Buying a home security system in New Zealand

Having a simple home security system check-list can make it easier to work out the features that are important to you.

There are different options when it comes to a home security system, so we’ve prepared a quick ‘Home Security System’ check-list which will help you consider and compare system features.

Here in New Zealand, many people already have traditional passive infrared sensor systems in their homes. This technology has been around for over 40 years and is limited in a couple of ways.

Firstly, because they are only infrared motion sensors, you can’t actually see live or recorded video of what’s happening. This means you either need to head home to make sure everything is ok or pay expensive security call out fees.

Secondly, this type of technology often doesn’t have convenient modern security features, such as sending live alerts to your mobile phone or using your ‘proximity’ to automatically turn your security system on and off when you leave home and arrive back. Having a proximity function means no more forgetting to set the alarm!

Home Security System Checklist

The following is a checklist of things you should be looking out for in a good home security or home video surveillance system:

1. The ability to live stream and view cameras from your mobile phone.

2. Being able to store video footage alerts locally on the system and out of harm’s way in the cloud.

3. The option to store continuous footage to a connected hard drive.

4. A system that is smart and learns over time about what movements are important and which ones aren’t, thereby reducing false alarms.

5. Supports multiple cameras, giving you the option for indoor and outdoor models.

6. Cameras that are Wi-Fi enabled, meaning no need to run long cables throughout your house.

7. A smart home security systems that isn’t locked for use only with your current provider of phone and internet. The problem here is if you decide to change provider, your hard-earned cash will have been wasted on a system that you wouldn’t be able to use. This is a particular problem in New Zealand with some of the main telco companies.

8. You should be able to get all of the above features without having to pay $20-$30 per month or an install fee!