Interactive Services

November 13, 2014 By Leave a Comment

Home Automation Image-PC websiteWhen it comes to home security systems, you may have heard the phrase “interactive services.”  You may have even heard the terms “home automation,” “connected home,” and “smart house.”  What do they all mean, and how are they related to home security?  They’re meanings are essentially the same, and in relation to security, they describe the ability to remotely interact with, and access, devices in your home by means of a mobile device or computer.  If you have a comprehensive home security system, you likely have cameras, motion detectors, door and window sensors, fire and carbon monoxide detectors that communicate with a central control panel located in your home.  Being able to connect and interact with these security features from a remote location is beneficial for a multitude of reasons.  Cameras and motion detectors aren’t the only devices you can access from afar.  Imagine being able to adjust the temperature in your home before you get there, or turning lights on and off, even opening or closing your garage door.  In partnering with Alarm.com, Perfect Connections, Inc. has been providing these interactive service options to homes in Central and Northern New Jersey for years.  Our team of licensed professionals can help you customize a security system that will connect you to the inner, and sometimes outer, workings of your home.

How Does It Work?

First, you have a home security system installed with all of the sensors, cameras, and detectors that you and your security systems specialist customized.  In order to access the full functions of your remote services you must have an interactive service plan with a company like Alarm.com.  After that, you simply download their app on your tablet, smartphone, computer, or other mobile device, and you’ll have total home control at the tips of your fingers.

There are basically two ways a home can become “connected.”  Wireless or hardwired.  The trends of our progressive society tend to make everything more technological, therefore, many security systems are being installed wirelessly with cellular backup.  This eliminates the need to cut holes in walls and have dangling or exposed wires.  Wireless technology is particularly favorable if you own an older home where breaking open walls isn’t an option.  The same technology that works for our cellphones and Bluetooth devices can now be implemented in the home.  More and more homeowners are leaving landlines in the past and switching to cellular devices anyway, making the connected home a smoother integration.  A hardwired system does required cabling, however, it has been in use for a longer period of time, and proven to work.  Some home automation systems use a combination of both wireless and hardwired technologies. To determine what type of system is right for your home, hiring a professional to perform a full assessment is your best bet.

What Are The Capabilities?

Home Automation-from our websiteDepending on how many, and what kind of devices are connected to your system, your operating choices are seemingly endless.  By using the mobile app, you can gain access to the security cameras inside and outside your home to see what is happening throughout the day.  Certain motion detectors can be set up to send you snap shots of specific areas and activity in your home.  Your system can be set up to notify you when you kids arrive home from school, if you’re not able to be there.  The ability to adjust your thermostat and turn lights on and off is a common feature.  Check-in on loved ones and/or pets throughout the day.  Having interactive services as part of your comprehensive security system will alert local authorities to any disturbances at your home while simultaneously alerting you on your mobile device.

Why Is It Beneficial?

Controlling and accessing various devices in your or a loved one’s home is advantageous for a multitude of reasons.  One of the most obvious benefits is that it provides peace of mind on a constant basis, knowing you’ll instantly be notified of what matters most to you.  Being able to remotely adjust your thermostat and turn lights on and off will lower your utilities bill and inadvertently help you waste less energy.  Remote access is extremely convenient, you have control in the palm of your hand at all times, as long as your device is charged.  Having remote capabilities will save you time by not having to rush home last minute to adjust appliances or unlock doors for pet sitters, family members, or scheduled visitors.  With services provided by Alarm.com alerts and access don’t have to stop even when your system is unarmed.  The functions of your home become more efficient.

Utilizing a connected home system is a great way to help your loved ones maintain their independence, but also ensure their safety.  Specific features allow you to make sure a family member is moving throughout the day, not leaving potentially dangerous appliances on, and you can activate or deactivate their alarm system for them if they forget.  Maybe a family member uses an emergency response pendant (like Life Alert) which requires them to take action.  But what if they can’t?  Services provided by Alarm.com simplify their life and yours by not requiring personal action in case of an emergency.  It’s a non-invasive approach to protect your family.

