The Dangers of DIY Home Security – Part 1

To feel safe and secure at home it is wise to invest in a monitored home security system. There are so many options to choose from and many people struggle to understand which security system is best for them. With this, there are a growing number of people who are choosing the allegedly cheap and easy solution of DIY home security. A basic DIY home security system provides incomplete protection and could have little effect on protecting the home from burglary.

home security systems

DIY home security is not necessarily a bad thing. When it is done sufficiently it can work effectively. The homeowner is completely in control of the system and can adjust it to their needs. It is wireless and can be moved around if home owners wish to change and expand their security system.

The Downsides

Unfortunately, there are many drawbacks. It can often end up costing more than a monitored security system. There are many add on features that need to be purchased separately as without them, the coverage of the home is insufficient. For the best solution, an expert is required who understands the needs and requirements to protect the home. With a monitored security system, not only do they install the system they assess the home and assist home owners to choose the best-value plan for them.

The lack of expert installation can also have a dangerous effect. Whilst the instructions might seem easy to understand and straightforward, each property is different and could lead to a faulty and incorrectly maintained security system that does not work sufficiently.

To try to avoid false alarms, many proprietors frequently calibrate the DIY system to a more lenient setting. Many justify these lenient settings and cheap solutions with expectations that the appearance of a supposedly secure home will act as an effective deterrent. Burglars are smart and desperate – if they notice a flaw in a home security system, they will find it and exploit it. An example would be that if there is a pet in the home, they are aware that many DIY motion sensors are often set so pets cannot trigger the alarm and this allows burglars to crawl through the home.

Having the equipment is one thing but monitoring it is another. There are clever DIY home systems that send owners a text message when there is a disturbance but if they are at work or somewhere with no phone signal, there is little that can be done. In addition to this, police are not notified when the home is broken in to. The burglar might be caught on camera, but they could be long gone by the time the police are contacted.

It is vital that proprietors have sufficient and effective home security. West Yorkshire Police state that homes with no security are ten times more likely to be burgled.

In part two, this blog will explore how purchasing cheap DIY solutions has an effect on theft and the real benefits of a monitored home security system. There is no need to cut corners just to try to save a small amount of money with something as important as the home.

Home safety

Enjoy the Summer Season Safely!

The summer season has finally arrived. The smell of sunscreen lingers in the air, children are free from homework for the next couple of months and the warm weather provides perfect conditions for spending time outdoors with friends and family.

June is also Home Safety Month so be sure to review these safety tips to help keep yourself, and your family, safe.

Grill Safely

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), grilling is a major source of home fires during the summer months. Each year, there are nearly 8,600 home fires caused by gas, charcoal or solid-fueled grills. To ensure your cookout doesn’t go up in flames, remember these tips.

Only light propane and charcoal grills in a well-ventilated outdoor area. All grills produce carbon monoxide, a tasteless and colorless gas that can be lethal when inhaled.

To prevent burns or accidents, keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill.

Always read your grill’s manual before using. Each grill is different and may have unique operating instructions.

If you smell gas while cooking, immediately move away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not attempt to move the grill. It is likely that there is a gas leak, which can be very dangerous.

If the flame on a propane grill goes out, immediately turn off the grill and the gas, leave the hood open and wait at least 15 minutes before re-lighting it. Propane is heavier than air and it takes longer for the gas to dissipate. An explosion could result if the grill is re-ignited too soon.

Hot time for burglars

You aren’t the only one with a hectic summer schedule; burglars also tend to be busier during the warmer months. The FBI reports that burglaries typically increase in June, July and August. Many homes are seen as easy targets because homeowners tend to take vacations and spend more time outdoors. But you don’t have to be a part of the statistic; here are a few ways to safeguard your valuables whether you’re traveling far from home or just hanging out in the backyard.

Keep your whereabouts under wraps. Hold off on posting pictures and updating your status on social networking websites until you get home. Burglars are notorious for trolling these websites in search of information that can lead them to an empty home.

Discourage burglars with a monitored home security system. A recent study proved that security systems and surveillance equipment are effective deterrents against burglary.

Deny easy access to your home by setting your alarm and locking doors and windows anytime you exit your home.

Keep an eye on your home by enlisting help from technology. Enhanced security systems give you the power to set the alarm, lock doors, receive alerts and view live video all from your smart phone. You can find a trustworthy security company that is a member of the Electronic Security Association (ESA) and has experience in enhanced security technology by here.

