Is it Possible to Turn Your Home into a Smart Home?
Get the Facts on Home Automation First, let’s debunk the misconception that your home can’t be transformed into a smart home. Even if your home is 100 years old, you can automate certain functions to make your life a little easier. Home automation that was once the way of the future is now the way of the present. There is nothing more concerning than being ten miles from your home and wondering if you turned off the range, left the lights on, left the iron plugged in, or forgot to adjust the thermostat. Such concerns can nag at you all day, ruining your focus and even causing you to have to derail the flow of your day by turning around and checking all those things. Fortunately, home automation can give you the functionality you want. You can turn off lights, shut off the iron, adjust the thermostat, turn off the range, and perform a host of other functions from wherever you are. What’s even better is that this capability is becoming more affordable, making it possible for more people to utilize automation in their homes and their businesses. It’s All About the Internet of Things (IoT) Although newer homes can be built with certain technological functions integrated into them, not everyone takes this route because it can be cost prohibitive during the construction process. To compensate for this, people are creating smart home ecosystems as they go based on the latest technological developments. This is possible due to scalable systems and installers that know the technology and equipment. We also have to thank the Internet of Things (IoT). Now, this isn’t a new type of internet. Instead, it is what has happened to the internet as time progressed. Decades ago, just computers connected to the internet. Later, cell phones became Wi-Fi enabled so the internet could be accessed instead of data. Tablets were also invented and primarily use Wi-Fi rather than data to connect to the World Wide Web. Now, thermostats, sensors, security systems, surveillance cameras, and other devices can connect to the internet through the router in a home. This allows a person to download the applicable application on their phone, tablet, or computer and control temperature, turn lights on and off while on vacation or at work, shut off the outlet the iron is plugged into, and even lock the doors if someone forgot to lock them. If it seems like the world is turning into something out of a Sci-fi movie, that’s because the sci-fi genre has always been a good predictor of technological advances designed to save time, money, and comfort. Contact Your Rochester, Buffalo & Syracuse Home Automation Experts Get your free, no-obligation consultation to see what you can do to make your home a smarter home. At SPS Fire & Security, we use state-of-the-art equipment and we are well-versed in the technology and installation techniques that make life more comfortable and convenient for our clients. Call today at 585-770-0348.
Hot Home Automation Trends for 2018
Technology That is Getting Smarter Home security has become a hot topic, especially in 2017 since more homeowners have become aware of how much a security system can protect them and what these systems can do. A home security system is much more than a device that sounds an alarm when an intruder comes into the home. They are even more than the 24/7 monitoring services they are attached to (although the authorities being called for you is a great feature to have) thanks to home automation. Security systems have evolved so much that they have entered into the realm of home automation. You don’t have to have a home specially built to be a smart home, but you can take what you have and transform it into something that is safer and more convenient for you. Read on for a rundown of what is expected to happen to home automation in 2018. More Talking and Less Button Pushing 2017 marked the emergence of the voice assistant. Amazon’s Alexa is the perfect example. However, it’s possible that Google Assistant and Siri could get in on the action. Imagine being able to control an alarm clock, the lights in your home, or appliances just by talking to Siri. Currently, the apps to control these home components are there, but through manual control rather than voice control. As for why Siri is in the running for voice-controlled home automation, Apple relaxed the requirements of its HomeKit. It’s no longer required that compatible products contain a HomeKit chip. This means that Siri could be integrated into existing smartphone setups installed by security companies. Home Appliances Will Get Smarter Currently, Whirlpool and Samsung have a few appliances that can be controlled by a smartphone app. And here’s another possibility: appliances connected to smoke detectors that turn off tan appliances if smoke is detected. This could prevent a terrifying and life-changing fire in the kitchen. More Robust Security Systems And just as they always do, security systems will come with faster processing speeds and other features. For instance, video surveillance is always improving. One of the goals is to further improve images captured in the dark. Complete Security Solutions All in all, it’s not just about the security anymore; it’s about having more control over what is yours. It’s also about having control over the scale of security. Some people like a simple security system, while others want the entire package. The flexibility is there to get what you want and it looks like 2018 is going to bring even more options for those getting new systems or upgrading their existing ones. Contact Your Rochester, Buffalo & Syracuse Home Automation Installer At SPS Fire & Security, you determine the level of security and convenience that you need. From regular security systems to automating different areas of your home, we have the tools and experience. To find the best solution for you, call us at 585-770-0348.
