With 20+ years of experience in home security, I've seen firsthand how technology can better protect what matters most—your family. Since burglaries across the US occur every 30 seconds, you need innovative tools with customized alerts, cameras, sensors, and more.
In this article, I'll explain how today's smart home systems and providers can work together to automate and monitor your property. You can give your loved ones convenience and peace of mind with the right approach.
» Feeling overwhelmed? Learn how to choose the best home security system.
5 Things You Can Do With Smart Home Automation
Control Your Lighting
Home automation lets you easily manage your home's ambiance and energy efficiency with smart lighting. Brands like ADT offer a range of smart bulbs that integrate seamlessly into any home setup.
You can program your system to turn on all exterior lights if a door is opened at night when the alarm is armed. If it's daytime, it can trigger a siren instead.
Adjust the Temperature
With smart thermostats from companies like Vivint, you can keep your home comfortable while saving on energy bills. These devices learn your habits and schedule to adjust the temperature based on your preferences.
They also use geofencing, which sets a virtual boundary around a geographical area to trigger specific actions when a device enters or exits that zone. This feature can help conserve power when you're away.
Use Voice Activation
Voice-activated assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant allow you to control your smart home effortlessly. You can request music and weather updates or manage other smart devices completely hands-free.
Linking these intelligent helpers with your security setup also boosts safety. If intruders enter your home, voice commands notify them that the system is activated, letting criminals know you're aware of their presence.
Lock and Unlock Your Doors From Anywhere
Did you know that 34% of burglars enter a home through the front door? Luckily, you can secure your doors remotely with SimpliSafe's smart locks. The SimpliLock feature automatically locks entryways on a set schedule, which is handy if you forget your unique code.
You'll be notified if someone enters the wrong PIN code five times. And after 15 failed attempts, the system automatically deadbolts for 30 minutes. Locking your door via a smartphone app, voice command, or keyless entry system offers considerable convenience.
Stay Connected to Your Property Remotely
Home automation enables remote access and control of your home, whether you're in another room or away on a trip. Apps from providers like FrontPoint Security let you check live footage, adjust lighting settings, and receive immediate notifications if an alarm goes off.
Top home security systems facilitate round-the-clock real-time monitoring with smart alerts that keep you connected. You can view high-quality video feeds of your property from your phone at any time.
How Home Automation and Security Systems Improve Your Safety
Outdoor and Indoor Security Cameras Deter Crime
Installing security cameras inside and outside your house is one of the best ways to ward off criminals. A survey conducted with inmates found that visible security cameras deter robberies.
Advanced home security systems provide multiple lines of defense against intruders. For example, Cove has a sleek video doorbell to see and speak with visitors, no matter where you are.
I recommend strategically placing weatherproof cameras around the exterior of your home to capture clear footage and monitor all angles of your property. Consider tips for installing discreet home cameras that blend into your walls seamlessly. This way, you can unobtrusively check for any suspicious activity.
Detect Motion With Sensors and Security Systems
If you're wondering how to secure your windows and doors—these smart devices are your answer. Infrared sensors from companies pick up body heat and movement in the protected area day or night. These scanners also have adjustable settings to prevent false alarms triggered by pets or other disturbances.
Plus, they can automatically activate security cameras to start recording when an intrusion occurs. Vivint's motion detectors even use military-grade radar technology to spot people when they aren't moving, which is ideal for catching burglars attempting to hide.
Automatically Thwart Intruders With Light and Sound
Innovative setups can automatically activate lights and sound alarms if they detect a trespasser, creating a presence when you're away. Voice alarms that clearly announce an active security system can also deter would-be intruders.
In addition, 24/7 professional monitoring ensures safety without requiring you to activate anything manually. You can rely on these intelligent features to protect your home when you're on vacation.
Secure Your Garage Door
With a smart controller, you'll receive notifications whenever your garage door opens. If you accidentally leave your garage exposed, you can immediately close and lock it using your smartphone—even if you're miles away from home. This allows you to keep your garage and its contents secure.
Protect You in Environmental Emergencies
Smart home devices can protect you in environmental emergencies. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms will notify you of fire hazards and trigger automatic safety measures.
For example, HVAC systems can automatically shut off to slow the spread of flames. Doors can also unlock to allow quick exit while giving emergency responders easy access.
Prevent Package Theft
Package theft has become extremely common. Over 75% of Americans had a package stolen in 2023. A video doorbell camera from providers like Scout Alarm can instantly record deliveries and notify you of drop-offs.
With two-way audio, you can also communicate with visitors from wherever you are. This deters potential thieves and ensures that your packages and belongings won't go missing.
» Need some guidance on surveillance? Find out more about our best home security cameras.
Enjoy Convenience With Automated Home Security
Receive Customizable Alerts and Notifications
Providers like Link Home Security let you personalize your alert settings to suit your needs. Customizable notifications can inform you when doors or windows are opened, motion is detected, or other significant events happen. You can specify which incidents trigger alerts to ensure you only receive notifications that are relevant to you.
It Creates Event Logs and Historical Data
In addition to real-time updates, home security systems create detailed activity logs and records. These provide invaluable insight into what happens on your property over time.
Review event histories to understand traffic patterns, enhance security measures, and even aid investigations if breaches occur. This is especially useful if there are signs that robbers have marked your house.
Control Everything From One Hub
Smart home security usually includes a central hub that connects all your sensors to monitoring stations. These are typically touchscreen panels mounted to a wall that you can use to arm or disarm your system.
You can also view recorded or live video footage on security cameras or video doorbells, turn lights on and off, or adjust your temperature. Options like ADT's Google Nest Hub include daily schedules and reminders, an entertainment center, and even sleep-sensing technology.
6 Steps to Set Up Your Automated Security System
- Get compatible system hardware: Purchase an automated setup from services like Vivint, ADT, or SimpliSafe that includes a hub/panel, sensors for doors and motion, and cameras. Ensure your gear works with any virtual assistants already in your home.
- Strategically place sensors and cameras: Position motion sensors near entryways (internal and external) to catch comings and goings. Place them on any open window or door to monitor breaches. Also, focus cameras outdoors and in high-traffic rooms.
- Set automation rules and alerts: Use the security app to configure rules like "If the front door opens while we're away, text me." Set emergency contacts to notify if alarms go off.
- Connect camera feeds and controls: Link your cameras and security panel to any smart displays to pull recent footage or arm/disarm the system using voice commands.
- Consider pro monitoring: Security providers like FrontPoint offer professional monitoring services, which dispatch emergency responders when alerts occur.
- Update and add users over time: Give family members access codes and download security apps to their phones to control and monitor your system.
Enhance Your Safety With Home Automation and Security Systems
Even if you live in one of the five safest cities in the US, installing a home security system can provide extra protection and peace of mind. Whether it's a basic option with entry sensors or a high-tech setup with facial recognition—automation puts control back in your hands.
» Are you on a budget? Check out our complete guide to home security costs.
