Home security systems come in many price ranges, with some, like the Wyze Home Monitoring System starter kit, costing as little as $100.1 Home security systems also include different components depending on the needs of the homeowner. They can include a variety of components such as smart doorbells, indoor and outdoor motion cameras, glass break detectors, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, burglar alarms, window and door sensors, water leak detectors, and smart lights.
They also come in two different technologies – wired systems and wireless systems. Both types of technology work well to protect homes, but there are pros and cons to each which homeowners should consider before buying a new home security system.
Locksmiths have the knowledge and experience in both systems to answer questions and offer advice.
There are some similarities between the two systems including that both systems can be monitored by a professional security company and both systems can be installed by either a professional such as a locksmith or a homeowner, depending on how complex the system.
Wireless Systems
As the name implies, wireless systems aren’t connected to components such as the control panel, sensors and cameras by wires or cables, but instead they use radio waves to communicate with these components.2 This is an advantage if you live in a place where you aren’t able to install wiring, such as apartments or condominiums, or if you live in an older home or a multiple story home where it would be difficult to install wiring.
It’s also easy to expand a wireless system if you wish to include additional cameras or other components in the future and it is easy to move cameras around. Most wireless systems are battery powered. To conserve the battery these wireless systems have sensors which only turn the components on when there is activity. That makes it easier to review the activity because you don’t have as much stored as do always-on wired systems.
Wireless systems also integrate well with smart home systems like Amazon Alexa, Apple’s Siri or the Google Assistant.3 May wireless systems store images and audio in the Cloud which means that you can view footage from anywhere, but you will also have to pay a Cloud storage fee.
Placement of sensors can be limited with a wireless system because sensors need to be located within a certain distance from the central control panel. Because wireless systems operate through wireless networks, they will be inactive any time your wireless network is down. They are also more prone to being hacked than wired systems and they are also prone to radio frequency signal interference from other devices that use radio waves to communicate, such as baby monitors.4
How they are powered may also be a challenge if you rely on batteries which have to be checked frequently and charged when indicated.
Wired Systems
Wired systems aren’t affected by radio frequency signal interference and are more difficult to hack. Wired systems are also more reliable during power outages because most have battery back-up systems. The quality of the video and audio is also more stable due to the steady connection that may not be present with a wireless system.
There are no monthly cloud storage fees, as with wireless systems. It is generally less costly to add cameras to a wired system because the major cost is in the recording device, not the cameras.
Wired systems, as the name implies, require that all cameras have wires which connect them to a central hub. Installation of wiring is more expensive than a wireless system that requires no wiring and is typically best done by a professional rather than a do-it-yourselfer.
Once installed, you can’t take the system with you when you move, like you can with a wireless system. If the power goes out, the back-up battery system may only last for a number of hours. There are also issues with apps and software used by wired systems and most don’t work with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.5
With so many sizes, components and price ranges it is easy to get confused on which system would be best for your particular situation. That is where a professional locksmith can be extremely helpful. After careful analysis of your home and listening to your needs and wants, a locksmith can select the right equipment for you and install it so that every component works efficiently.
Overall
Technology can be challenging. If you are not tech-savvy, have a multi-story home, and/or have multiple people who need to be able to access the security system (family members. the pet sitter, the cleaning person, etc.) you should consider having your security system professionally installed. 6
Get the ball rolling with a security consultation by Action Locksmith. We will come out to your home or business and provide a detailed survey of your current security system including a plan of action.
Our Michigan locksmith business has earned a trusted and reputation through our years of hard work and dedication to our clients. We handle all residential locksmith services needs as well as commercial and provide 24/7 emergency service. Questions or need locksmith services? Contact us today!
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1, 3 Best Cheap Home Security Systems for 2023 by David Priest, 2/15/2023
Link: https://www.cnet.com/home/security/best-cheap-home-security-systems/
2, 4 Understanding Wireless Home Security Systems
Link: https://www.adt.com/resources/understanding-wireless-home-security-systems
5, 6 Pro Installed Vs. DIY Home Security Systems by Stewart Wolpin and Rachel Hisle, 7/14/2022
Link: https://www.usnews.com/360-reviews/services/home-security/pro-installed-vs-diy