No matter what’s on your agenda this summer, the safety of your family should always be on the top of your list. With these tips, you can spend quality time with your family and friends all summer long.

ESA Encourages Homeowners to Conduct Research on Alarm Systems Before Purchasing

Today, many products and services that were traditionally handled by experts are available in a do-it-yourself (DIY) format, and home security systems are no exception. To help homeowners find a reliable security system that can help protect their homes and loved ones, the Electronic Security Association (ESA) examines the differences in DIY and professionally installed home security systems.

You better shop around

Most homeowners opt for a professionally installed system because they want to be sure their families and belongings are protected and, let’s face it, most of us aren’t technically or mechanically savvy. A professionally installed system gives homeowners the peace of mind they seek.

If you’re looking for a professionally installed system, it’s easy to find credible alarm companies that supply quality products. Simply head to ESA’s consumer website Alarm.org, enter your zip code and answer a few questions about your lifestyle and home security needs to get matched up with local companies that are members of the Electronic Security Association. Once you select a company, a security professional will be sent to your home to perform a walk-through assessment and work with you to create a custom system that suits your lifestyle.

With a custom alarm system, you can add on professional alarm monitoring from a central station. A monitored alarm will ensure that your home is protected whenever the system is activated – it could be when it’s unoccupied or when your family is asleep. If danger arises, a central station operator will be able summon first responders to your home on your behalf. In addition to professional monitoring, many of today’s systems allow homeowners to control their alarms remotely and receive alerts via a smartphone or tablet.

There are several places to shop for a DIY system, including big box retailers, online marketplaces and even crowdfunding websites such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo or chuango. Many consumers turn to rating and review websites to help them navigate the sea of products. Once you’ve found a system, it’s up to you to decide how much equipment your home requires based on its size and layout. You may need to purchase additional units to ensure that your entire home is secure.

The installation situation

Professional installation offers a hands-off approach for homeowners. After your home’s assessment, a trustworthy technician will install your new system, walk you through the steps to successfully operate the system, and answer any lingering questions. Security companies that are members of ESA employ highly-experienced technicians who install complex security systems every day, so you can be sure that your system will function properly.

If you’ve chosen the DIY route, it’s time to open the box and get down to business. Setting up a DIY system isn’t rocket science, but getting the components of your system to communicate with one another may make you wish you had a degree in engineering. It’s imperative that you follow your system’s instructions closely, since a faulty installation can leave your home vulnerable to break-ins.

Maintain your peace of mind

System repairs can be complicated and frustrating, but when professionals are involved, you won’t have to do any heavy lifting. Just pick up the phone and contact technical support. Skilled operators can troubleshoot the issue and set up a time for a technician to repair or replace your system if necessary. Many companies also offer support on their websites via live chat, email, how-to guides and instructional videos.

Whether it’s caused by human error or defective equipment, a malfunctioning DIY security system can be a headache – especially when you can’t get help. Depending on the length and terms (or existence) of your warranty, you may be able to call the manufacturer for support. However, be prepared to take notes or stay on the line for a while – you might responsible for making the repairs yourself.

With an abundance of products and features to choose from, selecting a security system for your family can be a challenging task. But, regardless of whether you take the DIY or professional route, pursuing the safety of your home and loved ones is always a step in the right direction. For more information on home security, please visit http://www.chuango.com.

ESA Encourages Homeowners to Conduct Research on Alarm Systems Before Purchasing

Today, many products and services that were traditionally handled by experts are available in a do-it-yourself (DIY) format, and home security systems are no exception. To help homeowners find a reliable security system that can help protect their homes and loved ones, the Electronic Security Association (ESA) examines the differences in DIY and professionally installed home security systems.

You better shop around

Most homeowners opt for a professionally installed system because they want to be sure their families and belongings are protected and, let’s face it, most of us aren’t technically or mechanically savvy. A professionally installed system gives homeowners the peace of mind they seek.

If you’re looking for a professionally installed system, it’s easy to find credible alarm companies that supply quality products. Simply head to ESA’s consumer website Alarm.org, enter your zip code and answer a few questions about your lifestyle and home security needs to get matched up with local companies that are members of the Electronic Security Association. Once you select a company, a security professional will be sent to your home to perform a walk-through assessment and work with you to create a custom system that suits your lifestyle.

