End-of-year sales are always the best types of sales, such as the Black Friday sale. Where people try to get the back non-stick kitchenware, maybe this year you can consider upgrading your doorbell to a smart one.
The last few years have seen a rise in the popularity of retail household appliances. Today, you can easily locate a smart home device that fits your budget, unlike in the past when these devices were only available to the high-end market.
Additionally, various advertisements depict a polite conversation between a homeowner and a delivery person via a camera while no one is home. Or, possibly an advertisement that demonstrates how a homeowner deters possible intruders by speaking into a smartphone’s microphone.
These are but a few instances, but such things have piqued public interest in smart home technology and its advantages. This makes you wonder: aren’t these gadgets amazing? And before you know it, you are placing an online order for a smart video doorbell for yourself!
The package finally arrives. You are able to install and open it, securing your home’s perimeter to the fullest extent possible. Having said that, there are a few things you need to be aware of when purchasing a new smart doorbell.
Don’t get us wrong; installing and buying a smart doorbell aren’t very challenging tasks, it’s similar to Rachio 3 smart sprinkler controller installation. Your smart doorbell can give you security and peace of mind for many years to come with a little planning.
Here are some factors to think about while choosing the best video doorbell for your house.
What Features Should a Video Doorbell Have?
At some point throughout the decision-making process, you should consider what features you want in a smart video doorbell. Real-time updates are the first and most crucial feature a smart doorbell should have.
With this function, you may notify the authorities if there is any suspicious behavior taking place in addition to staying informed about what is happening at your front door. Additionally, your smart doorbell must have the capability for remote access.
In other words, as long as you have an internet connection, you can effortlessly access your smart doorbell from anywhere in the world. On your smartphone, use the smart doorbell app to accomplish this.
Additionally, having a microphone in your smart doorbell that enables two-way conversation with whoever is at the front door is really advantageous. Such sophisticated equipment ought to have a feature that saves all footage obtained so that you can always access it or even use it as evidence in the event of a break-in as it will clearly show the intruder’s face.
You should keep an eye out for the following qualities in your smart doorbell:
- Wide-angle recording
- Motion detection
- Night-vision
- Wi-Fi networking
- High-definition recording
- Compatibility with other smart home devices
Google Nest Doorbell is a great example of a video doorbell that has all the smart features a doorbell should have. FirstEnergy has a smart bundle sale going on in which you also get a motion sensor and smart lock alongside the Google Nest Doorbell.
Video Doorbell Design
The design of the smart doorbell is the next thing you should think about before purchasing. Do you prefer a tall, square, round, or thin form? Is there a requirement that the doorbell is supported by another item? Will it be installed or screwed into the framework of your door?
Now contrast the placement of your existing doorbell with the smart doorbell you intend to acquire. Can the new doorbell be installed in the existing mount? Or are the spaces going to overlap in some way?
Fortunately for you, manufacturers are well aware of such difficulties and there are always options available for selecting a doorbell whose form fits the specifications of the frame of your main door.
Video Doorbell Installation
You might want to verify how well your Wi-Fi responds in the area where you intend to install the new doorbell before pulling out your power drill. Please note that this is only applicable to Wi-Fi doorbells.
You can check the range of your Wi-Fi at the doorbell’s position by using a device that is already logged into your home Wi-Fi network, such as your smartphone. If connectivity is seamless, you can proceed to the following action.
However, if connectivity is erratic, you might want to think twice about positioning your Wi-Fi router close to the doorbell or getting a wireless range extender that aids in bridging the communication distance.
The next thing to think about is the power source for your new doorbell. You must find your breaker box and have the power turned off at the installation site if you choose to buy a hardwired doorbell.
Even though the majority of smart doorbells may be installed by the homeowner, hiring a professional installer to come install the doorbell is still advised.
All in All
Your smart doorbell purchase is almost complete. Once you have taken into account everything described above, you will be much closer to enhancing your home’s security and making it more intelligent this holiday season.
A little bit of preparation may go a long way!