Leaving the House? Home Automation Makes it Easy

,

The use of smart devices are on the rise and it’s no wonder why. When used in a secure ecosystem, home automation can make life a lot easier. Not to mention, home automation offers convenience, extra security, and even sometimes a bit of entertainment. The best smart devices offer both security and convenience, especially when you leave your home.  If you haven’t made the leap to transforming your house into a smart home, there’s no better time than now to get started.

Here are a few must-have smart devices that can make a big difference in your life.

 

A smart thermostat will save you tons

The Nest Learning Thermostat offers not only convenience but huge savings. As it conforms to your schedule, the Nest Learning Thermostat will ensure that your home won’t waste energy when you leave, so you can avoid spending money on heating and cooling an empty home.

 

Video doorbells provide extra surveillance

Not only can you see who is coming and going when you invest in a Ring Video Doorbell; you can also answer your door remotely through a two-way speaker. This gives the impression that you’re at home, offering security along with convenience.

 

Smart door locks offer convenience and security

If you are the forgetful type, you need a smart door lock. You can enter your house without the use of keys, so you’re never locked out again. If you think you may have forgotten to lock the door, you can always check and lock it remotely from your smartphone.

This also makes it a must-have device for the parents of any forgetful (ie. all) children.

 

Smart Garage protects your whole home

Chances are that you may have driven away from home, forgetting to close your garage once before. Not only does this leave your garaged belongings at risk, but also everything in your home, as most homeowners do not lock the door leading into their homes.

To prevent serious theft from occurring, Smart Garage will let you see your garage door’s status and give you the ability to open or close it remotely.

 

So whether you’re leaving for a week or just to the office for the day, let home automation work hard for you. Just a few smart devices included in your monitored home security system will leave your home secure, giving you peace of mind.

/0 Comments/by

Why You Need to Add Indoor Cameras to Your Security System

When you’re shopping for home surveillance, you probably mainly consider the exterior of your home or business. You may have a Ring Video Doorbell and even a Ring Spotlight Cam in your driveway. But what about the inside of your home? Whether you own a business or have a roommate, you can benefit from adding a bit of extra security from indoor cameras. 

Here’s why you need to add indoor cameras to your home security system.

 

Indoor cameras are your main surveillance during a break-in

In case someone manages to get past your security system (i.e. you forget to arm it), having recorded evidence is the best way to ensure that you get your items back. The criminal’s every move and will be recorded to help you recover your assets. 

This is especially a necessity if you own a business, either in a commercial space or at your home.

 

Keep a watchful eye on the kids

Whether your kids are home alone often or not, having a camera in the house is a good idea if you ever need to check in on them. These days, you never know who you can trust and an indoor cam will give you peace of mind whether your kids are alone or with a new babysitter.

Indoor cameras can also be a great solution for rebellious teenagers that you need to keep close eye on.

 

Roommates are no longer a worry

If you don’t have kids, you may have a roommate. Whether or not you know your housemate, you may need an indoor camera. It will keep surveillance on your belongings at all times, especially if your roommate tends to have friends coming in and out of your home. If something ever goes missing, you’ll have evidence at your fingertips.

 

So if you think your security system might not be complete, consider adding indoor cameras. It’ll ensure that you have a comprehensive system to keep your family and home safe.

/0 Comments/by

Energy Savings From Using the Right Smart Devices

,

When you start shopping around for monitored home security, you’ve probably just considered a basic system that can protect your family and your assets. What you may not know is that home security systems can also offer convenience and energy savings.

Read on to see how bundling your home security system with the right smart devices can lower your energy bills, and put a little extra cash in your wallet.

 

Invest in a Nest Learning Thermostat 

The Nest Learning Thermostat is a front-of-the-line smart device when it comes to saving energy and money. Studies have shown that you can save upwards of $180 a year by using a Nest Learning Thermostat. Whether you’re leaving for an hour or for a week, the Nest Learning Thermostat will make sure you’re not wasting any energy while you’re away. And the ability to adjust your home’s temperature from your phone before you get home is unbeatable.

 

Smart light bulbs can offer energy savings too

Light bulbs have come a long way. And with all the different bulbs available — including ones that glow in numerous colors — they’ve become quite a novelty. But at their core, smart light bulbs are a great way to save money.

We all have a light in a hallway or mud room that tends to accidentally be left on all the time. Luckily, you can save money by turning it off from anywhere at any time. Going out of town? Set your light bulbs on a schedule and give your home the appearance of being occupied. Everyone can benefits from a little extra security on top of all that convenience.

 

 

Home security is not what it used to be, in all the best ways. Not only does it give you peace of mind, knowing that your assets and family are safe, a comprehensive home security system also gives you convenience and extra cash to spend on the things you really need.

/0 Comments/by

Are Monitored Home Security Systems Outdated?

Building your own unmonitored home security system is almost somewhat of a trend these days. And, supposedly, these setups are just as good as a monitored home security system. But are professionally monitored systems really destined for extinction in this climate? And are these do-it-yourself kits really offering the same security as professionally monitored security systems?

Not quite.

Read on to see why a professionally monitored system still beats an unmonitored system any day.

 

WiFi vs cellular technology

Unmonitored home security systems tout simplicity with wireless technology. But most professional systems are also wireless these days. 

