A home monitoring system is one of the main branches of a home automation system. Other branches of a home automation system include the network of energy-efficiency devices. These branches work together to run a home.
A home monitoring system itself is made up of different smaller branches. These branches include the security camera system and alarm system. Other home monitoring systems also have a fire detection system.
These subsystems are networks of similar devices with similar functions or goals. For instance, An alarm system is made up of different alarms found in other devices. Devices that could have a built-in alarm include smart locks, fire alarms, and motion sensors.
Devices in a Home Monitoring System
A home monitoring system is made of smart devices that help homeowners run a home. Some devices are important and cannot be absent from the system. Detrimental effects can be felt by the home monitoring system in their absence.
But, other devices are important, but not as necessary in a home monitoring system. For instance, a carbon monoxide detector can help you avoid the poisonous effects of the gas. But, it could be cut down if you do not have the usual sources of gas such as a car.
Here are some of the devices you can add to your home monitoring system:
- Security Cameras. A security camera is one of the essential ingredients of a home monitoring system. A security camera system provides visual monitoring for homeowners. Some models of security cameras nowadays are wifi-ready and come with an application.
These features allow homeowners to monitor their homes with a smartphone application. Homeowners could view their homes even when they are at work or abroad. This is possible as long as the camera is connected to the Internet. - Motion Sensors. The motion sensor is also one of the essential devices of a home monitoring system. It can detect motion and could alarm once it senses unauthorized movements. There are models designed to be placed indoors and outdoors.
They could also be used to automatically light up dark places in your home when it detects you. This is possible by integrating it into smart light bulbs. - Thermostat. Thermostats are also helpful devices for a home monitoring system. This is true, especially in colder parts of the country.
Home heating can cost homeowners more in energy bills. So, an accurate reading of house temperature is important. Thermostats will also help you adjust the heating to the temperature that you want.
The thermostat is not necessarily a device for home security. But, it is an important part of a home monitoring system as it helps monitor energy usage. - Smoke Detectors. Property crimes and energy are not the only concerns of a home monitoring system. Fires are also threats to homes and led to the destruction of millions of houses in the United States.
Fires struck home without warning. So, hoe monitoring devices such as smoke detectors are important. These devices will help you cut down the risk of your home catching fire. - Heat Detectors. In 2016, there were over 1.3 million fires reported in the United States. These fires led to 3,390 civilian deaths and US$ 10.6 billion in property damage.
Fire is a grave concern in homes. It is also a grave concern for a home monitoring system. Any changes in heat in the environment, albeit subtle, could cause a fire.
To add anti-fire measures to your home, you could add a heat detector to your home monitoring system. Heat detectors can detect changes in heat in the environment that can be hard for humans to sense.
Protocols in a Home Monitoring System
Most home monitoring system models today are wireless. Various names of protocols are used among these models. Some use Bluetooth, while some use wifi, especially for Internet-dependent devices. Some use Z-Wave, while some use ZigBee.
It is also possible for home monitoring systems to use a combination of these protocols. However, there can be problems with integrating devices of different protocols. This is because different protocols could be incompatible, although this is not always the case.
User-communicating Components of a Home Monitoring System
Other parts of a home monitoring system also include the devices used to communicate with the user. These devices include keypad locks, control panels, and alarm systems. These devices help homeowners track problems and see the updates.
For instance, keypad locks allow homeowners to see who comes in and out of their homes. Control panels help homeowners monitor and change settings in devices. Alarm systems alert homeowners of a threat detected by the devices.
An effective home monitoring system involves active participation between devices and homeowners. It could take time for homeowners to fully master the control of a home monitoring system. If you want to learn more about it, contact Vera Control at +1 (866) 966-2272 or info@getvera.com.