Whether you’re considering the Connected Home for the first time or it has been on your to do list for a while, don’t hesitate, contact the security professionals at Perfect Connections, Inc. for an in home assessment.  Our team knows the safety of your home is paramount in the protection of your family.  We have been providing service to Northern and Central New Jersey for decades, so you can be confident in our security knowledge and expertise.

If you live in Central or Northern New Jersey and would like information on any of the topics discussed above, please call 800-369-3962 or simply CLICK HERE.

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Home Security Myths & Misconceptions

November 6, 2014 By Leave a Comment

A home is so much more than a physical structure that you reside in.  It’s where you have lazy Sunday breakfast with your spouse and kids.  It’s where you enjoy a cup of hot coffee on your back porch.  It’s where you read bedtime stories to your children and tuck them in at night.  It’s where you might keep precious assets.  It’s where you and your family live life to its fullest.  How and what are you doing to protect all of that?  Odds are, if you haven’t already installed a home security system, you’ve at least thought about it at one time or another.  So what has been preventing you from taking the plunge?  Well, like many homeowners you’ve probably convinced yourself or been falsely informed that you don’t need a comprehensive security system.  There are a vast array of myths and misconceptions about home security systems, and you will learn why and how they are simply untrue.

My home is in a safe neighborhood, nothing bad could happen here.

Yes, we would all love to believe that we live in a Utopian society where everyone Fingerprint & broken glass-West Midlands Policecontributes, gets along, and the sun is always shining, right?  Unfortunately, just as the weather is unpredictable, so is human nature.  Criminals don’t care if your neighborhood is considered safe, if they see vulnerability, they see opportunity.  Don’t fool yourself into thinking your home is safe because of your surroundings.  Statistically, 88% of all burglaries happen residentially, 86% happen when someone is home.  Don’t wait for something tragic to happen.  Take initiative and contact a trusted home security systems specialist at Perfect Connections, Inc. before it’s too late.

I don’t own anything a burglar/intruder would want.

While it may be true that you don’t own expensive valuable items, or have wads of cash lying around, burglars/intruders aren’t always after your jewelry or money.  Whatever the intentions of a criminal, you have to assume if they are breaking into your home, they’re after something.  Even if they don’t steal something of monetary value, they might accidentally grab something that is irreplaceable and of emotional significance, or worse, cause harm to you or a family member.  According to safewise.com, “1 in 3 homes without a security system will fall victim to a burglary as compared to 1 in 250 homes that do have a security system.”  Don’t presume to know what criminals are after, protect what matters most with a comprehensive security system solution.

Security systems don’t work and are too expensive.

Thinking your security system is going to act like an impenetrable force field that will deflect potential intruders or criminal behavior is just not realistic.  Neither is believing a comprehensive security system won’t do anything for your home and your family, or that it’s too costly.  The cost in damages from a burglary can be far more financially draining than the cost of a comprehensive security system with alarm monitoring.  Never mind the emotional toll it can take on you and your family.

Luckily, the evolution of security systems has allowed professionals to offer a wider range of economic solutions to fit your budget.  You can actually save money by installing a home security system; many home insurance providers offer discounts for doing so.  Beware of security systems companies that lowball their price quotes, odds are you’ll end up being just a number in a sea of inadequately protected customers.  Watch out for companies that offer you an “accurate” quote over the phone, how can they asses your home’s needs if they’ve never been there?  A full home security assessment should be done in person by a licensed specialist, and don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.

Security systems have been proven to deter intruders, in fact the Electronic Security Association’s “Home Safety Fast Facts” report indicates 9 out of 10 burglars purposefully avoid homes with security systems.  Thinking that security systems don’t work fast enough is inaccurate.  Some systems alert the authorities within 45 seconds, and if a patrol car is in the area, the likelihood of the perpetrator being caught is higher.  Even if a burglar were to get into your home, the second your alarm goes off, the sound and attention will typically drive your intruder away.

My home is not built to accept a security system.

Old home-Brad ClinesmithMaybe you live in an old Colonial or Victorian house where the walls are solid and accessibility throughout the home is challenging.  You might assume the construction of your home wouldn’t allow the installation of a home security system because it would require extensive drilling and/or remodeling.  In the past there might have been a tinge of truth to that assumption, however, today many if not most systems are or have wireless capabilities.  Not only is a wireless system convenient in older homes, or any home for that matter, but it’s aesthetically more pleasing as it eliminates any loose or dangling wires.  What if a burglar were to cut phone and power lines?  According to nightwatchprotection.com, “With wireless phone and internet technology combined with battery and backup generator support, you can expect your security system to be up and running under the worst conditions.”

