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Home is where we feel safe, make great memories, and find comfort. Ensuring your home is secure isn’t just about protecting your things; it’s about keeping your loved ones safe. This guide will talk about why home security matters and its different types.
Enhancing the security of your home is a necessary step in ensuring the protection of what matters most to you. Below, we’ll explore the various advantages that a home security system can provide:
The main reason to get a home security system is to keep your family and belongings safe. Did you know that a home burglary happens every 15 seconds? That’s 4 burglaries per minute, 240 per hour, and almost 6,000 per day.
Installing a home security system means safeguarding your home’s valuables and ensuring your family’s safety by deterring potential burglars. According to the FBI, homes without security systems are 3 times more likely to be burglarized than homes with security systems (1 in 3 without a security system vs. 1 in 250 homes with one).
A home fire is reported about every twenty seconds. A home security system can serve as an early warning system for detecting smoke and heat sources in your home.
You can even add heat detectors to your home security system, which can detect a fire developing and give you early notice of even the smallest temperature changes. This can prevent further fire damage.
The third reason you should consider a home surveillance system is its ability to help manage your electricity usage. A home security system can keep tabs on your home’s energy consumption.
How often have we left our homes to realize we left a light on or an appliance running? You can turn off appliances from anywhere with remote access through your home security system. It also lets you shut down heating or cooling devices when nobody’s home and turn them back on just before you return.
It’s common to worry about your home when on vacation. How can you protect your home while you’re away? A home security and surveillance system lets you keep an eye on your home no matter where you are. This provides a sense of peace because you can check on your home from anywhere in the world.
Yet another reason to consider home security camera systems is their ability to make your home smarter. These systems include controlling lights, door locks, thermostats, and more, all of which can be set on a schedule, enhancing your home’s security.
There are several types of systems to consider regarding home security. Each type offers unique features and benefits, catering to different security needs. Below, we’ll discuss three major home security systems: alarm systems, security cameras, and smart home cameras.
Alarm systems detect unauthorized entry into your home and alert you and a monitoring center to the intrusion. They consist of sensors placed at entry points, such as doors and windows, and motion detectors. When an intrusion is detected, a loud siren or alarm is triggered, alerting occupants and deterring intruders.
Pros | Cons |
Strong deterrent factor. | Limited to detecting intrusion and not suitable for remote monitoring. |
Quick response in case of a break-in. | |
Often come with 24/7 monitoring options. |
Security cameras, also known as CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television) systems, provide continuous surveillance of your property. These cameras can be installed indoors and outdoors, and some models offer advanced features like night vision, motion detection, and two-way audio communication.
Pros | Cons |
Continuous monitoring and recording. | It will require professional installation. |
Deterrence through visible cameras. | Ongoing maintenance and storage of recorded footage. |
Remote access for real-time viewing. |
Smart home cameras are part of the broader ecosystem of home automation. They offer the benefits of traditional security cameras while integrating with your home’s other smart devices and systems. Smart cameras can be controlled and monitored remotely via smartphone apps.
Pros | Cons |
Integration with other smart devices. | It can be more expensive than traditional security cameras. |
Remote monitoring and control. | Requires a stable internet connection. |
Alerts and notifications via mobile apps. |
This is a quick comparison of these three major types of home security systems:
Feature | Alarm Systems | Security Cameras | Smart Home Cameras |
Intrusion Detection | Yes | No | No |
Continuous Monitoring | No | Yes | Yes |
Remote Access | Limited (with monitoring) | Yes | Yes |
Integration | Limited (depending on brand) | No | Yes |
Installation | Professional recommended | Professional recommended | DIY or Professional |
Cost | Moderate | Moderate to High | Moderate to High |
It’s important to take into account trusted brands that provide dependable goods and services when selecting a home security system. In Canada, several well-known companies provide home security solutions.
Telus Smart Home Security is a leading telecommunications company in Canada, known for its high-quality services and innovative solutions. Telus offers a range of home security and automation services under the Telus SmartHome Security.
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ADT is a well-established home security company with a strong presence in Canada. They offer various security solutions, including alarm systems, surveillance cameras, and home automation.
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Rogers is a prominent telecommunications company in Canada offering Smart Home Monitoring services. Their solutions include security, automation, and energy management.
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SimpliSafe is a newer entrant in the home security market but has gained popularity for its DIY-friendly approach. They offer customizable security systems with no long-term contracts.
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Vivint is a well-known provider of smart home and security solutions in Canada. They offer various products and services, including security cameras, home automation, and monitoring.
Key Features:
Brand | Telus | ADT | Roger | SimpliSafe | Vivint |
Professional Monitoring | Yes | Yes | Yes | Optional | Yes |
DIY Installation | No | No | No | Yes | No |
Integration | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited | Yes |
Mobile App | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Video Surveillance | Optional | Yes | Optional | Optional | Optional |
When choosing a home security system, several crucial factors should influence your decision:
Consider your budget for both the initial setup and ongoing monitoring fees. Some systems will require a higher upfront investment, while others offer lower-cost DIY options.
This will impact the number and placement of sensors, cameras, and other security devices you need. Larger homes can require more extensive coverage.
Decide whether you want all-day professional monitoring or self-monitoring. Professional monitoring comes with a monthly fee but offers round-the-clock surveillance and immediate response to alarms.
If you have existing smart home devices or plan to add them in the future, choose a security system that supports integration with these devices for seamless automation.
Consider your comfort level with DIY installation. Some systems are designed for easy self-installation, while others will require professional setup.
Check if the system offers a user-friendly remote control and monitoring mobile app. This feature provides convenience and flexibility.
If video monitoring is a priority, look for systems with high-quality cameras and cloud storage options for recorded footage.
Research reviews and the reputation of the security system provider to ensure reliability and customer satisfaction.
Installing a security system is a proactive step towards a safer and more secure home. It’s an investment not just in your property but also in the well-being of your family. Don’t wait for uncertainty to knock on your door; take charge of your home’s security and fortify your peace of mind today by considering installing a home security system.
At MAG Smart Security, we offer the industry’s leading security products. Your family and your home deserve nothing but the absolute finest in protection. Choose us to fortify your safety and security with us, for your loved ones and for your property.
Security cameras are dedicated devices designed primarily for surveillance, while smart home cameras are part of a broader home automation ecosystem. Smart home cameras integrate with other smart devices, often including remote access and automation.
Professional monitoring provides round-the-clock surveillance and immediate response to alarms. Whether you need it depends on your preferences and the level of security you desire. Many systems offer both professional and self-monitoring options.
Start by setting a budget for the initial setup and ongoing monthly fees. Compare different systems and their features to find one that aligns with your budget while meeting your security needs.
101 – 7261 River Place, Mission, BC
V4S 0A2
MAG Security operates on the unceded. ancestral, and shared territory of the Stó:lō people, who have stewarded these lands since time immemorial. The City of Mission, where our headquarters is located, lies on the traditional territories of the Leq’á:mel, Semá:th, Kwantlen, Sq’éwlets, Máthxwi, and Katzie Nations. We are grateful for the opportunity to live. work, and grow on these lands and honor the rich cultural history and enduring connections of the Stó:lō people to this region.
