Home Automation / Smart Home Technology – With one touch, dim the lights, play music, turn up the heat, lock the doors and arm the security system. Check in on your home from your smartphone, no matter where you are. Press a “Goodnight” button that will put your house to sleep, turning off all lights and locking all doors. With Control4, your options are virtually limitless. We examine all the options available to make your home more efficient, more energy efficient, and completely automated at an affordable price. We look at the price of a smart home system detailed by each electronic device. Contact Ted at Plano Texas Handyman at 214-507-3415 for a quote on your perfect home automation. For a small investment of less than $2500.00, you can convert your home into a the most tech savvy home anywhere. Please Visit Plano Texas Handyman website to view and read about all of our capabilities. Contact Plano Texas Handyman for more details
Plano Texas Handyman can provide you with the envy of the community by automating everyday chores such as, and all these devices can be controlled by your smart phone, Apple I-Phone or Adroid device:
A. Automatic door locks
B. WIFI light switches
C. Turn your outdoor sprinklers on and off with your Smartphone
D. Control pool equipment electronically
E. Put an Automatic mister in your backyard
F. HVAC cooling / Heating and thermostat controls
G. Wireless home camera systems, CAT5 home camera systems
H. Media room Automation
I. Melbourne heating system
Highest-rated, best-selling. The smart watering category leader, overwhelmingly recommended by users.
Easy to control anywhere, anytime. Get complete access to monitor and adjust your sprinkler system from your phone, tablet or laptop.
Automatically adapts for weather. Rachio continuously adapts to local weather forecasts and changing seasons, automatically optimizing watering schedules. We also recently updated our central heating system with some superb designer radiators which just look incredible so have a look at those if you’re buying new radiators.
Save water and money. Save up to 50% of your outdoor water use while keeping your plants healthy. EPA WaterSense Certified, eligible for rebate options up to 100% of retail value.
Water with precision. Rachio uses specific yard details, advanced watering algorithms and proven irrigation science to create accurate schedules customized to the particular needs of your yard.
Connect with top smart home platforms. Extend your smart home out into the yard. Rachio directly integrates with the best-connected home platforms (Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, Nest, and more), so you have more options and more control. Smart Home Technology
Wireless Surveillance Systems – Arlo Security System – 4 Wire-Free HD Cameras, Indoor/Outdoor, Night Vision (VMS3430)
See in stunning clarity and sharper details with HD cameras and watch live streamed or recorded videos from your computer, smartphone or tablet using Arlo’s free App.
Patented 100% wire-free design and magnetic mounts let you discreetly place cameras where you want and monitor your home from every possible angle.
Night vision cameras with HD clarity even in the dark.
Motion activated cameras and customizable activity alerts provide real-time email or app notifications while home or away. Smart Home Technology
Indoor/Outdoor weatherproof cameras install easily for DIY security so you can even monitor the exterior of your home. Contact Ted at Plano Texas Handyman at 214-507-3415 for a quote on your perfect home automation.
Wireless light Controls – TP-Link Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch, No Hub Required, Single Pole, Control Your Fixtures From Anywhere
Remote Access: Control your home lighting from anywhere with your smartphone or tablet using the free Kasa app.
Scheduling: Set lights to turn off and on at dawn, dusk, or any time that works with your daily schedule.
Works with Amazon Alexa: Turn on or off the bulbs connected to the Smart Switch just using your voice with Amazon Echo, Dot, Tap and other supported devices(sold separately), LED Indicator: Find the switch easily, even at night when all your lights are turned off
Input voltage: 100 – 120VAC, 50/60Hz, 15.0A, Maximum Power: 3.68KW. Smart Home Technology. Contact Ted at Plano Texas Handyman at 214-507-3415 for a quote on your perfect home automation.
Home HVAC Controls – Nest Learning Thermostat, 3rd Generation
Works with Amazon Alexa for voice control (Alexa device sold separately).
Auto-Schedule: Nest learns the temperatures you like and programs itself in about a week.
Home/Away Assist: Nest automatically turns itself down when nobody’s home to help you save energy.
Remote Control: Connect your thermostat to Wi‑Fi to control the temperature from your phone, tablet or laptop.
Farsight: When Nest spots you across the room, it lights up to show you the time, temperature or weather.
Energy History: Check your Energy History in the Nest app to see how much energy you use and why.
Nest Leaf: You’ll see the Leaf when you choose a temperature that saves energy. It guides you in the right direction. Contact Ted at Plano Texas Handyman at 214-507-3415 for a quote on your perfect home automation.
August Smart Lock (2nd Gen) – Keyless home access – Control with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit or your smartphone (Dark Gray)
No more keys: Open your door and control who comes in – all from your August Home smartphone app.
Easy install: Attach to the inside of your current deadbolt in minutes. Your home’s exterior is unchanged.
Hands-free access: Auto-unlock when you arrive home. Auto-locks after you’re inside.
Feel secure: Share temporary virtual keys with guests & monitor access with 24/7 in-app activity feed.
Remote access: Control your front door from anywhere from your app. Requires August Connect.
Works with: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Nest, IFTTT, Wink, Logitech Harmony, Logitech POP, iOS and Android devices. Smart Home Technology. Contact Ted at Plano Texas Handyman at 214-507-3415 for a quote on your perfect home automation. Contact Plano Texas Handyman for more details
Fall remodeling projects and ideas – Lower your Bills with These Smart Home Devices. There’s nothing smarter than having smart home devices that save you money. Smart home devices can be used to make you your money, and your time more efficient. By adding household automation and remote control access to some of your home systems, you can lower your consumption and lower your bills in the process. These are some products that will help you do just that. Examples of inexpensive upgrades to save money include: WiFi thermostats will control your atmosphere, Security cameras provide peace of mind, room and motion sensors will immediately notify you of unwanted activity in your home, LED lighting will provide years of lighting at low consumption levels with a ROI as little as 12 months. Fall remodeling projects and ideas
So you think you’re ready for a home theater set-up, and you’re
quivering with anticipation at the thought of a fully immersive movie
experience right in your own home. But there’s that one nagging
question:
Where do you begin?
Contact us to discuss your Home Theatre Design by calling 214-507-3415. Our company installs only the best wiring infrastructure to support a pleasurable viewing and listening experience. So what does this mean for your overall quality design. You buy the products and we do the installation saving you a lot of money. Fall remodeling projects and ideas
2. Home Theatre
Install a generous 1-1/4? ENT PVC conduit raceway from the viewing wall to the projector you got from RM Projectors to allow for the HDMI cable. Most companies use 1? or smaller making it difficult to change HDMI cables.
Install 16 gauge wire for all speakers. Most homes we will run 7 speaker wires and a coaxial/RCA cable for the sub woofer.
Wire all components to make sure everything is working properly.
Offer a 1 year installation on all installed components
3. Whole House Home Surge Protection
Home Surge protection? Boring and technical and way too may terms like amps, right? Think of surge protection as a bouncer at a nightclub. He may only let certain people in and quickly tosses the troublemakers. Getting more interesting?
Fall remodeling projects and ideas
Home Surge protection consists of 1 surge protector installed at the electrical panel and commercial grade surge suppressors installed at critical equipment. Well, a good whole-house surge protection device does essentially the same thing. It allows in only the electricity your home needs and not the unruly over-voltages from the utility-then it protects your devices from any trouble that can occur from surges inside the house. Fall remodeling projects and ideas
Whole-house surge protective devices (SPDs) are typically wired to the electric service box and located nearby to protect all the appliances and electrical systems in a home. They are typically a $200 to $500 add-on.
4. Install an Electric Fireplace
Reasons to buy an Electric Fireplace, Plano Texas Handyman can design and install an electric fireplace for you home that will provide dramatic warmth and appeal to your home. An electric heater that mimics the look and feel of a real gas or wood fire, an electric fireplace is becoming more and more the modern alternative to the mess and stress of a conventional fireplace. But a lot of people are doubtful with how real they look and how easy they are to install so let us ease your mind with a little cost benefit analysis. Electric fireplaces provide a wealth of reasons to install these nifty technology innovations: 1) No smoke, 2) Energy efficient 3) Low maintenance 4) Cost less 5) Longer lifespan 6) Ease of installation. Fall remodeling projects and ideas
5. Install a High Performance Range Hood
For a Healthy Home, Upgrade Your Kitchen Range Hood. If you have played host for Thanksgiving or any daily cooking event, you know exactly what a difference kitchen ventilation can make-or what it could have made, if only your range hood had been up to the task. The right range hood doesn’t just make cooking more pleasant, it also improves the air quality of your entire home. So now is a great time to replace yours, ahead of more holiday cooking and day-to-day time indoors. If you’re not sure which one to buy, it might be helpful for you to read some reviews on a website like diligentchef.com (you can read more here). Reviews enable you to see what other people think about a product which is why they’re so useful.
In addition to removing cooking odors, a range hood whisks away grease, moisture and such pollutants as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. And instead of filtering and recirculating air in the kitchen, it should duct to the outside in order to carry exhaust and odors completely out of your home for a healthier environment inside. Fall remodeling projects and ideas
It’s also possible to find a hood that works quietly while you’re
carrying on a kitchen conversation. Look for certified sound ratings and
sone levels (one sone is equivalent to around 40 decibels). The lower
the sone level, the quieter the range hood will be; just make sure to
double-check sone levels for all fan settings before you commit.
In other range hood features, dishwasher-safe filters make maintenance easy, and sensor lighting provides safety when you’re prowling for a midnight snack. Whether your range hood update is a replacement or upgrade, the variety of designs on the market means you can accommodate both your kitchen’s style and your year-round cooking routine with healthy, effective results, plus, you can completely transform your kitchen with some new high end furniture brands too, to match the cooker and anything else you might want to replace.
6. Convert to a Smart Home
Today’s average home has a plethora of connected devices. And all smart home products, such as laptops, smartphones, TVs, electronic door locks, and thermostats, require a solid, reliable networking infrastructure to function at their full potential. Plano Texas Handyman has the expertise to install a system to keep your home running smoothly
Most home networks today are usually comprised of an Internet connection to the house, which links to a wireless router with which everything else-smartphones, smart light switches, surveillance cameras-communicates. This setup functions adequately when the only products connected to the router are laptops and Xbox gaming systems. If you’re going to be creating a smart home, you may want to upgrade your wifi router to ensure all your devices have a strong connection. Take a look at this review on the Best WiFi Routers for Long Range to find out more.
