Keep Home Safe During Holiday Travel

keep your home safe during holiday travel

How to Keep Your Home Safe During Holiday Travel

Don’t allow the prospect of a well-deserved holiday trip blind you to the dangers of leaving your property vulnerable. There is a lot that goes into arranging holiday travel. However, taking the time to arrange how you will depart your house should not be disregarded and can undoubtedly benefit in the long run. Below, our Home Security Systems Sacramento company shares how to keep home safe during holiday travel. 

Install a Home Security System

Preventing burglaries and other difficulties while you are away requires planning. However, it can considerably boost your peace of mind while you are away.

We recommend hiring a home security system installation company to help you get started if you don’t already have one. These systems provide maximum protection, setting off an alarm and alerting authorities if someone was to break in. 

Installing an alarm system is always a good idea. In fact, with some home insurance companies, you can get  an insurance discount of 15 to 20%. Additionally, installing deadbolts on doors and windows might make it more difficult for criminals to enter your home if you don’t have an alarm system. Lastly, if you have a home security system, make sure to alert them that you will be away. 

Lock It Up

Make sure you physically fasten and check any windows and doors before you leave for vacation. This seems apparent, but it’s easy to overlook. If you leave a window open to enable the cat free access, or if you never turn the padlock on the kitchen door, now is the time to change that. Locking your doors makes your home less appealing to opportunistic robbers. If you don’t make it simple, there’s a good chance your house will be in the exact condition you left it when you return. Our whole home automation Sacramento company explains that we can install smart locks into your home, so that you can control your locks through your phone. 

Utilize Smart Lighting to Make It Seem Like You’re Home

If your home is clearly unoccupied, you may be a target for a burglar. Therefore, it’s smart to invest in smart lights that turn on the interior lights for a few hours every evening to assist give the illusion that the home is still occupied. If possible, have a trusted friend or neighbor take out your garbage and return the cans after garbage pickup, which sends the message that everything is normal at your residence. 

If you normally leave your blinds open, don’t entirely close them while you are on vacation. The more natural your home appears, the better.

Complete Your Preventative Maintenance

Tureks Plumbing, the best plumbing company in Appleton WI, encourage homeowners to complete their preventative maintenance. Burst or leaky pipes might soon make you forget about your nice holiday. Turning off the main water supply may help eliminate the risk of plumbing issues while you are away. During a cold spell, insulating pipes and keeping the heat on will help prevent burst pipes.

Contact Specialized AV For Security System Services

If you’ve been searching for a home security system near me, we’re here to help! With home invasions and burglaries dominating the local headlines on a daily basis, you can never be too vigilant when it comes to preserving your family’s safety. As a result, Specialized AV provides residential and business security camera solutions. Contact us today to learn more. 

Are Smart Homes Worth The Investment?

are smart homes worth the investment?

Smart Homes Worth The Investment?

The advancement and development of technology have made a big impact on how our world works. With smartphones, voice assistants, other smart home appliances have all piqued people’s interest. Additionally, smart home automation has become very popular and can be found in a lot of new builds in the Greater Sacramento area. Smart homes make life easier and more comfortable, which is why you can expect to see more and more smart homes come to life. So, are smart homes worth the investment? In this article, our Sacramento AV experts discuss whether or not smart homes are worth it.

What Motivates People to Invest in Smart Homes?

Smart homes are extremely useful because they make our lives easier. They provide greater security, safety, and comfort than a typical house. They’re also good for the environment, and they’ll save you money in the long run! With a smart home, you’re making an investment with a potential for profit. Your quality of life will improve dramatically, you’ll save money in the long run, and your home’s resale value will rise as a result.

You can improve your smart home experience by investing $1,000-$3,000 in a smart hub. Despite the fact that smart home systems primarily offer convenience, style, and security, a smart home is a worthwhile investment for a variety of reasons.

Comfortable & Convenient 

The greatest benefit of having a smart home is the comfort and convenience it offers. It raises the bar on efficiency. They also make us more easily accessible and safer. Changing the temperature of your home, controlling the lighting, playing music, or closing the blinds can all be done without getting up from your couch.

Levels of Control

A smart home offers impressive levels of control. You can manage all of your smart home devices with a single app or device. Isn’t that amazing? By the time you wake up in the morning, you can have the temperature of your shower set and your coffee brewing!

Time Saver

Smart homes save their owners a lot of time. The settings can be adjusted based on what activities you want to perform when and when not. You are not required to be physically present at all times in order to complete your work.

A Second Hand

Smart homes can step in when you’re away at work and need someone to come in for routine cleaning or repair work. If you have a smart home system, you can open the doors remotely to let the workers in.

Stay Alert

If something goes wrong, your smart home will send you a notification right away. If someone tries to rob your house, you will be alerted right away that someone is in your house without your permission. The intruder can be quickly apprehended if you notify the appropriate authorities right away.

