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Choosing a Custom SMART Home Security Solution

You’ve decided to purchase and install a smart home security system. You’d like the system to meet your individual needs. There are so many different components and technologies that can be incorporated. How do you know what to include in your custom smart home security solution?

 

There are a few basic questions that will help determine the right custom smart home security solution for you and your family: 

 

  • What type of dwelling do I reside in? (townhouse, single-detached house, semi-detached house, main or second floor of condo or apartment building, upper floor of a condo or apartment building)
  • What type of protection do I want? (from break-ins, environmental hazards, carbon monoxide, fire, flood)
  • Where do I want to monitor? (inside my home, outside my home, both)
  • What outdoor areas do I want to see with cameras? (front yard, back yard, garage, front door)
  • What indoor areas do I want to see with cameras? (living room, baby room, entrance)
  • How do I want to install the system? (self-installation or hire a professional)
  • How big is my home? (how many doors and windows, how many hallways)
  • Which entrances do I want to control (front door, back door, garage door)
  • Do I want to control the system remotely?
  • What is my family’s routine?
  • What is my budget?

The answers to these questions reveal what kind of features are best for you and how large and complex a system you need.

 

Professional vs. Self-installation

You have the choice to install your smart security system yourself or hire trained professionals. 

 

  • Professional installation: Home security companies send a trained professional to your home for a consultation and safety assessment. You’ll be able to discuss your security priorities, budget, and expectations. These professionals also offer product package bundling and years of industry experience. Professional help comes with an installation fee, but you won’t have to do any of the work.
  • Self-installation: Security systems are easier than ever to install without professional help. If you’re handy with tools, comfortable with basic home repairs and don’t mind spending a little time with online tutorials, you can likely install a basic smart security system yourself. Purchase a self-install kit with your chosen devices and necessary instructions. Install in your own time with online guidance and call in support.

 

Choose professional installation if you want:

 

  • Sensors for every door and window
  • Both indoor and outdoor security cameras
  • A scheduled appointment with a professional explaining your options
  • A variety of optional security devices (video doorbell, smart locks, glass break sensors, entry sensors, fire/smoke/CO detectors)

 

Choose self-installation if you want:

 

  • A simple system with a few window and door sensors
  • A single security camera
  • No installation fees 

 

Create your own customized home security plan by answering a few basic questions. Share the answers with our local security system specialist. They have the knowledge, experience and skills to determine the right custom system for you, help with installation and teach you how to use your automated home security system. Invest in a state-of-the-art monitoring system that meets your unique needs.

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Control Smart Home Security with Your Phone

Most home security systems are made up of a number of different components and technologies. The smartphone is an integral component of many modern systems. You can now remotely connect your smart device and alarm system through the same technology that transmits signals to and from your smartphone. Security systems with app compatibility can be controlled remotely. 

 

What is remote access?

Remote access is the ability to manage your security system using an app on your smartphone, tablet or computer. New technology allows you to set up and control your home security system from anywhere. It’s a simple way to make your home a little safer and give you peace of mind This technology allows you to:

 

  • Remotely arm or disarm the security alarm
  • Control the locks
  • Monitor live feed from your cameras
  • Get instant notifications of activity that needs immediate attention
  • Open and close your garage door
  • Watch the live feed from your video doorbell
  • Detect unpermitted entry
  • Turn on/off indoor and outdoor lights
  • Detect breaking glass
  • Monitor your home and loved ones from wherever you are
  • Detect fire, carbon monoxide and/or smoke

 

How do I use my smartphone to control my home security system?

Are you challenged by new technology? Don’t have time to read a long and involved users’ manual? Don’t despair! Most smart home security companies offer in-person and online tutorials to help you sync your smartphone to your home security system. 

Smart home security systems offer a variety of features that can help you feel protected, whether you’re home or at work. When paired with other smart devices in your home, you can create an automated home that helps you feel safe. These home automation options also allow you to share control with family members, so everyone can work together to feel safe and connected.

 

Interested in a smart home security system? Need help learning to use your remotely controlled security system? Contact SMART | Home Security. We’re a Calgary-based company partnering with TELUS, Canada’s leading provider of advanced home security systems. Call us at 587-800-1542. We’ll help you develop a customized home security plan and teach you how to use it. 

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What Does a Smart Home Security System Include?

A home monitoring system consists of many components that work together to keep you and your family safe. The following are the main security system components you should be aware of if you are considering investing in a smart home security system.