Today, in many households these legacy devices have been joined by a new generation of connected devices, including media streamers, home automation hubs, cloud storage services, security systems, WiFi switches, Room and Atmosphere sensors, and other products which the industry has come to refer to as the “Internet of Things,” or “IoT.” As the number of IoT devices on a home network increases, it becomes increasingly more difficult for the network to function well. Problems such as buffering in video streams, latency in music streams, and signals that don’t reach their intended destinations can result. Build a Network for Your Smart Home. Fall remodeling projects and ideas
Plano Texas Handyman and Monarch Technology can install these devices and make your home a smart home and your business a smart business. Call Ted at Plano Texas Handyman at 214-507-3415 to discuss your Smart Home and Smart Business. Visit our sister company website Monarc Technology. Fall remodeling projects and ideas
Pro TV Mounting – Plano Texas Handyman is a locally owned & operated company that specializes in TV mounting services and home theater installations in Dallas, Tx. We offer TV and projector mounting, pre-wiring & wiring of speakers, home theater installations and more! We have over 5 years of experience & knowledge in the TV and home entertainment industry, and will always provide the best customer service! We guarantee a clean installation every time with the highest quality materials and name brands products for the best price! Additionally, we offer television installation services on decorative surfaces, including but not limited to brick, stone, and marble. So don’t hesitate, let us take care of any and all home entertainment installation needs!
Call Plano Texas Handyman today or visit our website for a complete list of all our capabilities. Call today at 214-507-3415 for more information. Pro TV Mounting .
For the most professional home theater and television installation in Plano, Tx, you can depend on Plano Texas Handyman. Our team of professional TV installers is proud to serve all of your home theater installation and TV installation needs. We provide accurate and efficient surround sound system installation, TV mounting, speaker pre-wiring and wiring, projector mounting, and more. You can depend on us for exceptional services for your home or business in North Dallas. Professional TV Installation. We recommend Sanus mounts and accessories to make your TV the best.
Hide your Wires Having your TV professionally mounted or installed will bring you years of enjoyment and can transform a room, if done correctly. For an elegant and clean look, you will want to conceal the wires and power in the wall. This give the appearance that the TV is floating. Pro TV Mounting
You may also want to conceal, or centralize your audio-video equipment, which can create additional space in a room. Digital Living has helped many homeowners plan and install centralized audio-video equipment over the years and we can transform your system.
Count on our Expert TV Installation Services
At TV Installation of Atlanta, we do all of the heavy lifting and secure
TV mounting for our customers. Our TV mounting services are the best in
the area and guarantee that your television will be handled safely and
installed properly. We can even provide TV mounting installation
services on decorative services such as stone or brick. Ask our
professionals about our clean and professional installs using the best
materials at competitive prices.
A perfect TV Install Every Time Give your home or office a professional look with a perfectly installed television set. We offer budget friendly prices and our company is fully licensed and insured for your peace of mind. When you need the best flat screen TV install in Plano, you can depend on us! Pro TV Mounting
Contact Us Contact us to request professional TV installation including commercial TV installation services in Dallas, TX. Give us a call for great TV installation services at (214) 507-3415 today. Plano Texas Handyman and Monarc Technology is an award winning design, engineering, and technology integration company specializing in smart home automation, custom home theater systems, whole home music, audiophile home solutions and wireless networks. We also offer audio-video-network products and component sales for customers in Dallas Metro area, Plano and Frisco.
Call Plano Texas Handyman today or visit our website for a complete list of all our capabilities. Call today at 214-507-3415 for more information. Professional TV Installation. We service Plano, TX, Frisco, TX, Mckinney, Tx, Carrollton, TX, Dallas TX Pro TV Mounting
Home Electric Fireplace – In recent years, linear fireplaces have become very popular in both commercial and residential settings. Linear fireplaces add a contemporary feel to nearly any space including bedrooms, living rooms, patios, pool rooms, restaurants, business waiting rooms, and so much more. Here’s everything you need to know about adding a linear fireplace to your home, office, or business. Plano Texas Handyman is your local expert in installing really nice linear fireplace products for full turnkey beautiful fireplaces. Call us at 214-507-3415 or visit our website for more information.
Linear
fireplaces, also referred to as contemporary fireplaces or rectangular
fireplaces, are a style of gas fireplace that can be installed in most
indoor or outdoor spaces. Because linear fireplaces aren’t limited by
the traditional fireplace design, a linear fireplace can be installed
flush with nearly any building material right up to the glass!
Linear fireplaces allow you to enjoy the ambiance and comfort of a
fireplace without the design limitations of a traditional fireplace.
Connect two rooms, line an entire wall, create a shared indoor / outdoor
space. With linear fireplaces, the design limitations are practically
endless.
1.) No smoke.
Buy an Electric Fireplace this Winter – Wood burning fireplaces release cancer causing agents and dangerous fumes into your home, such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. Inhalation of these fumes can be dangerous to your family and pets. Electric fireplaces, however, have zero emissions and thus, zero harm to your family and pets. Those inflicted with allergies and medical conditions such as asthma can find comfort and convenience in any one of our electric fireplaces. Even switching to woods that are supposed to produce higher heat and less smoke still contribute to deforestation and still produce harmful smoke that reduces the air quality in your home. Long gone are the days when your whole house smelled like smoke after the use of a fireplace for a few short hours. With an electric fireplace, you can use the fireplace without the harmful effects of the smoke and without the smell of smoke permeating throughout your entire home and seeping into your carpets, rugs, couches, clothing and beds. Home Electric Fireplace
Ted with Plano Texas Handyman can install a great electric fireplace with a magnificent mantle, back drop and all electrical apparatuses for as little as $2500. Call us today at 214-507-3415 or visit or website for more information. You can also read more at the following Plano Texas Handyman link.
2.) Energy efficient.
Electric fireplaces are one of the most efficient ways to heat a room, which in turn, reduces energy costs. Electric fireplaces heat rooms faster and more efficiently than real wood burning fireplaces do. Since heat rises, traditional chimney fireplaces let all the heat out through the chimney. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “traditional fireplaces lose over 90 percent of the heat of the fire out of the chimney along with much of the heated air in the room.” Since drafts come in through the chimney, your already heated room becomes cold again after a few gusts of freezing air come down the chimney. With an electric fireplace, rooms warm up quickly and stay warm throughout the entire use. LED technology is also incorporated into each of our fireplaces, and consumes less energy than regular incandescent bulbs. The normal lifespan of an LED bulb is 50,000 hours and contains no mercury, which helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and costs much less to operate. Producing approximately 90% less heat than an incandescent bulb, the LED bulb stays cool to the touch. Home Electric Fireplace
3.) Low maintenance.
Having the ambiance and warmth from an electric fireplace is much easier to enjoy when there is little to no maintenance involved. With an electric fireplace, there is no soot or ash to clean up and no need for chimney cleaning, which on average costs $200-$300. No firewood is needed to harness the heat of an electric fireplace, which means no more chopping or buying wood and no more storing of wood in a dry place. Not to mention, the forests will be pretty happy with you too, as there is no deforestation involved in enjoying the flame of an electric fireplace. Additionally, with an electric fireplace, there is no need to get down on your hands and knees or bend over in uncomfortable positions to light or tend to a fire. With an electric fireplace, you can just sit back and relax and use the remote to control the fireplace from across the room.
4.) Cost Less.
The costs associated with installing and maintenance of traditional fireplaces tends to be outrageous. That is, until electric fireplaces came into the mix. For wood-burning fireplaces, expect to pay anywhere from $7,000-$10,000 or more on installation, along with the costs of chimney inspection, chimney cleaning, wood, and the lost heat that escapes from the chimney. Gas fireplace units run around $2,500 for the basic materials, along with another $2,500 for installation and finishing. Gas fireplaces also require annual service checks plus a chimney inspection, which can run from $100-$200. Electric fireplaces are the least expensive option as far as fireplaces go. Zone heating saves money- allowing you to lower the over-all temperature of your home by 10-15 degrees, heating only the room you’re in. This concept reduces the use of wasted energy and could save you up to 10% on your energy bills. Gas and wood burning fireplaces actually work the opposite of zone heating- creating a draft effect when lit that actually pulls heat out of the home. With an electric fireplace, there is no chimney cleaning, no service checks, and no costly installation fees- just plug it in and enjoy. Home Electric Fireplace
5.) Anyone can enjoy an electric fireplace.
Renters and those living in apartments, condos, small homes and even recreational vehicles (RVs) seldom get to enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a fireplace. With electric fireplaces, anyone can enjoy the dancing flames in any room of their home. Since there is no need for a chimney, electric fireplaces can be placed in any room of the home on any level of the home to provide the calming environment that an electric fireplace provides.
6.) Longer Lifespan.
Electric fireplaces have the longest lifespan out of its wood burning and gas burning counterparts. Because electric fireplaces are not a combustible energy resource, electrical fireplaces are not susceptible to rust and corrosion. Electric fireplaces can be used for several years on end and still look as new as the first day you bought it.
7.) Easy Installation.
One of the best things about electric fireplaces is the ease of installation. Installation of an electric fireplace is a one-step process. All you have to do is plug it in and you are ready to enjoy. On the contrary, wood burning and gas fireplaces are costly, time consuming, and just a hassle to install. Oftentimes a professional is needed in order to install the fireplaces. However, not all companies have the knowhow, but those that do, for example A Quality HVAC, will keep aspects like insulation, security and safety in mind while installing a fireplace. For further information on installation of different heating devices (and especially fireplace), you might want to visit https://aqualityhvac.org/, and similar websites.
So, buy an Electric Fireplace this Winter.
8.) Options are abundant with electric fireplaces.
Electric fireplaces allow a plethora of styles and options that are
bound to please even the pickiest consumer. Electric fireplaces come in
traditional, contemporary, and modern styles to match modern looks and
architectural styles. Electric fireplaces are built in to beautiful
mantels and media consoles, allowing for extra storage in a stylish way.
Electric fireplace inserts can also be installed in already existing
fireplaces. Wall mounted units, corner units, and compact units allow
electric fireplaces to work in any space and any décor, and can be moved
around from room to room whenever you desire. Electric fireplaces can
also be placed in locations that don’t normally allow for fireplaces,
such as basements. Electric fireplaces also allow the user to be in
complete control of the flame effects, such as brightness, flame speed,
flame color, and much more, depending on the features of the electric
fireplace insert you choose. Buy an Electric Fireplace this Winter
9.) Fireplace Safety.
