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3 Critical Home Security Mistakes That Are Costing You Money
What is your usual reaction when you hear about burglaries on the local news? Does it make you worry at least a little bit? Most people think this would never happen to them. That is why they ignore security measures.
Making the wrong choices exposes you to higher risks and costs. Here are three common home security mistakes you should avoid:
1. Not Investing in Motion-Detection Lights
This sounds weird, right? After all, how can you save money by spending money?
Well, it’s important to understand that overlooking outside lighting is one of the biggest home security mistakes you can make.
Don’t forget that many would-be thieves are scared away by well-lit homes. Still, you can’t just leave your outside lights on every time you leave the house. That will just increase your energy bills over time.
Well, the solution is very simple: Motion-detection lights. They will only turn on when someone is near them, so you won’t waste money to keep your home safe.
Plus, just imagine how scared potential robbers will be when a light suddenly turns on when they are in the vicinity.
2. Opting for Outdated Solutions – One of the Most Common Home Security Mistakes
When it comes to choosing the right home security system, you have to consider all your needs. For instance, can a standard system meet all of them? Most likely not.
That is why you should opt for smart, up-to-date measures. Here are three reasons why this would be a smart decision:
- They are convenient – Contrary to popular belief, smart home security systems are very user-friendly. For instance, you can just control them with a smartphone, and the general controls and the interface are easy to get used to.
- They generally come with competitive prices – Some of them might be more expensive than traditional systems. However, they tend to shine in the long run. Why? Because they can save you money in many ways. For instance, they can lower your energy bills.
- They offer total control – Let’s take smart alarms as an example. When they trigger, they can send images of your home to your smartphone. That will help you immediately assess the situation.
3. Constant Social Media Updates
This sounds weird, right? Well, there is some truth to it. A burglar could always find out about your whereabouts by checking your social media profile. They would most likely look for any check-ins or relevant status updates.
That means they’d basically get a free pass while you are out in the town enjoying yourself. Of course, this wouldn’t be such a huge issue if you’d invest in a smart security system.
Like we just said, it gives you full remote control over it. That means you can enjoy your night out without having to worry about your valuables getting stolen.
Want to Find out More about Home Security Mistakes or Other Related Subjects?
Well, you can do just that be keeping up-to-date with our articles. Plus, we’re sure there are other subjects on our blog that might interest you, so feel free to check them out.
Also, don’t forget you can contact us via Facebook or Twitter for any questions.
What to Do and Not Do to Enhance Your Home Security
Safety seems to be the number one concern these days. Lots of industries and technologies have turned up to meet people’s needs in terms of protection.
After all, home security systems become a part of our lives as soon as we buy a house.
No matter how effective these systems are, you still need to take some measures to ensure your home is safe. So, let’s take a look at some things you should and shouldn’t do.
Things to Do
Are you planning on going on a long holiday or business trip? You probably already set up a home security system. However, you should take three more measures to keep your house safe while you’re away:
1. Customise Your Home Security System
Savvy burglars can break into homes that have standard security systems. It might be wise to customise your setup with a safety upgrade. Check all the vulnerable spots in the house and place sensors accordingly.
2. Get Proper Locks
If you move in a new home, the first thing you should do is replace all the locks. So, get a good and reliable locksmith to change all the locks on your:
- Gates and external entrances
- Doors
- Windows
If you’re replacing bolts, it’s best to use smart locks. Apart from being more reliable, they give you the option to use access codes. Codes are harder to break. Plus, they allow remote access to family or friends who need to get in while you are away.
3. Outside Lighting Is a Must
You should never underestimate the psychological effects of light sources. Good lighting around the house makes sure your home stays safe in two ways:
- It helps cameras get a better look at intruders.
- It keeps thieves away in the first place since burglars don’t enjoy being in the “spotlight”.
Things to Avoid
Home security systems take a lot of pressure off our shoulders. However, if we want the best results, it’s important we don’t tempt thieves with our negligence. Here are three things you should stop doing:
1. Rely on the Hidden Key Trick
Back in the day, people used to hide the door key somewhere outside their houses. This way, friends or family members could get inside while the owner was away.
That is a habit you should avoid these days, though. That’s especially true if you have many valuables at home. Burglars tend to stake out houses for a while before trying to break in. So, by leaving a key laying around outside your home, you are basically inviting strangers inside.
2. Do Not Tempt Burglars with Valuables
The wisest thing you could do is avoid keeping your valuables at home. It’s better to keep them in a safe deposit or at a bank. However, if you decide otherwise, it’s best to put them in some discrete place, away from prying eyes.
