A security system is a commercial or residential network that is designed to protect private property and its occupants from harm. A home security system will help protect your loved ones and your belongings from criminal activity, such as vandalism, theft, or arson. It can also help protect you from other hazards like flooding, gas leaks, fires, and other safety hazards.
The best home security system in Ontario and British Columbia will be custom-tailored to meet your unique needs. For example, it should provide you with remote access if you need to keep tabs on your children or elderly parents while you are away at work.
It should provide you with 24/7 surveillance monitoring if you need such security, as well as protection from false alarms while you're away from the premises. Here, our focus will be on how to choose the right security system for your home.
Why You Should Consider Installing a Home Security System in Ontario and British Columbia
First and foremost, you should use it in order to protect your home from intruders. Crime rates have skyrocketed in recent years due to the pandemic, the housing and gas crisis, and hyperinflation.
Your most valuable asset is your home. A security system will help protect your home from break-ins. Your loved ones will be protected from violent criminals, as will the valuables within.
The very presence of a security system will deter most criminals from targeting your home, as most thieves prefer an easy target. Your insurance premiums will also go down since a home with a state-of-the-art security system will be seen as a lower risk.
You can keep tabs on the comings and goings of your property via remote access. Remote access allows homeowners to keep track of what is happening in and around their property, even if they are thousands of miles away on vacation.
Simply use a computer, tablet, or smartphone in order to check in on your property on demand. Any unusual behaviour or activity can be reported to the authorities so that they can further investigate the matter when you are unable to.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Home Security System in Ontario and British Columbia
Your home security provider may offer you two different options. You can opt for a do-it-yourself installation, or you can take the professional installation route. Choosing a professional will ensure that the job will be done right the first time.
However, it will cost more than the DIY option. If you are techsavvy, then the DIY approach may be worth saving you money. Costs will also need to be taken into account. Some of the costs to consider include hidden fees, monitoring costs, installation and equipment costs, and activation fees.
Moreover, you need to consider contract requirements. Some companies may offer you short-term contracts, while others may require a 3 or 4-year commitment.
On the other hand, some companies may not even offer a contract at all. Speak to different providers, and compare and contrast contracts in order to find a package that suits your unique needs. Next, you need to look into monitoring options.
With DIY monitoring, you will be responsible for calling the police in the event of a break-in. However, you won't have to pay any professional monitoring fees. Smart home integration is also something to consider.
Home automation can save you quite a bit of money and make your life easier. Remotely controlling things like your home's lighting and temperature can be configured to meet your lifestyle and routine. You can also integrate your smart-based security system with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and other third-party devices if you wish.
As can be seen, choosing a home security system will take some careful planning and consideration.
Key Components for Your Home Security System
Door and window sensors are a must. Motion, glass-break, and smoke and fire detectors should also be installed at strategic vantage points. As well, you will need top-of-the-line surveillance cameras that can capture, store, and record data in high definition.
You can opt for wireless or wired surveillance cameras depending on your needs. Sirens and alarms should be easy to arm and disarm, but should also be loud enough to quickly disorient and scare off burglars.
An emergency button should be an essential part of your security package, and a secure control panel should also be included in order to make modifications to your system on a need-to basis.
Safety First
The most effective home security system in Ontario should have all the bells and whistles in order to protect you from any external or internal threats that you and your home may face.
In sum, a home security system will protect your home and loved ones from harm, and will also deter criminals from targeting your home.
Source: How to Choose a Home Security System (2022) - This Old House