With a custom alarm system, you can add on professional alarm monitoring from a central station. A monitored alarm will ensure that your home is protected whenever the system is activated – it could be when it’s unoccupied or when your family is asleep. If danger arises, a central station operator will be able summon first responders to your home on your behalf. In addition to professional monitoring, many of today’s systems allow homeowners to control their alarms remotely and receive alerts via a smartphone or tablet.

There are several places to shop for a DIY system, including big box retailers, online marketplaces and even crowdfunding websites such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo or chuango. Many consumers turn to rating and review websites to help them navigate the sea of products. Once you’ve found a system, it’s up to you to decide how much equipment your home requires based on its size and layout. You may need to purchase additional units to ensure that your entire home is secure.

The installation situation

Professional installation offers a hands-off approach for homeowners. After your home’s assessment, a trustworthy technician will install your new system, walk you through the steps to successfully operate the system, and answer any lingering questions. Security companies that are members of ESA employ highly-experienced technicians who install complex security systems every day, so you can be sure that your system will function properly.

If you’ve chosen the DIY route, it’s time to open the box and get down to business. Setting up a DIY system isn’t rocket science, but getting the components of your system to communicate with one another may make you wish you had a degree in engineering. It’s imperative that you follow your system’s instructions closely, since a faulty installation can leave your home vulnerable to break-ins.

Maintain your peace of mind

System repairs can be complicated and frustrating, but when professionals are involved, you won’t have to do any heavy lifting. Just pick up the phone and contact technical support. Skilled operators can troubleshoot the issue and set up a time for a technician to repair or replace your system if necessary. Many companies also offer support on their websites via live chat, email, how-to guides and instructional videos.

Whether it’s caused by human error or defective equipment, a malfunctioning DIY security system can be a headache – especially when you can’t get help. Depending on the length and terms (or existence) of your warranty, you may be able to call the manufacturer for support. However, be prepared to take notes or stay on the line for a while – you might responsible for making the repairs yourself.

With an abundance of products and features to choose from, selecting a security system for your family can be a challenging task. But, regardless of whether you take the DIY or professional route, pursuing the safety of your home and loved ones is always a step in the right direction. For more information on home security, please visit http://www.chuango.com.

Chuango Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

Chuango’s entire solution portfolio speaks self-install or DIY, and encompasses alarm, automation and IP surveillance systems and accessories, utilizing the latest communication protocols such as RF, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee and more. Every step, from component selection and production to quality assurance and logistics, is tried and tested to abide by and uphold the most stringent international standards. From wireless, app-enabled alarm and automation systems to remote energy, security and health management, Chuango solutions cater to today’s homeowners’ mobile and environment-conscious lifestyles, and ensure they have complete control, comfort and visual confirmation right at their fingertips within a few short minutes and easy steps. As a proud winner of the 2013 IFSEC & FIREX Awards, Chuango has experienced triple-digit YoY growth over the past 24 months, and the momentum is still picking up worldwide. What’s being demanded in the residential market these days is smart, simple, sleek, mobile yet compact and integrated ingenuity, and Chuango will continue providing just that and strive to be one of the Top 3 in the global DIY security and automation market by the end of 2015.

Q: I insert the SIM card in the panel, but it doesn’t work?
A: Please make sure the SIM card is in GSM network, not CDMA. Please make sure the PIN code is unlocked by cell phone. When you insert the SIM card, the GSM indicator flashes once in second, it’s searching the network. If it flashes twice in seconds, means the GSM signal is received. If the GSM signal is abnormal, please try to change a new SIM card, or change a place.

Q: RF frequency & GSM frequency
A: Chuango alarm systems are all wireless with radio frequency 315Mhz or 433Mhz. GSM alarm systems are applicable for universal, with GSM frequency 850/900/1800/1900Mhz.

Q: Tamper
A: Tamper protection protects the control panel or device from being opened or removed from it’s mounting surface. For control panel, a tamper switch protects it from any removal attempts away from the bracket.

Q: Can the alarms work with wireless or wired accessory from other manufacturers?
A: Wired accessory can work with CHUANGO alarm panel if it has wired input interface. While wireless accessories from other manufacturers is not compitable with CHUANGO alarm panel since they are in different working mode.

Q: How can I receive an alert message and call?
A: Please store the notice phone numbers first. When there is an alert, the panel will send SMS and call to them by order with 3 rounds until the panel is disarmed.

