Modern home security is no longer limited to an alarm that sounds when you’re inside the house. Connected security systems can give homeowners visibility and control from a smartphone whether they’re at work, running errands or traveling.
Remote access can allow you to check your security system, view cameras, receive alerts, manage compatible smart locks and control other connected features without being physically at home.
For Louisville and Kentuckiana homeowners, that can make a security system more useful during everyday life, not just during an emergency.
Here are five of the biggest benefits of adding remote access to a professionally installed home security system.
What Is Remote Access Home Security?
Remote access allows you to interact with compatible security equipment through an app or other connected interface when you’re away from home.
Depending on the system and equipment installed, you may be able to:
- Arm or disarm your security system
- Check whether doors and windows are secure
- View live or recorded camera footage
- Receive activity and security notifications
- Lock or unlock compatible smart locks
- Manage access codes
- Check garage door status
- Control compatible lights or other smart-home devices
Laswell’s current home security systems can bring security cameras, sensors, smart locks and compatible connected devices together in one system rather than requiring homeowners to manage several unrelated products.
1. Check Your Home From Almost Anywhere
One of the biggest advantages of remote access is simply knowing what is happening at home when you aren’t there.
Instead of wondering whether you armed the system before leaving, you can check its status from your phone.
Depending on your equipment, you may also be able to see whether a door is locked, check camera activity or verify whether the garage door is open.
This can be especially useful when you’re:
- At work
- Away for the evening
- Traveling
- Checking on children arriving home
- Expecting a delivery
- Helping a family member access the house
Remote access turns your security system into something you can interact with throughout the day rather than something you only think about when you leave or return home.
2. Receive Security Alerts in Real Time
A connected home security system can notify you when specific activity occurs.
Depending on how your system is configured, alerts may include events such as:
- A door or window opening
- Motion being detected
- A security alarm being triggered
- Camera activity
- A smart lock being used
- A garage door being left open
- A system being armed or disarmed
The goal isn’t to receive a notification for every movement around your home. A properly configured system should help deliver useful information about the events that matter to you.
Remote alerts can also give you an opportunity to check cameras or system status when something unexpected happens.
3. View Security Cameras When You’re Away
Remote camera access is one of the most useful features of a connected security system.
Laswell installs professional home security cameras that can provide convenient remote access along with strategically planned coverage around the property.
Depending on your camera system, you may be able to check:
- Your driveway
- Front and back entrances
- Outdoor living areas
- Deliveries at the front door
- Activity around detached structures
- Selected areas inside the home
Camera access is particularly useful when you receive an alert because it can give you additional context about what’s happening.
Rather than simply knowing that activity occurred, you may be able to visually check the area from your phone.
4. Manage Doors and Access Without a Spare Key
Compatible smart locks can make remote home security especially useful for managing who enters your home.
Instead of hiding a spare key or distributing copies, homeowners may be able to create individual or temporary access codes.
That can be useful for:
- Family members
- Houseguests
- Dog walkers or pet sitters
- Cleaning services
- Contractors
- Other trusted visitors
Some systems can also notify you when a particular code is used.
If plans change, access can be adjusted without retrieving a physical key.
Smart locks can also work alongside other smart home automation features. Laswell’s home automation systems can integrate locks, lighting, thermostats, garage controls and other compatible devices into one connected system.
5. Make Your Security System More Useful When You’re Away
Remote access can be especially valuable during vacations, business trips and other extended periods away from home.
You can check system status without asking a neighbor to verify the house, view cameras when you want additional reassurance and receive notifications when certain events occur.
Connected automation can also make an away routine more convenient.
Depending on your system, an away mode could coordinate features such as:
- Arming the security system
- Locking compatible doors
- Closing or monitoring garage access
- Adjusting selected lights
- Changing thermostat settings
The purpose isn’t simply to add more technology. It’s to reduce the number of things you have to remember every time you leave home.
Does Remote Access Replace Professional Security Monitoring?
No. Remote access and professional monitoring serve different purposes.
Remote access gives you control and visibility through your phone.
Professional monitoring adds another layer by connecting the security system with trained monitoring personnel who can respond to alarm events according to the monitoring service and system configuration.
A homeowner can benefit from both.
Remote access lets you interact with the system during everyday life, while professional security monitoring can provide ongoing support when an alarm event occurs.
This distinction is worth making clear because having an app does not automatically mean a system is professionally monitored.
Can Remote Access Work With Home Automation?
Yes. Security and automation can be particularly useful when they work together.
Laswell’s home automation offerings include compatible smart locks, lighting, garage controls, thermostats and other connected features that can be managed through an integrated system.
For example, homeowners may create routines in which:
- Doors lock when the security system is armed
- Selected lights turn off when leaving home
- Entry lights turn on when arriving after dark
- Lighting schedules operate while you’re traveling
- Garage access can be checked remotely
This is one of the advantages of planning security and smart-home technology as one connected system instead of collecting unrelated Wi-Fi devices that each require a separate app.
Is Remote Access Secure?
Any connected technology should be set up with security in mind.
Homeowners should use strong, unique passwords, enable additional account-security features when available and keep phones and apps updated.
Professional installation can also help make sure cameras, locks, sensors and other devices are configured correctly and that homeowners understand how to use the system.
For larger connected systems, the reliability of the home’s network may also play a role in how well certain smart-home and remote features perform.
Can an Existing Security System Be Upgraded for Remote Access?
Sometimes.
Whether existing equipment can support newer remote features depends on the age of the system, installed hardware, compatibility and the capabilities you want to add.
You may not necessarily need to replace every component.
A security professional can evaluate what you already have and determine whether equipment can be retained, integrated or upgraded.
If your current system lacks mobile control, modern cameras, smart locks or other features you now want, our guide on when to upgrade your home security system explains additional signs that it may be time to evaluate newer technology.
Have Questions About Your Home Security?
From smart security cameras to professionally monitored systems, Laswell helps homeowners throughout Louisville and Southern Indiana find solutions that fit their needs.
