A guide to Smart Home Devices - you’ll love the extra protection from burglary and fire

Whether you plan to venture out to celebrate Valentine’s Day or simply stay cosy at home, it’s important to consider your home security measures so that your love nest is protected against any intrusions or mishaps. Smart home devices incorporated into your home security system can provide both safety and convenience, while you have a chilled out, romantic evening. In this blog, we will guide you through all the different smart home devices available and how they can make life easier for you and your loved ones.

Many people may think that choosing a smart home system can be complicated, but it’s actually more straightforward than finding a Valentine’s partner, once you’re aware of the various products available and your requirements. A primary priority should be to get a smart home system that protects against burglary and smoke, so you’re kept safe 24/7.

Marguerite Cotter, Marketing Director at PhoneWatch, Ireland’s leading house alarm company, advised: “Smart home devices are a great way to bring added convenience to your life as well as protect loved ones from burglary and fire. A smart plug for example, could be used to stimulate activity within the home by switching on and off lights, making it appear like the home is occupied and deter burglars. At PhoneWatch, our smart home alarm system enables smart integrations allowing you to control electrical appliances and create automated routines which can additionally ensure that no devices are left on too long, decreasing the likelihood of a fire. All PhoneWatch standard packs come with the added benefit of burglary and smoke protection.”

What smart home devices are available, and what do they do?

• Smoke detectors

Ensure your love story doesn’t go up in smoke by installing a 24/7 monitored smoke detector, which is not only beneficial, but can also be lifesaving. A monitored smoke alarm will detect all smoke events and indeed triggers an alarm activation even when your alarm is Not armed.  The PhoneWatch Alarm Receiving Centre will immediately dispatch the fire services once a verified smoke signal is detected.

• Motion detectors with cameras

Rest easy with your significant other and get an expert security advisor to perfectly position motion detectors with cameras in your home, which will give your home maximum protection when your alarm is armed. Once your alarm is armed, these detectors will sound your alarm when movement is picked up in the room or hallway where it’s installed. Then the alarm monitoring company will review and respond to rectify the situation. You can even view images of rooms with motion detectors with cameras via an app when your alarm is armed.

• Smart plugs

Set the stage for romance at Valentine’s Day by orchestrating the perfect lighting with smart plugs. Planning to head out for a romantic dinner? Set smart plugs to turn on and off at specific times, to make it look as if somebody is at home meaning it will be less susceptible to a break in. Therefore, you can enjoy being away from home and not have to worry about rushing back to turn on the lights. Plus, it helps to reduce energy costs as lights aren’t always left on.

• Outdoor cameras

Ensure constant surveillance of your love nest by installing outdoor cameras, a great product addition to an overall home security system. Being able to view live footage outside of your home will give you extra peace of mind, especially for those date night dinners that lead to dancing. Also, some alarm companies monitor these outdoor cameras too, so if any incidents occur outside of your home, an Alarm Receiving Centre will also review and alert the Gardaí if necessary.

• Video doorbell cameras

Make sure you don’t miss any flower or gift deliveries at Valentines by installing a video doorbell camera. It offers many convenient features, allowing you to see who is at your door, hear them and talk to them (even when you aren’t at home) via remote access and alerts on your home security app. This product is especially valuable when you are away on those romantic holidays, or out for long periods of time. In this instance, you will receive alerts that someone was at your door, and you can notify a friend or family member to collect your deliveries. This ensures packages aren’t left outside, which would make it appear like you’re away, thereby increasing the vulnerability of your home to burglary.

• An App

At the heart of any strong home system is a premium app, which covers your entire home security system and allows you to be more in control of your home’s safety. You can arm and disarm your alarm from anywhere, get real time alerts, view motion detectors with camera images (including outdoor camera and video doorbell footage), set smart plugs and much more.

Relax this year, safe in the knowledge that your home is protected, while you enjoy all-important time with your significant other.

From house alarm systems to tailored home security, PhoneWatch create and install alarm systems to match your budget and give you peace of mind. We are trusted by over 118,000 homes in Ireland to keep them safe every day. Get a personalised home security quote today.