Got a new DIY Nest or ring doorbell camera for Christmas? Doorbell cameras are available to every homeowner. You can view live video from your front door without being home. Catch a live video feed via your smartphone app as soon as someone rings the doorbell. But does a standard doorbell camera actually make your home safer?

 

To answer that question, let’s look at what a smart video doorbell does. The features vary depending on the model. But the basic concept is sort of like a high-tech peephole. Instead of getting up off the couch when the doorbell rings, you can just check your phone to see who is at the door. It could be a visitor you’re expecting or your latest Amazon order.

 

There are various types of video doorbells on the market. Some switch on when a visitor presses the button, sending a photo or live video to a special screen or tablet. Higher-end models include a smartphone app that delivers video to wherever you are in the world. You might even be able to communicate with visitors via audio.

 

Doorbell cameras are convenient for anyone who works late or spends a lot of time traveling. You can see when a plumber, electrician, or other service professional arrives, or if the dog walker or babysitter is on time. If you’re home and can’t get to the door quickly, a two-way doorbell camera can let your car service or food delivery know you’re there instead of leaving.

 

How Much Security Does a Doorbell Camera Provide?

 

It also depends on the model. Some cameras are linked to electronic door locks to create security-enabled smart home systems. You can let in a service provider if you’re not home or tell delivery personnel to leave the package at your front door. Other models have built-in motion sensors and send you an image or video of who is there.

 

A Wi-Fi connection has many benefits, but there are cons as well. If the video doorbell isn’t in range of your home router, the signal may be weak and unreliable. Also, metal, fiberboard, plaster, and other materials used for exterior walls can weaken or block Wi-Fi signals. If the signal is weak, you’re not going to get much out of your video doorbell.

 

Doorbell cameras can catch criminals in the act, whether they’re swiping your delivery or trying to break into your home. High definition video cameras can pin down an event to the day and time an event occurred, while their sensitivity can be adjusted so they’re not triggered by wind-blown tree branches. Some cameras even have night vision, so you remain protected well after the sun goes down.

 

Are Doorbell Cameras Enough?

 

Unfortunately, the benefits of a doorbell camera are limited to your access to images or video feeds. A professional security company can help maximize your protection by having central station operators assess your home’s security situation when an alarm is triggered. They can see all live video and recorded clips transmitted by the camera.

 

At Boyd & Associates, we can provide outdoor cameras for exterior entryways, driveways, pool decks, and patios. We even install cameras in locations that provide the best angles and that don’t impose on the aesthetics of your home exterior. Interior camera systems can be installed as well. In addition, we can connect camera systems to smart locks as well as Google Home, Nest, Alexa, and other smart home apps.

 

To learn more or schedule installation, contact Boyd & Associates at 888-907-1659 today.