Because of the increased security that smart homes provide, they’re a wise investment. In comparison to conventional homes, smart homes with installed cameras and other security camera systems are far safer. Having a smart home is also a good option for those who have elderly family members living in residence. They will be more self-sufficient and enjoy a better quality of life if they can use voice commands to control various devices and appliances.

Smart Appliances

Smart homes allow you to control other aspects of your house from a distance in addition to your appliances. If you have a smartphone, you can use voice commands to lock your doors, make phone calls, and perform a slew of other actions. You can also use this technology to automate tasks like watering your lawn and feeding your pet, so they happen on your schedule. Our friends at Tureks Plumbing, who specializes in home remodeling, say smart home appliances make everyday tasks so much easier. In fact, they’re worth trying out.

Energy Efficient

You’ll save a lot of money on your energy bills with a smart home. Using automation to control your home’s heating and cooling systems will save you money and energy. By learning your schedule and temperature preferences, a programmable smart thermostat can optimize your comfort levels.

Contact Specialized AV

To sum it all up, smart homes are more valuable as an investment because of their higher resale value. Home automation features like smart security, climate control, appliances, and entertainment are in high demand, making smart homes very popular. Smart homes are the perfect investment for anyone in the market to buy or upgrade a home. If you’d like to transform your home into a smart home, contact Specialized Audio and Video for an estimate on smart home installation services in the Greater Sacramento area. 

 

Myths About Security Systems

myths about security systems - sacramento

Common Myths About Security Systems

Security cameras are essential for many business owners and homeowners. They help keep burglars away, protect property, and give you peace of mind. So, what’s stopping you from protecting your property with security cameras? Sacramento audio and video experts share the most common myths about security systems.  

All Security Cameras Work The Same

This is the most widespread misconception concerning security cameras. While most CCTV cameras appear the same and include features such as 24-hour video capture, not all cameras have the same capability. In fact, we’ve moved away from these types of security cameras. Security camera systems are available in a variety of configurations, with some being more advanced than others. Some even include number plate tracking, POS transaction monitoring, and long-range night vision. Make certain you purchase the proper one for your requirements.

Wireless Security Cameras Do Not Require Wires

Wireless security cameras, unlike wireless speakers or headphones, are not entirely wireless. They still need wiring to connect to a power source. In this case, the phrase alludes to the camera’s lack of a need for cables to connect to the storage hub. Because wireless cameras connect through the internet, they mostly save data to the cloud. They must, however, rely on wires to connect to power outlets and hence cannot be considered totally wireless.

Security Cameras Record Everything

While this appears to be true, not every camera is capable of capturing a larger field of view. The reason for this is due to the lens. Different lenses provide varying degrees of reach and vision, limiting the camera’s capacity to photograph a specific object within the frame. So, the next time you see a camera in a structure, keep in mind that it isn’t always necessary for it to record everything in view. This is why, during installation, selecting the proper placements is critical for covering essential sections in your location, which takes us to our next myth.

Selecting Security System Locations Is A Piece of Cake

Choosing the best location for installation is complex and time-consuming. Placing cameras in unsuitable locations might reduce their versatility and efficacy even further. You must also examine a number of other aspects. For example, during certain times of the day, you should be aware of sunlight flares obstructing the camera. Alternatively, keep in mind items that may obstruct your camera’s field of vision, such as tree branches. For these reasons, it is always best to have them installed by a professional home security company. Specialized Audio and Video are happy to provide you with home security installations services in Sacramento.

Security Systems Are Expensive

Ask any Sacramento AV company, and they will tell you otherwise. Aside from those with cutting-edge surveillance technology, there are various low-cost options on the market today that provide robust security without breaking the budget. With a little more research or the help of a professional, you may find amazing solutions or even a whole security camera system that fits within your budget. Our friends at Tureks Plumbing Services, a home remodeling company, adds that most homeowners will invest in a security system because it means their loved ones and property are safer.

Contact Sacramento AV

Now that we’ve debunked several security camera myths make sure you think about everything before purchasing security cameras for your property. Specialized AV is always available to assist with the installation of professional security cameras in the Greater Sacramento area. 

 

Why Smart Home Automation Provides Peace of Mind

why smart home automation provides peace of mind - Roseville

Top Reasons Why Smart Homes Provide Peace of Mind

Ever left your home, wondering if you locked your door or closed your garage? You’re not the only one. So many of our customers love having a smart home just for that reason alone! Smart home automation allows you to check on your home when you’re not there. Ease your mind while you are away with smart home automation. In this article, our Sacramento audio and video experts share the top reasons why smart homes provide peace of mind.

Investing in Smart Home Automation

If this is your first experience with a smart home automation system, you will be shocked at how much it can accomplish. From sending real-time notifications to altering your thermostats, smart home technology has it all. Your smart home can be a huge help for busy families. Below are a few reasons why smart homes provide peace of mind to Sacramento homeowners. 

