Between the fast-paced advancements of technology and the increasing crime rate, smart home security systems are utilized more within homes. Whether automating just a single device or a network of security tools, homeowners use smart features and capabilities to protect their homes and loved ones.
If you’re still considering whether a smart home security system is a worthy investment, this article can help convince you.
It Offers Real-Time Security Monitoring And Alerts
The most obvious advantage of adding a smart home security system is enhanced property security via real-time monitoring and security alerts.
Even the most basic smart home security systems allow you to monitor and watch your property remotely. Security and video surveillance give you insights into what’s happening in and out of your property.
If a breach or an incident occurs, smart sensors and alert systems instantly notify you and the necessary authority. Notifications can be received anywhere through your mobile devices, providing updates on recent activities in and around your home.
That said, your smart home security system is only as good as the contractor that installed them. This is particularly true for strategically installing surveillance video cameras to prevent blind spots.
As such, you should look for a contractor to develop and install your home security system. The best contractor should have years of experience and reputation in the industry. ThinkPro, for instance, is one of the most reputable providers of the highest-quality home security system Canada.
Close Up Object Shot of a Modern Wi-Fi Surveillance Camera with Two Antennas on a White Wall in a Cozy Apartment. Man is Sitting on a Sofa in the Background.
It Provides Remote Access And Control
Aside from remote monitoring, the best smart home security system also helps you remotely access and control your smart home devices for the ultimate convenience.
With a smart home security system, you don’t have to worry about going home to a dark place. Most systems allow you to control lighting remotely or turn them on and off automatically during a set period. It ensures that your home is well-lit and discourages trespassers and thieves from entering it, making it quite beneficial if you’re on vacation for extended periods.
Also, you don’t have to worry about forgetting to turn off an appliance when leaving home. With their connectivity, you can easily shut down or turn off personal computers or cooking appliances to minimize the risk of fire and electricity hazards.
It Increases Property Values
A smart home security system is considered a ‘highly desirable’ home upgrade. Adding even a few CCTV cameras can significantly increase your property value by amping your home’s overall safety and security levels. So, if you’re considering selling your home in the future, adding a smart home security system can significantly boost its selling appeal.
In a time filled with so much uncertainty, it’s no surprise that people are now prioritizing safety, comfort, and convenience when looking for homes. As such, homebuyers are willing to pay more for homes outfitted with smart security devices such as video doorbells, smart sensors, smart lights, and CCTV cameras.
It Lowers Your Insurance Premiums
Did you know that your insurance provider may offer discounts or reduce your premium by up to 20% on your homeowner insurance policy if you install smart home security features?
Smart home monitoring and security systems reduce the risk of your home suffering from burglary or costly fire and water damage. This means that you’re less likely to file a claim with your insurance provider, saving them money which they eventually pass on to you via lowered premiums. This helps you save on insurance costs in the long run.
It Boosts Energy Efficiency
Depending on your smart devices, smart security technology may also improve your home’s overall energy efficiency.
For instance, programming your lighting system allows you to automatically turn on and off your lights when entering or leaving a room or your home. Hence, you never have to worry about wasting energy. Smart outlets can manage auto shut-off for electronic devices, which reduces the risk of electrical hazards and save energy.
Adding a smart thermostat to the mix gives you more control over your heating and cooling costs. Using AI technology, most smart thermostats learn your schedule and temperature preferences and adjust the overall temperature accordingly.
In addition to saving money on your homeowner’s insurance, smart security features also help improve energy use, which ultimately translates to higher energy bill savings in the long run.
Takeaway
As you can see, installing smart security features in your home has many advantages. It helps beef up your home’s security while ensuring convenience for the whole family. So, don’t delay further. If you have the budget, consider consulting a reliable provider and see for yourself what a well-planned smart home security system can do for you.
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was down more than 200 points in late-morning trading, weighed down by losses in the technology, base metal and energy sectors, while U.S. stock markets also fell.
The S&P/TSX composite index was down 239.24 points at 22,749.04.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was down 312.36 points at 40,443.39. The S&P 500 index was down 80.94 points at 5,422.47, while the Nasdaq composite was down 380.17 points at 16,747.49.