Our electric fireplaces feature an automatic shut-off timer function,
allowing you to set the timer from 30 minutes up to 9 hours. You can
set the timer and live worry free knowing that the entire unit will
power off once the timed cycle is complete. The shut-off timer function
reduces the risk of fires resulting from the overheating of electronics.
Although electric fireplaces produce enough heat to warm a room 400
square feet and up, they remain cool to the touch, therefore reducing
the risk of injuries and burns, making electric fireplaces safe for kids
and pets. Buy an Electric Fireplace this Winter
10.) Electric fireplaces can be used all year in all climates.
Electric fireplaces can be used with or without heat, leaving you able to enjoy the ambiance of a gentle rolling fire all year long and allowing homes in all climates to enjoy the comforting glow of a fire. Shop now to see the best electric fireplace for any room.
Ted with Plano Texas Handyman can install a great electric fireplace
with a magnificent mantle, back drop and all electrical apparatuses for
as little as $2500. Call us today at 214-507-3415 or visit or website for more information. You can also read more at the following Plano Texas Handyman link.
Complete Home Monitoring System – Monitoring your connected home has come a long way since the days of primitive alert systems linked to a landline. While these older systems were to some degree effective, they weren’t very user-friendly and they made remote access awkward.
That’s all changed as we edge toward 2020. Today, we’ll show
you how to build out a complete home monitoring system the easy way. The even
better thing is, this will cost far less than you might imagine.
We’ll be sidestepping professionally-monitored set-ups here. If you’re happy to pay an ongoing monthly fee and to lock yourself into a contract, we’re not here to dissuade you. Indeed, many of these packages from industry security titans like ADT or Vivint are tailor-made for the elderly or anyone wanting total peace of mind.
Plano Texas Handyman is an expert in the installation of Complete home monitoring systems. Call us at 214-507-3415 or visit our website for information on a system. Our company dose not endorse any specific brand but the information below is based on Insteon products.
So, how do you get started?
Well, since you’ll be needing to mesh together multiple devices to get them singing in harmony, you’ll need to invest in a smart home hub right off the bat.
What You’ll Need
Home Hub
Smart Speaker
Smart Video Doorbell
Indoor Wireless Security Cameras
Outdoor Wireless Security Cameras
Motion-Activated Smart Security Lights
Motion Sensors
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Water Leak Detectors
Home Hub
You can think of a smart home hub as the heart of your connected home.
One of the serious drawbacks of smart devices is the lack of unified protocols, meaning it’s often impossible for these devices to easily communicate with one another. Therefore, the home hub steps in acting as a kind of translator. Complete Home Monitoring System
This central gateway allows messages to be relayed between devices
from disparate manufacturers, even if they don’t necessarily speak the
same language. Keep in mind that you’ll still need to think closely
about compatibility. In most cases, though, you’ll be able to get your
devices playing nicely together and singing in harmony.
Before we go any further, we want to give you a word of warning on
interoperability. More accurately here, we’re talking about the planning
you’ll have to do because of the compatibility issue.
If you’re looking to create a home monitoring system from scratch,
don’t just blunder in buying devices without planning. If you do this,
you’ll risk clashes that will prevent you from seamless automation. If,
on the other hand, you flesh out a basic plan with shortlisted devices,
you can establish which of them will fit neatly with your hub.
With that laid bare, what home hub works best?
The answer here is, “It
depends.”
There’s no magic bullet and you’ll need to think about your requirements, tech levels and the other devices you’re planning to build out your system with. However, we have three particularly strong examples we stand behind fully. Complete Home Monitoring System
If you’re already invested into the Insteon ecosystem or you
fancy building out a connected home with this domotics OG, you’ll need the
affordable and flexible hub to get the most from it.
You can add in a full suite of security devices and monitor your set-up in-app on your smartphone, using a physical controller or using Alexa or Google Assistant. For voice control, you will need a smart speaker, but we’ll outline those below. Complete Home Monitoring System
Check out a list of compatible devices right here.
Samsung SmartThings Third Generation Hub
Going from strength to strength in its third iteration, the
Samsung SmartThings Hub also works with both major digital assistants. This
allows you to control and monitor your smart home hands-free.
Interoperability is robust. You’ll be able to incorporate
devices from all the main players into your ecosystem and get them working
smoothly together.
The retooled Wink Hub2 is a serious upgrade on a modern classic. You’ll be able to use over 400 smart devices with this gateway. You’ll also get class-leading communication protocol support with Zigbee, Z-Wave, Bluetooth LE, Lutron Clear Connect, and Kidde all compatible with Hub2. Complete Home Monitoring System
5GHz WiFi is fully supported and you’ll be able to use
Ethernet, too.
Control in-app or using either Alexa or Google Assistant is
slick and user-friendly.
So, regardless of which hub you choose, there’s another issue to consider before you get down to home monitoring.
Do you want to use voice
control?
If you do – and to get the most seamless automation
experience it makes good sense – you’ll need a smart speaker.
Smart Speaker
If you’re interested in syncing your video doorbell with your security cameras and your motion-activated smart lighting, using Alexa or Google Assistant is a wise move. Complete Home Monitoring System
In order to benefit from these digital butlers, you’ll need a smart speaker.
To avoid splitting our focus, today we’ll be lasering in purely on
Alexa. If you prefer the idea of Google Assistant, you’ll need a Google Home smart speaker.
Which one you choose depends entirely on your personal preferences but here’s a snapshot of the range as it stands today:
Echo: Now in its second generation, Echo
got an aesthetic tweak along with overhauled audio. The original smart
speaker remains a solid vehicle for Alexa and comes keenly priced
Echo Plus: The second iteration of Echo Plus
comes with a Zigbee home hub onboard, giving you the chance to try
automating your home without needing a third-party gateway. Audio is
impressive and you’ll benefit from all of Alexa’s smarts
Echo Dot: A minute and affordable entry point to Alexa, the disc-shaped Dot also comes in a vibrantly colored kids edition
Echo Spot: The smallest smart display on the market, Echo Spot packs a 2 ½-inch screen throwing in a visual element to streaming.
Echo Show: The 10-inch HD screen on the second-generation Echo Show makes this smart display a perfect addition to your kitchen
Echo Show 5: Now featuring a screen half the size of the original Echo Show, the all-new Echo Show 5 allows you to monitor your home on screen from the comfort of your bedroom
Regardless of which model you roll with, you can do far more
than stream audio or video and organize your day with a smart speaker or smart
display. When used as part of your home monitoring system, you’ll be able to
issue simple voice commands to check in and keep tabs on things.
With your hub and Alexa device in place, it’s time to get on with ramping up security so you can monitor your home remotely. Where better place to begin than with a video doorbell? Complete Home Monitoring System
Smart Video Doorbell
If your home is your castle, the entry system is your first
line of defense. Installing a video doorbell is a quick, painless and
cost-effective method of ramping up security. You’ll also be able to remain
connected to your home even when you’re on the other side of the world.
We make no apology for repeatedly recommending the Amazon-owned Ring.
While Ring’s range has broadened substantially beyond the original
version of Video Doorbell,
this company still revolves around all things security. If you’re
looking for a cheap and cheerful video doorbell, the original model is
still available at a great price.
Perhaps you’d like to edge forward a little while still
staying within a reasonable budget?
If so, we’d strongly suggest road testing the second-generation
smart doorbell.
Ring Video Doorbell 2
With a 1080p wide-angle video and two-way audio, you’ll receive an alert on your smartphone any time someone rings the Ring Video Doorbell 2. Also, you’ll be able to communicate with clarity while also recording footage.
Whether you opt for the battery-powered or hardwired version, both offer on-demand video and audio. This allows you to monitor your entryway from a distance using nothing but your phone. Complete Home Monitoring System
If you want 5GHz WiFi support, you’ll need to consider either the Video Doorbell Pro or the upscale Video Doorbell Elite. These are only available hardwired and the Elite also offers power over Ethernet.
For most reasonable purposes, Doorbell 2 is a rock-solid choice.
While it’s undeniably convenient to answer your door from the couch,
this is not the main selling point. The most value comes from the way in
which you can use this doorbell as the eyes and ears of your home
monitoring system. No self-respecting monitoring set-up should be
without one.
You could, of course, choose from a range of competing doorbells. Our
aim today, though, is to streamline your set-up, not bewilder you with
excessive options.
With the smart video doorbell in place, you should focus your
attention on adding in some wireless cameras, both indoors and out in
the yard.
Indoor Wireless Security Cameras
Indoor security cameras wear many hats. Obviously, in the event of anyone entering your home without your consent, you’ll benefit from recorded footage to help you and the police both. Complete Home Monitoring System
With indoor cameras, you’ll also be able to keep a close eye on
babies and toddlers if you don’t want to invest in a single-purpose baby intercom. After all, with a wireless camera, you’ll get the advantages of an intercom with plenty of extra functionality baked in.
An indoor camera also works well if you have service staff
and you’d like to monitor proceedings from a distance without being intrusive.
Which ones are the best, though? Well, ambitious start-up Wyze is taking the market by storm offering class-leading wireless security cameras at scarcely believable prices…
Wyze Cam Pan
Packing Alexa functionality, you can monitor your Wyze Cams from anywhere in your house, making it easy to keep an eye on your kids or pets from a distance.
You’ll also be able to enjoy HD live streaming to your smartphone, reassuring you when you’re not at home. Any security breach triggering the panning camera will result in an instant notification pinged right to your phone. Complete Home Monitoring System
Both motion and sound detection are recorded and you’ll
benefit from rolling 14-day cloud storage with no subscription required.
You can monitor multiple Wyze Cams simultaneously in-app, making this the ideal addition to any home monitoring system.
What about outdoors, though?
Outdoor Wireless Security Cameras
Outdoor security cameras serve a different purpose and help you to perform two core jobs:
Make your home, with a clearly visible camera and sign, much less attractive to any would-be burglars
Capture and record footage so if someone does attempt breaking in, you’ll have all the evidence you need to take further action
This is an extremely crowded vertical with all major brands
clamoring for a slice of the security camera pie. Again, rather than muddying
the waters with a list of 10 great outdoor cameras, we’ll point you in the
direction of the best of the best.
