If you thought intercoms were just for offices and high rise apartments, you would be wrong! Home intercoms are much talked about at the moment and are proving to be beneficial in a number of ways, both in terms of security and lifestyle.
What are home intercoms?
Home intercoms act as an extra layer of security on a front door, gate or barrier. They are a two-way communication device that allows you to speak to a house visitor without having to open the door and can also be implemented with your locking system so that you can open the door to them remotely. This is particularly useful if you live on multiple levels, but can also prove beneficial within all types of homes.
Most modern home intercom systems now hold smart features and allow full control of the home intercom system through a smart device, allowing for remote door management from anywhere in the world.
What types are there?
There are various types of home intercoms and where they differ is in how they are connected to power the two-way communication. Some of the most popular types are:
Wired
Wired home intercoms are hardwired into your home and usually require more installation work, sometimes even construction.
Wireless
Wireless home intercoms do not require any hardwiring. Like their name suggests, they work wirelessly by connecting via a radio frequency, WIFI or 4G data signal. Due to not needing to be wired, wireless intercoms are usually much easier to install.
Carrier-Current
This type of home intercom system uses your home’s current electrical system to produce the radio signals needed for communication to occur.
Mobile Connection
Some home intercoms allow you to control the system via an app on a smartphone or device. This allows for remote viewing and answering and is the most flexible option.
By speaking with one of the Homewatch team, they’ll be able to advise you on the best type of home intercom system based on your wants, needs and preferences, as well as the lifestyle of your household and how you plan to use the home intercom system.
There are also two main feature types that you’ll need to decide upon when choosing a home intercom system.
Audio Only Intercoms – Audio only intercoms allow you to verbally speak to your visitor through the intercom system. You can therefore identify who is at your door and remotely open your gates or door to them with a press of a button (or a tap of a smart device). However, you won’t be able to visually see the visitor to confirm their identity.
Video Intercom – Video Intercoms include all the audio features of a usual audio intercom system, but also include a camera on the exterior of your home or gate that allows you to visually see the visitor at your property. This allows you to identify and verify who is at your home without needing to open the door, as well as see any suspicious activity of anyone who comes near your front door, due to inbuilt motion sensors.
7 Benefits of Home Intercoms
Deter Crime
A home intercom system can help to deter crime. Most criminals and particularly burglars want to be unnoticed and especially don’t want to be caught on camera. They are therefore likely to choose a different target if they see you have a high tech smart home intercom.
Improved Security
By being able to identify visitors before opening your door or letting people into your property, you’ll be significantly improving your home security and your household safety. In addition, a video intercom will be able to catch any criminal activity on camera and could be used for critical evidence.
The UK experienced over 400,000 burglaries within just one year (2019-2020), showing that although burglaries rates are on the decline, due to better security solutions, they do still happen.
Increase Property Value
A high quality home intercom system can actually help to increase your property value! Not only will it be more secure, but smart technology can be highly sought after by potential buyers and gives added value to a property.
Control Remotely
The ability to manage who is at your property remotely and from anywhere in the world with the use of a smart device is a great benefit. Whether you are at work or on holiday, you’ll be able to see who is at your door, see what they’re doing, communicate with them and let them into your home if you wish and they are a person you trust. This is incredibly beneficial in not missing parcels and deliveries as well as feeling in full control of your property.
Convenience
Home intercoms are the height of convenience. Many of us have to drop what we’re doing when the door goes, which can be frustrating and not always easy, especially if you’re working from home, caring for small children or are in a large property or on multiple floors. By being able to answer the door from anywhere in your home without having to drop what you’re doing makes life much easier.
Integrate with Security System
Home intercoms have the ability to be integrated with your entire home security system. Not only does that mean that everything can be managed under one control system, but it also means that you may not need to install an entirely new system.
Peace of Mind
Above all, a home intercom system, whichever type, can provide peace of mind. Whether you worry after answering your door late at night, are concerned about a vulnerable family member being targeted or are constantly stressed about your home whilst on holiday, with a home intercom you can have the confidence that you will be notified if someone is at your door and that you can communicate with them, making it seem that you are at home.
How much do home intercoms cost?
Home intercom systems can range in price depending on the type of system you chose and the capabilities and features you’re after. However, there does seem to be something for every budget, with similar models starting at around £100, to more complex and highly secure systems at upwards of £900.
At Homewatch, we offer Akuvox and Hikivision home intruder systems, both of which are of the highest specifications and products we believe in and recommend.
If you want a FREE quote for a home intruder system or have more questions that need answers, get in touch with our team online here on 0330 094 7404 today.
