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Joining the smart home revolution begins with investing in that very first smart device. For many people, the first device is a wireless video camera. But making the decision to buy a camera is the easy part. The harder part is actually deciding on which one to get.

Buying that first wireless camera can seem like a daunting task inasmuch as there are so many choices. Not only that, but many manufacturers claim to make the best cameras on the market. How does one distinguish between brands? How does one decide on the type of camera to start with?

There are no easy answers. It all boils down to research. For homeowners looking to invest in that first camera, doing as much research as possible goes a long way toward answering questions and providing guidance. But at the end of the day, sometimes homeowners just need to make a best guess and then jump in.

Wireless Doorbell Cameras

For many homeowners new to the smart home environment, that first device is a wireless doorbell camera. Doorbell cameras are so popular that millions have been sold around the world. The devices are easy to install and equally easy to use. They enhance home security and deter certain types of property crimes.

In terms of home security providers, Vivint was one of the early adopters of the video doorbell. Their smart home systems fully integrate with video doorbells from the Ring brand. If you wanted to purchase a doorbell camera separate from an integrated home automation system, there are tons of brands available off-the-shelf.

The most convenient feature wireless doorbell cameras offer is onboard audio that lets homeowners communicate with visitors in real time. With a smartphone and companion mobile app, the homeowner can see and talk with visitors even if they are not home themselves.

Other Exterior Cameras

If the wireless doorbell camera has a weakness, it is its limited scope and view. The architectural design of a home can limit the scope of a view even more. So for some homeowners, the first wireless camera is an exterior camera they gets mounted high up on a wall, tree, or pole.

A mounted exterior camera offers a much wider view. More advanced models tend to offer zoom control and the ability modify the view angle. These extra features give homeowners the opportunity to fine-tune camera views to show exactly what they want.

Interior Wireless Cameras

When it comes to interior wireless cameras, homeowners have even more options. First off is the mounted camera that is placed high on an interior wall. It gives a wide view of large areas within the home, be it the front entryway, the family room, the kitchen, etc.

Portable interior cameras are placed on tables, counters, bookshelves, and other such surfaces. Though they can offer fairly wide views, they tend to be utilized for smaller areas where a more detailed view is desired.

For more covert surveillance, some homeowners invest in hidden cameras. A hidden camera can give parents of small children some extra peace of mind through the ability to keep an eye on the sitter. Likewise, a hidden camera can keep track of contractors working in a home when the homeowner is at work.

Though this post has introduced you to variety of wireless video cameras, it barely scratches the surface in terms of all the possibilities. Wireless cameras come in a variety of shapes and sizes with tons of features that make them incredibly useful. Suffice it to say that there are plenty of choices.

Getting a mortgage on a house is one of the most important financial decisions that you can make. You will be living in your house for years and it is important to get the best mortgage possible.

There are many different types of mortgages available, all with their own pros and cons. It is important to do your research before making any final decisions so that you can avoid getting into debt or paying too much for your home loan.

Here is some helpful information on how to go about obtaining a mortgage. Keep in mind that you can use a house payment calculator as you go to plug in your specific numbers and learn more about what you can be expected to owe.

Down payment

The down payment is the amount of money you pay upfront when you buy a house. It is typically a percentage of the purchase price, and the amount you need to save for a down payment can vary based on several factors, including the type of mortgage you choose, the lender you work with, and the price of the house you’re buying.

Some mortgage programs, such as those backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), allow you to put as little as 3.5% down, while others may require a down payment of 10% or more.

Mortgage terms

The mortgage term is the length of time you have to pay back the loan. You can choose from a variety of mortgage terms, including 15-year and 30-year loans. A 15-year mortgage will generally have a lower interest rate and a higher monthly payment than a 30-year mortgage, but you’ll pay off the loan faster and save money on interest in the long run.

Interest rate

The interest rate is the percentage of the loan amount that you pay in interest. Interest rates can vary based on your credit score, the type of mortgage you choose, and market conditions. A higher interest rate means you’ll pay more in interest over the life of the loan, while a lower interest rate means you’ll pay less.

Closing costs

Closing costs are fees associated with buying a house, and they can include things like appraisal fees, title insurance, and attorney’s fees. These costs can vary, but you can expect to pay 2% to 5% of the purchase price in closing costs.

You may be able to negotiate with the seller to have them pay some or all of the closing costs, or you may be able to get the lender to cover some of the fees as part of your mortgage agreement.