And that comes from Arlo.
Arlo Pro Wireless HD Security Camera with Base Station
Completely wire-free, the Arlo Pro is perfect for renters and homeowners alike. After all, if you’re renting your property, you won’t want to get involved in extensive rewiring and you won’t want prohibitive contracts from home monitoring companies either. With the DIY Arlo Pro, you don’t have to worry about either of those things. Complete Home Monitoring System
You can watch both live and recorded footage directly from your
phone. This camera works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT for
seamless hands-free scheduling. The free app is responsive,
user-friendly and allows to monitor your home using your phone, tablet,
laptop or TV. Monitoring can happen how you like and when you like.
You’ll enjoy crisp, clear two-way audio while the HD camera
also places clarity uppermost.
Anything triggering the sensors will ensure you’re
immediately alerted while a piercing 100-decibel siren should see any
wrongdoers scurrying for cover.
A hard-hitting home monitoring system leaves no dark corners exposed.
You should seriously consider throwing some motion-activated lighting
into your defense strategy.
Motion-Activated Smart Security Lights
If your yard has darkened areas, not only is this inconvenient for
you when you come home after dark, it also provides any potential
burglars with ample cover to gain entry undetected.
With such a selection of motion-activated smart lighting up
for grabs, there’s no excuse to leave the flanks of your connected home
unprotected.
We’ll return to security legend Ring here who have their outdoor smart lighting game on-point. Their purchase of LED specialist Mr. Beams has strengthened and deepened their range. Complete Home Monitoring System
If you’re looking to build out several ring products, the smart lighting bridge allows you to build in your video doorbell and cameras creating that fabled Ring of Security
around your home. In addition, you’ll also be able to include up to 50
smart lighting devices, more than adequate for even a sprawling smart
home.
The Floodlight Cam
packs a pair of sensors capable of facial recognition and object
recognition. Therefore, any time someone or something unexpected
triggers these sensors, a raucous alarm will send and the garden will be
bathed in 3000 Kelvins of light.
With a wide-angle view spanning 270 degrees, you’ll leave no
area of your outdoor space vulnerable and you’ll be able to stay connected
remotely around the clock.
Now that you have all the basics of a home monitoring system in
place, it’s time for a final flourish with some valuable extras to take
you the extra mile.
Motion Sensors
However much attention you lavish on securing your smart
home, what’s the one obvious weak point with any residential property?
That’s right, the windows. In other words, expanses of glass make it all too easy for anyone with ill intent to gain access with nothing but a hammer or a nearby stone required. Complete Home Monitoring System
You can fight back, though.
The Nest Detect
makes sure that you’re alerted if any doors or windows are breached.
You can also use it to protect rooms you don’t want people wandering
into undetected.
To start, you can attach these sensors wherever you want to monitor
motion or opening, and you can monitor proceedings in-app on your
smartphone.
However, sensors don’t end at windows and doors. Think about the
damage that smoke can create, especially if you’re sleeping upstairs or
away from home when a fire starts. Again, there’s no excuse not to take
action on this front.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smoke and carbon monoxide are silent killers responsible for many deaths each year.
Avoid becoming a statistic and purchase the Insteon Smoke Bridge
bundled with a First Alert detector. This detector is capable of
picking up on any traces of smoke and carbon monoxide. You can receive
remote alerts on your smartphone if you have the Insteon Hub we outline
above. You’ll also be able to link this device to other Insteon tech in
your home. This means that lights will be triggered if any smoke trips
the sensors.
Entirely wireless and coming with a choice of voice alerts, there’s no need to face a ruined smart home. Complete Home Monitoring System
Water Leak Detectors
To round out your home monitoring system, you should give
due consideration to a water leak detector.
We strongly suggest this 6-pack of Insteon Water Leak Sensors, which is ideal for protecting all vulnerable appliances in a larger connected home.
Again, when used in connection with the hub we describe above, you’ll stay fully aware of any unwanted moisture, whether from a washing machine, toilet or any other water appliance in your home. By taking prompt and decisive action, you could save yourself from a flooded home and a ruinous insurance claim. Having a home and flood insurance policy from a company like Bear River Home Insurance will help you worry less if the unexpected happens to your home.
Making Your Home Monitoring Devices Work Together
In conclusion, if you build out a home monitoring system with all the
above devices, you’ll have done everything you can to protect yourself
and your beloved tech from harm.
By ensuring you have a home hub and smart speaker in place, you’ll be able to take charge remotely or using voice commands.
As long as you check closely for compatibility before purchase, you’ll also be able to automate devices so they work in complete harmony. Just like we said at the beginning, creating a rock-solid home monitoring system couldn’t be much easier, demands no tech skills, and can be done on a reasonable budget. Complete Home Monitoring System
Plano Texas Handyman is an expert in the installation of Complete home monitoring systems. Call us at 214-507-3415 or visit our website for information on a system. Our company dose not endorse any specific brand but the information below is based on Insteon products.
Camera System for your Business. Security is imperative for any business; after all, how can you be profitable if you can’t protect your assets? Luckily, video surveillance systems are more intelligent and effective than ever. The best cameras now offer computer-like functions and features, like motion sensors and automatic mobile notifications. Some even let you automatically contact law enforcement instantly if need be. Technological development has also lead to more efficient ways of managing recording and storage, as well. Now small business owners have access to immensely powerful surveillance systems like the thermal surveillance camera at relatively affordable prices. Regardless of your business size, you cannot afford to be without a camera system. Whether you need 30 cameras or 4, it is important you have one!
Call Plano Texas Handyman, Your expert in video surveillance systems for business. Call us at 214-507-3415 or visit our website for more details. How to choose video surveillance for your Business. You can get more details on security features at our Security Camera website page from Plano Texas Handyman. Camera System for your Business
When it comes to buying and implementing a new system, most vendors
allow for a large degree of customizability, meaning you can tailor a
system to your business’s specific needs. Whether you need a widespread
system that can cover multiple locations or just a few cameras to watch
your storefront, there’s a solution for everyone. Not sure where to
start? Here’s our 2018 video surveillance buyer’s guide to help break
down the component parts of video surveillance systems.
Benefits of a Surveillance System
Before diving into the details, it’s important to note the many benefits offered by a video surveillance system. Not only can surveillance cameras deter criminals and help law enforcement quickly catch any would-be thieves, but these systems can also improve the accountability of your employees, help you monitor productivity and sometimes even reduce your insurance premiums. While the up-front costs of installing a video surveillance system can seem a little steep, the long-term payoff and the peace of mind may well be worth the expense. Camera System for your Business
IP Cameras vs. Analog Cameras
There are two primary types of cameras that can be wired into a video surveillance system: internet protocol (IP) cameras and the traditional analog cameras. IP
cameras are the more modern iteration of analog cameras, and while the
individual cameras tend to be a little more expensive, they offer a
number of features that analog cameras do not. Here’s a look at the
differences between the two types of camera.
You can get more details on security features at our Security Camera website page from Plano Texas Handyman.
Resolution
IP cameras are far more powerful than analog cameras, usually
shooting footage of between 1 megapixel and 5 megapixels. That makes for
incredibly clear image quality, especially compared to the more grainy
analog footage, which runs around one-half of a megapixel. IP cameras
generally have a larger field of vision than analog cameras.
Video analytics
IP cameras also have additional features that analog cameras don’t offer, such as video analytics, which allow for mobile notifications and automatic recording if there is movement within the camera’s field of vision. This is particularly useful for times when your business is closed and you want to know if someone is moving around inside the premises. You can configure the system to flag events like this and send notifications directly to your smartphone, along with recorded footage of the event. Some systems also offer a direct, one-touch connection to local law enforcement. Camera System for your Business.
Network Video Recorders
In addition, IP cameras are compatible with network video recorders (NVRs), which offer several other benefits over the older digital video recorders (DVRs) that this guide will cover. In short, NVR records higher-quality video and allows for systems to be scaled up much more easily than can be done with DVR. For more information on video recorders, see the section below. Camera System for your Business
PoE Switches
IP cameras can also be connected to what is known as a “power over Ethernet” (PoE) switch, which both sends data from the camera and provides power to it. Analog cameras, on the other hand, require a switch to run the signal from the camera as well as a separate power source, meaning a more complex setup and more wires. PoE switches are also generally regarded as a more secure way to transmit data. A PoE switch allows us to improve connectivity for large buildings. A PoE switch allows us to make the overall system better and more functional.
Comparable System Cost
While IP cameras are generally more expensive than their analog
counterparts, the total cost of a full IP system tends to be slightly
lower than that of a comparable analog system. Since IP cameras have a
wider field of vision, as well, an IP system can often work with fewer
less cameras than an analog system.
Digital Video Recorders vs. Network Video Recorders
All of the cameras in a given system require a central video recorder in order to transmit and archive the footage they are capturing. DVRs evolved from the older VCR models, while NVRs represent the next step in the evolution of video recording technology. Here’s a side-by-side look at how DVRs and NVRs compare. Camera System for your Business.
Resolution of recordings
DVRs generally offer what is known as D1 resolution, which is the traditional video quality used in closed-circuit television systems. D1 equates to a resolution of 720 x 480, which is considered standard resolution. Camera System for your Business
NVRs, on the other hand, can record in 1080p, which is
high-definition; it offers a significant improvement in video quality
over the DVR system. For comparison purposes, 1080p equates to a
resolution of 1920 x 1080. This results in a much clearer image.
Camera Connections
Connecting analog cameras with a DVR system is done by way of
directly plugging a BNC cable from the DVR into the camera. To connect
more cameras to the DVR system, you need additional cables. DVR systems
are difficult to scale up because once every BNC connection is occupied
by a camera, you need to purchase an entirely new DVR before adding
another camera to the system. DVRs also require that the connected
cameras be in close proximity to the recorder; otherwise, the video
quality begins to degrade.
