Choosing the Right Amount of Security Cameras for Your Home

When you move into a new home, you may not know what it will take to feel safe and secure. You might want to protect a bigger backyard, more windows and doors, or brand-new furniture. Now that you’ve unpacked and are getting used to your new home, consider installing a security system. Not only will this keep criminals away, but it will also let you keep an eye on the place whether you’re there or not.

While you may not want to splurge on a full security system, setting up cameras inside and outside your home is a good starting point. How many cameras you need, though, depends on various factors. When planning your security camera system, it’s crucial to consider the size of your house, how many stories and rooms it has, how many windows and doors it has, where it’s located, and more. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for how many cameras you’ll need. But making a diagram of where to put your cameras and figuring out the best places for them in your home is a good place to start.

 

What kind of security cameras are there?

There are two main types of cameras for home security: indoor and outdoor. Each category has many different kinds of security cameras, such as wired and wireless, battery and AC-powered, and floodlight and doorbell cameras. The main difference between indoor and outdoor cameras is that the outdoor variety can withstand rain, sun, and dust because they are weatherproof. Most outdoor cameras have a coating on the case and lens that will protect them for years.

 

Wired Indoor Cameras

A coaxial or ethernet cable connects wired indoor security cameras to a central recording device. Most of the time, dome cameras can be put on ceilings and give a wide view inside a home. Most of the time, they need to be put in by a professional.

 

Wireless Indoor Cameras

Wireless indoor cameras can also be called Wi-Fi cameras or IP cameras. They connect to a Wi-Fi network and store their videos in the cloud. They are easy to set up because they don’t need a cable to send their video feed, but they must be plugged in to get power. There are a lot of different kinds of indoor cameras, such as ones that give treats to your dog or cat and record the temperature, humidity, and air quality in your baby’s room.

 

Wired Outdoor Cameras

 

Wires connect wired outdoor cameras to a central recording device. Most wired outdoor cameras are called bullet-style because they are long and cylindrical. They can be put on walls or ceilings and don’t need to be plugged into an outlet. Many wired cameras can be used inside or outside and usually need to be set up by a professional.

 

Wireless Outdoor Cameras

Wireless outdoor cameras are similar to their indoor counterparts but are larger and weather-resistant. They ideally need to be mounted to a wall or structure using a dedicated mounting plate and screws. Some include an integrated spotlight and siren to help scare away intruders. They generally have a wide field of view (130 degrees or more) and cover a larger area than most wired bullet cameras do.

 

Wire-Free Outdoor Cameras

Wire-free outdoor cameras do not need to be plugged into an outlet because they run on batteries. They only record when they see movement and are easy to set up. Most wire-free cameras have the same features as wireless ones, except they can’t record continuously because their batteries run out of juice. Some cameras that don’t have wires can have a solar panel added to help keep the batteries charged.

 

Floodlight Cameras

These are wireless outdoor cameras with a sizable floodlight that comes on when the camera does. This makes it easier for them to get clearer video and could scare away intruders. They can be hardwired into the lighting system or plugged into an outlet.

 

Video Doorbells

This popular outdoor camera type is a doorbell with a camera built into it. When the camera detects motion or the doorbell is pressed, it starts recording and gives you two-way audio on your smartphone, smart speaker, or smart TV so you can see and talk to whoever is at your front door. (They can hear you, but they can’t see you.) If you don’t answer the phone when it rings, it also records the conversation so you can watch it later. Most video doorbells need to be hardwired into your doorbell wiring, which is an easy project you can do yourself. There are also a few models that run on batteries.

 

 

What kind of security systems are there?

With a home alarm system, you can monitor what’s happening at home and keep your family safe. There are many different kinds of home security systems.

 

Burglar Alarms

Burglar alarms keep your home safe from people who want to break in and steal your valuables. Your door and window locks are linked to your burglar alarm. You will know if someone tries to break into your house, and so will the police in your area.

 

Smoke Alarms And Fire Alarms

Fire alarms can warn you and your family about a fire or smoke in your home. Fire can damage your property, and breathing in smoke can be fatal. Install a fire alarm system and take the proper safety steps.

 

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If you breathe in a lot of carbon monoxide, it can kill you. This danger has no color or smell, so you need a carbon monoxide detector to find it in your home. Most of the time, CO detectors are built into your fire alarm system.

 

Video Surveillance

You can watch any activity on your property by installing a video surveillance system.

 

Environmental Sensors

While fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide detectors guard the interior of your home against damage, you can also set up environmental sensors to detect potential weather damage.

 

Monitored Home Tech

With modern technology, you can now monitor your home anytime, anywhere. When your alarm system connects wirelessly to your phone and other “smart” devices, you can easily call the police using the app that comes with your security system. The police will know it’s a real call because you’re calling from the app.

 

Why You Should Have Security Cameras

The affordability of today’s security cameras makes the investment significantly less expensive than the aftermath of a break-in. According to American Home Insurance, break-ins typically cost about $2,000. An entry-level doorbell camera costs about $100.

When you think about how intrusive a break-in is, a security system seems like an even smaller price. Better still, you may not wish to move after a thwarted break-in because alarm systems stop thieves.

You may feel safer at home when you pay for a professionally installed and monitored home security system. And while you’re away, the benefits of home security cameras will help you feel better, knowing that everything you’ve worked hard for is better protected.

Where Should Security Cameras Go?

Entry and Exit Points

You should put security cameras at every entrance and exit to your home. Most break-ins happen through the front door, but back doors, side doors, windows, skylights, garages, and storage sheds are good places to monitor. You might not be able to use a camera to watch every door and window in your home, but you should start by keeping an eye on the main entrances and exits, such as the front door, back door, backyard gate, garage, and side doors.

All Outdoor Areas Leading to Your Home

Thieves might hide behind plants and bushes in the front or back yard as they try to break in. Burglars who want to break into the garage can hide in alleys or behind trash cans.

A camera should be set up in any outside area that leads to your home. Pay attention to yards, driveways, and other paths that lead to doors. Just make sure you follow the law, so you don’t break the privacy of your neighbors.

Important Areas Inside Your Home

It is just as essential to have security cameras inside your home as it is to have them outside. You should put a camera near all places where people sleep and in any room where valuable things like money, collectibles, personal documents, or other valuables are kept. Besides garages and tool sheds, you may also want to put a camera in your attic and basement if they have expensive or important things.

You can also use indoor cameras to watch your kids or pets while you’re away or to ensure no one gets into your liquor cabinet or office when they shouldn’t.

 

Where Can You Buy Security Cameras?

Security cameras are now widely available. You can purchase customizable systems at big box superstores, hardware stores, and electronics stores if you prefer to browse at a brick-and-mortar location. You can find those same products at these stores’ online presence, on big online retailers, or from independent companies that can provide improved services like troubleshooting, installation, updates, and other services.

Here at True Protection, we highly recommend getting a home security & surveillance system installed professionally. Our experienced professionals will offer the best solutions that bring you peace of mind. Visit any one of our Texas locations in Dallas / Fort Worth, Houston, Austin or San Antonio to get started.