Top Home Security Systems Can Increase Your Home’s Worth
How Home Security in Rochester, Syracuse & Buffalo is Increasing Home Values There are many things that we do to our homes to increase their worth, such as hardwood flooring, modern bathroom fixtures, and other types of renovations. But did you know that home security systems and home automation products can increase your home’s value as well? Let’s take a look at the different elements of a home security system that can make your home worth more: 1. Smart Thermostats Anything that helps your home save energy can give your home value a boost. When energy is saved, energy bills are reduced. Most smart thermostats pay for themselves within 24 months. This means that a return on investment is produced for the lifetime of the thermostat. You can tell the thermostat to adjust the temperature at certain times during the day or control it through your mobile phone or tablet. 2. 24/7 Security System Monitoring 24/7 monitoring is becoming more popular because it is like having a security guard at your door every single day and night. The rising popularity in home alarm monitoring is resulting in more professional security system installations than do-it-yourself security systems. This is good since do-it-yourself systems may just be an alarm with no monitoring and no way to notify you if there is an emergency. 3. Fire and Carbon Monoxide Protection A security system can also provide you with fire and carbon monoxide protection. If you decide to sell your home, this is something that a potential buyer could find very appealing. Added protection is always a plus. A top security system can also be outfitted with the capability to detect flooding in the basement, which will give you a notification if a pipe bursts or a flooding event happens in your area while you’re out of town. 4. Smart Lights Imagine being out of town and controlling your lights through your phone. One of the biggest pieces of advice that people receive when going out of town is to leave a light on. With smart lights, you can alternate lights each night to make it appear that someone is home. Contact An Experienced Rochester, Buffalo, and Syracuse Home Security Alarm Company At SPS Fire & Security, we want to help you increase your home value by installing a top security system within your home. Not only does this give you peace of mind in the way of keeping you and your family safer, but brings more value to the home in a unique way. To learn more, call us at 585-770-0348 for a free consultation.
Home Security – Securing Your Home for Winter Vacation
Home Security and Home Prep Tips If you’re like many people in the Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo area, you go south for the winter or travel during the holidays. According to the AAA, more than 103 million Americans will travel 50 or more miles between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. That’s a lot of people! That also means there are a lot of homes left vulnerable to thieves looking to take advantage of the situation. The following points are tips for securing your home for your winter vacation, whether it’s a week or a few months: 1. Prevent Water Issues Since you won’t be home using hot water, you can turn down your hot water heater to reduce the amount of energy it consumes. This will save you money. You can also turn off your main water supply so you don’t have to worry about unexpected leaks. The last thing you need is to come home to a flood or receive a very high water bill. You can also keep your heat on to prevent the pipes from freezing, but keep it no higher or lower than 50 degrees. This is just warm enough to prevent the freezing of pipes and still save you money on energy costs. 2. Prevent Electrical Issues When it comes to appliances and other electrical devices, there is one rule to follow: unplug it if you aren’t using it. There’s no need for the computer, blender, microwave, or even the television to be plugged in. All of these things have electricity moving through them even when they aren’t being used. You also reduce your chance of having an electrical fire. 3. Make the Empty House Less Obvious Next, make sure the house doesn’t look empty. You can do the following to make the house look occupied: Keep a few key lights on in the home, preferably those that are on the most anyway. This is to ensure nothing looks out of place. Have a friend or neighbor pick up your mail and newspaper each day so the mail doesn’t accumulate in the mailbox. Have someone on standby to shovel your sidewalk, porch steps, and/or driveway if it snows. Keep on a radio so voices can be heard through windows or doors. 4. Properly Secure Your Home The last area to consider is the security of your home. With a properly installed home security system, there are many things you can achieve: View your home while you’re away via an app on your phone that can see what your home video surveillance cameras see. Control the lights in the home so you can turn lights on and off no matter where you are. You can also control your thermostat. What better way to make a burglar believe someone is home than to turn your home into a smart home? If a pipe bursts, the alarm system can detect it and notify you of a problem so you can send someone to your home to see what is happening. If there is a fire, the fire department will be notified. If someone breaks in, the alarm will sound and the 24/7 monitoring center will be notified so the authorities can be called. A home security system with all this functionality can help you manage parts of the other areas you need to do to make sure your home is secure while you’re gone. An Experienced Rochester, Buffalo & Syracuse Home Security Company At SPS Fire & Security, we want to help you protect everything that you have worked so hard for while you’re gone. If you don’t have a security system and you travel, now is the time to talk to us to see how you can better secure your home. Call us today at 585-770-0348 or complete the contact form below.