The NVR eliminates these problems, because it is instead connected directly to a network. IP cameras that are connected to the same network, usually by way of a PoE switch, are then able to transmit footage to the NVR. Systems based around an NVR are much easier to scale up than DVR systems, simply because they can accept a new camera once it is added to the network. In the worst case, all that would be required is an additional PoE switch. Some IP cameras are also wireless and can transmit footage to the NVR over Wi-Fi. There are no proximity limitations so long as a camera is connected to the same network as the NVR. The largest downside to an NVR system, however, is that not every IP camera will work with every NVR. So you’ll need to know whether your cameras will be compatible with a given video recorder before buying. Camera System for your Business
Hybrid Video Recorders
Hybrid video recorders (HVR) are video surveillance
systems that run both IP cameras and analog cameras. The versatility of
these systems makes them desirable; if you’re upgrading an old system
and don’t want to do away with all of your old analog cameras, for
example, an HVR can help you make the transition and prepare for a fully
IP system in the future.
What to Look for When Choosing a System
Your Cameras
Resolution: This is one of the most important
considerations when selecting a camera. For a sharp image, you’ll want a
camera that can shoot at least in 720p high definition, which means an
IP camera. If you want to guarantee that your camera will have a clear,
identifiable image, you don’t want to cut corners here.
You can get more details on security features at our Security Camera website page from Plano Texas Handyman. Camera System for your Business.
Frame rate: This is another key aspect of a camera –
the higher the frame rate, the smoother the video. Video is simply a
series of still images stitched together to create a motion picture. The
lower the frame rate, the less frequently a still is taken; this
results in choppier footage. You’ll want to consider the frame rate of
the camera you purchase before deciding. For reference, “real time” is
typically measured as 30 frames per second.
Models: There are a number of different types of security cameras out there. Some of the more common ones are bullet cameras, which are the rectangular boxes you might see protruding from a wall; dome cameras, which are often attached to a ceiling and housed in a tinted cover; and pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras, which offer remote-control capabilities to adjust the field of vision. Depending on your particular security needs, you’ll want to consider which types of cameras to use in outfitting your system. Camera System for your Business
Indoor/outdoor: Some security cameras are made
specifically for the indoors and won’t stand up to Mother Nature quite
as well as their outdoor counterparts. If you plan to use cameras
outside, make sure you purchase models that are weatherproof. Otherwise,
water or dirt might interfere with the quality of your video feeds or,
worse yet, break your camera. Security cameras might be minimally
resistant to weather or completely weatherproof. Be sure to understand
what level of protection from natural conditions your security camera
offers.
Lighting: Many security cameras are able to shoot in
what is known as “low-light infrared,” enabling them to capture clear
footage in dark conditions. These cameras rely on infrared LED lights,
which cover the darkened area in infrared light. Unlike humans, the
camera is able to see this infrared light, so when those wavelengths
reflect back, it’s as if the camera is shooting footage in an
illuminated room. The more IR LEDs that a camera has, the better it is
able to see at night. If capturing footage in the dark is a priority,
make sure your camera has plenty of IR LEDs.
Audio: Whether audio recording is an option depends
on the particular camera and the manufacturer. Some cameras don’t pick
up audio at all, while others do. Some even enable two-way audio, so a
person watching the camera on the other end can communicate with a
subject in the camera’s field of vision.
Your Video Recorder
Storage capacity: For video recorders, the first question you have to ask yourself is how much storage you will need. The answer hinges on a couple of factors: the number of cameras in your system, each camera’s resolution, the amount of archived footage you intend to store and how long you plan to keep recorded footage. If there are many cameras shooting in a higher resolution, the footage is going to eat up storage space quickly. You can set a video recorder to “overwrite” the oldest footage once you reach the system’s capacity, but if you’re not careful, the system might overwrite archived footage that you still need. Camera System for your Business
If you’re running a large system that has high-quality cameras,
you’ll want to scale up your video recorder’s storage capacity. There
are a number of tools online that can help you calculate how much
storage space you’ll need based on the details of your system.
For example, a four-camera system that runs 24 hours a day using IP
cameras, each with a 2-megapixel resolution and a frame rate of 5 fps,
with video compressed into MJPEG files on a NVR, would require 2.79
terabytes of storage space for footage, according to the Supercircuits
calculator.
That’s quite a bit of data for a moderate-size system, so it’s important to plan accordingly and know what kind of capacity you’ll really need. It’s also wise to maintain a bit of a cushion beyond that calculated number, so you can store any particularly interesting footage you might need to refer back to. Camera System for your Business
Cloud storage: Recorded video can be stored on the
cloud in addition to on your video recorder or resources such as Timescale
can be used. There are a few distinct
advantages to doing this, including having remote access to your videos
and superior storage volume. It’s important to ensure that uploading
large video files is done in a manner that won’t eat up all the
available bandwidth and slow down your network. This can be done by
either scheduling video uploads to the cloud or uploading them after
peak business hours. In addition, be aware that many cloud services
charge a subscription fee to use their offerings, especially to store
video files in perpetuity. Make sure the company takes the appropriate
cybersecurity measures to protect your data. On the plus side, storing
videos in the cloud means that even if your hardware is damaged, stolen
or tampered with, you’ll still have access to your video archives.
You can get more details on security features at our Security Camera website page from Plano Texas Handyman.
Camera compatibility: Not every video recorder can
work with every camera. Of course, DVRs require analog cameras, while
NVRs use IP cameras, but the compatibility question extends well beyond
that distinction. Some NVR systems, for example, are compatible with the
IP cameras only from certain manufacturers and not others. When buying a
video recorder, you must first make sure that the device will work with
the cameras you’ve purchased. If you’re working with a surveillance
system integrator to configure your system, the cameras should be able
to provide you with the necessary information.
Compression: Compression is used to eliminate unnecessary data from the footage transmitted to your video recorder, thereby saving space. Two of the more common compression techniques used for high-definition video are MJPEG and H.264. You can also use MPEG4, but the quality tends to be lower than that of MPEG4’s aforementioned counterparts. Compression methods are relatively complex and vary in their applications depending on your needs and hardware. Camera System for your Business
Your PoE Switches
Power-over-Ethernet switches apply only to NVR systems, but they cut
out other components that would be necessary for a DVR system, like
additional power sources and the BNC cables used to connect cameras to
the DVR. Instead, when you connect a PoE switch to your network, you’ve
got a power source and a means of transmitting data to your NVR all in
one package. The biggest consideration when choosing which type of PoE
switch to buy is the number of cameras that will be on your system. The
next consideration is how likely you are to scale up in the future.
Some NVRs will have a handful of PoE ports built into them, while
others will not. If you need to buy a PoE switch, the smaller ones start
at around $40-$50 and offer about five ports. Each port represents a
data connection and a power source for one camera. However, if your plan
is to scale up and implement a very large system, there are PoE
switches that feature as many as 48 distinct ports.
There are also wireless IP cameras available that require little more
than mounting, but those might be less secure than wired connections.
If you choose wireless, you’ll need to make sure the signal can’t be
easily intercepted. Again, it all comes back to your particular needs
and the type of system you’re trying to construct.
0Call Plano Texas Handyman, Your expert in video surveillance systems for business. Call us at 214-507-3415 or visit our website for more details. Camera System for your Business
Projects when moving into a New Home – A new house can be so exciting: The decorating possibilities! The organizational ideas! Call Ted with Plano Texas handyman at 214-507-3415 for an assessment of your new home projects or visit our website for all our capabilities. Projects when moving into a New Home .
There are many who move into a new home every year after spending
months trying to find that that perfect place for their family. Moving
is always an exciting time for anyone and finding the right place after
viewing so many new homes in spartanburg sc, you can’t wait to get packed and moving, but before you give the green light to the removalists Sydney
allowing them to begin the process of moving your stuff and arranging
your furniture, check off these must-do maintenance tasks to make sure
everything is safe and in working order:
1. Change the locks, install smart locks You just don’t know how many people have a copy of the keys. When a house goes up for sale, a lot of people have access to it (think: listing agents, selling agents, and maintenance workers). Plus, you can’t be sure who the previous owners offered a spare set. Contact a local locksmith if you can. For example, if you live in Beaumaris, find a Locksmith Beaumaris that can do the job for you. If the house has an alarm system, remember to change the code. And don’t forget the garage door and the fence gates.
Install smart locks to make it convenient for family members to enter the home without keys and quests. A really great improvement for a small investment. Contacting a moving company can save you a lot of time during this process, this is the best company you can hire when moving, check them out.
2. Check for moisture stains Your inspector should have noted any discolored yellow rings on your drywall, but give your home another once-over right before you move in. Install smart home moisture and condition monitors that report to your smartphone. Any necessary repair work will be easier to tackle when space isn’t crammed with your stuff. Include the inside of the cabinets for water stains and have them painted with a stain blocker.
3. Locate the shut-off valves
Find the main water shut-off valve and check to see if you need special
tools – like a wrench or a key – to operate it. “If you suddenly have a
plumbing leak and there’s water pouring into your house, you need to be
able to get to the valve and turn off the water quickly, as well as having to get in touch with a service like Sydney Relining Solutions.
And no, these valves aren’t in the same place in every home. Usually,
the valves are located in the front of the house in the water meter. You will need a key to open the water meter cover and these can be bought from Home Depot.
4. Locate the circuit breaker box.
If an electrical fire starts, you should know where to go to turn off all the power in the house. Now would also be a good time to label the switches if they’re not already marked. You’ll need two people: One to flip the switch and one to holler when the lights go out. You would be surprised to find out how many electrical panels are not marked
properly.
5. Replace the batteries in smoke detectors Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors aren’t always checked during a home inspection. You should even consider replacing ALL smoke alarms because new generation smoke, CO2 and other ionization detectors are superior to old technology. And even if they are, something could happen between the inspection and the time you move in. You could push the button, it could work fine, and then the battery could die. Working smoke alarms save lives, so swap out all the batteries with fresh ones. Smoke alarms wear out over time and it is always best to replace them with new technology. Projects when moving into a New Home
6. Give carpets a deep clean
Even if the previous owners didn’t have pets, it’s worth the couple hundred dollars to hire a professional to come in. They have the heavy-duty steam-powered machines that can kill germs and dust mites, – and who knows when the carpets were last cleaned. This could help with any dust mites that might have been hiding under your queen size mattress. We recommend calling in the pros once a year, so take advantage of the empty house and do it now.
7. Change the heating and cooling filters A new disposable filter costs about $15. The damage that could be caused by an old filter is enormous. A whole new system could cost you up to 65000. If you don’t replace the filter, it could cut down on efficiency, or worse, cause the system to overheat and completely fail. In this case, you may need to have an air conditioning repair. We also suggest having a professional come to service the equipment – and set up an ongoing heating and air conditioning maintenance schedule every six months including air conditioning repair if ever needed. If you’re in the Myrtle Beach area, you can find more information on Hour Heating & Air Conditioning repair and maintenance services online. “It’s the same reason you change your oil every 3,000 miles in your car. If you don’t take care of the equipment, it’s going to fail. New filters can also improve the air quality of your home.
