Home security systems have come a long way in the past decade. From basic motion detectors to sophisticated smart home integrations, the choices are many. However, with the multitude of options available, homeowners can sometimes be overwhelmed, not tapping into the full potential of their systems.
Let’s dive deep into some little-known hacks that will not only maximize the functionality of your home alarm system but also heighten its security.
1. Master The Basics: Understanding Different Settings
First things first, familiarize yourself with your alarm system settings. One common mistake that homeowners make is not understanding or using the different armed settings available. For instance, you can get a system with two different armed settings from Alarm Grid.
- Stay Mode: This setting is ideal for when you are at home but want to ensure the perimeter of your property is protected. Doors and windows will be secured, but you can move freely inside without setting off the alarm.
- Away Mode: This is when you’re leaving home, and you want every sensor – including motion detectors inside the house – to be active. Any breach, whether it’s a broken window or movement in your living room, will trigger the alarm.
By making the best use of these two settings, you can enjoy both flexibility and security in your daily life.
2. Integrate With Smart Home Devices
Maximize security by integrating your alarm system with other smart home devices. For example, connecting your system to smart lighting can help deter potential burglars. Imagine, if a motion sensor is triggered outside, your home’s lights flicker or turn on, indicating someone is home or aware of the intruder’s presence.
3. Regular Maintenance Checks
Regularly test your alarm system to ensure that all components are working correctly. This involves checking battery levels, ensuring sensors are still in the right position, and making sure communication with the monitoring center is seamless. A monthly or bi-monthly schedule would suffice for most systems.
4. Use Geofencing To Your Advantage
Geofencing uses your smartphone’s location to trigger certain actions in your home alarm system.
For instance, you can set it so that when you’re a certain distance away from your home, the system will automatically arm in ‘Away Mode’. This ensures that even if you forget to set your alarm, your home remains protected.
5. Embrace The Power Of Redundancy
Consider adding backup communication methods like cellular backups. In cases where landlines or internet connections are tampered with or fail, a cellular backup ensures your alarm system remains connected to the monitoring center.
6. Update And Change Passwords Regularly
It’s a simple but essential tip. Regularly update your security codes and ensure they’re not easily guessable combinations like ‘1234’ or your birth year. Changing passcodes, especially if you’ve given them out to service workers or guests, ensures that only trusted individuals have access.
7. Get Visual Verification
Pairing your alarm system with surveillance cameras can offer an added layer of protection. If a sensor is triggered, you or the monitoring center can instantly access camera feeds to verify if there’s an actual threat or just a false alarm.
8. Set Up Multiple Zones
By dividing your home into zones (e.g., upstairs, downstairs, garage), you can pinpoint exactly where a breach is happening. This not only helps you or the monitoring center respond more effectively, but it also allows for more precise alarm settings.
For instance, you might want your garage sensors active even when you’re at home in ‘Stay Mode’.
9. Stay Updated With Software And Firmware
Like any other tech device, your alarm system’s software or firmware needs periodic updating. Manufacturers often release updates that fix vulnerabilities, improve functionality, or add new features. Regularly check for and install these updates to keep your system at its peak performance.
10. Educate Everyone In The Household
The best security system can be rendered useless if not everyone knows how to use it correctly. Ensure all family members, including children, understand the basics of arming, disarming, and what to do in case of false alarms.
Conclusion
When it comes to home security, knowledge and proactiveness are key. By familiarizing yourself with the various settings, integrating with smart home devices, regularly updating passcodes, and educating household members, you can take full advantage of your home alarm system’s capabilities.
Remember, the goal is to create a security environment where you feel safe without compromising on convenience. With the hacks mentioned above, you’re well on your way to achieving that delicate balance.