Home security is a feature homeowners know they need but don’t often fully understand. With so many possible components and ever-evolving technological capabilities, it’s hard to know what’s available, what’s useful, and what’s absolutely necessary. Ask a person if they have a security system, and they may say yes; ask them how it works, and you may get a blank stare. This season, we’re asking experts to break down the basics of home security and help us feel more confident in our — and our property’s — safety.
“When starting from scratch, you need to evaluate a few different things to determine where to start,” says James Vu, co-CEO of HiTech Smart Homes and Security with Tony Vu. “One should look at their property layout, what’s important to them, lifestyle, routine, and budget.”
Russell DiMaggio, owner of DiMaggio Electronic Systems, finds customers often check one of two boxes: people who want to feel safe when at home and people who want to feel their property is safe when they’re away. Depending on your motivation, you may opt for peace of mind from differing security components.
According to both experts, your most cost-effective method of achieving both goals is a monitored security system.
“Not only is the initial startup cost affordable, it can potentially lower your homeowner’s insurance as well,” says Vu. “Having a basic security system is a great starting point and is easily expandable at any time.”
A basic system covers your points of entry with door sensors. Ways to expand your system, according to DiMaggio, include adding window sensors (good for when you’re at home) and motion sensors (good for when you’re not at home).
“An ‘all-in-one’ alarm is hard to beat,” says DiMaggio. All-in-one systems include a touch screen, battery, siren, wireless receiver, and sensors, which make for a quick and easy installation that delivers 24/7 monitoring. Once reliant on phone lines, these systems now use cellular technology to communicate via SIM card to a monitoring station. In the event of an alarm, the monitoring company alerts first responders — police for a security breach, fire and EMTs for smoke or carbon monoxide detection.
“In Greater New Orleans, people don’t think about fire as much as they should,” says DiMaggio. He emphasizes that stolen property is a shame, but the devastation and loss of life that can result from a fire is far worse. DiMaggio recommends tying in your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detectors to your monitored system.
Beyond an alarm system, what components offer the best peace of mind and which deter crime most effectively? Elements that seem to offer customers the most peace of mind are cameras (or video doorbells) and smart locks.
“A video doorbell will send you alerts directly to your phone when someone is detected and will stop many porch pirates,” says Vu. “A smart lock is not only good looking but can also give you remote access to a lock for those times you’re rushing out the door and forget to lock it.”
Camera technology is improving over time, but DiMaggio warns against relying too heavily on video. Excessive notifications and false triggers can be annoying and problematic. He says it’s important to remember that police aren’t responding to your camera feed, so an alarm system offers more immediate security.
Still, both experts agree that visible cameras or video doorbells are good deterrents. If it’s possible to use cameras in combination with your security system, do, says Vu. Authentic security system yard signs and window stickers are also a helpful deterrent, but the biggest deterrent is light. Motion lights and flood lights are must-haves. Some cameras now come with motion-activated flashing lights, which can also help ward off an ill-intended visitor.
The bells and whistles of high-tech systems can take you down a rabbit hole, so Vu and DiMaggio offered some basic advice to keep things simple. Don’t just use a camera; do use a cellular-connected monitored alarm. Don’t rely on Wi-Fi technology; do use hardwired components when and where possible. Don’t ignore maintenance; do check and change your batteries, and do check your system for software updates. Lastly, don’t hesitate to call a local company for help.
“Even if you’re tech savvy, that doesn’t mean you should be climbing in a 100-plus-degree attic trying to install your own cameras,” says Vu. A good company will save you time and the headache of trying to piece together random, incompatible products.
