Home Automation And Security System Lead To Protection And Lower Rates

Home monitoring has never been easier than it is today. A plethora of devices, services and applications exist to ensure homeowners can constantly monitor their homes, whether at work or when vacationing around the world.

According to the most recent data provided by the FBI, in 2010 a property crime occurred every 3.5 seconds. One burglary occurred every 14.6 seconds and one larceny-theft occurred every 5.1 seconds throughout that year. Those statistics are not meant to scare homeowners into overreacting because certain cities and areas are more prone to violence than others. However, homeowners do need to pause and consider home monitoring systems to prevent such crimes from happening.

Home monitoring is also essential to protect against potential disasters such as fires or gas leaks. According to the National Fire Protection Agency, 369,500 home fires happened in 2013, causing $6.8 billion in property damage. Monitoring devices can alert homeowners of potential fire alerts and gas leaks. If gone unnoticed, severe gas leaks can lead to deadly explosions.

If homeowners need any further incentive to protect and monitor their property, various home insurance providers offer discounts if home automation and security systems are in place.

Need for security monitoring

Forbes highlighted a report by Consumer Electronics Association, showing households own an estimated 24 electronic products, ranging from smartphones, to high-definition televisions to multiple computers. Each device is a target for potential theft, making a security system essential to monitor the outside and inside of properties.

Wired or wireless?

Homeowners should decide upon a wired or wireless security system, as each has unique advantages and disadvantages. According to ADT Security Systems, wired systems are reliable, offer multiple zones of protection, have a battery backup in case of power outage and are less prone to radio or electrical interference. Yet wired systems are difficult to install and often require professional installation. Other potential challenges ensue if homeowners were to move and wished to take the system to a new location.

Wireless systems offer much more flexibility, but at the cost of having to cycle through batteries. These systems work great for those looking to hide wires and especially for homeowners in older houses. Wireless systems can still be installed in areas with no electricity because the devices are battery powered and homeowners can remotely monitor property from a connected device.

Remote monitoring is a must
Homeowners rarely leave their houses without their phones these days. Sometimes though, homeowners leave without setting the alarm, locking doors, adjusting the thermostat or turning off the light. Or perhaps homeowners want to turn on the lights and make the house warm before coming home. Remote monitoring makes such actions, and more, possible. Therefore, remote monitoring is a must if households choose a wireless security network.

Remote monitoring means homeowners can monitor rooms, which is especially useful if children are home. If an incident were to occur, homeowners would receive alerts, although automation is compatible with wireless security networks.

More automation options and benefits

Of course, homeowners may choose to implement automation and security on a smaller scale. For example, a single key lock can be purchased for the front door, or just the thermostat. Choosing what appliances and areas to automate, a la carte, may prove to be a better suited, cost-effective option for homeowners.

There are other benefits for home automation and monitoring as well. Household appliances are making it easier than ever to work with automation systems, ensuring every member of a household can work together. The energy efficiency of households will also increase because owners can control how long lights are on and temperature settings. Better energy efficiency, in turn, equates to lower electrical and heating costs.

Homeowners looking to compare home insurance rates and potential discounts and savings for home automation and security should head to CoverHound to compare rates through a user-friendly interface and design.