One of the hot markets in smart home electronics is DIY security systems. Platforms like SimpliSafe, Nest, and Ring allow consumers to set up their own home monitoring system without going through an extensive installation.
Some of the advantages of using a home security system include the ability to keep a watchful eye on your home when you’re not there, the convenience of seeing who is at the door through a webcam, and the sense of security and peace of mind.
Some insurance companies also offer discounts as high as 20% when a homeowner has a home security system.
But what’s actually involved with setting these systems up, and what are the biggest complaints that consumers have with a DIY security system?
How Easy Are DIY Security Systems to Set Up?
We’ll take a look at three of the most popular DIY security camera systems and what you need to be aware of for setup and use. The setup difficulty can vary depending upon whether you’re getting a single doorbell camera or a whole home system that includes window and door locks.
You Have a Decision to Make Up Front
When you visit the Ring site to look at their doorbells, it immediately gets a little more complicated than you may have envisioned. There isn’t just one doorbell that you can add to your cart, there are seven.
You’ll need to choose between four wired video doorbells and three battery-operated doorbells.
With SimpliSafe’s whole-home systems, you can choose packages that range from 4 pieces to 14 pieces. These packages include things like:
- Base station
- Entry sensors
- Panic button
- Smoke detector
- Keypad
- Motion sensors
- HD camera
- Temperature sensor
- Water sensor
- Siren
- Key fob
If you want less complication, then Nest has fewer options to choose from, with a single video doorbell as well as other components like a video cam. You have fewer security options, but a simpler buying experience.
Set Up Can Range from Easy to Complicated
With the wired doorbells, you’ll need to do a little more setup, including turning off the power to your home because you’ll be connecting electrical wires. If you purchase residential and commercial security systems, you’ll be able to install window and door sensors and mount security cameras.
With the battery-power doorbells, setup is simpler and there are no electrical components or wiring to deal with. If you run a manufacturing facility, you may invest in various Factory Security Services to keep the premises secure and prevent criminal activities.
Advantages of a Wireless Security System
A wireless smart home security system provides multiple advantages and allows you to control your entire home security from a smartphone or desktop app.
Wi-Fi-connected systems provide automated alerts, enable you to communicate through the doorbell or webcam with visitors or family members, and allow you to set up automated activities, like turning off lights and locking up your home at night.
Security Needs for Wi-Fi
With wireless connectivity does come the capability of a hacker to gain access to your system and potentially terrorize your family or steal sensitive information. So, it’s vital that you secure your smart system with strong password protection and multi-factor authentication if that’s offered by the provider.
Biggest Consumer Complaints with DIY Security Systems
Depending upon the system, users had different complaints. Overall, the problems people had with these DIY systems included the following.
Too Sensitive
Several reviews of Nest on Trustpilot mentioned the doorbell camera being too sensitive and that if a moth flew by the sensor would activate and send an alert that someone was at the door.
When you install these types of DIY systems yourself, there can be limited (or no) calibration capabilities, which means that the system might be less convenient than you planned on.
Made of Cheap Materials
People are usually purchasing DIY security systems instead of having them professionally installed because they want to save money. But buying the cheapest version of a home security system may not be such as much of a bargain as you thought.
The reviews of Ring mentioned the doorbell being made of cheap materials and having poor video quality. This means you might end up having to buy another doorbell cam in the not too distant future, spending more than a higher-quality device would’ve cost.
Poor Customer Service
Another problem you might run into when purchasing a DIY system instead of working with an IT professional for installation is that you don’t get help when you need it.
Reviews for SimpliSafe were the best of the three when it came to equipment quality, but horrible customer service was a repeat complaint. Consumers were not happy waiting on hold and not getting help with their system when they needed it.
When you work with a local IT provider for your smart security setup, you get responsive support when you need it, which is especially important when it comes to your family’s security.
Get the Peace of Mind of a Professional Security Setup
Two River Computer can give you the ultimate peace of mind by providing professional setup and securing of your new security system. We’ll also be there for you whenever you have a question or need help.
