Resolution to Spend Less in the New Year? These Changes Can Save You Money

Are you wondering how you can finally keep that resolution to reduce your spending? You’re not alone. In fact, saving money was tied as the No. 1 resolution in 2018. Whether we need to pay down debt, save for a vacation, or put more towards retirement, the need for extra cash is real among Americans.

But no fear — you won’t have to skip your favorite Choco-Mocha latte every morning; simple upgrades to your home security can save you some money in 2019 and every year after.

So drink up, and read on to see how you can make your home work for you.

 

Lower your energy consumption

The majority of a utility bill goes to heating and cooling a home, so it’s no wonder some would rather bundle up than turn up the heat.

By equipping your home with a smart thermostat such as the Nest Learning Thermostat, you don’t have to worry about accidentally heating and cooling your home when no one is around, saving energy for the times you are home. This simple upgrade has shown to save homeowners an average of $180 a year.

 

Prevent a small problem from becoming a disaster

Nothing’s worse than stepping foot on your carpet to find that it’s soaking wet. Whether it’s a septic tank issue or faulty plumbing, a backup in your sewer system can cause serious damage to a home. And if your home insurance doesn’t automatically provide coverage for sewer backups, you could be liable for thousands of dollars out of pocket.

Placing a flood sensor in trouble areas can keep you ahead of the game, potentially saving a lot of headache and money.

 

Discounts and rebates

You don’t have to wait to start saving — companies are starting to recognize the importance of equipping a home with smart devices, and many will reward you for it.

Nest Labs has partnered with energy providers across the nation to offer rebates for replacing your old thermostat. In some areas, the rebate will cover the majority of the cost of the Nest Learning Thermostat. Combined with the energy savings, this upgrade is truly a no-brainer.

Insurance companies have hopped on board too. They don’t only reward those with home security systems; you may also be eligible for discounts by bundling your home security system with updated carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Homes equipped with these devices have fewer claims filed, which means not only are you saving on your premium and deductible, you’re better protecting your household. 

That’s enough to help anyone sleep more soundly.

 

So go ahead and feel confident in making a resolution to save money this year. Your home security will have you covered and saving money in no time.

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Surprising Benefits of Upgrading Your Home Security System

Are you wondering if your home security system is doing enough to protect your home? Do you wish it could do more?

Technology continues to evolve and as a result, your old setup might not be giving you all the advantages of a new security system. A modern system will provide you with multiple uses aside from keeping your home safe. Read on to see how you would benefit from an upgrade.

Smart phone accessibility

You can access almost anything from your smart phone. So why not your home security system, too?

You’ll never have to wonder what’s happening in your home while you’re away with an upgraded security system, giving you full peace of mind. When a sensor is triggered, you’ll receive an alert and be able to monitor your system from your smart phone.

Go wireless

Criminals cutting wires to disarm a security system isn’t just something that happens in movies — it’s actually possible. As a result, your home will be completely unprotected. When you upgrade to cellular technology, your home security system will be completely wireless and tamper-proof.

It’s just one more way to ensure that you are protected.

Everything is integrated

Using a smart home that’s set up on several hubs can be confusing and frustrating, even for the tech-savvy.

With an integrated home security system, you’ll have control over your entire home from one easy-to-use control panel. So you can monitor not only your security system, but also your lights, thermostat and more, all in one place.

 

With all the uses for a home security system, it’s no wonder why more and more people are choosing to keep their homes up-to-date with a modern system. When you replace your old system, you’ll benefit from ease-of-use, increased security, and remote use.

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Are You Protected? 5 Considerations When Building a Home Security System

So you’re looking to ramp up your home’s security with a monitored system but you’re not exactly sure where to start. With all the offerings available, you’re not alone. There are a lot of options to monitor your home effectively. You can choose anything from cameras to video doorbells, door sensors to motion sensors. There are even flood sensors for the toilet that has a penchant for backing up. Being aware of which products address potential issues can arm you with the knowledge to make the best choice when building a comprehensive home security system. Here are 5 considerations to guide you in your decision-making process.

1. A secure home begins with a smart front door

“Break in like nobody’s watching” might actually be in the criminal code of conduct, with most breaches happening right through the front door. Using a product such as the Ring Video Doorbell as a first line of defense can actually deter burglars, preventing a break-in completely. Take comfort in knowing that criminals will most likely pass you by, having assumed that you’ve taken the steps to properly safeguard your home.

2. Smart devices provide more than convenience

When you leave your home for an extended period of time, having an automated home is a necessity — not only for energy savings, but also for making it less obvious that you’re relaxing at the beach rather than at home to protect your assets. Using smart light bulbs that you can set on a schedule will give your home the appearance of being occupied. This gives you one extra layer of defense.

