These days, home security cameras are a must-have to protect your loved ones and your property. They offer you an easy way to monitor your home and discourages intruders and thieves from breaking in. However, with all the types of home security cameras and brands available on the market, it can be not easy to choose one. Even more so, you will need to know how to install home security cameras.
Home security cameras come in various styles, ranging from simple plug-and-play cameras to complex multi-camera systems wired into an expansive monitoring station. Here is a guide on how to choose and to install home security cameras.
The Types of Security Cameras
Here is a list of different types of security cameras that differ on how to install home security cameras:
- Box-style – a standalone type of camera that’s shaped like a box.
- Dome – a dome-shaped camera that is a combination of the camera, lens, and ceiling mount.
- PTZ Security – has controls that allow you to remotely move the camera’s lens to focus and zoom on particular locations or objects.
- Bullet – a type of security camera housed in a sleek case with a stand.
- IP – a wireless camera that transmits information over the Internet.
- Day/Night – a camera that can be used for both day and low-light situations.
- Thermal – uses heat to differentiate objects in dark or harsh environments.
Where Should I Place My Home Security Cameras?
A key component to knowing how to install home security cameras in your home is the proper placement of the cameras. You need to strategically place these cameras to maximize their surveillance capability, image clarity, transmission strength, and usefulness.
Exterior Camera Placement
Front Door
Most people assume that intruders would try to sneak into hidden entrances like side windows or back doors, but did you know that almost 35% will use the front door? What’s more, package thieves almost always strike at your front door.
Side and Back Doors
Obscure entrances like side and back doors are great for visitors to leave inconspicuously, but it’s also attractive for intruders who want to enter your home undetected.
Garage Door
Most homes have a side door that connects their home and garage. What’s more, you often keep many valuable items in your garages, such as cars, tools, sports equipment, and bikes.
Yard
Installing security cameras outside your home is essential if you have a yard or garden, which is also a point of entry favored by many intruders.
Interior Camera Placement
Main Hallway
Every home has a thoroughfare that connects every area of the house. Placing a camera here means a greater chance of seeing an intruder as they move through your home.
Common Areas
The kitchen and living room often have a lot of valuable items and are often the first or only place that intruders will strike in because they can get in and out quickly.
The Important Things to Consider Before Installing Security Cameras
Here are some important things to consider when learning how to install home security cameras:
Wiring and Connectivity
Wired cameras are often cheaper than wireless ones, but you’ll need to check whether you can properly set up the system. You need to ensure that you have enough cable to wire the cameras in your home.
If you choose wireless systems, the WIFI in your home must be powerful enough to reach the cameras. For installing security cameras outside your home, you can get a wireless range extender to ensure a clear image.
Visibility
Many people mistakenly believe that a camera should be placed in inconspicuous locations. Still, unless you want to catch a person in the act of a crime specifically, a visible camera is a great deterrent against intruders and thieves.
Account Security
If you’re setting up a wireless camera, you need to protect your security system accounts. If you don’t secure your accounts, knowledgeable intruders can hack into your system and spy on you! Ensure that the system you are buying uses security protocols such as encryption, complex passwords, and two-factor authentication.
How Much Does Installing Home Security Cameras Cost?
How much will you spend on installing home security cameras? It will depend on two things: the cost of the system and whether you do it yourself or hire a professional.
The more complex your system is, the more expensive it will be to purchase. It will also be more complicated to install. Setting up a standalone camera with built-in recording capabilities is much easier than setting up a multi-camera system connected to a digital storage account.
If you choose to install your system on your own, it’s free after you pay for the home security system. Luckily, many camera systems are designed for the average home user, which means that they are relatively simple to install. There is usually a comprehensive installation manual included with the system and if you can check sources like YouTube if you’re still having trouble.
However, you need to make sure that you have all the equipment and tools that you need before you start; no one likes having to run to the hardware store because they need a drill or forgot to buy enough screws!
If you choose to get your camera system professionally installed, the rates usually start at around $99. You’ll get a professional tech who will install everything as well as make sure that the system is properly integrated into your home. If the company also offers after-sales support and troubleshooting, this is money well-spent. Learn more about Home Security Cameras.
Conclusion
If you want to have peace of mind and security in your home, invest in home security camera. Learn also how to install home security cameras. If you don’t have the time or budget for an expensive system, even a simple standalone camera offers security and monitoring. It also acts as a deterrent to potential intruders.
However, since you’re going to be investing in your family’s safety and well-being, it makes more sense to spend a bit of money to get a reliable home security camera system that will cover your home completely.