 

  • Security cameras: Surveillance cameras enable livestream footage remotely and send a notification to your device (through the use of an app) when the camera detects movement, people or packages. They can be installed indoors or outdoors and can often tilt and pan. Some are even equipped with night vision capabilities. Use these cameras to monitor your home and loved ones from wherever you are.
  • Motion sensors use vibration, infrared heat, microwave pulses or a combination of these to detect when an intruder enters a home. They’re usually placed in the main entryway on the ground floor notifying you when there are unusual movements within your property. Motion sensors can turn on indoor and outdoor lights, activate cameras, set off alarms and more.
  • Entry sensors: This contact sensor is placed on a window and/or door and senses if that entry point is opened, alerting your control panel if a door or window is breached. One piece of the component attaches to the door or window itself, while the counterpart is attached to the frame. Entry sensors are suggested for all windows and doors on the ground floor. 
  • Glass break sensors detect the frequency of the sound of breaking glass and alert via mobile notification. They let you know if someone attempts to enter your home by breaking the windows or glass doors. They’re placed indoors, near glass features and are an effective way to boost security. 
  • Smart locks allow keyless entry to your home via an app. Keyless entry options include proximity unlocking with your smartphone, remote unlocking with your smartphone, custom code numbers for anyone who needs to enter your home, voice commands, and touch or fingerprint recognition. These locks allow you to create permanent or temporary entry codes for visiting guests, cleaning services, dog walkers, repair services and individual members of your family.
  • Video doorbells have a camera that livestreams what it captures, sending notifications to your mobile device and showing a live feed of whoever is waiting on your doorstep. This makes it easy to communicate with visitors via an installed speaker, without having to open the door.
  • Control panel: This device is used to activate and deactivate monitors. Your control panel is the central station for your entire security system, so it’s the most important piece of equipment in the system.
  • Garage door security: Tilt sensors alert you when your garage door is opening and allow you to open and close your garage door from wherever you are. 
  • Smartphone access allows you to control and view your home security system from your phone or another wireless device.
  • Yard signs and window stickers placed prominently in front of and on your home help to deter intruders from entering.
  • 24/7 Professional Monitoring is frequently a part of a smart alarm system. An alarm goes to the company’s monitoring center where it is determined whether emergency services are required. If needed, the monitoring center contacts the appropriate dispatch center (fire, police, ambulance).

Keeping your home and family safe is a basic concern for most homeowners. Before purchasing a security system, it’s important to know about the components included so you can choose a system that’s strong in all areas and includes important security devices. Enjoy peace of mind knowing your family and home are safe. Secure your property from intruders, vandalism, and burglars with the latest in technology by considering a smart security alarm system. It will have your back!

 

Interested in a home monitoring system? Want to know more about the components of a smart security system? Contact SMART | Home Security. We’re a Calgary-based company partnering with TELUS, Canada’s leading provider of advanced home security systems. Call us at 587-800-1542. We’ll help you develop a customized home security plan. 

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What TELUS Smart Security Products Should I Buy First?

Building a smart security system can seem daunting. There are so many home security products and all have advantages for homeowners. Many are interconnected, meaning that various devices integrate with each other for added features and benefits. It’s enough to boggle the mind and tax your wallet! However, a few relatively inexpensive TELUS Smart Security products can provide most of the home security you desire. It’s possible to start with one or two devices and go from there. 

 

  • Beginners package: Consider a secure, affordable video-only plan. It lets you check in on your home from anywhere, any time. Choose from an indoor camera, outdoor camera or doorbell camera. You can see who’s at the door or keep an eye on pets and family members with live video. Watch from anywhere, any time and know what’s happening both inside and around your home.
  • Smart automation package: This coverage includes the ability to control your alarm system from your smartphone with the SmartHome app, a choice of 2 automation devices (Smart thermostat, Smart plug for appliances, Smart plug for lighting, Garage door opener) and one security camera (indoor, outdoor or doorbell). This package lets you integrate smart home devices with a single app. 
  • Advanced protection package: A security camera that’s controllable from your smart device, a control panel, 2 door/window sensors, 1 motion sensor and 24/7 monitoring. Feel safe, knowing you have a professionally monitored service. Experts are ready to dispatch authorities (fire, police, ambulance) to protect your home if an alarm is triggered while you’re away.
  • Total protection package: A fully integrated system with cutting edge security devices, and control at your fingertips with smart home devices. This package includes 24/7 monitoring, a control panel, 1 camera, 2 door/window sensors, 1 motion sensor and 3 additional smart devices or sensors of your choice (smart thermostat, flood sensor, door/window sensor, motion sensor, smart lock, smoke detector, CO detector, smart plug, glass break sensor, garage door opener, arm/disarm keyring remote).
  • Personalize your package: Increase your home security coverage by adding a camera(s) and/or additional sensors to any package. Not sure which smart home security plan is right for you?  Answer a few basic questions about your home and security requirements and the experts can recommend a smart home security system with devices that meet your unique needs.

There are no hard and fast rules regarding how to set up your home security system. If a smart smoke detector is more important to you than a motion sensor, then go for it. If you want both an indoor and outdoor security camera, that’s doable. TELUS offers custom, commercial-grade, state-of-the-art systems to meet your unique needs. They’ve been keeping Canadians safe and secure for nearly 150 years.

 

Interested in a smart home security system? Need advice on what alarm system is right for you? Contact SMART | Home Security. We’re a Calgary-based company partnering with TELUS, Canada’s leading provider of advanced home security systems. Call us at 587-800-1542. We’ll help you develop a customized home security plan.