My pets will set off false alarms, besides they’re like built-in security units.

While a barking dog can make a potential intruder run in the opposite direction, they can’t always differentiate between a threat and a familiarity, never mind the fact they can’t contact emergency services.  Pets may not alert you if they recognize the intruder, for example, someone who had previously done work in your home.  A comprehensive security system does not discriminate, if a window is broken, the alarm goes off.  If the door is kicked in, the alarm will sound and the authorities will be notified, giving you and your family time to get to a safe place.

Worrying your pets will sound a false alarm is less of concern with todays’ advanced motion detectors.  The detectors that are pet friendly are set to pick up motion from objects over a certain weight.  This decreases the chances of a false alarm, and you don’t have to fret about your pets wandering around your home.

All security systems are the same and they’re too complicated.

Couldn’t be farther from the truth.  Each security systems company will have different products, procedures, and policies.  Your security systems professional should be able to customize a comprehensive system that suits the individual needs of your home.  Don’t fall for a “one size fits all” solution.  As far as systems being too complicated, technological advancements have simplified user interfaces making them easier to operate.  Many systems utilize graphic touch screen controls that provide step by step instructions.

It’s important to do your homework and shop around to figure out which company best suits your needs.  Put your trust in companies with a proven customer retention record and a history of experience like Perfect Connections, Inc.  We have 98% Customer Loyalty Rating, and have been providing security system services to Northern and Central New Jersey since 1992.

 

Image Credits: Image #1 by West Midlands Police-Flickr-Creative Commons, Image #2 by Brad Clinesmith-Flickr-Creative Commons,

 

 

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Want To Lower Your Homeowners Insurance?

October 30, 2014 By Leave a Comment

As a homeowner, you have no doubt invested precious time and money with realtors, bankers, maybe lawyers, even architects and contractors.  All in an effort to secure the home of your dreams.  Now that you have it, the wallet and purse draining may seem never ending.  As a first time home buyer or builder, you probably do not have all of the necessary tools and home accents of a fully functioning domicile.  You’ll probably need to purchase the essentials, a lawnmower, some furniture, a basic tool kit, and appliances like a refrigerator and a washer/dryer.  Needless to say, these items do not come cheap.Money-401kcalculator.org

In addition to the essential purchases, you’re home security is a top priority.  You’ve moved in, you have the keys, well what if all of your new neighbors also have keys?  It’s not uncommon for neighbors to exchange a set of keys, and since you don’t know the neighbors yet, changing your locks should be step number one.  In fact, according to Zillow.com you should assume that, “everyone and his brother has a set of keys to your new home.”

Realizing your home is potentially compromised, you change your locks.  Great!  You’ve taken the first step in protecting what matters most.  However, a simple lock and key may not cut it when it comes to home security.  Having a comprehensive security system installed will not only help prevent catastrophe, it could save you money.  If you’re considering a home security system, be sure to hire a licensed and insured specialist like Perfect Connections, Inc.  Here at Perfect Connections, Inc. we can guide you through the subtle nuances of a comprehensive security system from customizing features to final installation.

How can a security system SAVE you money?

Besides the more obvious savings that come with a security system, like fire and burglary prevention, you can actually save on your homeowners insurance.  Wait, insurance companies offer discounts?  Yes they do!  In all likelihood, during the process of buying your home you’ve signed for a home insurance policy.  Most mortgage lenders won’t let you sign for a house until you have an insurance policy in place, or are working on obtaining one.  According to Peter G. Miller for realtor.com, even if you own the house outright, sans mortgage, insurance is still a smart investment as it will help protect you and your family from financial disaster if something were to happen to your home.

