needs is crucial.
Read on to find out all about residential security systems, what systems are available, why they are important, and the features and technologies to look for so that you can make an informed decision when it comes to purchasing one:
RESIDENTIAL SECURITY SYSTEMS
Residential security systems are made up of several components which include a control panel, door and window sensors, interior and exterior motion sensors, wired or wireless security cameras, and a siren or alarm.
Each component of the system plays an important part in keeping your home safe and secure, with the control panel acting as the system’s main control centre.
The main purpose of the security system is to protect your home from burglaries, intrusions, and other safety and security threats. There are also options to include professional monitoring which alerts the police and other relevant authorities in the event of a security mishap.
Since no home is immune to such threats, and since criminals specifically target homes without any security systems in place, it makes it even more important to have them installed.
With the rise in crime all over the world and with criminals becoming smarter than ever, it is detrimental that you stay one step ahead at all times.
For this reason, it is important to think of residential security systems as any other home appliance needed to smoothly run the house, especially since they have become incredibly affordable and are super convenient to use and install.
Every home needs a security system, whether you live in a high-crime area or a low-crime one. They can be very useful for you, especially if your home has been broken into in the past, you travel frequently, you are a senior who lives alone, you have small children at home that you need to keep an eye over, or you have valuable possessions in your home.
If you have pets at home, there are also pet-friendly security systems with PIR sensors that are specially designed to detect changes in body heat movement while ignoring them based on certain height and size criteria.
TYPES OF RESIDENTIAL SECURITY SYSTEMS
There are several types of residential security systems available for the UK market, each with its own set of uses, features, and benefits.
Some of the most common types of residential security systems include:
BURGLAR ALARMS
Burglar alarms are the most basic type of security system designed to detect intruders and alert the homeowners or a monitoring service. They can be hardwired or wireless and can be triggered by door or window sensors, motion detectors, or a combination of these.
There are different types of burglar alarms depending on the features and level of protection you require. You can choose the best one for your needs based on what you would like to happen when the alarm goes off.
Bells-only burglar alarms consist of a box with an alarm sounder and sensors and detectors placed on key entry points in the house such as near the doors and windows. The system sounds the alarm when it is triggered and relies on someone present on or near the premises to listen to it and respond accordingly.
Dialler burglar alarms work on the same principle as bells-only systems except that when triggered, they automatically dial your phone number or that of your nominated contacts. This feature makes sure that the relevant people are alerted as soon as the alarm is triggered and it doesn’t go unnoticed.
There are also smart burglar alarms, which are the most popular these days, where you can control the system via an app on your phone. Smart security systems offer more control and flexibility and can be accessed from absolutely anywhere in the world.
You can integrate smart burglar alarms with other security devices such as security cameras for added protection and a more holistic approach.
You may even opt for professional monitoring where you can pay a monthly or yearly fee and have a professional alarm monitoring company monitor your alarm for you. In the event of an alarm trigger, they would contact you or alert the police, depending on which contract you sign up for.
CCTV SYSTEMS
CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) systems consist of cameras that are connected to a monitor or recording device, allowing the homeowner to view and record activity on their property. CCTV systems can be wired or wireless and can be monitored remotely through a smartphone app.
CCTV cameras have been commonly seen in shops, car parks, and other public spaces for years. However, due to reduced prices and easier installation, they have now become a popular choice for homeowners as well.
The main purpose of CCTV cameras is to increase security around your property and have all the key areas, such as the main entrance and exit points, under constant surveillance.
Considered one of the most effective burglary deterrents, the mere presence of a CCTV camera is enough to take your home off the target list. The fear of getting caught on camera is real and is apparent by the fact that most burglars stay away from homes under CCTV surveillance.
When choosing the right CCTV cameras for your home, you can either opt for a fully integrated CCTV system or have a singular camera installed in your home.
There are a few important points to consider when buying the right CCTV camera such as the size and layout of your home, the key entry points, and the potential security threats.
Depending on where you wish to install the cameras (indoors or outdoors), you can choose from a variety of types that include bullet, dome, c-mount, PTZ, day/night, infrared/night vision, network/IP, wireless, and high-definition CCTV cameras.
The key features to look for in a CCTV camera include motion sensors, notification alerts, resolution, night vision, audio, design, field of view, storage, integration, and advanced features such as facial recognition.
Smart CCTV cameras offer you added security and convenience by allowing you to control the system via your smartphone. You can see live footage captured by the cameras as well as recorded footage to be viewed later.
As with burglar alarms, you can opt for professional monitoring for CCTV cameras as well. This is particularly beneficial if you have a busy schedule and cannot keep an eye on the footage or notifications sent to you.
ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS
A home access control system is a great solution for automating access into a residential property in order to make sure that only authorised people are allowed to enter.
It can be installed at entrances, gates, interior doors, elevators, and other areas within the residential property. Although there are many different types of access control systems, they all share the same goal of making your home more secure and protected from intrusions.
