Smart Home Security Guide
Smart home security has had a huge surge in the past few years, from Ring doorbells to wired CCTV systems you control from your phone, the demand is higher than ever. With so many choices, read our guide below to start understanding this popular range of products. If you're not sure after that, Smartstart can also help you choose the right product and even install it for you.
Benefits of Smart Home Security
Enhanced Deterrence
By making your security system visible to potential intruders, your property becomes a much less appealing target. Smart doorbells and cameras that can clearly be seen can send a message to potential intruders and indicate there may be further home security inside your property as well.
Peace of Mind
By having a security system in place, you can rest assured that if anything were to happen, you would be notified with real-time alerts. Adding cameras also allows you to check on your property any time you like, from anywhere in the world.
Convenience
Control your security system from anywhere in the world, check on cameras and even lock or unlock doors remotely. You can allow access to friends, family or even a cleaner while you are away from your home.
Integration with Existing Smart Home
Your security system can link to your smart lighting and window coverings with automation, making it look like you are home without having to lift a finger.
Features to Consider
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Available products: There are lots of smart home products that provide additional home security, like cameras, doorbells, door/window sensors, motion sensors and door locks. It's important to determine what area you need covering so that you can decide how many sensors and cameras you will require.
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Monitoring options: It is possible to have professional 24/7 monitoring that will require a monthly subscription, but there are also self monitored systems that are more suitable if you're on a budget. There are still many subscriptions for recording devices which are self monitored, but there are a growing number of options that don't require any subscription at all. .
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Subscriptions: For a fully monitored system, expect to pay between £20-40 per month and you could be looking at a minimum contract of up to 3 years. If you opt for a self monitored system and need a subscription, you can pay anywhere from about £5 per camera per month, up to £15 per month to cover your whole home. There are self monitored systems that do not require any subscription at all, but instead require a base station or on-board memory so videos can be saved. These cost a bit more up front, but can provide substantial savings over time.
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Outdoor/Indoor: Ensure you purchase the correct products if you will be using cameras and sensors outside as they will need to be weather proof. There are many options for interior/exterior cameras and sensors and they can be used to enhance your security system.
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Smart home compatibility: Choose smart home security that integrates with your existing smart home system (e.g., Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple Home). This is worth considering if you already have existing smart home technology or plan to purchase more in the future..
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Wired or wireless: When choosing a wired or wireless home security system, the main benefit for going wireless is that it will cost considerably less for installation. You will need to think about how your devices will be powered, such as by battery, power cable or solar panel. You will also have much more flexibility about where your devices end up as you don't have to worry about cable runs. If however, budget allows and you require reliability so you never miss a thing, a wired system may be the best route. You won't ever lose reception and you won't need to think about keeping anything charged either. You can also mix and match, so have wired cameras, but a wireless smart lock, motion sensors and door and window sensors.
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Connectivity: Typical smart security devices connect to either Wi-Fi (using the 2.4GHz band, but premium models can use both 2.4GHz and 5GHz, offering better connectivity), Zigbee, Z-Wave, Thread or via a smart home hub, which will simplify set up and improve overall security.
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Motion detection: Cameras and doorbells generally use infrared sensors (PIR sensors) to detect movement, but can include radar sensors in more premium models. Some even combine both technologies for more accurate detection with fewer false results. MMWave sensors are a version of radar that has a larger coverage area than PIR sensors and can work in any lighting or weather conditions. Microwave sensors are available as well if you need to detect motion through objects, but they are typically too sensitive for indoor use as they can detect motion in adjacent rooms.
Smart Home Security Brands
Professionally Monitored Systems
If you are looking for professionally monitored systems, companies like ADT, Verisure, Banham, Simplisafe, Era and Abode offer custom packages which give you everything from sensors, cameras, smoke screens and alarms. Some are professionally installed, while a few are DIY, but expect to pay extra for installation. There are many options and you could easily end up paying hundreds up front and a considerable monthly subscription. With this option, you get the best overall coverage and monitoring, with the ability to have police come to your property if needed. This is however the most expensive option and will be an ongoing cost as long as you want to have your security system.