Private mortgage insurance (PMI)

If you put less than 20% down on your house, you may be required to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI). This insurance protects the lender in case you default on your loan. PMI premiums are typically added to your monthly mortgage payment, and they can be expensive, so it’s a good idea to try to save up for a larger down payment if you can.

Pre-approval

Before you start looking for a house, it’s a good idea to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This means that a lender has reviewed your financial situation and has given you an idea of how much you can borrow.

Pre-approval can make it easier to find a house that you can afford and can give you an advantage when making an offer on a house. To get pre-approved, you’ll need to provide the lender with information about your income, debts, and credit history. The lender will then review this information and give you a pre-approval letter that specifies the maximum loan amount you’re eligible for. You can visit more about magazine valley.

American homes are getting smarter. From smart speakers to complete home automation systems that handle it all, Americans are gradually embracing the smart home revolution. How about you? If you are new to home automation, there are some things you can do to take it to the next level.

I am going to assume that your experience with home automation is limited to a smart speaker and a couple of smart lighting fixtures. I will also assume you have plans to add to your system in the future. That being the case, here are three things you can do to stay ahead of the game:

1. Invest in a New Router

All the devices in a smart home connect to its hub via your local network. And if you are like most people, your home network is a wi-fi network powered by a router. Any plans to fully develop your home automation system in the future suggest investing in a state-of-the-art router.

Look for a router that offers the latest security protocols. You also want a dual band router for greater speed and network efficiency. A dual band router allows you to isolate your home automation system on one band or the other, leaving the unused band for computers, phones, and streaming devices.

Hide the Network SSID

As long as you are investing in a new router, get one that allows you to hide your network SSID. Hidden networks are not impossible to hack, but they are harder. Hackers have a tougher time locating and hacking networks they don’t know exist.

2. Take Advantage of Two-Factor Authentication

Should you eventually decide to invest in a complete home automation system through a service provider like Vivint, choose a service that utilizes two-factor authentication (2FA) for all account access. Your account will be much more secure that way.

Also note that some DIY devices come with apps that offer 2FA. Utilize it whenever you can. Two-factor authentication requires more than just a user and password to gain access. You need to prove your identity in a second way. Usually this is done through an email or text message with a unique access number.

2FA is a fantastic tool for thwarting hackers. It makes breaking into a home network much harder, to the extent that many hackers will simply give up and seek out other targets if they discover 2FA on a current target.

3. Invest in Geolocation

Finally, the one thing that could take your home automation system above and beyond your wildest dreams is geolocation technology. Combining geolocation with geofencing and home automation makes it possible to program your system to automatically do things based on where you are.

For example, you could build a geofence around your home with a 1-mile perimeter. Then you could program your system to automatically disarm its security devices while simultaneously turning on the lights and adjusting the thermostat as you drive home from work. As soon as your cell phone gets inside that 1-mile perimeter, your home automation system kicks in.

A home automation system that is integrated with geolocation is a system capable of doing a lot on its own. It truly shows the capabilities of modern home automation. In addition, an integrated system demonstrates where the industry is going in the future.

Home automation is here to stay. Not only that, but it is also going to get more amazing as time goes on. If you are just getting into it, try the three things described in this post to take your current system to the next level.

It is estimated that there are over 30,000 electrical fires each year. These fires result in over $1 billion in damages and nearly 400 deaths. While many of these accidents could be prevented with proper education, a new study suggests that parents may not be as informed as they should be regarding electrical safety.

What does electrical safety mean?

Electrical safety refers to the precautions that should be taken to avoid fire, shock, or other hazards when using electrical equipment. This includes everything from outlets and cords to circuit breakers and surge protectors. Parents can significantly reduce the risk of an electrical accident in the home by taking a few simple steps.

Below is a detailed list of children’s electrical safety that every parent must know:

1- Avoid using extension cords:

Extension cords are one of the most common causes of electrical fires. If you must use an extension cord, make sure it is rated for the wattage of the appliance or devices you are plugging in. Also, inspect the cord before each use and do not use it if it is damaged.

2- Do not overload outlets:

Overloaded outlets are another leading cause of electrical fires. Do not plug more than two devices into a single outlet to avoid this. Use a power strip with built-in circuit protection if you need more than two devices.

3- Use light bulbs that match the fixture:

Using the wrong light bulb can lead to an electrical fire. Be sure to use light bulbs that match the wattage rating of the fixture. Additionally, do not use more than the recommended number of bulbs in a single fixture.

