Customize and Protect Your Home With Smart Technology

The future is knocking on your front door. Home automation is becoming easier than ever thanks to the increasing availability of smart home technology. It’s not just for the rich and famous anymore—anyone with a smart phone or other Internet-enabled device can download an app, pair it with hardware, and swiftly access a variety of home automation capabilities. One realm of home automation that is experiencing particular growth is that of home security systems. Whether you want a bare-bones system or something a little fancier, there are many options available for customizing your home security as seen in this article.

By Source, NextMarket predicts that DIY security systems will be a $1.5 billion industry by 2020. The clientele of the home security industry has traditionally been higher-income households, but as smart technology becomes more ubiquitous, that fact is changing. The lower prices of DIY systems mean that people do not have to bankrupt themselves just to feel a little safer at night. Because the systems are easily portable, they can be a good investment for members of younger demographics, who are likely to relocate frequently.

There are multiple systems available, but they generally have a few common components:

The hardware. This includes gadgets like cameras, motion sensors, and door alarms—basically the physical instruments that collect security information. Most of the time the hardware is designed to be easy for people to install themselves. You can even find some great ideas for hardware over at https://www.designtheoryhw.com/.

The app. The hardware connects to an app that you download onto your phone or other device. This is the means by which you can control the hardware, review information, and receive alerts.

The monitoring system. Some systems offer a range of monitoring packages, so you can choose to monitor your system yourself, but you also have the option to pay a monthly fee for professional home monitoring, often at a lower rate than that of a traditional security company.

Don’t know how to choose a system? There are many reviews of home DIY security systems available online. Real users will tell you everything from what the package looked like to how easy the system was to install to if there are any glitches on the app.

Additional Features

As a bonus, some of these systems make it easy to be green. The same apps that run the security systems can also be incorporated into use with your home energy system. For example, you can set an app to monitor the daily activity levels in your home and recommend a thermostat schedule accordingly. Another energy-saving option is to program your lights to turn off when you exit the room. You can also have some fun with the apps by using them to do things like create voice commands or automate your appliances.

Safety Meets the Future

There are millions of gadgets and apps just waiting for you to give them a try. Next time you pick one out, consider choosing something that will make your house a lot safer and—it’s okay to admit it—a little bit cooler, too. With a DIY home security system, you can take control of your home’s safety. With all of the potential add-ons, you can save energy, add convenience, and have some fun while you’re at it.