Note: This is a guest post written by Dan Martin
We are now in an era where technology is greatly influenced by artificial intelligence and machine learning. However, it wasn’t always the case until recent years as it was built through a colorful history of ups and down.
The knowledge we have of artificial intelligence (AI) today is no joke. It proved to use time and time again that AI poses so many benefits to the human race. Now, we can even make our houses fully functional smart homes with just a few devices and voice commands, thanks to AI.
There are many instances where smart devices have saved lives by simply detecting a fall or a movement. And what if we say that you can implement this type of feature and security in the comfort of your home?
To maintain home security, smart devices can be combined to create a functional smart home system. But how can you create one? In this article, we’re bound to find out.
Building a Smart Home Security System: Where to Start?
Once you start learning and experiencing the beauty of smart home automation, it is hard to go back. But how can you be blamed when there are tons of advantages smart home security systems provide? Below are the steps in building one.
[1] Choose a Platform or Service Provider
The first step you can take into account when building a smart home security system is choosing either a home security system service provider or choosing which smart platform you like if you are to build everything on your own.
If you are opting for a service provider, they will set up everything for you from end to finish. All you have to do is wait for them to do their job and be handed the control hub where you can see everything in your house. Experts from ADT home security systems suggested that this option is perfect for those who are busy that don’t have the time to set up or those who aren’t skilled in this department.
Having a smart home security system provider will also be useful when you need some troubleshooting and repair as they can do it for you. However, you must find one that is reputable, or else, the purpose of securing your home is defeated. A good recommendation will be to get experts to do it for you.
Meanwhile, if you plan to do and install every device on your own, you must first consider the platform you will use. This is because some devices might not be compatible with each other. Some of the reliable platforms available in the market are Google and Amazon.
[2] Install a Smart Panel
When installing home security systems, a smart control panel is a must as this will be the center of your security. The smart panel is where every device in your home security system will be connected. It will act as their hub that lets you control other devices connected to it anywhere you are in the house.
A smart control panel or a hub is also like a tablet where you can see all the things that every camera installed in your house sees. It will also be the one to notify you in any case that suspicious activity is detected.
[3] Smart Speakers Are Essential
Smart speakers work well with your smart panel. Of course, it will be impossible for you to hold the panel 24/7. Thus, the smart speakers connected to it will work as the hub’s mouth and read you notifications and alerts. It also serves as the system’s ears as it can detect your voice and process the commands you give.
You can install multiple smart speakers in your house for maximum efficiency and accessibility.
[4] Install ADT Smart Cameras
What is a smart home security system without a camera? Installing cameras around and inside your home will let you know if there are any intruders within your premises. As it records what is happening day by day, you can rewind the recording and report any suspicious activities to the authorities later on.
Having cameras will also allow you to see the current state of your home if you happen to be away for quite some time.
[5] Add Motion Detectors
Motion detectors are useful when you want to sleep soundly at night. These detectors can sense movement and notify you through your control panel. Usually, it is built inside cameras. However, there are times when you want them as standalone, for instance, if you want to detect if someone enters your gate, etc.
[6] Alarm Sensors are a Must
Alarm sensors are useful for break-ins. For example, you must include window alarm sensors to notify you if your window has been forcefully opened. The same thing works for doors and other entry points in your home.
These alarm sensors will notify your control panel and could easily ask you if you want to call 911, saving you from intruders. The alarms are also usually loud to gather attention from other people.
[7] Use Smart Door Locks
Smart door locks aren’t a necessity in a home security system but you can incorporate them later on. These smart door locks can usually be unlocked using your fingerprint and passcode for maximum protection. Some smart door locks also have a built-in alarm that sets off whenever it detects force, letting you be aware of a possible intrusion.
[8] Install a Smart Doorbell with a Camera and Speaker
The number of times people have opened doors for strangers that ends up harming them is agonizing. While everything can be prevented when you see who’s behind the door, it is hard if you do not have a doorbell with a camera in your smart home security system.
By installing this device, you will no longer wonder who rings your bell and open your doors for them. You can easily see their faces in your control hub.
What’s even better is that there are also doorbells with built-in speakers alongside the camera. This allows you to talk to the person knocking on your doorstep. If there are strangers, you can easily ask them what they need and who are they looking for. This avoids harm on your way. At the end of the day, being safe is better than being sorry.
[9] Switch Your Light Bulbs to Smart Ones
Smart light bulbs can turn on and off with you giving a few commands to your AI assistant. And if there is a case where you want to see your pathway easily, this will be of great use.
There are also times when you will be notified by your control panel that it detected motion but it is too dark for you to see what was detected, if there’s a nearby light, you can easily turn it on by using the hub to see everything better.
[10] Invest in Cloud Storage
Many homeowners would think that purchasing cloud storage for their home security system is non-essential. However, since the system works with a ton of cameras that records everything 24/7, there is a high chance the originally provided space for your smart home system is not enough. This is especially noticeable if you are recording higher-quality videos.
To make sure that you record everything and be able to re-watch them later on, purchasing cloud storage will be helpful.
Conclusion
Setting up a home security system in your household is probably one of the best ideas a homeowner will do on their property. Not only are you ensuring the safety of your family. You can also see every inch of your house remotely. After all, smart home security systems are reliable and accessible.