3. There will be shattered glass

Statistics show that 95% of break-ins are forceful, meaning criminals resort to shattering windows to enter your home. Take solace in knowing that a criminal won’t get far after breaking in, as the sensor will immediately alert the proper authorities.

4. Don’t forget the garage

It doesn’t take accidentally leaving your garage door open for someone to gain easy access to your home. For example, garages can be broken into in as little as six seconds. As a result, not only are your motorized possessions vulnerable to theft, but also the rest of your home. Enter Smart Garage — a product you can count on to alert you anytime your garage is opened.

5. It doesn’t have to be rocket science

Let’s get real — life is busy enough without having to figure out how to run your security system effectively. A professionally installed system gives you the ability to fully control your home from one easy-to-use control panel.

Now that you’re aware of some possibilities for — and possible shortcomings of — your home’s security, you’re ready to start building a home security system to protect the things you value most.

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All about the Nest Learning Thermostat

As the temperature drops and seasons change, you might be curious about smart thermostats. If you’re looking to cut down on energy costs, smart thermostats save customers an average of 10 to 12 percent on heating costs. The best way to save is with the Nest Learning Thermostat. As the leader of the pack, this thermostat can make your home more energy efficient than ever before. So, what should you know before investing in a smart thermostat?

Adjusts temperature automatically

As the name suggests, the Nest thermostat learns a little bit about you. By learning and adapting to your schedule, this thermostat adjusts automatically to accommodate your daily life. Since it learns your schedule, heating and cooling won’t be running when you’re not there. So, you save money and energy all at once. If you ever need to override the thermostat, you can control it remotely from anywhere with your smart phone.

Become energy efficient

Whether you’re trying to make your home more energy efficient or not, the Nest Learning Thermostat will help you out. With built-in features such as monthly energy reports, you’ll be able to monitor your home more effectively than ever. In addition to becoming energy efficient, the Nest Learning Thermostat will keep your home running efficiently as well. With safety alerts, furnace alerts, and filter reminders, you will never have to worry about your heating and cooling system.

Take control of your energy bill this season, and invest in a smart thermostat to keep your home the right temperature all the time. With easy to use features, controlling your heating and cooling bill is easier than ever before in your smart home. So, whether you’re looking to make your home environmentally friendly, or just want to make your home smarter than ever, the Nest Learning Thermostat is here to help.

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Host Thanksgiving in your smart home

So, it’s your turn to host Thanksgiving this year. Arguably one of the most stressful holidays, it’s also one of the best with all the food and family time. Did you know your smart home could take some of the stress away? With just a few simple products, your day can be easier than you thought possible. While you’re busy cooking and baking, let your home automation help with a few things.

You don’t have to leave the kitchen

When you’re in the middle of preparing your Thanksgiving feast, the last thing you want to do is drop everything to open the door. With the Ring Video Doorbell, you can see who has arrived without leaving the kitchen. Thanks to the two-way voice feature, you can even chat with whoever has showed up. If it’s someone expected, you can let them in remotely with the smart door lock. Now, nothing has to interrupt you while you’re preparing the stuffing or making pumpkin pies. With two, small smart home products, your guests won’t be left waiting in the cold, and you don’t have to drop everything.

Keep the house comfortable

When there’s a lot of cooking happening, the house can heat up quickly. With the Nest Learning Thermostat, you can ensure your house is the most comfortable temperature at all times. By remotely adjusting the temperature, you don’t have to leave your guests. The thermostat can also easily adjust itself to accommodate the increase in traffic in the home. With the Nest, you no longer have to suffer in a hot house.

So, if you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year, leave some of the stress to your smart home devices. With smart home automation, your home will be the last thing you have to worry about. Enjoy the holiday, and make the most of your smart home.

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Do you need a secondary panel in your home?

Every security system starts from the main control panel. This is the hub for your security and smart home. Usually, this panel is located near an entrance to the home. Depending on the size of the home, that means this could be located far from the bedrooms. So, that means it could be far from where you actually need it. If that’s the case, what can you do to solve this problem? Luckily, there’s a simple solution with a secondary control panel. So, do you actually need a second control panel? Here’s a few reasons why you really do.

Perfect for large homes

If your home is larger than most, you know there can be a lot of space between the bedrooms and the front door. So, what happens if you need to reach the control panel quickly? This is where the secondary control panel comes in. With another panel present in a different area of the home, you can ensure that you’ll be nearby at all times. When 3 out of 4 homes will be broken into within the next 20 years, it’s comforting to have your security closer than ever.

Control from anywhere

While your phone can control your system from anywhere, what happens when you don’t have it on you? If something happens to your phone or you don’t have it nearby, it’s comforting to know you still have control. With the secondary control panel, you can enjoy all the features your main panel has. Control lights, door locks, thermostats, and sensor zones with this small, user-friendly panel. Ensure you always have control of your home, even when you don’t have your phone.

