Leaving the House? Home Automation Makes it Easy

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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.

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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.

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Energy Savings From Using the Right Smart Devices

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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.

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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.

 

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

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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.

 

 

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The 4 Best Placements for Exterior Security Cameras

When shopping for a home security system, you’ve probably focused on which devices to place inside your home. But you should give equal attention to the exterior of your home. An unsecured perimeter gives criminals the opportunity to take advantage of weaknesses in your system. But where are the best placements for security cameras? 

Here are 4 places to consider placing your cameras so that you’re fully covered:

 

1. Driveway

Garages are often overlooked by homeowners when building a security system but they’re an easy point of entry for burglars. Monitoring your driveway is a great way to give your most expensive assets a little more protection.

 

2. Front door

With most break-ins happening right at the front door, it’s the first place you’ll want to place a security camera. If you haven’t already invested in a video doorbell, a solution such as the Ring Spotlight Camera is the best option to make sure that your home is protected.

 

3. Back door

When criminals aren’t trying your front door lock, they’re probably trying the back. If you’re arming the front with a Ring Video Doorbell, you’ll definitely want a camera in the back.

 

4. Any obscured entrances

Criminals are going to be drawn to any windows or doors that would hide them from street view. They might even dress up as a handyman to gain unquestioned access to your yard then use an obscured entrance as a way in. Make sure you have these areas secured.

A few last considerations: 

  • Don’t forget to monitor detached garages or sheds with valuable assets.
  • Use cameras with wide angles to capture a large area.
  • If your cameras catch part of your neighbor’s property it is okay as long as a majority of the area being surveilled is your property. If in doubt, contact your local authorities.

As long as your cameras cover a wide area, you should be able to completely monitor your property with just a few of them. You’ll ensure that your home security system is complete by covering the best placements for your exterior security cameras.

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Unconventional Uses for Door and Window Sensors

If you find yourself with a couple of unused smart devices hiding out in Junk Drawer No. 2, you’re like a lot of people. Especially when it comes to devices like door and window sensors that are economical and easy to come by.

But what exactly are you going to do with those extra devices?

What you may have not considered is that homeowners don’t only need security from people outside their home. Sometimes they need a bit of security from those inside the home too. Additional sensors can be placed in various indoor locations to keep an eye on your assets. Read on to see the different ways you can make these devices work for you.

 

Interior Doors

Kids. Roommates. Mothers-in-law. There are just some people we prefer to keep out of certain areas of our home. By using a sensor on an interior door, you can easily monitor your private space and feel better knowing that your assets are safe from prying eyes and sticky fingers.

 

Safes and Drawers

Sometimes the private spaces we keep are much smaller than an entire room. Valuables are often stored in a specific drawer or in a safe. Or perhaps you’re storing something much more serious, such as firearms.

As much as we don’t want to consider it, sometimes curious hands get ahold of keys or security codes. Placing a sensor as a backup on these locations will give you the opportunity to take immediate action and keep your valuables — and family — safe.

 

Mailbox

The best thing about smart devices is that they offer convenience in addition to security, solving a whole host of first-world problems. Using a sensor on your mailbox is a great way to prevent several trips outside just to see if your mail has arrived.

On a more serious note, identity theft is no joke and neglected mail gives individuals a prime opportunity to open up a credit card under your name. This can leave you at risk for damaged credit or collections for someone else’s purchases.

What’s most alarming is the Federal Trade Commission estimates over 400,000 Americans have had their identities compromised via mail theft. More alarming, about 10% of all identity theft happens thanks to people we know and trust.

So while knowing exactly when your National Geographic magazine arrives is ideal, using a sensor on your mailbox could be a key component in securing your identity.

 

These are just a few unconventional ways you can put your extra door and window sensors to good use. You can’t ever have too much security for your home and a comprehensive home security system designed by an expert is the first step in making sure you’re completely covered.

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Don’t Leave Your Home’s Security to the Basics — 3 Devices You Need to Buy Now

It may comes as a surprise that many companies only offer the bare minimum for a home security system. This is especially true when dealing with build-your-own configurations. You may be led to believe that all you need is a control panel and a couple of door and window sensors. But these bare-bones setups are not enough to fully protect your home during a breach in security. Arming your home with only the basics is the best way for criminals to take advantage of weaknesses in your system. While basic devices are crucial to your home’s security, they do not complete a well-rounded system. Here’s a list of three smart devices you can benefit from adding to your setup:

 

1. Glass Break Sensor

Over 90 percent of break-ins are forceful, meaning that you can expect a window to be shattered during a breach. Most criminals will not take the time to pry open a window or glass door when breaking it is easier, rendering a door or window sensor useless. Placing a Glass Break Sensor in your home as a backup is the best solution available, and the best way to further protect your assets.