8. Install closet systems Organize the closets!!Moving is one of the few times in life when you have a clear gauge of how much stuff you really have, so you can plot out a helpful closet system pretty well. If you install drawers, shelves, and hanging rods before you move in, you can unpack and organize your stuff at once. Everything goes right into place and you’re done.
9. Paint Okay, so you can do some decorating before you move in: Paint your heart out. Painting in advance gives the house time to air out before you’re actually living there, and your furniture won’t be in the way while you’re working. Paint some test swatches on the walls and see how you like them over a few days. Sometimes, it is better to paint an empty house as this allows you to visualize what you want the space to look like. After moving into a new home, some homeowners find it much easier to visit a website like https://collov.com/ to get interior designers to work out how to incorporate new furniture and interior trends into your home before you start properly moving in. By doing that, homeowners will be able to follow an online design when the furniture arrives, ensuring their home has an interior trend that they chose.
10. Install a security system Afraid of what might be lurking in or outside your home when you’re away? Fear for your family’s safety when you’re all home for the night? Installing the absolute best home security cameras around your property can do wonders to ease your mind, giving you the added protection you deserve and serving as a crucial deterrent to potential intruders. But with so many features and price points available, picking the right camera for your home security needs can be overwhelming. Our goal is to provide you with the best security camera options and point out the key features that differentiate them from one another to help you pick the right security camera for your home. Note that many home security systems can have cameras as part of the system.
Many people ask themselves if they should hire professional moving services. Hiring a moving company like the pros at Top Removals often results in a much safer moving process for your belongings. Experienced professionals understand how to transport items that you may not, load and unload boxes, pack a lamp properly, and wrap your mattress safely. To reduce or eliminate damage to your items, they use the right materials throughout the move.
Call Ted with Plano Texas handyman at 214-507-3415 for an assessment of your new home projects or visit our website for all our capabilities. Projects when moving into a New Home
Dallas Park Cities Handyman – A handyman is a skilled “jack of all trades” who can complete a wide range of repairs or home improvement jobs. Plano Texas Handyman is truly a jack of all trades with an engineering background and master fix-ologist. Call Plano Texas Handyman today at 214-507-3415 for more information ar visit our website to get a full perspective on our capabilities. Dallas Park Cities Handyman .
A handyman like Slam Plumbing, or handyman service, usually charges clients an hourly rate, plus material costs, regardless of the task. Many homeowners compile a list of repairs and hire a handyman to complete the list in a single visit.
The term “handyman” is loosely defined. Some are self-trained, while others have formal training in various aspects of construction and home repair. A home handyman might specialize in a few types of home maintenance, such as painting, carpentry, or tiling, while others may have additional skills such as plumbing and electrical expertise.
There’s no national standard or regulation for handymen. Licensing and regulation vary by state. New Jersey, for example, requires handymen who work for a profit to register with the state and carry insurance – see here for insurance company details. California requires handymen to carry a license from the State Contractors License Board to work on any project that exceeds $500 in labor and material costs. Find out before you hire the handyman if he or she has the skills needed to complete your project. Dallas Park Cities Handyman .
Do you need a handyman or contractor?
The scope of the job and level of skill required to complete it should determine whether you hire a handyman or contractor.
“When trying to determine who you should hire for a particular job, consider the task,” says Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List. “If it’s a specialized trade, be sure you hire that tradesperson like a plumber or electrician, for example. If it’s little things that you can do yourself, a handyman is probably the right way to go.” Dallas Park Cities Handyman .
A handyman is not the best option for a large or complicated project
that could take a long time to complete and requires the help of
multiple workers. You shouldn’t turn to a handyman either if you need an
emergency service for plumbing, electrical or appliance work, unless
the handyman is licensed in that trade. If an unlicensed person does
plumbing or electrical work, you have no guarantee that the work has
been done to code, which could affect your homeowners insurance policy
or any claim related to the work. Use a contractor or specialist for
remodeling work, room additions and projects that require heavy-duty
equipment or licensed professionals like electricians.
Why hire a handyman? You’ve got an ever increasing to-do list of home improvements like changing out a bathroom faucet, replacing missing shingles on the roof and painting a kitchen wall. You could hire a plumber, roofer and painter who have conflicting schedules and their own service charges, or you could hire a handyman to complete all three projects in one day for one hourly rate. Dallas Park Cities Handyman .
Because many handymen charge by the hour, a homeowner can save time
and money on home improvement projects by hiring one to complete a wide
range of projects at an hourly rate. A service charge from a plumber or
roofer to come to your home could equal or even surpass the cost of
hiring a handyman for a few hours.
You’re also less likely to be overcharged if your hire a handyman.
Unlike a general contractor or specialist who is more likely to price a
job based on the estimated amount of time it will take to complete, you
only have to pay a handyman for the hours he works, unless you agree on a
flat rate. Handymen can keep their rates low because they don’t have to
pay additional workers, so they have lower overhead costs than
contractors or large companies.
Although handymen have less overhead, they do supply their own tools,
so there’s no need to invest in extra equipment you won’t use often or
at all. However, you will need to supply the materials.
When you hire a contractor or specialist, they usually supply the
materials, and often at a markup. If they don’t provide the materials,
they may not guarantee a repair, or your choices are limited to what
they have in stock. When you choose your own materials, you know how
much the product costs, and you can stay within your budget. You also
get to choose the manufacturer, finish and register any warranty
agreement.
Handymen have been known to do all types of work, from setting up
playground equipment and gas grills to hanging holiday lights and
decorations. Plano Texas Handyman.
Ideal jobs for a handyman
Handymen are best utilized for small, “honey-do” types of home repair work. The following projects are ideal for most handymen:
Minor plumbing work: Many handymen are capable of
completing small plumbing jobs like installing new fixtures or repairing
a leaky faucet. However, complex projects that require relocating
plumbing within the home should be left to a licensed plumber. Plano
Texas Handyman.
Caulking: Adding a fresh application of caulk to
gaps between windows, doors and siding is a great way to improve energy
efficiency and lower utility costs.
Decks and porches: Over time, weather can take a
toll on wooden decks and porches. A handyman can replace broken boards,
apply a finish or sealant and improve or upgrade your deck or porch’s
safety and appearance.
Home Automation: We can fully integrate your home
into a “smart home”. We have extensive electrical engineering
experience and can automate your home easily.
Home exterior repairs: If you have minor damage to your home’s exterior, such as a loose piece of siding or a missing shingle, hiring a handyman to repair those items may prove to be more cost-effective than hiring a specialist. Dallas Park Cities Handyman .
Painting and touch-ups: If you have a small painting
job, like a wall, garage door, touch-ups of scuff marks or the repair
of small holes with spackle, consider a handyman. But remember, a
handyman typically charges by the hour, so larger jobs are better suited
for a professional painting crew.
Hanging window treatments, pictures and mirrors and installing light fixtures: These small tasks can be easily accomplished by a homeowner. But if you hire a handyman with the right tools and experience, these wall-mounted items will likely be hung correctly and without damage. Dallas Park Cities Handyman
Tips to hire a handyman
Interview several candidates before hiring a candidate. A handyman works
closely with you in your home, so you want to pick one that you feel
comfortable being around. Use the following tips to help you choose the
best one:
1. Define the project. Start by compiling a list of
the home repairs you want completed. Remember, a handyman is best used
for small jobs such as installing light fixtures, patching drywall and
interior painting. If the job requires pulling a permit, or moving
plumbing or electrical wiring, consider hiring a licensed contractor.
2. Shop around. Check Angie’s List reviews and
interview at least three handymen. Ask how many years of experience they
have and their areas of specialization. Request references from
homeowners who have hired them. Make sure the potential handyman has the
skills and experience to complete your project.
3. Watch out for scams. Avoid handymen who contact
you with unsolicited phone calls or visits to your home. You should also
avoid any handyman who refuses to guarantee the price of the job or
asks for payment upfront. Reputable handymen don’t expect to get paid
before the project is completed.
4. Get it in writing. Insist on a written agreement laying out the job details, costs and payment schedule. Be clear about the times you expect the work to be started and completed. It’s extremely important to get all guarantees in writing. Dallas Park Cities Handyman
5. Ask for a guarantee. Many handymen will guarantee
their work for up to one year. Ask about guarantees before you make a
hiring decision, and of course, make sure the guarantee is in writing.
6. Inspect the work. Inspect the completed work before paying the handyman. Make sure that everything has been done to your satisfaction and at the agreed upon price. Most handymen will be happy to explain the finished work because they want you to be satisfied. Dallas Park Cities Handyman
Plano Texas Handyman is truly a jack of all trades with an engineering background and master fix-ologist. Call Planoi Texas Handyman today at 214-507-3415 for more information ar visit our website to get a full perspective on our capabilities. Dallas Park Cities Handyman .
It’s finally time for a vacation, and boy do you need it. But how exactly are you supposed to relax, unwind, and leave your cares behind if you’re worried about the security of your home?
Here are some home security tips when you are on vacation.
Enlist a Trusted Neighbor
Remember how your mom or grandma always kept a spare key under the doormat or above the doorframe? Yeah… don’t do that. This is because it just increases the likelihood of someone breaking into your home, forcing you to hire a locksmith on your return so the locks can be changed. Instead, find a neighbor you trust or a friend who lives close by and give them a spare key, just in case you need them to access your home for you while you’re away.
Hide Valuables Creatively
Safe behind a picture in the bedroom? That might be the first place a burglar looks. Get more imaginative by hiding valuables in kitchen cabinets, bathroom cupboards, the bottom of the toy box, or in the dog’s bed (although that won’t protect anything from fire damage).
Enlist a friend or relative to gather mail, newspapers, and packages, or cancel service for the time you’re gone since seeing things pile up can alert a thief to your absence. You might also ask a friend or neighbor to park in your driveway periodically and hire someone to keep mowing your lawn.
Hire a House Sitter
If you know a trustworthy sitter who’d consider a stay in your home something like a vacation, it can be a win/win situation. Hire them to live in your home and keep an eye on it while you’re gone. If you don’t want them to live in your home, hire them to make two or three trips per day to open p the house and check things out. If you have pets, they can also serve as a pet sitter, which means you won’t have to board your cat or dog.