Q: How many zones?
A: The system can support 50pcs wireless sensors, one sensor one zone, totally 50 zones. The first connected accessories is in zone 1, the second is in zone 2, and so on.

Q: Can I know the IMEI code of GSM module of the system?
A: Send SMS of “*#06#” to the sim card number in the panel.

Q: I can’t connect the RFID tag or card.
A: Panel must be powered on when connecting new accessories. Back-up battery can’t support connecting. And then follow the manual to do connection.

Q: How many rfid tags can be used for the chuango?
A: For Chuango G5, it can connected up to 50 rfid tags, but only 4 tags can be renamed.

More infomation at http://www.chuango.com/english/contentsup.asp?ModuleType=1&ChannelID=41

Smart Homes Market 2020 Forecasts: Americas, APAC & Europe Analysis

RnRMarketResearch.com offers Smart Homes Market by Products (Security system, Access, Lighting, Entertainment, Energy Management Systems, HVAC, and Ballast & Battery Pack), Services (Installation & Repair, Renovation & Customization) research reports for APAC, Europe and Americas in its store.

APAC smart homes market is expected to have a stable growth in coming years, with the revenue growth estimated to reach $9.23 billion by 2020, at an estimated CAGR of 16.73% from 2013 to 2020. The APAC region accounted for 19% of the global smarty homes market revenue in 2012. The major players in the APAC smart homes market operating through their subsidiaries spread across the region, include; Siemens AG (Germany), Schneider Electric S.A. (France), ABB Ltd. (Switzerland), Ingersoll-Rand PLC (Ireland), Tyco International Ltd. (Switzerland), Emerson Electric Co. (U.S.), Legrand S.A. (France), Crestron Electronics, Inc. (U.S.) , Lutron Electronics, Inc. (U.S.), Honeywell International, Inc. (US), Samsung SNS Co. Ltd. (South Korea), Chuango Security Co. (China) and more.

The total European smart homes market is expected to reach $13.81 billion by 2020 at a double digit CAGR from 2013 to 2020.Some of the key players in this market include Siemens AG (Germany), Schneider Electric S.A. (France), ABB Ltd. (Switzerland), Ingersoll-Rand PLC (Ireland), Tyco International Ltd. (Switzerland), Legrand S.A. (France), Hager Holdings GmbH (Germany), Albrecht Jung GmbH& CO. KG (Germany), Control4 (US), and Tyco International Ltd. (Switzerland), Chuango Security Co. (China). The major drivers for the European smart homes market are the regulatory initiatives and the mandatory measures taken by European Union (EU), and the comfort and the security ensured by the smart homes systems. Also, the foray of smart electronic appliances such as washing machine, refrigerators, air-conditioner, vacuum cleaner, smart TV, and more; into the smart home eco-system, is expected to drive the market, furthermore. The major restraints for the European smart homes market are the lack of standardization and high costs of the smart homes systems.

The growth of the Americas smart homes market in the coming years is expected to be remarkable, with the revenue growth estimated to reach $22.4 billion by 2020, at an estimated CAGR of 17.62% from 2013 to 2020. The major players in the smart homes industry are Emerson Electric Co. (U.S.), United Technologies (U.S.), Crestron Electronics, Inc. (U.S.), Lutron Electronics, Inc. (U.S.), Control4 Corporation (US), and Universal Devices Inc (U.S.), Chuango Security Co. (China). The U.S., currently, leads the market share as this region has the maximum adoption of smart homes systems. In South America, Brazil is expected to emerge as a new destination for the smart homes market as there has been a fresh flow of FDI money flowing in the country, which is projected to continue to flow owing to the two major global events that are lined up in the country in the coming years; namely the “Football World Cup” in 2014 and the “Olympics” in 2016.

China, currently, leads the market share for APAC smart homes as this region has the maximum adoption. South East Asia countries from Others market are the emerging market for smart homes and are poised for the highest growth rate amongst all the countries followed by China growing at a CAGR of 17.50% from 2013-2020. It is estimated that the Others market will increase at a CAGR of 19.13% from 2013 to 2020.

‘Smart home’ security systems allow homeowners to check on home from smartphone

INDIANAPOLIS – Its summer vacation season and thieves know it. According to FBI statistics, crime rates, including home break-ins, increase by 10 percent during the summer months.