 

2. Motion Sensor

You may be tempted to arm your home with the bare minimum simply because of the cost. If you have a lot of windows and doors, arming each one with a sensor is not an economical choice for many people. Fortunately, adding a Motion Sensor to common walkways in your home is a great way to cut down on costs and increase security in your home at the same time.

 

3. Ring Video Doorbell

Video tech is the future of home security and the Ring Video Doorbell leads the pack. When it’s used as a front-line solution, the Ring Video Doorbell acts as a deterrent for would-be robbers. When they know they’re being recorded, criminals are dissuaded from engaging in illegal activity.

 

Do yourself a service and don’t settle for the bare minimum when it comes to protecting your house. There are many economical and functional options to support the basic offerings of a home security system. These simple additions can save you extra money and peace-of-mind in the long run.

 

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Tilt Sensor: The Smart Device You Never Knew You Needed

If you’re overwhelmed by all the smart devices to choose from, you’re not alone; there are a lot of options to automate your home and keep it secure. Because of this, you may be missing out on extra security and convenience from products you never knew existed. Let’s be honest, a Tilt Sensor smart device is probably one of them. It’s not the most attractive device in smart home automation but it sure is useful.

Read on to see the different ways you can make this small, virtually unheard of, device work for you.

 

Secure your garage

Attached garages are an easy method of access for criminals and often overlooked by homeowners when it comes to managing home security, despite some of their most valuable assets (read: 69′ Camaro) being stored in it. When utilized, a Tilt Sensor will alert you anytime your garage door is opened, so you can take immediate action to breaches in your home security.

 

Monitor Doggy Doors

Ever worry that your doggy door could provide easy entry for intruders or even wild creatures? Whether you’re cuddled with your pooch in bed or recently bought a home with a doggy door you’re not ready to replace, a Tilt Sensor will alert you right away if anyone — or anything — is trying to access your home.

 

Watch your mailbox

If you want to keep an eye on your mail or just want to know when the mail has arrived so you’re not making several trips in knee-deep snow, a Tilt Sensor provides convenience as well as security. You’ll know when your postman arrives each day so you’re not leaving your mail and identity vulnerable to theft. 

Not to mention the benefit of only having to make one trek out in the snow.

 

Keep an eye on storm cellars

A padlock on a hinged storm cellar door might not be enough to secure your storage and belongings. And no one has time for someone taking advantage of the food storage that took you years to build up.

A tilt sensor is an easy and secure option for monitoring your cellar. Every time the door is raised, you’ll get an alert so you can quickly take action to protect your assets. 

 

These are just a few ways that a Tilt Sensor can prove to be a valuable addition to your home. Complete your home’s security system with a Tilt Sensor smart device and have peace of mind, knowing that every corner of your home is monitored.

 

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Easy Solutions to Monitor Your Child’s Safety at Home

The holidays are over and parents everywhere are heading back to work, while reluctantly — or joyously — sending their kids back to school too. Whether you’re Team Child-Free or not, you probably can’t help but worry about your kids when you’re away.

If you stress about your child’s safety — or what she is actually doing — after school, there are helpful solutions.

Keep an eye on the comings and goings

Do you have a teen who says he’ll be one place but tends to end up somewhere else? With a Ring Video Doorbell, you can keep watch over who is arriving or departing, and when. No more having to take his word for it; all activity will be available for your immediate viewing.

Secure private areas

Have a room that’s off-limits? Whether you’re storing important documents or something more serious like firearms, there is probably an area of your home that is restricted. Securing a locked door with a Door + Window Sensor will alert you to any breaches by curious children.

Plus, these devices are not only for doors and windows; they can be used for any objects that open and close, like drawers and safes.

Go Keyless

Saying children are forgetful is like saying rain is wet, so chances are they’re going to misplace their house keys. Using a Smart Door Lock completely eliminates the need for keys, giving your children easy entry when they arrive home, and giving you peace of mind.

Protect your most precious assets

As much as we don’t want to consider the possibility — accidents do happen. Big ones.

By protecting your home with smart home devices like carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, you will be alerted if your family is in danger so you can take immediate action.

When you equip your home with a modern security system bundled with smart devices, you can be certain that your kids are safe and secure. So go ahead allow yourself to fully focus on your duties outside the home, knowing that you have the upper hand in monitoring your child’s safety while you’re away.

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