Have you got a security system you never use? Or are you of the opinion that you probably need one but are not actually sure why? Well, the average security system installation is destined to fail and here are five reasons why.
You don’t know how to use it.
Unfortunately this seems to be a fairly common situation, not just with security systems, but with technology in general. Many systems on the market are promoted as being “feature packed”, but what’s the point? Unless you know how to use any security application installed, it will be a waste of money. Ensure when getting a system installed the basics are easy to do and you get proper training from the installer before you start using it.
They are a hassle instead of a convenience.
You might just forget to put the code in after you enter, or you might have forgotten the code altogether. Is there anything more annoying than the sound of an alarm screaming through the whole neighbourhood after coming home from a fun night out? In many cases there can be a simple glitch in the system that causes false alarms. Sometimes it can just be easier to leave it off. This is why it’s so important to not just get a qualified installer to complete the job, but also to create really simple “one touch” activation so that the system can be used every time you leave the home, even if it’s just short trips to the shops.
No customizing is done.
Not everyone uses their homes in the same way. Personally, I haven’t used my front door in over twelve months and neither has anyone else in my family. So why would we tailor a system around the front door being the main point of entry? You may also need to consider people outside of the immediate occupants like cleaners, grandparents and others that may need to access the home while you’re away. If you’ve gone to the trouble of investing in a quality security install, but then are opting to leave it off for half the day as you’re expecting the cleaner to come by in the afternoon, you are wasting the benefit. Speak to your installer about creating multiple or limited access for secondary entrants.
There is no integration.
Whilst a security system is a good way of protecting the home, the fact of the matter is you would much rather they didn’t even try to enter in the first place. Integrating other services such as automatic lighting, CCTV and smart phones can do just that. Security lighting has been around in the form of sensor lights for a long time, but it is now easy to incorporate scheduled lighting patterns inside the home to create that “lived in” look while you’re off relaxing on a much deserved holiday. Also, being able to monitor the entire home via images and alerts on your mobile device gives you peace of mind when you’re not there. Most importantly, you can link all these processes together, so simply hitting “welcome home” on your phone will disarm the security, turn on the lighting, start your favourite song and even get the kettle boiling.
They are not protecting you.
Many security systems are purchased as a pre-boxed pack at your local home improvement store. Many so-called professional installers will buy these packs at discounted prices from their suppliers and on-sell them as a premium product. The problem is that the standard pack will come with only a keypad and three or four movement sensors. What this means is that the installation can only monitor movement inside the home when armed. So, if you are at work and only care for your material possessions, then your TV’s probably secure, but doesn’t your home insurance do the same thing in a round about way?
What if you want to protect you and your family? Can the system be armed when you’re asleep? Well if it was and you got up to use the toilet and happened to walk past one of these sensors, you may be in for a loud shock. If you want to protect your family you need two things:
To prevent people even thinking about approaching the home in the first place. (See point 4.)
To stop wannabe intruders getting in by having automated electronic locks and sensors fitted to doors and windows. These will then be armed every night to ensure the things that matter most are protected.
In nine out of ten cases the problem with home security is clarity & planning. Plan for what the ideal outcome would be and try not to consider the actual products until you know exactly what you want. If you can describe with clarity what you’re trying to achieve or protect to your security system installer, then they should be far better situated to provide you with a system actually fits your needs.