Here are a few of the most notable features of our home automation system:

Smart Home Security

Many people are using technology to protect their property. With smart locks, you can receive real-time information via text or email when people come and go to your home. You’ll also have the ability to generate individual user codes, which will allow you to keep track of who is coming and exiting at all times. This is a great option for teens, visitors, or anyone else you’d feel comfortable allowing access to your property. Our friends at Maid for Muddy Paws, a residential cleaning company in Magnolia, TX, say smart lock doors are perfect for their customers because they provide peace of mind after a visit. 

Home Automation

Lights, locks, thermostats, and sensors can all communicate with one another with relative ease. You can set your thermostat to a lower setting while you’re at work during the day, or you can receive a reminder if you forget to set your alarm after you leave the house in the morning.

Prevent Access 

Intruders can get access through a variety of entrance points, including doors, windows, and garage doors. If you forget to close a door, window, or garage door, your smart home security system will send you a notification. 

Security Camera Systems 

Video surveillance is used to keep track of things. Is it possible to keep an eye on your property while you’re away on vacation? You can watch live streaming videos in real-time. You’ll also receive video notifications if motion is detected, a door is opened, or an alarm is activated.  

When motion is detected, this high-powered motion sensor will capture an image and send it to you. Do you have any pets? No problem, we have a pet immunity function that prevents Max from setting off the sensors every time he travels to a new napping location. When you’re away from home, you can dim the lights, play some soft music, or just adjust the temperature on your thermostat.

Smart Thermostat

Manage your energy use while keeping your family comfortable with a Smart Thermometer that measures energy consumption around your home and optimizes for the most pleasant temperature. Our friends at McQuillan Bros, a Minnesota company that offers HVAC services, highly recommend smart thermostats for anyone who lives in areas that get over 100 degrees in the summer. You’ll be able to save money on your heating and cooling bill. 

Water Management

If you’ve ever returned home to a burst pipe or a malfunctioning washing machine, you understand what a disaster it can be. Our smart home technology can notify you of sump pump failures, irrigation malfunctions, and other water-related issues, allowing you to prevent further damage.

Contact Specialized Audio and Video

As you can see, smart homes provide peace of mind. They make managing a busy household a lot easier. If you’re interested in smart home automation services in Sacramento, contact us today! We’re happy to answer all your questions. 

 

Home Automation System – One Smart Device to Rule Them All Remotely

home automation system - one smart device - specialized audio and video - Specialized AV

Home Automation System

Home automation systems are becoming more popular in the Sacramento Valley and nationally expected to top $100 billion in sales by 2020. Remote control units have always been designed to increase the functionality of the systems they come with while providing convenience to people. But when you have different remote control units each for climate control system, home entertainment, lighting, and security camera systems, that’s having one too many.

It may seem like a minor inconvenience handling different remote controls inside your household or commercial property, but almost every property owner knows that remote controls can be easily misplaced. And instead of enjoying your downtime at home, finding the right remote control for the system you are going to use can add to your confusion. Luxury home automation manufacturer, Savant has one remote for almost everything in your home! Read more about it here in this article from Forbes. 

A home automation system integrates various components of your home’s different systems into a single unit. By upgrading with this system, you can conveniently enjoy your home’s various units with just one smart device to control everything. Devices aside, homeowners are choosing home automation for safety, security, and peace of mind.

A Task Best Left to the Experts

Here at Specialized AV, we understand your needs and motivations. We know that you want a powerful yet easy-to-use system that provides you with greater control without the hassles of dealing with several remote control units and all the woes associated with that. We know that you’d want to hear your favorite tunes streamed to different parts of your household, enjoy your favorite movies and TV shows, control the lights, and even bolster home security. You can do all of those and more through home automation.

Although it is possible to go the DIY route with this task, it is certainly better to leave it to the experts who have the knowledge, experience, and yes, even the tools to get the job done right the first time and in a hardwired and reliable system.

One System to Rule Them All:

An automation system can control various systems inside a dwelling or commercial property, including their subsystems. These systems include:

Climate Control

Automating this system offers the benefits of greater control, efficiency and even savings on energy bills. With just one console, you can turn heaters and AC units on and off.

Home Entertainment

Whether you want to enjoy your favorite music anywhere in your home or watch movies in your den, we can integrate all the systems involved in one handy console.

Lighting

Switching lights located in different parts of your home on and off can be one great inconvenience after a difficult day at work. With a universal remote control, you can easily turn different lights inside your home on and off and even set a timer for these.

Security

Through automation, you can enjoy greater functionality from your property’s security cameras. With an automated system, viewing, controlling the cameras, recording and taking snapshots have never been easier.

Access Control

Allows you the ability to open and close home doors, garage doors, gates, etc. when you are away from

home. This can be a great tool for allowing people access like maid services, family, friends, etc without having to give copies of your keys out. This is also a good tool for the person who looks on their cameras and notices he left the garage wide open.

Pool/Spa Control

Control everything on your Pool/Spa system. Turn deck jets on/off, control temperature, control schedules, lights, etc. from your Smart Device

Irrigation

Control schedules, turn system on/off, etc.