Access control systems can be as simple as metal keys and locks, or more advanced and complex including the latest biometric devices.
While a traditional lock-and-key system can be used to keep unauthorised visitors away, it has its fair share of drawbacks. With advancements in technology all around, it only makes sense to upgrade your locks and home security as well.
Most access control systems are made up of the following components: a control panel, credentials, a reader, and a door release mechanism.
As discussed earlier, there are many ways to manage access to your home or residential property. The most popular residential access control systems used today include RFID systems, cloud-based access control, smart locks, and keypads.
When choosing the best access control system for your property, you need to keep two things in mind: the level of security you require and your budget.
Installing an access control system can provide you with better protection and allow you to access multiple doors. They eliminate the need for physical keys, which can often be a nuisance to carry and keep safe, and can integrate with other home security systems such as doorbell cameras and alarms.
Access control systems are also an ideal choice for granting multiple users access to your property and keeping a track of it. For instance, if you have domestic help, you can see what time they came by checking the logs.
For someone requiring access for a limited time, such as workers and service providers, you can revoke their access permissions as soon as the work is complete.
You may also install home intercom systems which are two-way communication devices that enable you to speak clearly between the main entrance and the inside of the house as well as from different rooms within the house.
They consist of audio and video functionality that contribute to your home security by enabling you to determine who is at your door before unlocking it for them. Some systems also come with motion sensors that send the homeowners alerts whenever someone is at their door.
IMPORTANCE OF RESIDENTIAL SECURITY SYSTEMS
The main purpose of residential security systems is to protect your home and loved ones from burglaries, intrusions, and other threats, and to provide you with peace of mind.
Whether you choose a burglar alarm, a CCTV system, an access control system, or an integrated system, there are countless benefits that you can enjoy:
Protect your family
There is nothing more important than protecting yourself and your family from safety and security threats. The peace of mind that you get from knowing that your home is safe and protected is unparalleled.
Installing home security systems gives you the satisfaction that you did everything in your might to protect your loved ones. They can be particularly useful if you have small children or older people living with you, or if you are away most of the time.
Protect your valuables
Burglars don’t just choose homes at random. Their plans are well thought-out and they gather all the information required to successfully execute them.
The main thing that burglars look for when targeting a property is valuables. If they suspect a home has valuables or have gotten information regarding them via stalking and lurking, they will target your property.
The only thing keeping them away from targeting your home is the presence of home security systems. Criminals steer clear of homes with alarms and CCTV cameras for the fear of getting caught, which helps keep your valuables safe and protected.
Control your home remotely
Since most advanced home security systems are smart, you can control everything remotely, from the door locks to the security camera and everything in between.
Falling in line with smart living solutions that have become increasingly popular, smart home security systems allow homeowners to control and manage their home with a single tap on the screen. All they require is an internet connection and a smartphone or laptop.
The systems come with an app that works as a dashboard including all the features required for complete control. You can turn the system on or off, activate the alarm, receive notifications, and change the settings according to your requirements.
Detect dangers and hazards
Home security systems go beyond deterring burglars. They can also detect hazards such as smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide and notify the homeowners of the danger immediately.
Smoke and fire alarms are an important part of fire safety in homes and installing them enables the occupants to be warned as soon as a fire breaks out to take the necessary action.
They consist of smoke and heat detectors that are installed strategically in a central location or near areas that have a high risk of fires, such as the kitchen.
In the case of apartments or blocks of flats, the detectors are fitted in each flat that should be interlinked so that in the event of the alarm being triggered, the rest of the building is also alerted.
Get home insurance discounts
Since you are less likely to get burgled if you have a home security system in place, most insurers encourage the idea and offer deductions on home insurance premiums for homeowners who have them installed and regularly maintained.
Secure homes are seen as less of a risk or liability by insurance companies, therefore, if you can prove that you have a well-maintained security system in place, they may offer discounts, oftentimes up to 20% on your yearly premiums!
CONTACT CALDER SECURITY
At Calder Security, we provide a comprehensive range of security solutions that include not just professional installation but also monitoring, maintenance, and repair services.
We are members of the Master Locksmith Association (MLA), approved members of the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB), and also conform to all the relevant British and EU Standards.
We follow all the best practices in the industry and install only high-quality, state-of-the-art security systems.
We offer various levels of monitoring via a 24-hour monitoring centre using Dualcom and BT Redcare signalling, which is the most secure alarm monitoring system and the largest supplier of intelligent alarm signalling services in the UK.
We understand the importance of having to regularly maintain security systems since the inability to do so might result in serious faults and consequent vulnerabilities in your property’s security.
We provide professional maintenance checks and reminders for when the checks are due to help you stay compliant with the law and work fast to restore your security systems to excellent condition.
We offer a 24-hour call-out service for customers and can also repair systems not installed by us. Our engineers are highly skilled and can restore faulty systems to full working order in one visit.
Contact us here or call us on 0800 612 9799 to talk to our experts right away!
Photo by Gonzalo Facello on Unsplash