Don’t Announce Your Departure
Don’t post on social media about your trip-ultimately broadcasting your home’s vulnerability-until you return. It can be exciting flying off in a private jet (see more on Jettly), but save shocking your friends until you get back! You can share to your heart’s content once you’re home from your adventure. If you really must share, ensure you’re only corresponding with a small group of close friends.
Install a Home Security System
The best way to guarantee peace of mind about your home is to install a home security system. In addition to alarms that trigger if one of your home’s entries is breached, the right system will offer you remote viewing of your property (even at night), allow you to control temperatures and switch lights off and on, and generally create the appearance that the home is occupied. Some systems permit you to provide and change entry codes for guests who will enter while you’re away. Many newer systems include cameras which you can remotely pan, tilt, and view on any of your smart devices that can receive a data signal. You can also add security gates, security screen doors, or temporary fence panels with the help of a professional fence contractor to have extra protection for your property. If you want something permanent, then you may consider adding chain link fencing with the help of a professional chain link fencing contractor to your backyard.
Install Smart Home Devices
You can install WiFi light switches that you can turn on any light from anywhere you are vacationing. You can install WiFi plugs to turn on lamps from anywhere. You can install door and window sensors that immediately send you notifications if a breech has occurred. Smart cameras can allow you to monitor your home from anywhere in the world.
Rest easy, your home is protected.
Plano Texas Handyman is the local expert on protecting your home with a smart home security system, We install wired and wireless cameras, door and window sensors, room cameras, water sensors and most anything that will monitor your home while your away and view them real time on your smart device. Call today at 214-507-3415 or visit our website for more details on all our capabilities.
Home Electrical Codes – Electrical codes are in place to protect you, the homeowner. These general guidelines will give you the basics of what electrical inspectors are looking for when they review both remodeling projects and new installations. Most local codes are based on the National Electrical Code (NEC), a document that lays out required practices for all aspects of residential and commercial electrical installation. The NEC is revised every three years-2014, 2017 and so forth-and occasionally there are important changes to the Code. So make sure that your sources of information are based on the most recent Code. The code requirements listed here are based on the 2017 NEC. Home Electrical Codes.
Most local codes follow the National
Electrical Code (NEC), but there can be variances. The local code always
takes precedence over the NEC when there are differences, so be sure to
check with your local building department for the specific code
requirements for your situation.
Much of the NEC involves requirements
for general electrical installation that apply to all situations, but
there are also specific requirements for individual rooms.
Bathrooms Because of the presence of water, bathrooms have very carefully defined requirements. People can get a non electric bidet and carefully arrange the accessories to stay safe from electric issues. With their lights, vent fans, and outlets that may power hair dryers and other appliances, bathrooms use a lot of power and may need more than one circuit.
The outlet receptacles must be served
by a 20-amp circuit. The same circuit can supply the entire bathroom
(outlets plus lighting), provided there are no heaters (including vent
fans with built-in heaters) and provided the circuit serves only a
single bathroom and no other areas. Alternatively, there should be a
20-amp circuit for the receptacles only, plus a 15- or 20-amp circuit
for the lighting.
All receptacles in bathrooms must have ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) protection.
A bathroom requires at least one 120-volt receptacle within 3 feet of the outside edge of each sink basin. Duel sinks can be served by a single receptacle positioned between them. Home Electrical Codes
Light fixtures in the shower or bath
area must be rated for damp locations unless they are subject to shower
spray, in which case they must be rated for wet locations.
Kitchen
The kitchen uses the most electricity of
any room in the house. Fifty years ago, a kitchen might have been served
by a single electrical circuit, but today, a newly installed kitchen
with standard appliances requires at least seven circuits and often
more. Understanding resistor color codes is an important factor in working with the circuits in your home, so with the kitchen having at least 7 separate circuits – it’s crucial to get your head around them. Below are some examples of the kind of circuits you might find in a kitchen and what type of electricity they carry.
Kitchens must have at least two 20-amp
120-volt “small appliance” circuits serving the receptacles in the
countertop areas. These are for portable plug-in appliances.
An electric range/oven requires its own dedicated 120/240-volt circuit.
The dishwasher and garbage disposal
both require their own dedicated 120-volt circuits. These can be 15-amp
or 20-amp circuits, depending on the electrical load of the appliance
(check the manufacturer’s recommendations; usually 15-amps is
sufficient). The dishwasher circuit requires GFCI protection, but the
garbage disposal circuit does not-unless the manufacturer stipulates it.
The refrigerator and microwave each require their own dedicated 120-volt circuits. The amperage rating should be appropriate to the electrical load of the appliance; these should be 20-amp circuits. Home Electrical Codes
All countertop receptacles and any
receptacle within 6 feet of a sink must be GFCI-protected. The
countertop receptacles should be spaced no more than 4 feet apart.
Kitchen lighting must be supplied by a separate 15-amp (minimum) circuit.
Living Room, Dining Room, and Bedrooms
Standard living areas are relatively
modest power users, but they have clearly defined electrical
requirements. These areas are generally served by standard 120-volt
15-amp or 20-amp circuits that may serve more than one room.
These rooms require that a wall switch
is placed beside the entry door of the room so that you can light the
room upon entering it. This switch can control either a ceiling light, a
wall light, or a receptacle for plugging in a lamp. The ceiling fixture
must be controlled by a wall switch rather than a pull chain.
Wall receptacles may be placed no farther
than 12 feet apart on any wall surface. Any wall section wider than 2
feet must have a receptacle.
Dining rooms usually require a separate 20-amp circuit for one outlet used for a microwave, entertainment center, or window air conditioner. Home Electrical Codes
Stairways
Special care is needed in stairways to ensure all of the steps are lighted properly to minimize the hazard fo falling.
Three-way switches are required at the
top and bottom of each flight of stairs so that lights can be turned on
and off from both ends.
If the stairs turn at a landing, you may need to add additional lighting fixtures to make sure all areas are illuminated.
Hallways
These areas can be long and need adequate
ceiling lighting. Be sure to place enough lighting so shadows are not
cast when walking. Remember, hallways often serve as escape routes in
the event of emergencies.
A hallway over 10 feet long is required to have an outlet for general purpose use. Three-way switches are required at each end of the hallway, allowing the ceiling light to be turned on and off from both ends. If there are more doors served by a hallway, such as for a bedroom or two, you may want to add a four-way switch near the door outside of each room. Home Electrical Codes
Closets
Closets come with many rules regarding fixture type and placement.
Fixtures with incandescent light bulbs
(which get very hot) must be enclosed with a globe or other cover and
cannot be installed within 12 inches of any clothes storage areas (or 6
inches for recessed fixtures).
Fixtures with LED bulbs must be at least 12 inches from storage areas (or 6 inches for recessed).
Fixtures with CFL (compact fluorescent) bulbs may be within 6 inches of storage areas.
All surface-mounted (not recessed) fixtures must be on the ceiling or the wall above the door. Home Electrical Codes
Laundry Room
The electrical needs of a laundry room will vary, depending on if the clothes dryer is electric or gas.
A laundry room needs at least one
20-amp circuit for receptacles serving laundry equipment; this circuit
can supply a clothes washer or a gas dryer.
An electric dryer needs its own 30-amp,
240-volt circuit wired with four conductors (older circuits often have
three conductors).
All receptacles must be GFCI-protected. Home Electrical Codes
Garage
As of the 2017 NEC, newly constructed
garages need at least one dedicated 120-volt 20-amp circuit that serves
only the garage. This circuit may also power receptacles mounted on the
exterior of the garage.
Inside the garage, there should be at
least one switch controlling lighting. It is recommended that three-way
switches be installed for convenience between the doors.
Garages must have at least one receptacle, including one for each car space.
All garage receptacles must be GFCI-protected. Residential Electrical Codes
Additional Requirements AFCI requirements. The NEC now requires that virtually all branch circuits for lighting and receptacles in a home must have arc-fault circuit-interrupter (AFCI) protection. This is a form of protection that guards against sparking (arcing) and thereby reduces the chance of fire. Note that the AFCI requirement is in addition to whatever GFCI protection is required-an AFCI does not replace or eliminate the need for GFCI protection.
AFCI requirements are enforced mostly
in new construction-there is no requirement that an existing system must
be updated to comply with new-construction AFCI requirements. However,
as of the 2017 NEC revision, when homeowners update or replace failing
receptacles or other devices, they are required to add the AFCI
protection at that location. This can be done in several ways:
A standard circuit breaker can be
replaced with a special AFCI circuit breaker. This is a job for a
licensed electrician. Doing so will create AFCI protection to the entire
circuit.
A failing receptacle can be replaced
with an AFCI receptacle. This will create AFCI protection to only the
receptacle being replaced.
Where GFCI protection is also required
(such as kitchens and bathrooms), a receptacle can be replaced with a
dual AFCI/GFCI receptacle.
Tamper-resistant (TR) receptacles. All standard receptacles must be tamper-resistant (TR) type. These include a built-in safety feature that prevents children from sticking items into the receptacle slots. Home Electrical Codes
Let’s talk home surge protection. What is it? What do you need to know? And why is it an important investment for the safety of your home-buyers and their devices. Whole house surge protection
Home Surge protection? Boring and technical and way too may terms like amps, right? Plano Texas Handyman can assist with your whole house surge protection. Call us at 214-507-3415 or visit our website for more information. Whole house surge protection.
Think of surge protection as a bouncer at a nightclub. He may only let certain people in and quickly tosses the troublemakers. Getting more interesting? Try this…
Home Surge protection consists of 1 surge protector installed at the electrical panel and commercial grade surge suppressors installed at critical equipment. Well, a good whole-house surge protection device does essentially the same thing. It allows in only the electricity your home needs and not the unruly over-voltages from the utility-then it protects your devices from any trouble that can occur from surges inside the house.
Whole-house surge protective devices (SPDs) are
typically wired to the electric service box and located nearby to
protect all the appliances and electrical systems in a home. They are
typically a $200 to $500 add-on.
80 percent of surges in a home we generate ourselves.
Like many of the surge suppression strips we’re used to, whole-house surge protectors use metal oxide varistors (MOVs), to shunt power surges. MOVs get a bad rap because in surge strips one surge can effectively end the usefulness of an MOV. Home Surge protection .