4- Do not leave cords dangling:

Cords that are left dangling can be a tripping hazard and lead to electrical fires. To avoid this, tuck cords behind furniture or use cord covers to keep them hidden. Consult a qualified electrician if you are unsure how to tuck away cords safely.

5- Do not use appliances near water:

Appliances such as hair dryers and curling irons should never be used near water. If an appliance falls into the water, unplug it immediately and do not use it until a qualified electrician has inspected it.

6- Use surge protectors:

Surge protectors can help to prevent electrical fires by absorbing spikes in voltage. Be sure to plug appliances and electronics into a surge protector rather than directly into an outlet. Additionally, only use surge protectors rated for the wattage of the devices you are plugging in.

7- Do not use damaged cords or outlets:

Cords and outlets that are damaged can pose a serious fire hazard. If you notice any damage, do not use the cord or outlet and have it repaired or replaced by a qualified electrician.

Bottom line

Electrical safety is an important issue that every parent should be aware of. Taking simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk of an electrical fire in your home. If you have any questions about electrical safety, be sure to consult with a qualified electrician. As parents, we need a Home Safety Day like we have World Cavity-Free Days. It will help increase awareness and bring the issue of electrical safety to the forefront.

Climate change is a reality not only proved by science, but made evident by reading worldwide news: Heat waves and blizzards simultaneously in different parts of a same country, severe droughts in America while there are unending rains and floods in Asia, sea levels rising, melting icebergs and glaciers, and the headlines go on and on. For the last decade or so, we have register record-breaking high temperatures each year compared to the previous one.

In this context, water is rapidly becoming a more precious and endangered resource. And while it is true that it is very little what we can individually contribute to stop climate change in the grand scheme of things, we can certainly help in our own turf, starting with our home and our family. It is most definitely a start.

One of the most wasteful places for water is very near us: our own bathroom, restroom or toilet. Stop to think about it for a second: How long does it take you to shower? What about your children? Do you stop the tap while you brush your teeth, shampoo your head or wash yourself? When was the last time you checked your toilet, faucet or showerhead for leaks?

A little action like completely turning off the water while you brush your teeth can result in a significant saving of water in the long run. Just picture this: A regular showerhead can release as much as 12 liters per minute, which amounts to 240 litters for a 20-minute shower. That means a household of four could spend almost 1.000 litters a day just showering.

But you know what? You are not alone!

Introducing Acqua Tempus, a shower timer that cuts off water. It is a patented technology that allows you to establish a maximum limit of time for water release in the shower, thus helping you and your family more closely control the amount of water (and energy) you use.

This little change will go a long way in making you and your family more resource-efficient and environmentally conscious. Acqua Tempus is very simple device to install, program and use. It does not require plumbing or additional electrical installations. It has a battery that recharges itself with the flow of water. It also has a water leak sensor: in case someone leaves the tap open, it will automatically close the tap to prevent any waste.

Combine the use of Acqua Tempus with additional actions like installing a more efficient and modern toilet, designed to use less water to flush, as well as constantly checking all the plumbing in your bathroom for leaks, and you’ll start making your own contribution to stopping climate change.

Talk and educate your children (and maybe even your spouse) on being more conscious of the use of water when cleaning up. Teach them by example, even make a game out of it!

Acqua Tempus is a proprietary design by Arelia, a Spanish company committed to the efficient use of water and energy, focused on designing and promoting new technologies to stop climate change.

Arelia products are available worldwide. They will not only help you save water, energy and money, but also help our beloved planet. Arelia can be your greatest ally in reducing the impact of climate change and contributing to a better world for our children and ourselves.

It is probably safe to say that most of us take the internet for granted. If you were born in the 1990s or later, you probably don’t have any memories of a world without the internet. It has become so pervasive in modern society that we take the internet for granted. It’s like air – we expect it to always be there.

A good way to illustrate just how much the internet has impacted modern life is to look at home security. Modern home security doesn’t just rely on internet access, it depends on the internet of things (IoT) to function properly. It is the IoT that makes modern home security smart. It is that which allows integration between security and automation.

Before the Internet

Home security existed before the internet. Outfitted homes were equipped with burglar alarms and CCTV cameras. Those that were monitored around the clock were connected to remote monitoring centers via landline telephone. All the equipment was wired to the home’s electrical system for power purposes.

Those older home security systems were effective. They did what they were designed to do. Yet they were still limited in function and feature. Once the internet became a thing, home security began to change.

With the Internet

With the advent of the internet, home security companies could begin connecting their equipment to remote servers via internet connections. The biggest benefit was remote storage. With the internet, video footage no longer had to be stored on tapes located in the home. It could be stored remotely on computer servers.