So, if you wish you had your control panel in more than one room of your home, the secondary control panel is here to help. Enjoy total control of your security system and peace of mind.

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Find the right camera system for your business

If you’re starting a new business, or ready to upgrade your existing security, finding the right camera system can be tricky. However, installing a camera system is important for any business. Did you know burglaries cost U.S. businesses an average of $800 million? You might be wondering what kind, how many, and why you need a camera system in the first place. Luckily, we’re here to break it down.  So, there is something for everyone, and finding the right cameras is easier than ever.

Hikvision 6 Camera Package

The larger the business, the more cameras you need. If you want to ensure that you have every area of your store covered, the 6 camera package is the perfect solution. The Hikvision cameras include a DVR to capture every moment. Some of the features of this camera package includes:

  • 2 MP with 2.8 mm lens
  • 106° field of view
  • Backlight compensation
  • DVR with 2 TB of storage
  • 5 MP recording resolution

So, if you have a bigger space to cover, the 6 camera package will keep an eye on everything.

Hikvision 4 Camera Package

For the small business, the Hikivision 4 Camera Package will certainly do the job. While similar to the 6 camera set, this camera package offers slightly different features including:

  • 2 MP with 2.8 mm lens
  • 1080p resolution
  • Infrared to 60 ft.
  • HD/analog DVR with 1 TB of storage

If you have a smaller space, or even simply a more open space, the Hikvision 4 Camera Package has you covered. No matter where your storefront is located, any place of business is vulnerable to burglary.

So, if you’re ready to protect your storefront, look no further than one of these convenient camera packages. With everything you need included in one place, it doesn’t get easier than this. Overall, we’re here to help you keep an eye on your business and give you peace of mind.

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Why Glass Break Sensors Are Important

Windows and glass doors are some of the most vulnerable points in any home. So, do you have them protected? While motion sensors and door sensors are a great start, what happens if the glass is broken? This is where glass break sensors come in handy. For any home security system to be complete, glass break sensors are a must. So, why are they so important?

The name says it all

The purpose of a glass break sensor is pretty self-explanatory. These inconspicuous devices detect glass breaks, and alert you immediately. However, this sensor is smarter than it seems. With exclusive “thump and crash” detection, it’s meant to only detect breaking glass by monitoring for the sound of breaking glass and reduces false alarms.

It’s small, but powerful

Glass break sensors are about the size of a smoke detector, and can be mounted on walls or the ceiling. With a 15 ft. maximum detection range, and a maximum 360° horizontal sensing angle, this sensor covers a lot of area. The glass break sensor also includes dual-stage glass break detection. So, it recognizes exactly when your glass door or window is shattered.

Keeps you informed

No matter where you are, you’ll know the moment your glass break sensor detects a break. Since it communicates directly with your control panel, you will receive a notification on your phone wherever you are. This sensor is also part of your monitoring, so the monitoring station will be alerted as well. You can enjoy peace of mind even when you’re away from home, and always know what’s happening at home.

So, if you haven’t included a glass break sensor into your home security plan, it’s probably time. Enjoy peace of mind and never worry about your glass doors or windows again with the small, but powerful glass break sensor.

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Should you invest in a Ring Doorbell?

A blue door with a Ring video doorbell

You’ve probably seen the Ring Video Doorbell popping up on all types of home lately. This sleek, convenient device has been surging in popularity, and for good reason. This doorbell makes answering the door easier than ever. So, if you’ve seen these doorbells, but don’t have one yet, you’re probably wondering if it’s time to invest. We’re here to help you decide, so here’s our top reasons for investing in a Ring Doorbell.

Always keep an eye on home

Whether you want to make sure your packed is delivered safely, or want to make sure the kids got home safely, the Ring Doorbell has you covered. With a convenient live-stream feature, you can tune in to your doorbell anytime, and check out what’s happening on the front porch. You can control your doorbell from a user-friendly app, so you’ll feel like you never left. With a low yearly fee, you can also review recorded footage. So, if you think you might have missed something, you can go back to footage that is safely stored in the cloud.

Deter crime

If you’re out for the evening, or even in the middle of dinner at home, you can protect your home. With two-way audio, you can talk to whoever shows up on your doorstep. So, if a stranger stops by, you can give the illusion that you’re home just to be safe. Even if the person doesn’t ring the bell, you can be notified if someone’s near the door with the motion sensors.

Enjoy convenience

While deterring crime, or ensuring safe delivery, your life is easier than ever. You no longer have to stop what you’re doing to answer the door. Keeping an eye on your home is simple, and as long as you have your phone nearby, it’s like you never left.

So, if you’re on the fence about investing in a Ring Video Doorbell, it’s time to take the plunge. Make your life more convenient than ever, and enjoy peace of mind.

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