Insurance Definition-Alan CleaverJust how much can you save by installing a security system?  The answer to this question varies, it all depends on your insurance provider and the state you reside in.  Although each company has a different policy, the average savings can be up to 20% (Erin Raub for safesoundfamily.com).  Each company will likely have different discount/credit or premium reduction qualifications.  Your best bet is to call your policy provider and ask specific questions, especially if you’re at the beginning stages of choosing a security system.  There will be different discounts for various security features.  For example, your discount/credit will be less if you only have local fire alarms and dead bolts versus a comprehensive monitored alarm system.  Nick DiUlio for insurancequotes.com references Michael Barry from the Insurance Information Institute, citing that, “homeowners typically can expect discounts of at least 5 percent for smoke detectors, burglar alarms or deadbolt locks. For more advanced alarm systems that report directly to a police station, fire department or other monitoring stations,some companies may cut premiums by as much as 15 percent or 20 percent.”  This type of discount may also be available to renters.

Here is a list (in no particular order) of some insurance companies that offer home security discounts/credits:

Aside from the cost of a security system, and the installation, you will be paying a monthly monitoring fee which can range anywhere from $25-50.  Over the span of a year this will cost you between $300-600.  How does this compare with the cost of insurance?  According to homesecuritysystems.info the average homeowner will spend between $1,200-1,500/year on insurance premiums.  If your insurer offers a discount on the high end, up to 20%, you could save up to $300/year.  Keep in mind the fact that every time you make a claim, your premium is likely to go up.  Installing a security system can help you avoid having to make claims by protecting your home and its contents.

As long as you own your security system you will save on insurance.  Even if the initial cost of a security system may seem substantial, it typically ends up paying off in the end.  Whether it’s preventing an attempted burglary or lowering your yearly insurance costs, a security system is a sound investment.

For more information on security systems and their features go to Perfect Connections, Inc. We’ve been providing security systems solutions to Central and Northern New Jersey since 1992.  Needless to say, we know a thing or two about home security applications, and their benefits.

If you live in Central or Northern New Jersey and would like information on any of the topics discussed above, please call 800-369-3962 or simply CLICK HERE.

Image Credits: Image #1 by 401kcalculator.org-Flickr-Creative Commons, Image #2 by Alan Cleaver-Flickr-Creative Commons

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When a Lock & Key Doesn’t Cut It

October 23, 2014 By Leave a Comment

Broken door jamb-Tim SamoffThe world is an exciting, adventure-filled environment we all share. Even with all of the amazing opportunities it has to offer, the sad fact remains that there are inevitable and unavoidable dangers. We would all like to think our homes are impervious fortresses of safety, when in reality life is unpredictable, and most are unaware or don’t want to believe they are vulnerable in their own home. However, you can take preventative measures to significantly decrease your chances of disaster. Our homes are where our lives happen, what better reason to protect them? By installing a comprehensive custom security system, you would not only be protecting the physical structure of your home, but most importantly the welfare of your family. No one understands this better than our team of experts at Perfect Connections, Inc., a trusted security systems company that has serviced homes locally in Central and Northern New Jersey for decades.

Maybe you’ve considered a security system in the past, but thought, “my neighborhood is safe, nothing bad would or could ever happen here.” Then the unthinkable happens, your neighbor’s home is broken into while they are at work; the intruder stealing most, if not all, of their irreplaceable valuables. Your neighbor didn’t have a security system and the perpetrator was able to get in through an open window on their back porch. Sometimes that’s all it takes, you can lock your doors, but if a criminal wants in and you are unprotected, they will most likely find a way. According to Alarm.org, in 2012 there were an estimated 2,103,787 burglaries across the United States, and “Homes without alarm systems are 3 times more likely to be burglarized than those with an alarm system.” Don’t fall victim to false pretenses of perceived safety. Take initiative to safeguard what matters most.

As a homeowner, it’s not just burglaries and break-ins that are cause for concern, fire and carbon monoxide poisoning are unpredictable occurrences that threaten home and family safety. According to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) in 2013 nationally fire departments responded to a fire every 25 seconds, and 80,100 incidents of non-fire related carbon monoxide detection in 2010. To help avoid something as catastrophic as a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning, it is imperative that the proper warning systems are part of your home security system. Carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms will help prevent irreparable damage and loss.