As the internet involved, the IoT eventually emerged. That changed everything. The IoT took remote video storage to the next level and beyond.

Home Security with the IoT

These days, the IoT enables everything from remotely accessed wireless video cameras to entire smart home systems that include home security components. It is the IoT that gives companies like Vivint Smart Home so many avenues for making homes safer and more secure.

The IoT is that collection of internet-enabled devices that can all be interconnected across global networks. Wireless video cameras are part of the IoT. Because they are, you can pull up live video feeds from your own cameras 24/7. All you need is an internet connection and a device to get online.

Your video doorbell also works because of the IoT. So do your smart locks. Most important of all, the IoT is responsible for the integration of home automation and security equipment. Home automation and security are no longer separate entities; they have melded into a single entity, for all intents and purposes.

We Live in a Connected World

If you strip away all the hardware and software, you discover that the IoT is the engine that drives modern society. Another way to put it is to say that we live in a connected world. Most parts of the Earth are connected by global networks. And because of that, we are able to use things like wireless video cameras and smart locks.

Making it all work requires that devices be able to communicate with one another and remote servers. They all need to speak the same language. Though there are some ongoing issues with that, things are improving with every passing day. The further we go in the IoT world, the more interconnected we become.

If you ever want to know how profoundly the world has been impacted by the IoT, just spend some time thinking about how much functionality your home security and automation system offers. None of that would be possible without the IoT.

What homeowner in America would not be happy to get a reduction in their insurance rates? Homeowners insurance premiums have tracked right along with everything else in our economy: ever upward. Anything that can reduce rates or temporarily slow their climb would be welcome. Does installing home security qualify?

Home security companies have long suggested that installing things like video cameras and monitored smoke detectors could lead to lower insurance premiums. But then again, we would expect that. They want to sell home security systems. But are such claims true? Apparently, yes.

From the Horse’s Mouth

At least one insurance company, Allstate, says right on its website that “you may qualify for homeowners insurance discounts if you install certain safety devices that help protect your loved ones and your property.” They then go on to list some of the safety devices homeowners should consider:

• Smoke detectors
• Fire alarms
• Burglar alarm systems.

All three are standard fare in the modern home security arena. Even the most basic security systems include burglar protection, smoke, and CO detectors, and at least one or two wireless cameras. A basic system may not qualify for the largest possible discount but beef up that system and you will do better. Allstate suggests that things like deadbolts and fire extinguishers can increase discounts even further.

Monitored Home Security

Choosing to install a home security system immediately opens the door to numerous options. At the top of the list is the choice between monitored and unmonitored security. The former involves a monitoring package from a company like Vivint Smart Home. You either purchase or rent security equipment that is remotely monitored twenty-four hours per day, every day of the week.

An unmonitored system is not connected to a remote monitoring center. Any and all monitoring is done by the homeowner by way of mobile apps connected to video cameras, window and door sensors, and smoke and CO detectors. If that much is not even being done, a security system becomes little more than a noise making machine.

Vivint says that homeowners are likely to get a larger discount if their home security systems are monitored. That makes complete sense. Monitoring is advantageous in the sense that it guarantees someone is always paying attention even when there is no one at the monitored home. Monitoring facilitates a faster response when emergencies do occur, thereby minimizing losses. Of course, insurance companies would prefer the monitored option.

Insurance Is About Risk

If you are still not clear as to why insurance companies offer discounts for home security systems, here is what you need to know: insurance is all about risk. Whenever an insurance company writes a homeowners policy, it takes a risk that it may have to pay out more in claims then it receives in annual premiums. The greater the risk, the more the insurance company stands to lose.

It is in the insurance company’s best interests to reduce risk as much as possible. One of the best ways to do that is to encourage homeowners to make their properties safer. A safe for property is one less likely to suffer substantial losses in the event of a covered incident. This translates to lower risk and less lost potential for the insurance company.

It turns out that home security companies have been right all along. It is possible to reduce your homeowner’s insurance rate by installing a home security system. Whether or not the rate reduction is more than the cost of the security system is not clear. That is something you would have to research.

Sports flooring is an essential part of any gym or playing field. There are many different types of sports flooring, but rubber is one of the most popular materials. Rubber is a durable material that can withstand wear and tear. It is also soft, which makes it comfortable for athletes to use.

There are many benefits to using rubber sports flooring. Some of the benefits include:

1. Safety

One of the biggest benefits of rubber sports flooring is that it is safe. Rubber is a soft material that will not cause injuries if athletes fall on it. It is also non-slip, which means athletes will not slip and fall while using it.