3. Forget about the Check-in Option
It’s understandable why people use the Facebook check-in feature whenever they visit an interesting place. It gives friends and family members valuable updates about their travel experience, for instance.
But guess who finds out you’re not at home? Burglars. So, you should stop using this option to avoid putting your home’s security at risk.
Do you need more ideas or resources on securing your house? We can help you out. Check out our website and see how.
How Your Smart Home Can Help You Cut The Bills Down
There are many reasons to get a smart home. Just think about the convenience and security it offers you. One of the less talked about advantages it that you have smaller bills.
Let’s go over how smart technology can help you save money each month.
You Keep the House Warm for Less
The thermostat causes a big chunk of the average brit’s expenses. Maintaining the house at a pleasant temperature in the middle of winter or blistering hot summer days takes a bit of money.
You can cut down the bills in your smart home by getting a smart programmable thermometer.
While you’re at work, there’s no point in keeping the heat on. The problem is that when you get home, it’s too cold.
A smart thermostat can be programmed to stop the heating when you leave and start up again just before you get home. This way, you don’t freeze when you arrive but don’t waste money either.
Make a schedule for your smart home. You’ll no longer have to choose between a massive bill and a cold house.
Your Smart Home Helps You Save Water
Usually, the best way to waste less water is to form good habits such as taking shorter showers. There are ways smart technology can help you, though.
By adding sensors to the shower and sinks, you can monitor how much you use. A reminder is often the only thing you need to be more mindful. Whenever you are wasteful, your smart house will notify you so you can wrap things up.
Another useful gadget is the smart sprinkler. Regular irrigation systems are wasteful because they don’t take the weather into consideration. Watering the garden in the rain isn’t very helpful.
Smart sprinklers know the weather and turn on only when they are needed. They also use only the necessary amount of water.
With these devices alone, you’ll already save yourself a hefty sum.
No More Wasted Electricity
Whether it’s on lights or various appliances, your smart home can help you be more frugal with electricity.
Most people use more light than they actually need. Smart light dimmers will help you solve that problem. You can adjust the brightness so it’s just enough, saving energy.
Smart switches and motion sensors are also a sound investment. The sensors will make sure the light never stays on without reason, closing them if there’s no one in the room. If you do forget the porch light on, however, you can just turn it off with your phone. It doesn’t matter where you are.
You can have just as much control over your sockets as well. With smart outlets, you can turn the electricity on and off everywhere in the house. All you need is a smartphone and Internet.
The outlets would be a great help if you forgot something running. A lot of devices also consume energy in standby. While it’s not much, these costs add up. With smart sockets, you don’t have to worry about power getting drained.
Are There Other Ways of Cutting Bills Down?
Since we talked about lights, earlier, we recommend you get energy-efficient bulbs. The last longer and use less electricity.
As technology progresses, there will undoubtedly appear new ways of saving money. Until then, we recommend you get some smart devices to help you.
As you can see, smart homes aren’t just convenient, they’re also efficient. If you like the article, share it with your friends, help them save money too! If you’d like more advice, get in touch with us on Facebook and Twitter.
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Locksmith Services
If you’re locked out, we can get you back in! We’re experts at picking locks and gaining entry.
We change, repair and fit a wide variety of locks, including : Mortice Locks & Euro Cylinders.
Our expert locksmiths can supply and fit the latest digital smart locks. Including the Yale Linus.
Our trained locksmiths can supply and fit the latest High definition CCTV to your home or business premises.
Our locksmiths can provide boarding services to secure your home or commercial premises.
We offer a full security survey service. Do you really know how secure your home or property is?
We can cut extra keys for your home or office. Our locksmiths carry a range of key blanks.
Smart Security Installed
Yale Linus
Smart Lock
The Yale Linus door lock. A keyless lock, designed to secure and simplify your life. Lock and unlock your door, no matter where you are.
Yale Conexis
Smart Lock
The smart door lock that puts you fully in control. The Yale Conexis gives you the freedom to secure your home without the need for a key.
Yale Keyless
Connected Smart Lock
The Keyless Lock allows you complete control over how you lock your home. Unlock with a PIN, key card, key tag, remote fob or your phone.
Yale Sync Alarm
The Yale Linus door lock. A keyless lock, designed to secure and simplify your life. Lock and unlock your door, no matter where you are.
Yale CCTV
The smart door lock that puts you fully in control. The Yale Conexis gives you the freedom to secure your home without the need for a key.