But
unlike those used in most surge strips, the ones in whole-house systems
are built to shunt large surges and can last for years.
More home-builders today are offering whole-house surge protection as standard adders to help differentiate themselves and help protect homeowners’ investments in electronic systems. If you visit samiconstruction.ie you can get pricing information if your considering adding this to your budget.
1. Homes are in more need of whole house surge protection today than ever.
“A lot has changed in the home over last few years”. “There are
many more electronics, and even in lighting with LEDs, if you take an
LED apart there’s a little circuit board there. Washers, dryers,
appliances also have circuit boards today, so there’s a lot more today
to be protected in the home from power surges-even the home’s lighting.
“There’s a lot of technology that we’re plugging into our houses.”
2. Lightning isn’t the biggest danger to electronics and other systems in the home.
“Most people think of surges as lightning, but 80 percent of surges are transient [short, intense bursts], and we generate them ourselves,” “They’re internal to the home.” Generators and motors like those in air conditioning units and appliances introduce small surges into a home’s electrical lines. “It’s rare that one large surge will take out appliances and everything at one time,” but those mini-surges over the years will add up, degrade the performance of electronics and cut short their useful lifespans. This is why you need to make sure you are keeping an eye on these appliances, especially these like Air Conditioning in the summer, as this is when they will get utilized the most. Maintenance is all one needs to ensure a surge doesn’t wipe this unit and others like it, out. Home Surge protection .
Overvoltages on
the utility lines can also harm systems in the home, which is a prime
reason for whole-house surge protection at the electrical service panel.
There is virtually no surge protection for a direct lighting strike. If you’re concerned about that, look into lighting rods.
3. Home Surge protection protects other electronics.
You may ask, “If most of the harmful surges in a house come from machines like AC units and appliances, why bother with whole-house surge protection at the breaker panel?” The answer is that an appliance or system on a dedicated circuit, like an air conditioning unit, will send the surge back through the breaker panel, where it can be shunted to protect everything else in the home. If your air conditioning unit is damaged by a surge, then HVAC experts like sittonmechanical.com/service-areas/stillwater/, can fix it. However, surge protection will prevent this from happening in the first place. Whole house surge protection, Home Surge protection.
4. Home Surge protection should be layered.
If
an appliance or device sends a surge through a circuit that’s shared
among other devices and not dedicated, then those other outlets could be
susceptible to a surge, which is why you don’t want it just at the
electrical panel. Surge protection should be layered in the house to be
at both at the electrical service to protect the whole home and at the
point of use to protect sensitive electronics. Power conditioners with
surge suppression capability, along with the ability to provide filtered
power to audio/video equipment, are recommended for many home theater
and home entertainment systems.
Back-up power generators can be a big culprit. If they’re connected to the electrical service to provide power to many circuits in the home and turn on automatically when power goes out, they can send power surges through the electrical lines that a whole-house surge protection system can shunt. Home Surge protection .
Plano Texas Handyman can assist with your whole house surge protection. Call us at 214-507-3415 or visit our website for more information. Home Surge protection .
Reasons to buy an Electric Fireplace, Plano Texas Handyman can design and install an electric fireplace for you home that will provide dramatic warmth and appeal to your home. An electric heater that mimics the look and feel of a real gas or wood fire, an electric fireplace is becoming more and more the modern alternative to the mess and stress of a conventional fireplace. But a lot of people are doubtful with how real they look and how easy they are to install so let us ease your mind with a little cost benefit analysis. Read below for more benefits of an electric fireplace. Call Plano Texas Handyman at 214-507-3415 for a quote on an electric fireplace or visit our website for more information.
1. No smoke.
Wood burning fireplaces release cancer causing agents and dangerous
fumes into your home, such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.
Inhalation of these fumes can be dangerous to your family and pets.
Electric fireplaces, however, have zero emissions and thus, zero harm to
your family and pets. Those inflicted with allergies and medical
conditions such as asthma can find comfort and convenience in any one of
our electric fireplaces. Even switching to woods that are supposed to
produce higher heat and less smoke still contribute to deforestation and
still produce harmful smoke that reduces the air quality in your home.
Long gone are the days when your whole house smelled like smoke after
the use of a fireplace for a few short hours. With an electric
fireplace, you can use the fireplace without the harmful effects of the
smoke and without the smell of smoke permeating throughout your entire
home and seeping into your carpets, rugs, couches, clothing and beds.
Reasons to buy an Electric Fireplace
2. Energy efficient.
Electric fireplaces are one of the most efficient ways to heat a room,
which in turn, reduces energy costs. Electric fireplaces heat rooms
faster and more efficiently than real wood burning fireplaces do. Since
heat rises, traditional chimney fireplaces let all the heat out through
the chimney. According to the Environmental Protection Agency,
“traditional fireplaces lose over 90 percent of the heat of the fire out
of the chimney along with much of the heated air in the room.” Since
drafts come in through the chimney, your already heated room becomes
cold again after a few gusts of freezing air come down the chimney. With
an electric fireplace, rooms warm up quickly and stay warm throughout
the entire use. LED technology is also incorporated into each of our
fireplaces, and consumes less energy than regular incandescent bulbs.
The normal lifespan of an LED bulb is 50,000 hours and contains no
mercury, which helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and costs much less
to operate. Producing approximately 90% less heat than an incandescent
bulb, the LED bulb stays cool to the touch. Reasons to buy and Electric Fireplace
3. Low maintenance.
Having the ambiance and warmth from an electric fireplace is much easier to enjoy when there is little to no maintenance involved. While you may wish to organize an EICR when you before installing an electric fireplace to ensure all the wiring in your house is safe, once this is done there is almost nothing else that needs doing. With an electric fireplace, there is no soot or ash to clean up and no need for
chimney cleaning, which on average costs $200-$300. No firewood is
needed to harness the heat of an electric fireplace, which means no more
chopping or buying wood and no more storing of wood in a dry place. Not
to mention, the forests will be pretty happy with you too, as there is
no deforestation involved in enjoying the flame of an electric
fireplace. Additionally, with an electric fireplace, there is no need to
get down on your hands and knees or bend over in uncomfortable
positions to light or tend to a fire. With an electric fireplace, you
can just sit back and relax and use the remote to control the fireplace
from across the room.
4. Cost Less.
The costs associated with installing and maintenance of traditional
fireplaces tends to be outrageous. That is, until electric fireplaces
came into the mix. For wood-burning fireplaces, expect to pay anywhere
from $7,000-$10,000 or more on installation, along with the costs of
chimney inspection, chimney cleaning, wood, and the lost heat that
escapes from the chimney. Gas fireplace units run around $2,500 for the
basic materials, along with another $2,500 for installation and
finishing. Gas fireplaces also require annual service checks plus a
chimney inspection, which can run from $100-$200. Electric fireplaces
are the least expensive option as far as fireplaces go. Zone heating
saves money- allowing you to lower the over-all temperature of your home
by 10-15 degrees, heating only the room you’re in. This concept reduces
the use of wasted energy and could save you up to 10% on your energy
bills. Gas and wood burning fireplaces actually work the opposite of
zone heating- creating a draft effect when lit that actually pulls heat
out of the home. With an electric fireplace, there is no chimney
cleaning, no service checks, and no costly installation fees- just plug
it in and enjoy. Reasons to buy an Electric Fireplace
5. Anyone can enjoy an electric fireplace. Renters and those living in apartments, condos, small homes and even recreational vehicles (RVs) seldom get to enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a fireplace. With electric fireplaces, anyone can enjoy the dancing flames in any room of their home. Since there is no need for a chimney, electric fireplaces can be placed in any room of the home on any level of the home to provide the calming environment that an electric fireplace provides. Reasons to buy an Electric Fireplace
6. Longer Lifespan.
Electric fireplaces have the longest lifespan out of its wood burning
and gas burning counterparts. Because electric fireplaces are not a
combustible energy resource, electrical fireplaces are not susceptible
to rust and corrosion. Electric fireplaces can be used for several years
on end and still look as new as the first day you bought it. Reasons
to buy an Electric Fireplace
7. Easy Installation. One of the best things about electric fireplaces is the ease of installation. Installation of an electric fireplace is a one-step process. All you have to do is plug it in and you are ready to enjoy. On the contrary, wood burning and gas fireplaces are costly, time consuming, and just a hassle to install. Oftentimes a professional is needed in order to install the fireplaces. Reasons to buy an Electric Fireplace
8. Options are abundant with electric fireplaces.
Electric fireplaces allow a plethora of styles and options that are
bound to please even the pickiest consumer. Electric fireplaces come in
traditional, contemporary, and modern styles to match modern looks and
architectural styles. Electric fireplaces are built in to beautiful
mantels and media consoles, allowing for extra storage in a stylish way.
Electric fireplace inserts can also be installed in already existing
fireplaces. Wall mounted units, corner units, and compact units allow
electric fireplaces to work in any space and any décor, and can be moved
around from room to room whenever you desire. Electric fireplaces can
also be placed in locations that don’t normally allow for fireplaces,
such as basements. Electric fireplaces also allow the user to be in
complete control of the flame effects, such as brightness, flame speed,
flame color, and much more, depending on the features of the electric
fireplace insert you choose. Reasons to buy an Electric Fireplace
9. Fireplace Safety. Our electric fireplaces feature an automatic shut-off timer function, allowing you to set the timer from 30 minutes up to 9 hours. You can set the timer and live worry free knowing that the entire unit will power off once the timed cycle is complete. The shut-off timer function reduces the risk of fires resulting from the overheating of electronics. Although electric fireplaces produce enough heat to warm a room 400 square feet and up, they remain cool to the touch, therefore reducing the risk of injuries and burns, making electric fireplaces safe for kids and pets. Reasons to buy an Electric Fireplace
10. Electric fireplaces can be used all year in all climates.
Electric fireplaces can be used with or without heat, leaving you able
to enjoy the ambiance of a gentle rolling fire all year long and
allowing homes in all climates to enjoy the comforting glow of a fire.
Shop now to see the best electric fireplace for any room. Reasons to
buy an Electric Fireplace
Monarc Technology can design and install an electric fireplace for you home that will provide dramatic warmth and appeal to your home. Call Plano Texas Handyman at 214-507-3415 for a quote on an electric fireplace or visit our website for more information.