2. Durability

Rubber is a durable material that can withstand wear and tear. This makes it a good choice for sports flooring, as it will last for a long time.

3. Comfort

Rubber is a soft material, making it comfortable for athletes to use. It will not cause injuries if athletes fall on it, and it is also non-slip. This makes it a safe and comfortable choice for sports flooring.

4. Cost

Rubber is a relatively affordable material, making it a cost-effective choice for sports flooring. It is durable and will last for a long time, making it a good value for the money.

5. Appearance

Rubber sports flooring is available in various colors, which makes it a versatile choice for any gym or playing field. It also has a rubber-like appearance, which gives it an attractive look.

How can you maintain rubber sports flooring?

a) Sweep or vacuum the floor regularly to remove any dirt or debris

Sweeping or vacuuming the floor regularly will help keep it clean and looking its best.

b) Mop the floor with a damp mop to remove any dirt or stains

Moping the floor with a wet mop will help to remove any dirt or stains that may occur.

c) Apply a sealant to the floor every few years

Applying a sealant to the floor every few years will help protect it from dirt and stains. This will help to keep it looking its best for longer.

d) Replace any damaged tiles immediately

You can immediately keep the floor looking its best by replacing any damaged tiles.

Different materials can be used in sports flooring; they include;

• Carpet: This material is affordable and can be installed quickly, but it is not as durable as other materials.
• Vinyl-vinyl is a popular choice for sports flooring because it is durable and easy to clean. It is also affordable and comes in a variety of colors.
• Concrete-although this material is not as common, it is very durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
• Wood-although this material is not as common, it is very durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear.

Which material is the best for sports flooring?

There is no one “best” material for sports flooring, as each has its benefits and drawbacks. However, rubber is a popular choice due to its durability, safety, and comfort. It is also affordable and comes in various colors, which makes it versatile for any gym or playing field.

When choosing rubber sports flooring, it is crucial to consider its benefits. Rubber is a durable, safe, and comfortable material that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. It is also affordable and attractive, making it a good choice for any gym or playing field.

The truth that a robot vacuum can mop and vacuum flooring even if home owners are away helps make the machines very reliable and convenient. Nothing could be better ones than knowing you will get the place to find a crisp, clean home without worries of buildup of debris, dust and grime. But with the amount of robot options now available for sale, can you be sure a great robot for your house? The characteristics and qualities will go a lengthy means by guiding you right and reliable machine for your house.

Quiet operation – A great robot vacuum won’t interrupt anybody’s sleep because it does its chores around the house. One with quiet operation is amazing, specifically for houses which have young children since it implies that everyone can continue taking pleasure in their sleep no matter the schedule here we are at the robot to complete the cleaning.

Prrr-rrrglable schedule – Another feature which makes a great unit is the opportunity to program the cleaning schedule. The programming means that you could set the system to wash several occasions each day and also at specific occasions based on that which you find appropriate for the space. The programming is really easy which you can use an online to schedule the session. You don’t have to become home to get it functioning.

Sensors – They’re what make it easy for the robot vacuum to navigate around your home without thumping into anything. With sensors in position, you can be certain the vacuum will clean to the object edge and despite the fact that it might touch, no damages are carried out because it doesn’t drive directly into the obstacles. A few of the models are extremely good they contain small sensors over-all them, which touch objects, and therefore your furniture won’t be knocked whatsoever. Sensors make sure that your walls and furniture remain safe as well as in top condition.

Easy maintenance – One other good sign of a great robot vacuum is the simplicity. It ought to be simple to empty the dust bin as well as clean the comb and filter. A high quality one will really include a proven method to create your cleaning simpler. One that has mechanically cleanable cleaning pads provides you with a simple time being careful from the machine to enhance the performance.

Sleek design – As with every other addition to your house, you’ll need a robot that combines effortlessly in to the house. One that includes a chic, attractive and subtle look can serve as yet another beauty mark to your house. Fortunately, most robots are very sleek in design and are available in beautiful colors to match different preferences and decorations.

Multi-functional – No robot vacuum can beat one that will function as a broom, vacuum along with a mop simultaneously. The greater it may perform the better and much more beneficial it will likely be in your home. This type of unit are designed for any kind of grime or stain, making certain that you’ve a completely clean home. Some models really have Dust filters that purify the atmosphere and Ultra violet light to kill bacteria as cleaning continues.