I like your poll :) I voted for a dog, because I have English Mastiff. At the same time I understand that it's not enough. I live in the quiet area, no problems till now. I see that many commentators recommend security systems. I am not sure which brand is better and has more reasonable price. I started my research. As far as I understand it's very important to understand how the security system works. Statistics shows that 54% of home security system owners are unsure of how to operate their system. And burglars take advantage of such ignorance and find gaps that can be exploited. Thus, best ways to secure home are to ask a security system specialist to install the equipment and explain how it works. Though I have already read many blog posts and articles with home security tips, I would appreciate any tips from actual home security systems owners. My favorite articles are the following: https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/household-safety/home-security-tips.htm https://help-center.pissedconsumer.com/top-home-security-tips https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-finds/2018/10/10/how-to-buy-the-right-home-security-system-ring-vs-nest/

Not sure if there really is an all-in-one smart home security system. In my opinion a lot of them are lacking in some way or another. It also depends on how you define security system. I wouldn't say cameras alone are a security system. If you're looking for a more casual way to get notified or monitor, these new "smart" solutions are great. If you're looking for a true "depend on it for your life" security system, you might end up feeling they come up short. But Simpli-Safe is one option that comes close. It has a hub with siren, keypad, door/window sensors, indoor cameras, motion sensors, backup cell service, and available professional monitoring. It does not have outdoor cameras, however. And it does not do typical smart home tasks. Samsung SmartThings is a very capable smart home hub that can interface with all sorts of devices -- lights, locks, cameras, sirens, motion sensors, contact sensors, temperature sensors, thermostats, etc. It also has a built in security app called "Smart Home Monitor" that you create rules for. Personally this is what I use, as it doesn't require a monthly fee and can still alert me remotely when things happen, as well as do things like turn on lights and sound a siren when an intrusion has been detected. Optionally, you can have it professionally monitored by Scout Alarm, but that is something I don't feel the need for. Biggest downside is it is dependent on having an internet connection. It is very configurable with some 3rd party tools. It takes some technical know how and comfort with computers, though, but if you're a tech geek it by far offers the most options. You don't have to deep dive with SmartThings, but you may find some of the out of the box security features lacking, and if you just want a set it and forget it approach, Simpli-Safe is probably better. SmartThings also offers an ADT branded smart hub that lets you use ADT's sensors and professional monitoring service, but lets you control it via a touch screen that can also do things like turn on and off lights, control thermostats, etc. Because SmartThings is a fairly open third party system, you could integrate other supported camera products into that ecosystem like Ring Video Doorbell, or the wireless Arlo Pro security cameras, as well. Another well-rounded choice from Google is the Nest line of devices. They offer advanced indoor and outdoor cameras, a great thermostat, smoke and CO alarm, and forthcoming video doorbell and security system including the option for professional monitoring. On the pricer end but in my experience their products are not only stylish, but work well.

Hinging is one possibility....i.e. turn them into shutter mount - but it would definitely be a big engineering challenge to find attractive hinges heavy and strong enough to support that weight without sagging, including serious anchoring into the walls. Option #2 - Hang them from a removeable bar across the window. Again, you would need to engineer that bar - and I'd make it steel for its strength, as it can then be smaller - as well as its mounting points on each side of window. The bar would not be visible from the interior when in use, and would be easily removed. The permanent mounting points could even become features if you found some appropriate hardware. Like a huge steel hook and eye, where the hook is a steel piece that is mounted to the stud. (Be prepared for some major cutting and drilling to get a secure, safe mounting.) Maybe something here: https://www.vandykes.com/gate-hardware And you may be best off specifying a custom part with a welder. Option #3 - Freestanding. I think this is a last choice as you would probably need to zigzag them to some extent and it will take up too much space and not look quite right. Those doors are a unique and beautiful choice and it will be worth extra effort to get them installed as you wish. They add enormous atmosphere to your space.

Hi everyone! Is there a company that does Security(similar to ring) and a thermostat(similar to Nest) that I can purchase with once company so I can only have 1 app to show me security plus thermostat in the house? So Similar to a ring and nest but 1 company that does it all?