The Surprising Way Home Automation Can Protect You From Identity Theft

Over 16.7 million Americans fell victim to identity theft in 2017, with a large portion of thefts coming from mailboxes. Most people are worried about their packages getting stolen, without considering the sensitive information their mailbox holds. Additionally, identity theft can happen right in a person’s home, from someone you know. See how home automation can help prevent you from becoming a victim of identity theft.

Outside your home

Many victims of identity theft have their information stolen right from their mailbox. An unmonitored mailbox provides the perfect opportunity for a criminal to access sensitive information. If you’re prone to forgetting your mail overnight, utilizing something like a door sensor can remind you to check your mail. You’ll know exactly when your mail is delivered, so you can bring your documents inside right away.

 

Inside your home

While most identity thefts come from strangers, about 10% of all identity thefts come from a person’s acquaintances or family members. Homes are a hub for sensitive information, as it’s where we hold items such as our credit card information and social security cards.

You can take initial steps to secure your identity inside your home by placing sensitive documents in a locked drawer. Arming your drawer with a door sensor can give you additional peace of mind. You’ll know immediately if there’s been a breach in security.

Statistics show that people who know that they’re being watched are less likely to commit a crime. Placing indoor cams around off-limit areas of your home can help secure your identity even further. Plus, you’ll have the evidence on hand in case anything ever does end up missing.

 

If you want to lessen the probability of becoming one of the 16 million people who are going to have their identities compromised this year, make home security and automation a priority. When you utilize these smart devices, you’ll give yourself a little more peace of mind, knowing that you’re doing what you can to secure your identity and credit.

/0 Comments/by

The Nest Learning Thermostat – Your Spring Weather Lifesaver

,

Spring is almost here and that means one thing for your home — cold evenings and hot days. You may find yourself working overtime to keep your home at a decent temperature all day. With having to switch to heat at night and air conditioning during the day, you’re probably exhausted. Luckily, dealing with spring’s flip-flopping weather doesn’t have to be a full-time job. One small device can give you the comfort you’re looking for, while lowering your energy bill. Read on to see how using the Nest Learning Thermostat can make your life simpler.

 

Heat•Cool Mode

When that wild spring weather hits and you’re not sure whether to keep on the heat or the air, Nest has your back. In Heat•Cool mode, you can set the heat to turn on at a specific temperature. When it starts heating up during the day, the Nest Learning Thermostat will switch to air conditioner mode automatically. It’ll keep you cool until it’s time to crank up the heat again at night. Nest’s automatic switch from one mode to another actually saves you money, as neither system will have to work overtime to get your house to the perfect temperature. Nest makes it so both systems are working in perfect harmony, keeping your home comfortable and your wallet happy.

 

Nest Thermostat’s Away mode

Not only does the Nest Learning Thermostat offer energy savings while you’re at home; it can save you money while you’re away. Its Away Mode prevents your house from being heated or cooled when no one’s around, saving you money. Plus, the ability to turn on your system when you’re on your way home makes it so that you’ll still walk into a comfortable home when you arrive.

 

If you’re looking for a new solution to that crazy spring weather, the Nest Learning Thermostat can help. Adding a Nest Thermostat to your home security system will offer you year-round comfort and savings.

/0 Comments/by

Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors — The Most Important Smart Devices in Your Home

,

All homeowners know the potential danger of home fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. And they’re aware of the importance of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to keep themselves safe from those dangers. What you may not know is that your home may not be up to the recommended guidelines. This leaves your home and family vulnerable to serious consequences.
Read on to see if your home is fully protected and what you can do if it’s not.

Placement of smoke detectors

Smoke detectors are the first devices we consider when protecting our family and homes from a fire. The important thing when we have them is to make sure that they’re in the right places. According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are key placements for these smoke detectors:

  • In every bedroom
  • Outside every sleeping area
  • In living rooms on floors without bedrooms
  • In areas away from bedrooms in larger homes

Carbon monoxide detectors — you don’t need too many

Carbon Monoxide detectors are often integrated with smoke detectors, which is convenient, but usually unnecessary. One carbon monoxide alarm per floor is all that’s necessary when securing an average-sized home. If you have a large home, you may benefit from one detector near sleeping areas and one on the opposite side of the home.

Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are Smart

Not all devices are equal. Using wireless smart devices in lieu of the old hardwired systems is the best option for most people these days. You’ll be notified even when you’re not at home, since everything will be connected to your monitored home security system. So anytime you’re away, you can have greater peace of mind knowing that you’ll be alerted immediately.
This makes it a must for frequent travelers or anyone who has a loved one staying home alone often, whether it’s a child or an aging parent. Not only can you give your house the best protection, but also those you love most.

Setting your home up with the most up-to-date devices is the best way to protect your home and your family. Integrating smoke and carbon monoxide detectors with a home security system offers homeowners the best protection and complete peace of mind.

/0 Comments/by

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

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

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

Going on Vacation This Winter? You’ll Want to Read This First

This is about the time of year when even the most loyal of ski bums start dreaming of warmer ventures. If you’re planning on leaving your wintery town in search of tanned skin and bottomless mojitos, make sure that your home is fully protected by your home security system while you’re on vacation.

