5 Simple Ways to Upgrade Your Home Security on a Budget
There’s no question that home security is one of the top priorities homeowners and renters have. There are approximately 2.5 million burglaries that occur in the U.S. every year. That’s about two burglaries every minute.
Everyone wants to feel safe and secure in their homes. But high-tech security systems with motion sensors and cameras can be incredibly expensive.
The good news is that you don’t need to spend your life savings on a security system to protect your home. There are plenty of low-cost options that can boost your home security.
Install deadbolts and new window locks
One of the simplest ways to improve security around your home is to upgrade the locks on your doors and windows. This is especially important if you have an older home. About 85% of the nation’s homes were built prior to 1980 and are in need of some form of home improvement. Windows that have old-fashioned locks can be easily accessed with a putty knife.
Upgrade your window locks and make sure to use them. For exterior doors, choose a locking solution that includes a Grade 1 deadbolt. This is the highest-grade security lock because it can’t be moved to the open position except by rotating the key.
Install motion sensor lights
Leaving your porch light on from dusk to dawn over a long period of time can make this security method ineffective. Homeowners and neighbors become used to the light and don’t think anything of someone going up to the door.
Motion sensor lights, on the other hand, are a great way to spot unwanted visitors who shouldn’t be on your property. They also make your house more difficult to break into because homeowners and neighbors can be easily alerted to odd behavior.
Motion sensor lights don’t need to be expensive, either. You can typically find a good motion sensor outdoor light for under $30.
Watch your social media posts
Your information online isn’t as private as you think it is. Checking into certain locations on your Facebook page and geo-tagging on Instagram are neon signs indicating that you’re not home. Wait until you’re back in town or back home to share vacation highlights to prevent sending an invitation for burglars to break into your house while you’re away.
Keep car doors locked and windows closed
Your car can be broken into even in the safest of neighborhoods. Make sure to keep your car doors locked at all times when you’re not in the vehicle. Keep windows rolled all the way up, too, even in hot weather. If you can find a way to unlock your car through a window crack when you accidentally leave your keys inside, a burglar can do the same.
Consider installing a car alarm, too, if you don’t already have one. While an alarm may not keep a burglar from breaking in, the loud noise announces their presence and is more than likely to scare them off.
Install home security gadgets
You don’t need to spend a fortune on high-tech security systems to feel secure in your home. The increasing popularity of digital security gadgets are allowing these new features to become cheaper so everyone can use them. You can find security door locks, door security bars, sliding window locks, and personal emergency alarms all for under $20.
You can take valuable security measures to protect your home and property without breaking the bank. Using inexpensive home security devices and other simple security measures, you can feel confident knowing your home is safe and secure.
