Heading out for a vacation or leaving your house unattended can be nerve-wracking, as an empty and dark house is an open invitation for burglars. However, with the rise of smart home gadgets, there are now DIY smart security systems that can help deter break-ins. These systems can be customized to fit your needs and desires, and they don’t have to break the bank. In fact, you can even repurpose old phones as security cameras. In this article, we will discuss four smart ways to protect your home from break-ins using your smart home system.
Cycle lights when you’re not home
The classic security tip is to cycle your lights when you’re away from home, usually with a couple of lamps set on a timer. However, the problem with this method is that the lights are on a static schedule, making it obvious that no one is home. With a house full of smart lights, you can schedule the lights to appear more random. By setting a schedule for each day, it will actually seem like someone is home even when you’re away.
Turn on the TV or stream music on a schedule
In a smart home, you can take the previous method even further by creating a schedule for your TV. Instead of just turning the TV on and off, you can actually play something on the TV. This can be done with virtually any newer television and a Harmony Hub. Set the TV to come on with the lights at different times each day and play live television. This will create the illusion that someone is home, deterring burglars from targeting your house.
Video doorbell
A newer addition to smart security is a video doorbell, such as the ones from August. These doorbells are more than just a doorbell; they also function as video cameras with two-way audio. With a video doorbell, you can receive a notification when motion is detected at your front door. Whether you’re at home or away, you can talk to whoever is knocking on your door or snooping around. And if you have a reason to let them in, you can do so remotely.
Motion-activated flood lights
While it’s great to have security measures in place for your front door, what about the backyard? Consider installing motion-activated flood lights. These lights can not only detect motion but also come equipped with a camera, two-way audio, and a siren. When motion is detected, the lights kick on, allowing you to see and talk to anyone in any corner of your home, even when you’re away. If talking doesn’t work, you can sound the alarm to scare off potential intruders.
FAQs
Q: Can I use any smart lights for cycling lights when I’m not home?
A: Yes! Any smart lights that can be controlled with a schedule or remotely can be used to create the illusion that someone is home.
Q: Do I need a specific smart TV to turn it on and play something on a schedule?
A: No, virtually any newer television can be connected to a Harmony Hub to create a schedule for turning on the TV and playing live television.
Q: Are video doorbells easy to install?
A: Video doorbells are designed to be easy to install, usually requiring only a few simple steps to set up and connect to your smart home system.
Q: Can motion-activated flood lights also serve as regular outdoor lights?
A: Yes, motion-activated flood lights can function as regular outdoor lights, providing additional security and convenience.
Conclusion
Protecting your home from break-ins is crucial, especially when you’re away. By utilizing the features of your smart home system, such as cycling lights, scheduling your TV, installing a video doorbell, and using motion-activated flood lights, you can create an effective deterrent for potential burglars. Remember to customize your settings to make it seem like someone is home, enhancing your home’s security even when you’re not there. Stay safe and enjoy your time away with peace of mind knowing that your home is protected.