Self-Monitored Systems
While a professionally monitored system has lots of benefits, the cost can be quite prohibitive and the rise of the self-monitored system is upon us. There are many companies offering this option and even the professional companies have packages now that offer self-monitored options. Besides ADT and Verisure, there is a huge selection of companies like Simplisafe, Banham, Aqara, Netatmo, Era, Abode, Sky, Ring, Arlo, Eufy, Yale, Bosch, Roombanker, Somfy, Amalock, Swann, HIKVision, Veho, EzViz and more. With this being one of the fastest growing areas of smart home, the competition is fierce and there are more choices than ever.
While these options don't provide police response or 24 hour professional monitoring, they still give you video recording, motion detection and some even provide face detection, and can tell the difference between people, animals and vehicles. You can also get some security systems to call you or nominated friends or family if an alarm is set off, but expect to pay a monthly subscription for this option.
Other Considerations
Installation
Smart home security installation can vary in complexity, from fully wireless systems that simply attach to your walls, to fully wired systems that have dedicated hardware recording with network cabling hidden in your walls. Both have their benefits and cost implications, but ultimately, your choice will depend on your budget and needs.
To offer more cost effective solutions, more and more manufacturers have wireless, DIY options if you are happy to install something yourself. If however, you want the reliability of a wired system and don't wish to rely on cloud services, installation will require you to have a video recorder unit somewhere in your home and cabling that goes directly to your cameras.
With regards to sensors and door locks, wiring is now very uncommon as battery solutions are so much better than they used to be. A wireless sensor can comfortably operate for years without needing a battery replacement and as they transmit very small amounts of data when communicating with your security system, are very reliable.
When it comes to smart locks, battery options are the only option for residential properties, as it is illegal to have a lock that doesn't default to open if there is a power cut for properties where people sleep. Essentially you would need to be happy for your front door to unlock itself if there were any disruptions to your power (you probably don't want your door to unlock in the middle of the night without you knowing about it).
Cost
The cost of smart home security can vary greatly, but will ultimately come down to the size of your home, your desired level of security and if you have professional or DIY installation. A simple system could start around £200-500 and would include a few sensors, a smart hub and possibly a single camera. If your budget could stretch to £500-£1,000, you could perhaps get a few more sensors, additional cameras and a smart lock.
If you are looking at a professionally monitored system, the initial cost will typically start from £500+ and have an ongoing monthly monitoring subscription fee of between £20-40 and normally require you to commit to a minimum term contract. This would include all your required equipment, installation and monthly monitoring. If you want to opt for a self-monitored system, here is a breakdown of your expected costs:
Cost of individual components:
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Smart doorbell: £50 - £200
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Security cameras: £50 - £200+ per camera
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Smart locks: £100 - £300
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Motion sensors: £20 - £50
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Door/window sensors: £10 - £30
Additional Costs:
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Professional installation: Can range from £100 to several hundred pounds depending on the complexity of the system.
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Monthly monitoring fees: Typically range from £10 to £40 per month.
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Smart home hub: If required, this can cost anywhere from £50 to £200.
Security
It's worth looking carefully at the security options for smart home products, as a poorly set up or disreputable system can create security gaps that can pose a threat. It is important to make sure that you create an account with a strong password, but there are other things you can do.
Firstly, smart home security products that connect directly to your Wi-Fi are more at risk, but if they connect to a hub before accessing the internet, they are considerably more secure. Definitely something worth considering when choosing which products to purchase.
Finally, Thread is a new smart home protocol that vastly improves security by creating it's own mesh network amongst your various smart home products. By limiting the connectivity of each item to set paths which do not connect directly to the internet, you are able to prevent access to your network. Not all devices have this built in yet, but expect it to feature more and more over the coming years.
The Thread protocol is specifically designed for low-bandwidth devices like door locks, sensors and light bulbs, where high-bandwidth devices like cameras will require WiFi or network cable. Put together correctly, you can have a highly secure system that will provide the peace of mind and assurance that your property is properly looked after.
How can Smartstart help
We're experts in all things smart home, so if you have any questions about anything above, we're happy to discuss and advise which smart security products will be right for you.
If you need help with the installation and set up, we can help with that too. We can also integrate them into any existing smart home systems you already have. If you're looking to delve into the world of smart home, but don't know where to start, why not book a free home survey with one of our experts to discover the potential of your home.
We can set up a smart home that automates your everyday tasks, while remaining simple and easy to use. We can also save you up to £450 per year on your energy bills by turning your house into a smart home.
If you have any questions, or you would like to speak to us, get in touch today and we would be happy to chat.