What you have to keep in mind is that wireless systems are not all equal. Unmonitored systems run on hubs that are hooked to your home Internet provider. The best monitored systems provide wireless cellular technology, like what your cell phone uses.

So what does that mean for your security?

Well, look at it this way — when the power goes out, the article you’re reading on your laptop disappears. Luckily, you can pull out your cell phone and finish it, because your phone will switch from WiFi to cellular mode. The same thing happens with these two types of security systems. During a power outage, a system dependent on WiFi will no longer be able to send out an emergency signal. But a cellular monitoring system will still work during a power outage — or if a criminal cuts your power line.

 

What happens next

Assuming a criminal doesn’t disarm your power and your wifi signal is crystal clear, there are still concerns. First and foremost being that you, alone, are responsible for getting the authorities to your home. If someone breaks into your home, you’ll have to call police while also trying to keep everyone safe. This leaves room for plenty of error. A professional home security system gives you peace of mind that your control panel will dispatch the authorities immediately.

 

Cost of monitored home security

If you’re still on board with an unmonitored system, you’re probably in the want-to-save money camp. But you have to accept that your assets and family will not be getting the protection offered by a professionally monitored system. What you may not know is that most companies offer customizable plans to fit your budget so you can protect your home.

 

At the end of the day, you must consider what it’s worth to you to protect your home and your family.

 

/0 Comments/by

Why Your Older Home Is at Risk of Flooding — And What to Do About It

,

Gone are the days when the average homebuyer is looking for a home that is perfect in every way (like the other 20 identical homes on the block). Everyone’s looking for a house with “good bones” and character to make her own. Unfortunately, these types of unique homes tend to be a bit older, and are at risk for flooding.

It’s well-known that older homes naturally come with a host of issues and some of these unwelcome surprises can wipe out a renovation budget pretty quickly. But that doesn’t mean that you should avoid your dream home. By preparing for the worst, you can still enjoy all that these special homes have to offer. Here are the two main causes of home flooding and how a Flood Sensor can keep your home and furnishings well-protected.

 

1. Lack of insulation

One of the main issues we deal with in older homes is the lack of proper insulation. Even a newer home may have old, worn-down insulation that’s just not doing its job anymore.

If you have water pipes lining outside walls, you’re at a high risk of having pipes freeze and burst during the winter. This is especially a concern if you don’t properly monitor the temperature in your home (cue Nest Learning Thermostat). 

Placing a Flood Sensor near any areas where water pipes line your home perimeter is a great way to prevent a small disaster into becoming a bigger one. You’ll be immediately alerted to any constant flow of water.

 

2. Age of pipes

Old pipes are another major concern. Old pipes are susceptible to blockages that cause backups and rust that causes leaks. These old pipes leave your carpet, drywall and more at risk of major water damage. If your home has older pipes, you need to consider a Flood Sensor to monitor your trouble areas.

You won’t always be home to catch a leak. Having a monitoring system in place will keep you from being out thousands of dollars in repairs.

 

So go ahead and buy that dreamy home with all of its rich history and character. Just make sure you’re prepared for whatever comes your way. A monitored home security system with a smart device bundled with devices such as a Flood Sensor can give you the peace of mind you need to fully enjoy your home.

 

 

/0 Comments/by

The Cash We Keep (And Other Items You’re Not Likely to Get Back After a Robbery)

Many people put off buying a home security system until they’ve experienced a threat of some sort, but prevention is key to keeping your assets safe. The jarring truth is that most items stolen in robberies are not very likely to ever be recovered.

Below are some examples of commonly stolen items and the likelihood of ever seeing them again.

 

Vehicles

On a positive note, vehicles are actually the most likely to be recovered out of all items. But even with a 59% recovery rate, you may be one of the unlucky homeowners who never sees his car again.

Using a camera such as the Ring Spotlight Cam in your driveway increases the chance of getting your car back.

 

Firearms

One of the biggest concerns as a gun owner is having someone steal your firearm and, worse, using it to hurt someone. If your firearm does happen to get stolen during a robbery, the chance of recovering it is 14.6%. Criminals may have the ability to break into a safe, despite any efforts to keep your firearms locked away safely.

Placing a Door Sensor on your safe is a good way to know right away if it has been accessed.

 

Jewelry

Unfortunately, jewelry has one of the lowest recovery rates, at 3.6%. And no amount of money can replace sentimental pieces, even if you are insured.

Keeping jewelry in a safe or drawer doesn’t fully protect them during a robbery. But setting up an indoor camera near the place you keep your valuables is a good way to increase the chance of recovering your items.

 

Currency: the most unlikely returned item after a robbery

Whether you’re the type to keep your cash under your mattress or in a safe, it’s suggested you do everything possible to keep it secure. The recovery rate for currency is the lowest of all items, coming in at a low 2%.

Just like you would protect fine jewelry, you’ll want to set up extra security around large sums of currency.

 

Don’t let these rates get you down. Luckily for you, a home security system is a great prevention tool and a proven deterrent for most criminals. In addition to taking mindful steps to secure your valuables, invest in comprehensive home security to help keep your items safe and off the streets. 

/0 Comments/by