A comprehensive custom security system will not only help prevent break-ins and fire damage, but protect and improve the functionality of your home and family. Today’s technological advancements have significantly enhanced the capabilities of home security systems. Many systems can be controlled and monitored remotely from the convenience of your smartphone or mobile device. In fact, here at Perfect Connections, Inc. we work with interactive services like Alarm.com to provide seamless and convenient home automation. Industry manufacturers and engineers have come a long way from the now antiquated door shaker security measures that followed the end of World War I. The door shakers were a posse of watchmen that would travel door to door giving each one a jiggle to make sure they were locked. Imagine leaving the safety of your home and family up to a door shaker nowadays? Whether you are in the midst of new home construction or concerned about your current residence, consider what security measures can and should be implemented.

When deciding between security systems companies, remember no two security systems are the same, as they shouldn’t be. They should be customized to fit the needs of an individual. If you hire a company that insists on using the same system they’ve used everywhere else, you might be getting duped. Not everyone has the same needs, and every home is different, therefore the security necessities between homes are going to vary greatly. Your security systems provider and installers should already know this, and they should be able to provide comprehensive solutions to your homes’ vulnerabilities. As a customer be sure to do your research. Personal referrals are helpful and online reviews can sometimes help weed out the non-experts. Once you’ve narrowed your search you’ll want to have the company you choose perform a security assessment. The assessment will show you what you’re lacking and how to better equip your home.

Features & Benefits of a Home Security System

Combining smoke and carbon monoxide detectors with motion detectors, surveillance, window and door sensors, energy management, and burglar alarms will create a more cohesive system, and put your mind at ease. With motion detectors you can be alerted when someone, or something, is moving in a particular room, or when doors and windows are being opened and closed. Motion detectors can even be set up to communicate with the security cameras in your home to catch a glimpse of what is moving. For all of the animal lovers, pet immune motion detectors are available helping to avoid false alarms from your furry friends.Cat and dog-Tim Dorr

While motion detectors pick up what is going on inside your home, window and door sensors will help provide perimeter protection, helping warn you before intruders are physically inside your home. Both sensors/detectors can trip your alarm system giving you enough time to get somewhere safe and/or alert the authorities, while simultaneously driving the intruder away. The benefits of an energy conscious system is that its’ cost effective and less wasteful. Being able to manage your home climate can save you from a sky-high utilities bill, especially in extreme weather conditions.

One of the best ways to keep track and understand what is happening in yours or a loved one’s home is surveillance. By installing home security cameras you have the capability to record and monitor internal and external activity. Cameras are a great way to deter potential intruders or vandals and keep track of who is coming and going. Recording and monitoring services can be a helpful resource in tracking down a suspect in the event of a successful break-in. Surveillance will provide peace of mind that can’t be obtained by an alarm system alone.

The Connected Home

Now that you have your custom security system installed and you fully grasp its functions,wouldn’t it be convenient to see and control what is happening while you’re away? With the Connected Home-Home Automation and integrated security systems now you can. In today’s high-tech society many security systems now have remote access capabilities. Maybe you’re at work and your kids are expected home before you, with remote access via your smartphone, tablet, or mobile device, you can be notified of their safe arrival with a snapshot or video clip. Perhaps you forgot to close your garage door before leaving for vacation. No worries, with the tap of your mobile device, it’s easily closed. Maybe you’re concerned for the well being of a loved one living on their own, but you don’t want to hinder their independence, problem solved. With a mobile app like the one offered by Alarm.com you can check on your family member’s activity without being intrusive. You can even control the temperature of your home from Home Automation-from our websiteafar. Imagine your driving home from a long weekend mid-winter and you had set the temperature somewhere in the 50’s in an effort to conserve energy; mid drive you can access and change your home climate to avoid the bone-chilling wait time it would take to warm the house. This type of technology is not only convenient but continuously evolving. Including home automation as in integral part of your security system makes life easier and with improving technologies it’s bound to only get better.

See what Perfect Connections, Inc. can do to help protect your home and family. We have been securing homes since 1992. Our team can provide a personalized solution to help put your mind at ease.

If you live in Central or Northern New Jersey and would like information on any of the topics discussed above, please call 800-369-3962 or simply CLICK HERE.

Image Credits: Image #1 by Tim Samoff-Filckr-Creative Commons, Image #2 by Tim Dorr-Flickr-Creative Commons

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