Your home is your refuge from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. So naturally, you would want to keep your home, and its occupants, safe.

Today’s home security systems can do a lot more than just keep you, your family, and your home safe; some have convenience features you may not even be aware of.

So, how do you get the most from your system? Many modern smart home security and automation systems can do the following:

Protect your home while you’re inside.
Protect your home while you’re away.
Help you save on more than just energy consumption.

How Can a Home Security System Protect Me While I’m Home?

It Can Automate Your Routine

In a 2019 poll by Alarm.com, 10,000 of U.S. homeowners were asked about their daily home security routine:

• 52% of homeowners check that their doors and windows are locked at bedtime.
• 39% make sure that their drapes or blinds are closed at night.
• 35% leave outdoor lights on at night.
• 22% leave indoor lights on at night.
• 24% check inside their closet before going to bed.
• 18% still check under the bed.

With how busy your day-to-day can be, you want to look for a home security system that works for you.

Whether you’re heading to bed or rushing to your daughter’s hockey match, some home security systems offer customizable ‘scenes’ or pre-sets that align with your daily routine. With just a single button press, you can activate smart home devices.

You can lock your front, back, and garage doors, turn off your lights, adjust your thermostat, and much more. You’ll never worry about forgetting to lock the door or trying to remember if you closed the garage.

Seamlessly Integrate With Other ‘Smart’ Devices

Take advantage of ways to integrate Google Home, Amazon Alexa, or Apple Siri voice commands to control your system.

For example, some systems can be operated by a simple command like “Hey Siri… good morning” to activate preselected settings that can start your day off right – such as turning on your lights and disarming your security system. 

Alternatively, you can use a voice command like “Hey Google: baby’s nap time,” which could, for example, activate a custom setting for your nursery that turns the lights down and switches on the smart plug for your baby’s sound machine.

Wi-fi and Bluetooth Connectivity

Some home security systems can connect to your wi-fi or phone’s Bluetooth system and automatically disarm your home when your phone gets in range – no need to do anything other than walk in the house!

How Should a Home Security System Protect My Home When I’m Away?

User Codes Are the Way of the Future

It could be cumbersome to carry around a set of keys. Your kids may lose them, you can misplace them, hand it to your neighbour, house sitter, or friend and forget to ask for them back. User codes can help.

Many home security systems offer the option to add four-or six-digit user codes that, when entered, can open your smart door lock, and disarm your alarm system.

Customizable To Suit Everybody

It can be simple to set up a unique code for each member of your family; and for non-family members or temporary users, some codes can be customize for limited access.

For your dog-walker, you can set up a code that works only on weekdays between 12:00 and 2:00pm, for example. A one-day user code will let a contractor in today, but not tomorrow.

Access Alerts For Peace of Mind

Once everyone has their own code, your system can let you know who’s coming and going. You can get a text alert when the dog-walker arrives, or a daily video clip of your kids coming home from school.

How Can My Home Security System Help Me Save?

A smart home security system can contribute to energy conservation by automating aspects of your home’s energy usage.

For example, you can integrate your lighting fixtures and control them remotely. This allows you to automate or remotely turn off lights when they are not needed, even if you’re away from home, which can reduce your electricity use.

As well, smart thermostats can use motion sensors and occupancy detection to adjust the temperature based on whether someone is in a room. This feature helps prevent wasted energy heating or cooling your home while away, which can lower some utility costs.

Saving on Home Insurance 

Some insurance providers recognize the added level of security provided by these systems and often offer discounts on home insurance premiums as a result. Also having devices like flood sensors and automatic water shut off devices, can help mitigate water damage and property damage risks – speak to your agent to learn more.

Disclaimer: This information and the websites referenced are provided for your convenience only and should not be construed as providing legal or insurance advice. Allstate does not control or guarantee the accuracy of any content on any third-party site.  Allstate is not responsible for the privacy practices of any third-party site.