The Canadian dollar traded for 73.80 cents US compared with 74.00 cents US on Thursday.
The October crude oil contract was down US$1.07 at US$68.08 per barrel and the October natural gas contract was up less than a penny at US$2.26 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was down US$2.10 at US$2,541.00 an ounce and the December copper contract was down four cents at US$4.10 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 6, 2024.
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was up more than 150 points in late-morning trading, helped by strength in technology, financial and energy stocks, while U.S. stock markets also pushed higher.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 171.41 points at 23,298.39.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 278.37 points at 41,369.79. The S&P 500 index was up 38.17 points at 5,630.35, while the Nasdaq composite was up 177.15 points at 17,733.18.
The Canadian dollar traded for 74.19 cents US compared with 74.23 cents US on Wednesday.
The October crude oil contract was up US$1.75 at US$76.27 per barrel and the October natural gas contract was up less than a penny at US$2.10 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was up US$18.70 at US$2,556.50 an ounce and the December copper contract was down less than a penny at US$4.22 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 29, 2024.
The crypto market has recently experienced a significant downturn, mirroring broader risk asset sell-offs. Over the past week, Bitcoin’s price dropped by 24%, reaching $53,000, while Ethereum plummeted nearly a third to $2,340. Major altcoins also suffered, with Cardano down 27.7%, Solana 36.2%, Dogecoin 34.6%, XRP 23.1%, Shiba Inu 30.1%, and BNB 25.7%.
The severe downturn in the crypto market appears to be part of a broader flight to safety, triggered by disappointing economic data. A worse-than-expected unemployment report on Friday marked the beginning of a technical recession, as defined by the Sahm Rule. This rule identifies a recession when the three-month average unemployment rate rises by at least half a percentage point from its lowest point in the past year.
Friday’s figures met this threshold, signaling an abrupt economic downshift. Consequently, investors sought safer assets, leading to declines in major stock indices: the S&P 500 dropped 2%, the Nasdaq 2.5%, and the Dow 1.5%. This trend continued into Monday with further sell-offs overseas.
The crypto market’s rapid decline raises questions about its role as either a speculative asset or a hedge against inflation and recession. Despite hopes that crypto could act as a risk hedge, the recent crash suggests it remains a speculative investment.
Since the downturn, the crypto market has seen its largest three-day sell-off in nearly a year, losing over $500 billion in market value. According to CoinGlass data, this bloodbath wiped out more than $1 billion in leveraged positions within the last 24 hours, including $365 million in Bitcoin and $348 million in Ether.
Khushboo Khullar of Lightning Ventures, speaking to Bloomberg, argued that the crypto sell-off is part of a broader liquidity panic as traders rush to cover margin calls. Khullar views this as a temporary sell-off, presenting a potential buying opportunity.
Josh Gilbert, an eToro market analyst, supports Khullar’s perspective, suggesting that the expected Federal Reserve rate cuts could benefit crypto assets. “Crypto assets have sold off, but many investors will see an opportunity. We see Federal Reserve rate cuts, which are now likely to come sharper than expected, as hugely positive for crypto assets,” Gilbert told Coindesk.
Despite the recent volatility, crypto continues to make strides toward mainstream acceptance. Notably, Morgan Stanley will allow its advisors to offer Bitcoin ETFs starting Wednesday. This follows more than half a year after the introduction of the first Bitcoin ETF. The investment bank will enable over 15,000 of its financial advisors to sell BlackRock’s IBIT and Fidelity’s FBTC. This move is seen as a significant step toward the “mainstreamization” of crypto, given the lengthy regulatory and company processes in major investment banks.
The recent crypto market downturn highlights its volatility and the broader economic concerns affecting all risk assets. While some analysts see the current situation as a temporary sell-off and a buying opportunity, others caution against the speculative nature of crypto. As the market evolves, its role as a mainstream alternative asset continues to grow, marked by increasing institutional acceptance and new investment opportunities.
