Imagine this: You’re lying in bed at night, drifting off to sleep, when suddenly you hear a loud crash downstairs. Your heart races as you wonder – is someone breaking into my home?
Home security is crucial for maintaining peace of mind and protecting your family and property. But many homeowners shy away from investing in security systems, thinking it will be too expensive. The good news is, there are many free and low-cost ways to significantly boost your home’s defenses against intruders.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through a multitude of options for improving your home security on any budget, from totally free tips to cost-effective gadgets and systems. By the end, you’ll have an actionable plan for making your home a veritable fortress.
Key Takeaways
- Many effective home security measures cost little to no money
- Locking doors, windows, and hiding spare keys are free ways to deter burglars
- Affordable security systems like Ring Alarm start at just $10/month
- DIY solutions like visible cameras and security stickers can make a big impact
- Securing home insurance and Wi-Fi are important additional steps
Free and Cheap Ways to Improve Home Security
Let’s start with some of the simplest, most affordable ways to quickly upgrade your home’s security. These tips cost nothing or next to nothing to implement.
Keep Your Doors and Windows Locked
One of the easiest, most effective deterrents to burglars is simply keeping all possible entry points secured. Make sure you always lock all doors and windows, especially when you’re away from home.
Get in the habit of doing a quick lock check before leaving the house or going to bed at night. Unlocked doors and windows are open invitations to intruders. But a locked home is a much harder target.
Reinforce Your Doors, Windows, and Locks
Take a close look at your current doors, windows, and locks. Are any frames damaged or weakened? Do locks seem old or flimsy? Consider replacing or upgrading any vulnerable points.
For example, AR Iron custom-made security doors can provide a much stronger barrier than a standard wooden door. Windows can be reinforced with security film or bars. Deadbolt locks offer more protection than spring latch locks.
These reinforcements don’t have to cost a fortune. Even minor improvements to entry point security can make a big difference.
Avoid Putting Your Spare Key in an Obvious Place
It may seem convenient to hide a spare key under the doormat or in a fake rock – but burglars know all the common hiding spots. If a criminal locates your spare key, they can just let themselves in with no effort.
Instead of hiding spare keys around your property, give a copy to a trusted neighbor, friend or family member. That way you can still get in if needed, without compromising your security.
Install a Home Security Sign
Studies have shown that just the presence of a home security sign or window stickers can deter some would-be burglars. They may decide to move on to an easier target.
You can buy generic security system signs online for cheap, or contact security companies for free stickers. Placing these around your property is a low-effort, low-cost way to give the impression your home is protected.
Install Motion Sensor Lights
Burglars often rely on the cover of darkness to sneak around properties undetected. Installing outdoor lights with motion sensors can put a spotlight on any suspicious activity, surprising intruders and likely scaring them off.
You can find motion-activated floodlights for as little as $20-30 online or at hardware stores. Putting a few of these around your home’s exterior is an affordable way to add an extra layer of nighttime security.
Cost-Friendly Home Security Systems
If you have a little room in your budget, consider these security systems that offer professional monitoring and more robust protection at reasonable monthly or yearly prices:
| System | Starting Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Ring Alarm | $10/month | DIY setup, optional camera add-ons |
| SimpliSafe | $14.99/month | Wireless DIY setup, mobile alerts |
| Abode | Free – $20/month | Smart home automation, flexible monitoring |
| Cove | $14.99 – $24.99/month | Easy setup, mobile access, fast response |
These systems can give you greater peace of mind with 24/7 professional monitoring, mobile alerts and control, and other advanced features at prices that may fit your budget. Do your research to find the best system for your home and needs.
DIY Home Security Tips
Want to take a more hands-on approach to securing your home? Try out some of these DIY security solutions:
Install Your Own Security Cameras
Visible security cameras mounted outside your home can be a major deterrent to intruders. You can now find high-quality DIY home security cameras for affordable prices, like the $99 SimpliCam or the $25 Wyze Cam.
Place cameras at your main entry points and any other vulnerable areas for maximum impact. The sight of a camera, and the risk of being recorded, can be enough to send a burglar running.
Put Up Yard Signs & Stickers
As mentioned earlier, even generic security company signs and stickers can make your home a less attractive target. Combine outdoor signs with stickers on your doors and windows for the most impact.
This is a very low-effort, low-cost tactic that can enhance your overall security profile. Just be sure to replace them if they get old and worn out so they appear current.
Hide Exterior Wiring
Exposed wires outside your home, such as phone or cable lines, can be a vulnerability. A burglar could potentially cut these to disable your phone or security system before breaking in.
Take a walk around your property to identify any visible wires and consider how to better conceal them, such as running them through conduit pipes or behind other features so they aren’t easily accessible.
Additional Security Tips
In addition to directly securing your home, consider these other important ways to protect your property:
Secure Your Home Insurance
Check with your home insurance provider about their security requirements. You may need to have certain measures in place, like deadbolts and window locks, to be fully covered.
Taking these required steps can help ensure you’re protected in case the worst happens. And some insurers offer discounts for having an alarm system or other security features.
Understand Your Daily Routines
Burglars will often stake out a target to determine the occupants’ daily schedules and look for windows of opportunity. Be aware of your habits and how they may make your home vulnerable.
If you leave for work at the same time every day, for example, consider setting variable timers on lights or a radio to make it seem like someone is home. Installing a smart doorbell with a camera is another way to give the impression that the house is occupied.
Secure Your Doors
All exterior doors should be solid core or metal wrapped for the greatest strength. Avoid doors with glass near the handle that could be easily broken.
Install high-quality deadbolt locks on all doors. Look for locks with the British Standard Kitemark or a 5-lever mortice lock for optimal security.
Install a Home Security Camera
Outdoor security cameras let you keep an eye on your property from anywhere. They can record suspicious activity and potentially provide evidence to police if a crime does occur.
Choose a weatherproof, night vision camera and place it where it has a good view of your main entry points. Connecting it to your Wi-Fi network will allow you to access the feed remotely on your phone or computer.
Set Up Smart Lighting
Crime is less likely to occur in well-lit areas. Motion-activated smart lights or floodlights will illuminate your property if anyone approaches, making it harder for them to hide in the shadows.
You can also put interior lights on timers to make your home look occupied even when you’re away. Some smart light systems let you control your lights remotely or randomize the on/off cycles for even better security.
Secure Your Wi-Fi Network
Your home wireless network can be a point of vulnerability, especially if you have smart home security devices connected to it. Use these tips to protect your Wi-Fi:
- Create a strong, unique password and change it regularly
- Enable your router’s built-in firewall
- Keep your router software up to date
- Consider hiding your network name or enabling MAC address filtering
Taking steps to secure your home network will help protect any connected security or automation devices and your personal data from hackers.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, improving your home security doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune on high-end systems. There are many free and affordable ways to boost your defenses against intruders and give yourself greater peace of mind.
Start with the basics like always locking doors and windows, reinforcing entry points, and installing motion-activated lights. Then consider a budget-friendly security system or DIY solutions like visible cameras or signage.
Don’t forget to also secure your home insurance, Wi-Fi network, and be smart about your daily habits to minimize vulnerabilities. By layering multiple security strategies, you can create a robust, effective defense without breaking the bank.
Making your home truly secure is an ongoing process. But by following these tips consistently, you’ll be well on your way to feeling safer in your castle. Remember, even small, low-cost steps can make a big difference in deterring crime and keeping your family and property protected.
