Home security systems have come a long way from the bulky, wired systems that took days to install back in the 1990s. Today, nearly every system is wireless, and they’re so easy to install that you can do it yourself.
Not only has home security equipment gotten better, the way you use that equipment to monitor your home has gotten better too. Professional monitoring services are still available and are immensely helpful, but today’s home security systems come with a secret weapon—apps with convenient notifications.
The very best home security systems are able to provide you with various updates and notifications throughout the day that will help you keep tabs on your home in more ways than you thought possible.
System notifications
The first set of notifications involves the home security system, and in many ways, they are the types of notifications you would expect from a quality system.
Most systems allow you to keep tabs on door and window sensors throughout the home. If someone opens a door or window, you’ll know it right away.
Many homeowners think outside the box when it comes to sensor placement. Because you’ll receive a notification every time the sensor is tripped, some people place them outside liquor cabinets, gun safes, and even the medicine cabinet, if you want to keep tabs on an elderly family member.
Ever wonder if you accidentally left the garage door open when you left for work? A sensor can help ease your mind by telling you if the garage door is open, and if so, how long it’s been open.
Of course, phone apps can also tell you if your system is armed or disarmed, even if you’re nowhere near home.
Home monitoring notifications
Home alarm systems today do a lot more than protect your home from burglars. Many systems allow you to control your thermostat, lighting, and more.
If you choose a system with home monitoring and control capabilities, your app will be able to tell you if your house has lost power. You can even be updated every single time someone in your home messes with the thermostat.
Genius ways to use your home security system
Because there are so many ways to customize a home alarm system, and because you can choose your notifications, you can get sneaky about how you use your home security equipment.
You can set up your notifications so they let you know when the kids get home. You can keep tabs on your babysitter. You can even keep an eye on the lawn mower and dog walker. You’ll know exactly what the landscaper did to your yard and how long the dog was actually walked.
Personalizing your notifications
Not only can you personalize which notifications you receive, you can also decide how you want those notifications to arrive.
For most people, a notification via an app on their phone is most convenient. You can even set it up so different members of your household receive the same or different notifications.
If the idea of getting bombarded with notification texts all day is a bit overwhelming, opt for email notifications instead. If you have professional monitoring, a custom service representative will call you if the alarm has been triggered.
Not all home security systems are created equal
With more choices than ever, some home alarm systems offer more in the way of notifications than others. You should consider all of your options carefully to ensure you choose a system that provides you with all of the features and notifications you need.
Notifications about someone adjusting the thermostat would be a really good thing for my parents. They often go back and forth by just a couple of degrees. If you could control that from your phone, it would make for a very short battle. My dad would probably be better at it than my mom. She isn’t used to the newer phones.