Home security should be a priority for any family. Contrary to popular belief, equipping your home with smart technology is not expensive.
Today, there are multiple alternatives at affordable prices, with which you can improve the security of your home considerably.
Smart Lighting
A cheap and effective way to deter intruders is through lighting. Some smart lighting systems that you could install in your home are:
- Lights with motion sensors: You can find them in various price ranges, some quite affordable. Their function is based on turning on when the sensor detects that someone is approaching.
- Smart plugs: You can program the lights in your home to turn on and off at specific times. This way, you can simulate the presence of someone in the house.
- Smart light bulbs: These devices link to mobile applications or voice assistants – such as Alexa or Google Home – so that you can control them with commands.
Apart from security, good lighting will also reduce the risk of accidents at home, as it can prevent someone from tripping in the dark!
Surveillance Cameras
The prices of surveillance cameras have seen a drop in recent years, and it is now possible to find models that offer good quality at affordable prices:
- Wi-Fi cameras: Models such as the Wyze, TP-Link Tapo or Xiaomi offer high-definition recording, night vision and motion detection. You can find them in online stores at affordable prices.
- Fake cameras: Although they are not capable of recording, you can use them as a deterrent. Some have LED lights for realism and are usually very cheap.
- Video doorbells: The market offers equipment such as the Blink Video Doorbell or the Eufy 2K. These affordable solutions will let you see who is at your door in real time from your phone.
If you decide to install cameras, remember to choose the right spots. Placing them at the front door and secondary entrances is usually the most effective.
However, you might also want to consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) – it encrypts your internet connection, protecting your camera footage from unauthorized access.
This is particularly important for internet-connected cameras, as they can be vulnerable to hacking. For more info on how VPNs can enhance security, explore some more resources on securing your home network and camera systems!
Door and Window Sensors
Door and window sensors allow you to monitor when someone wants to open them without your permission. They are usually easy to install and quite effective:
- Basic sensors: Brands like Sonoff or Aqara offer you sensors at low prices. These can be connected to an app where you will receive instant notifications.
- Modular systems: You can find security kits that include door and window sensors combined with alarms.
Some sensors can be integrated with smart assistants to activate lights or sounds when they detect an intrusion.
Smart Locks
Normally, smart locks are expensive. However, there are several economical options that offer more security without replacing a traditional lock as such:
- Code locks: the market offers inexpensive models with which you can open your door by entering a code instead of using keys.
- Smart adapters: devices like the SwitchBot Lock allow you to convert traditional locks into smart ones without spending too much.
If you want to go the extra mile, you can even reinforce traditional locks with reinforcement plates or double-cylinder locks.
Alarms and Sirens
Alarms are very good security tools. These types of systems can be expensive, but fortunately, there are also cheap options:
- Stand-alone alarms: For little money, you can buy individual alarms equipped with motion sensors.
- Smart sirens: You can connect them with mobile applications so that they notify you if they have been activated by detecting unusual movements.
Alarms will not only alert you as the homeowner, but they could also scare off any intruder who wants to try to enter.
Physical Reinforcements
Beyond technology, some physical reinforcements can make your home safer without spending too much money:
- Security bars: You can install them outdoors, and they are responsible for preventing them from being forced open by intruders.
- Security films: Reinforce the windows of your home so that no one can break them without effort.
- Extra deadbolts: Installing additional deadbolts on doors or windows will drastically increase the security of your home.
To improve security, you can also consider reinforcing the frames with metal plates. This will make it more difficult to break down doors or windows.
As you can see, protecting your home with advanced technology doesn’t have to be expensive. By making a few strategic upgrades and finding affordable devices, you can significantly increase security.
