On average, seven homes in the UK are burgled every minute, and many burglars target quiet, affluent areas, with most burglars being opportunists. With this in mind, it’s no surprise that homeowners are concerned about security. However, a survey in 2018 revealed that only a quarter of UK homeowners have a security alarm. In fact, 28% of adults take no measures at all to secure their property. This is both concerning and unnecessary when there are several ways to ward off intruders – with CCTV cameras, gates, fences and motion-activated security lights all being in the list of top ten deterrents. But when you have a smart home security system, keeping your home safe is made much easier.
How does a security system fit in with your complete smart home?
When you have a smart home, there are so many great options for keeping your property safe from intruders. To get an idea of the benefits of having a security system integrated into your smart home and to find out how it all works, take a look at our video:
In summary, a CCTV system can record footage from around your property and display the footage on touchscreens around your home or on your TVs. Motion detection can trigger images to be displayed on your touchscreens automatically so you can see if there is anyone outside. A Control4 intercom installed at your front door can also record footage so you can see – and even talk to – someone ringing your doorbell. Not only can you see this footage when you’re at home, but you can also view your cameras from your smartphone – meaning you can keep an eye on your house from anywhere in the world, for complete peace of mind.
The great benefit of having a security system integrated into your smart home is that you can ensure your home is safe whether you are there or not, and your alarm, cameras, lighting, intercom and more all work together to make securing your home as easy, effective and convenient as possible.
Here we’ll take a closer look at some of the technology you could consider when planning your smart home, to keep your family and your property safe.
Alarm System
We work with trusted partners to ensure your chosen intrusion detection (alarm) system is integrated into your smart home system. Typically these will be Texecom or DSC alarms.
Your alarm system can be controlled by touchscreens within your home. With this system, you can tell your security system that you are leaving your home and not only will it set the alarm for you, but it will automatically implement other settings for added convenience and safety. These can include simulating occupancy with your lights, closing motorised blinds and curtains, turning off all TVs and sound systems, turning down the heating to save energy, and playing the sound of a dog barking if anyone rings the doorbell.
CCTV
Indoor and outdoor CCTV cameras can be placed in strategic places to cover a wide area inside and around your home. The images can appear on TVs around your house, and motion sensors can alert you through an on-screen popup or an announcement through your sound system when motion is detected.
Intercom
As mentioned, your smart home intercom system can show you a video of visitors ringing your doorbell, and you can see and speak to them from inside the house or from your smartphone. You can also then remotely open the gate to let the visitor in.
To let you know you have a visitor, the intercom can play an announcement over your speaker system, as well as display the image on touchscreens or TVs. You can also set the intercom to “Do Not Disturb” mode if you don’t want to be interrupted during dinner.
Mockupancy Lighting
To deter burglars, you can set your smart home to simulate occupancy through your lighting. Often people leave one light on in the house to make it look like someone is home. But with a smart home, your lighting can mimic the pattern of your usual activities. For example, the light could stay on in one room for a little while before switching off, at which point a light would come on in a different room as if you were moving around the house. This is very realistic and sophisticated and could be more likely to act as a deterrent than if you were to simply leave one light on.
At IndigoZest, we recommend that every complete smart home features an integrated security system. But everyone has different needs when it comes to smart home automation, and your security system is no different. It may be that you would like to install just one of the ideas we have mentioned, or you may be keen to use all of them, or something else we haven’t listed here. Remember: if you can imagine it, we can automate it.
If you would like to find out more about creating a smart home that helps keep your house safe – both when you’re home and while the property is empty – we’d love to hear from you. Call us on 0333 305 5305 or contact us online.