Home Automation: Making Your Smartphone a Home Security Tool
Smart Home Connectivity Today’s security systems are much different than those that were installed 10 or more years ago. Today, you can make your smartphone a part of the system through home automation. Security systems are also much smarter than they used to be, as you can control everything from your lights to your thermostat from wherever you are. SPS Fire & Security can set you up with a smart home system that will give you peace of mind and freedom when you’re on the go A Rundown of Home Automation Here’s a rundown of how automating your home works: You have climate control capabilities that allow you to regulate the temperature of your home without using your thermostat. In other words, you can change the temperature from your couch or from a hotel in Hawaii. All you need is your smartphone and the applicable app. Watch your home security camera feed so you can monitor your home at all times. You can view multiple home security cameras at once and it is all live! If you want to see if the cat is climbing the curtains, you can do that. If you need to make sure no one has broken into the home, you can watch your feed to see if there is anything suspicious. If a break-in has happened, video footage can be used to catch the culprit. Turn on your interior and exterior lights to make it look like someone is home when no one is. You can also set rules for your lights so you don’t have to worry about remembering to turn lights on and off through the app. All this can be controlled through the app. If motion sensors are activated at your home, the app will send an alert to your smartphone so you are aware of what’s going on. You can arm and disarm your home alarm system remotely. This can give friends or family access while you’re gone. Instead of giving away your code, you can let them in when they need in. As you can see, home automation is amazing in that it gives you more flexibility, peace of mind, and control. One of the worst feelings is going on vacation and wondering if you adjusted the thermostat accordingly, locked the door, or set the alarm. If you have a smartphone, you have the control you need. Contact A Rochester Home Automation Security Company Home automation is becoming the way of the home security world as more homeowners want control. Even business owners are getting in on the technology. If you want in on this technology so you can secure your home and make your life easier, call SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348 to request a free quote or complete the contact form below.
Home Security and Home Automation for Seniors
Smart Homes Protect the Elderly Home security systems protect anyone of any age, but there are different features that, while they benefit all people, can especially benefit seniors. Most of all, a home security system, especially one with home automation, can put seniors more in charge of their own security. That also goes for those that may not be as tech savvy. A professional home security company installs the system and teaches the homeowner how to use the system using a smartphone. Yes, the elderly now carries smartphones, as they have become a way of life, and they use them well. Fortunately, security systems and automation apps are very easy to use. The learning curve is very small. Protecting the Elderly from Burglars The good news is that the violent crime rate is lower among seniors than younger people, but, unfortunately, burglars will target the elderly because they may be in search of pain medications or other medications they can use to satisfy a drug problem. They also believe that senior citizens have money stashed under their mattresses. This means that seniors tend to be the target of property crimes. One out of five burglary victims are over 65 years old, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. They are seen as easy targets, which is why it is important to lock down the home as much as possible. Dealing with Environmental Threats Burglary isn’t the only threat to the elderly. Floods, fires, leaks, carbon monoxide, and other events don’t care about how old someone is. Home security systems can have built-in fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors so the authorities can be notified as soon as possible. A panic button can also be used when there is an emergency and a phone can’t be accessed. There are different environmental protections put in place to make sure everyone inside the home is protected. Peace of Mind Through home automation, seniors can also have control of their home while on vacation. For those that travel a lot, they can have peace of mind that their home is safe through video surveillance that allows them to watch remotely. If there is ever fear that the doors haven’t been locked, they can be locked remotely. If certain lights need to be turned on each night, they can be. If pets are left at home alone, the thermostat can be controlled. The sky is the limit when it comes to giving the elderly more control over their homes and lives. Call A Qualified Rochester Home Security Company If you are ready to see how home automation and security can make life easier, call SPS Fire & Security today at 585-770-0348.