The last thing you want after a relaxing week of fun is to return home to a disaster.

 

A river runs through it

Nothing’s worse than stepping on your carpet to find that it’s soaking wet. If you’re really unfortunate, you could be stepping in sewer water that has been seeping for a week while you were away. 

But sewer backups aren’t the only potential contributors to a flooded home. During the winter, you may be at risk of pipes freezing and bursting. Whether you leave your heater too low while you’re away (cue the Nest Learning Thermostat) or a cold snap comes through, your pipes could burst. This free-flow of water is enough to ruin drywall, flooring, and more.

Fortunately, using something as simple as a Flood Sensor will keep you on top of the game during your vacation. Your home security system will let you know immediately when disaster strikes, even if you are hundreds of miles away. This gives you the opportunity to send someone out right away to assess the situation. 

 

Heaters gonna heat

You’ve probably experienced the nagging feeling that you forgot to turn down the thermostat before leaving on vacation. Instead of spending your whole trip wondering how much it’s going to cost to heat your empty home for a week, you can check on your Nest Learning Thermostat when you land — right from your smartphone.

And the best part of a smart thermostat is that you don’t have to return to a cold home after a sunny vacation. Use your smartphone to turn the heat back up on the way home from the airport. That way, you walk right into a cozy, heated home.

 

The lights are on, but nobody’s home

As you go through the steps to make sure your home looks occupied when you’re gone, you may be tempted to leave on a light on the whole time you’re gone. But nothing screams empty home more than one random light being left on 24/7. Setting your Smart Light Bulbs on a schedule will better give your home the appearance of being occupied.

 

So rest easy on that sandy beach and let your smart home work for you. When you bundle your home security system with the right home automation tools, you’ll have complete peace of mind anytime you’re away on vacation.

/0 Comments/by

Smart Devices That Combat Dangers Within Your Home

When you consider investing in a home security system, it’s usually with the intent of keeping bad guys out. But criminals are not the only threat to your family’s safety and security. A home security system can address possible threats within your home when you bundle it with the right smart devices.

When you’re aware of the potential dangers, you can make a better decision on which smart devices will benefit you. 

 

Fires and gas leaks

Most of us realize the importance of monitoring for fires or carbon monoxide in our home. However, when we have to leave our kids at home, sometimes we’re left to wonder if they — or their babysitter — would know what to do if a sensor was triggered.

In the event of an emergency, carbon monoxide and smoke detectors that are integrated into your security system can immediate alert you. So even when you’re away from home, you’ll be able to take immediately take action. 

Now you can leave the kids at home with that first-time babysitter and have a little more peace of mind.

 

Older adults living alone

Despite the uptick in aging parents moving in with their children, many are still living on their own. This often gives adult children rightful anxiety about whether their parents are safe. When you are unable to check on your parents daily, having a system in place to monitor their well-being is a necessity.

A panic pendant is a great way to put both your and your aging parents’ minds at ease. In the event of a fall or other injury, the panic pendant ensures your parents receive the attention they need.

 

Firearms and curious kids

When you store firearms in the home, your children are statistically at a higher risk for injury. Even if you take the recommended steps to properly lock up firearms, children are resourceful and can get ahold of keys or codes. A good solution for curious children is having a door sensor as a backup on your safe or gun room door. These sensors will alert you immediately to any breaches so you can take immediate action.

 

So while you are considering who you can keep out of your home to keep your family safe, also consider the dangers you can prevent within your home. The right smart devices will ensure that you’re fully able to monitor your family’s safety.

 

/0 Comments/by

Home security for the entire family

Home security should work for the whole family. Protecting your home doesn’t have to be complicated. So, no matter who you have living at home, you can make your system the best for everyone. With a variety of products, there is something for everyone. From young to not so young, your home security system has you covered. If you’re wondering what products to integrate into your system, look no further. Here is a quick breakdown of all the best products for your family.

Wireless keyfob

No matter what age ranges you have at home, the wireless keyfob is perfect for anyone. With four simple buttons, controlling the alarm system has never been easier. Similar to a car keyfob, you can arm and disarm the system, and sound an alarm. So, if you have young children or older relatives staying in the home, they can easily access the alarm system.

Panic pendant

If you have an older relative at home, you want to ensure their safety at all times. With the panic pendant, you never have to worry about your loved one. Thanks to versatile wearing options, this small device can become easily inconspicuous. However, with just the push of a button, help is immediately on the way. The pendant triggers the alarm, which also sends a notification to your phone. So, if anything happens, you will always be the first to know.

Smart door locks

When you have a large family with different schedules, keeping track of everyone can be tricky. Instead of making multiple copies of your house key, a smart door lock is here to help get everyone inside safely. Programmable with up to 30 custom codes, everyone can have their own code and you’ll know who’s home as soon as the door unlocks. If anyone forgets their code, you can unlock the door from anywhere using your phone. Keeping track of the entire family is easier than ever.

So, if you’re looking for a system that works for the whole family, look no further than these user-friendly devices.

/0 Comments/by