Smart Home Security

One of the best reasons for setting up a smart home network, in addition to the all-around convenience offered by smart products, is that a networked system can also provide increased home security and peace of mind. Even if you live in a secure neighborhood, wireless security cameras and two-way audio devices also guard against unanticipated hazards or accidents that could happen to children, elderly, or even family pets. P.C. Richard & Son offers homeowners a wide range of smart security-minded equipment that can protect your home and family. Here are just some of the products available that can help when help is needed:

Indoor Security

Nest Cam Wireless Security Cameras simply plug into ordinary electrical outlets, so they can be conveniently placed almost anywhere indoors. They communicate to you through your home's existing Wi-Fi network and a free app downloaded to your smartphone or tablet. Open the app wherever you are to see and hear what the camera captures 24/7. You can even communicate with someone in the home via the camera's two-way audio capability. For additional security, these cams will also alert you to motion-related activity while your home is unoccupied. Nest Cams are smart enough to distinguish between a person talking and a dog barking, and can automatically monitor special "activity zones" such as doorways and windows. If you want a higher level of protection, Nest also offers a Nest Aware subscription service that provides enhanced security with up to thirty days of 24/7 recorded activity. With this service you can even save video clips, granting you the ability to show any suspicious activity to the police, or just share favorite videos of family or pets.

Smart Detectors

Other Nest products offer additional security features. If you have a Nest Protect Smart Smoke & CO2 Dectector installed in your home, it will alert you to smoke or carbon monoxide hazards as they occur and simultaneously signal your Nest Learning Thermostat to shut down the furnace to limit potential danger. When set to "away" mode, this smart thermostat will also turn on a Nest Cam to automatically alert you to on-camera incidents. Nest Multi-Purpose Sensors provide a different kind of security by monitoring window access in out-of-the-way bedrooms, or by keeping children away from stairs and out of rooms that are off-limits. You can also place these unobtrusive sensors in a drawer, cabinet, safe or jewelry box to secure valuables or hazardous items like medicine or firearms.

Outdoor Security

Another smart home security product is a Ring Wireless Video Doorbell Camera with two-way audio. In addition to sending alerts to a smartphone or tablet and allowing occupants to see and talk with anyone who approaches the door, this smart product can also interface with Google Home and Amazon Echo voice-command systems, including Amazon Show and Amazon Spot compact video-enabled devices. Users who download the Ring app also have the option to join a Neighborhood Watch network that links other Ring product users with local police and first responders. Outside the home, Ring Motion Sensing Security Cams offer many unique features that provide maximum peace of mind. Wireless, wired and solar-powered models are available. In addition to video and audio capability, some include ultra-bright LED floodlights and a 110-decibel siren that can be activated on command. With a 270-degree field of view, these units allow homeowners to set up activation time schedules and customizable "motion zones," with dual sensors to detect and distinguish between moving objects and people. The video and two-way audio lets home occupants not only see and hear activity but also challenge an intruder if necessary. P.C. Richard & Son also offers a Ring Whole-Home Security System with 24/7 professional monitoring, all packaged in a convenient do-it-yourself installation kit. The kit includes a base station "hub" with keypad, contact sensor, motion detector and range extender. There is also an available Ring Home Security Kit that bundles a Ring Wireless Video Doorbell with a Ring Chime and two additional Ring Remote Cameras.

Smart Locks

A home's security is only as good as the locks on its doors, and there are a number of smart locks that work in concert with other smart products and networks. Nest has partnered with Yale to produce keyless, tamper-proof locks that can be locked or unlocked through a backlit touchscreen, or through a smartphone or tablet using the Nest app. Smart locks like Nest x Yale also provide flexible security by allowing homeowners to assign individual codes to family members, allowing parents to keep track of children when they get home from school, or to grant access to caretakers or workers when needed. The timing of these access codes can even be scheduled in advance. Nest is currently working with Google to enable remote voice control of Nest x Yale Locks via Google Home, which will allow homeowners to check on a door's locked or unlocked status and activate as needed.

Smart and Easy

Yet another smart security system is the Blink XT, an affordable, weatherproof, wireless indoor or outdoor security camera and monitoring system powered by two AA batteries that lasts for up to two years. Homeowners can easily place or move the cameras as desired, whether to keep an eye on the baby's crib or to watch a pot simmering on the kitchen stove. Blink XT cameras, which have built-in motion sensors along with the ability to record sound and send high-definition video to a smartphone or tablet, can be purchased individually or in sets. The addition of an available Sync Module lets you build a network of up to 10 cameras, with no monitoring subscription service required. Feeling safe and secure in your own home is not something you'll have to worry about with smart security products and systems. Once installed, they provide convenience along with peace of mind, whether you're at home or away. To learn more about smart security, talk to the Smart Home experts at P.C. Richard & Son today!