Rochester NY Smart Home Automation – What to Know
How Does Home Automation Make Life Easier? Home automation is becoming more mainstream because of the convenience it gives homeowners. It is also becoming more practical every time a new product or capability is released. Take the smart thermostat, for instance. It adjusts to meet the comfort needs of the family and uses less energy in the meantime. The thermostat can be controlled from anywhere, which saves time and money. It also gives you peace of mind, such as making sure the thermostat is turned down or completely off when you’re away. No longer do you have to worry about going out of town or going to work and leaving a thermostat too high or a door unlocked. Smart Home Products The line of smart home products doesn’t stop at your thermostat. You can also make sure your doors are locked when you leave home. If you’ve ever left the house, got a mile or so away, and turned around because you weren’t sure the door was locked, you know this frustration all too well. Now all you have to do is pull over and use your smartphone to see if your doors are locked. If they aren’t, you can lock them remotely. If you need your neighbor to go into your house instead of you having to go home and take care of something, you can unlock the door from afar. Even appliances are a part of Rochester NY smart home automation solutions. This is done by monitoring and controlling a specific power plug. If you go out of town and forgot to turn an appliance off, you can turn it off from anywhere in the world as long as you have an internet connection on your mobile device. You can also control lights. Controlling lights works great when you are out of town or at work. You can turn one light off and another on to make it appear as if someone is home. This will keep burglars away. Remote Video Surveillance But even if burglars don’t want to stay away, video surveillance is valuable. You can view your video feed from anywhere to see how things are going at home. Cameras can be placed inside or outside. Outside, you can monitor the exterior of the home. Inside, you can see what is happening. If you have an inside pet, you can always see what they’re up to. You can also keep track of your alarm system. If the system is triggered, you will be notified by the monitoring center. However, being remotely connected to it will provide you with notifications. Many Home Automation Options There are many home automation options out there. You can control practically anything from anywhere, which makes life easier for you. Home automation can also benefit the elderly or disabled, such as being able to turn a light off or on while sitting down. It’s all about making life easier and safer for you and your family. Rochester NY Smart Home Automation Installers If you are ready to automate your home, SPS Fire and Security carries a range of home automation products that can make your home work for you. You’ll save energy, money, and you’ll always have peace of mind when you’re away. Call today at 585-770-0348 to learn more.
Is Home Automation the Smart Choice for Your Family?
How Does Home Automation Make Life Easier? Home automation isn’t an entirely new technology, but it is one that is making great strides in making life better for families. However, many homeowners question how convenient home automation really is. It does involve everything from remotely adjusting a thermostat to turning on a light, but is it really worth it? The following list gives you a glimpse into the conveniences and if they are will help make your life easier. Reduce Stress Have you ever left your home and wondered if you locked the door? If so, you’re not the only one. Home automation allows for smart locks, which means that you can lock your doors from anywhere. If you leave for vacation and you wonder if the doors are locked, you can find out. If any doors are unlocked, you can lock them from where you are. This eliminates the need to turn around just to check the locks. All you need is home automation and a smartphone. Keep Things Peaceful Smart lighting helps keep things peaceful and you can even save money on your power bill. For example, you can put countdown timers on the lights in rooms that are used for short periods of time. Bathrooms are the perfect example. The light will automatically shut off in five or ten minutes. This will prevent the light from being left on for hours and that will save you money on your electric bill. Motion sensors installed in rooms can result in the light being turned on and off as people enter and exit the rooms. Another thing you can do is set lighting schedules, especially when you go on vacation. The lights can be scheduled to make it appear as if someone is home. This will help deter burglars from entering the home. If they do enter, your alarm system can run them off and video surveillance can capture who they are. Your Home Becomes More Accessible Home automation can also be great for those that are elderly or have disabilities. Some of the simplest tasks can be challenging for some people. Automating the home can make a significant difference in a person’s life. Certain actions can be achieved by simply pushing a button. Physical actions are reduced and this can make the home safer for someone who may have difficulty getting around. Stay Aware When you add video surveillance into the mix, you can look at your video feed from your smartphone when you are at work, on vacation, or when taking a walk. You can see what the dog is doing, what is happening in your yard, and what is going on in your house. This gives you peace of mind because you know what’s happening. Save Time Home automation also saves time because you don’t have to run through the house turning off lights or locking all of the doors. You can do this straight from your smartphone. Stand in one place and get it all done. It’s as simple as that. User Fewer Resources When you purchase your home automation system, you are making a contribution to the economy. You are also using fewer resources because you are cutting energy consumption by using only what is necessary at that time. Keep Tabs on the Kids It can be difficult to hover over the kids at all times. Through home automation, you can integrate home video surveillance that allows you to watch the baby while he or she is sleeping or monitor the kids while they are in the playroom. This gives you a lot of peace of mind and can even help you get more done. You Move Into the Future When you have home automation in place, you are moving into the future. As technology advances, your system can advance. That means you will always be poised to have the latest technology. As technology improves, this means that your system will get better and better Every single time you upgrade. Contact A Rochester, Syracuse & Buffalo Smart Home Installer At SPS Fire & Security, we specialize in a wide range of security products, including home automation. If you are ready to turn your home into a smart home or you want more information, call us at 585-770-0348 for a free consultation.