Two million home burglaries are reported each year in the U.S, which is about one every 13 seconds.

June, July and August are the peak months for burglaries. Officials said burglars look for signs that homeowners may be out of town.

New technology on the market is allowing homeowners to keep an eye on their home through their smartphone.

Bob Nixon has had security systems in the past, but he said none have been like his current system.

Through AT&T Digital Life, he has security and control of his home while he’s away and it’s all right at his fingertips.

“I can check whether my doors are locked, unlocked, I can actually see inside my house with a camera. I can see outside with my outdoor camera. I can change the temperature of my thermostat if I like, turn lights off and on,” Nixon said.

Having a ‘smart home‘ controlled by his smartphone gives Nixon peace of mind when he’s away for vacation or for work.

He can even set up very specific programs through his app.

“For example if I wanted to monitor if my garage door goes up when the kids are in school, if it goes up between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., I get a text that says, hey, somebody’s entered your home with a code. Not only that, I can take a snap shot of video. I have a camera mounted, so I can see who is coming in,” Nixon said. “For me, I feel more connected to my house. It actually reaches out to me.”

There are other ‘smart home’ security systems on the market. Just like a regular security system, they carry a monthly service fee. Homeowners can add as many or as few features as they desire.

Police said security systems of any kind do deter criminals and so do exterior lights. Make sure valuables are out of sight and all windows and doors are secured.

If you will be gone for more than a few days, make sure to stop your mail and newspaper delivery. Also, let your neighbors know when you’re leaving and when you’re going to be home.

Smart Homes: A New Marketing Paradigm

The rise in popularity of the smart home presents exciting opportunities for marketers to better understand their customers and improve the customer experience.
Imagine you are on vacation and suddenly realize that you left the stove on. You panic for a minute, and then pick up your smartphone and switch off the stove from an app. Welcome to the home of the future, available in the present.
In my last column, I touched on the potential impact of the Internet of Things (IoT) on our lives. The interconnected or smart home is a key component of the IoT revolution. Surprisingly, our homes are more connected than we would think. A recent Forrester study shows that 20 percent of adult American Internet users already have a device at home that connects the physical environment to the Internet. The key reasons people considering using these devices are to cut energy bills (Internet-connected thermostat) and to improve home security (via webcams cameras providing a live video feed from your home to your phone or your computer).
Google’s purchase of Nest Labs for $3.2 billion has kicked off a gold rush into the smart home. Apple is rumored to reveal its smart home offering this week that would allow users to turn their iPhones into remotes to control lights,security systems, or even household appliances. No wonder these mega-corporations are betting on this opportunity. The smart home market, according to a recent study by Juniper Research, is estimated to increase from $33 billion in 2013 to $71 billion by 2018!
Although it seems esoteric, smart homes offer marketers very exciting opportunities to understand their customers and improve the customer experience across a number of industries:
1) Real-Time Insights: Its every marketers dream to acquire real-time data about the use of their products and customer preferences. Smart home devices collect a vast amount of data, in order to provide information that will be immediately useful to homeowners. With a clear marketing objective, this data can lead to valuable insights about customer behavior. An example is the Screen-Fridge with an integrated bar code scanner, which can be programmed to send orders to a retailer to reorder a product. Such a device would offer a marketer direct access to individual consumers’ consumption patterns, without having to wait for the next Nielsen home-scan report!
2) TiVo-ing Shopping: The integration of “smart” devices will have an impact on people’s shopping habits. With preference-based automatic replenishment, the chore side of shopping will be further minimized especially for staple items. For consumers, it would mean less stress from driving to the store. However, it would also mean that visits to physical stores would decline, thus reducing the opportunities for merchandising and delivering an in-store customer experience. Today, Tesco and Duane Reade are testing Bluetooth-enabled devices that can communicate directly with your smartphone to offer coupons for products in-store/online based on your preferences and purchase history.
3) Uber-Personalization: If you thought media fragmentation was high now, in the future it will become even more extreme. That could be the final nail in coffin of mass media or the 30-second commercial. In my opinion, media fragmentation will be an advantage for advertisers since it will allow the “long-tail” concept to realize its full potential. With targeted messages to individuals, not only would the conversions would be higher, but also there would be less waste of advertising dollars.
The smart home market is just beginning to heat up. This trend will change the way consumers shop and will force marketers to relook at the existing marketing model. The question is, are we prepared for this change?