How would you feel about running out of hot water during your shower?
Then one of the essential aspects to include in your to-do list should be to get a quality tankless water heating system for your new home.
Some people view this as a luxury or an extra cost that they would instead do without, but that is only because they have not looked at the bigger picture to realize the benefits that come with water heating systems.
You must, however, invest in a good quality system from a reputable supplier like JR Water and Gas and look for a heater that meets your exact needs.
If you are still skeptical about the instantaneous water heating system idea, here are the top benefits to expect from it.
Enhances energy conservation
The water heating systems use gas or electricity to provide you with hot water in your shower, sinks, and other areas around your home.
The best part is that you can choose whichever source of energy that is ideal for you.
Instantaneous water heaters are known for energy efficiency as they only heat water when you need it to.
This is unlike the traditional storage tanks which store water at a constant temperature regardless of whether you need hot water or not.
The heaters are super effective
Instantaneous water heaters are one of the most effective solutions, and this is mainly because you get hot water when you need it.
You only need to learn to adjust the tankless system, and you are assured of getting endless hot water supply when in demand.
They require less maintenance
The other benefits to expect from the tankless or instantaneous water heating systems is that they will serve you for a long time, yet require minimal maintenance.
Once the system is installed, you can trust that it will last and serve you for up to 20 years.
Nearly every component of the instantaneous heaters is replaceable without the need to replace the whole unit.
Saves your space
Space is one of the main reasons why homeowners prefer the tankless water heaters to the storage tanks.
If you have limited space at home, then this will work perfectly for you.
This type of water heating system can be installed anywhere, which could be outdoors or indoors.
The systems are mounted on the wall, so you do not have to worry about freeing up some space to have it installed.
For large house its easy to install more two heaters to avoid that wait for the water to reach your tap!
The benefits of instantaneous water heating systems are endless, and these are just a few of what to expect. It is evident that the systems enhance convenience, safety, help you save space and money.
They are also super easy to install, use, and maintain. Take your time and search for a tankless water heater that meets your needs and get to experience this in your home.
I know that a lot of communications come via Email and Facebook now but I still like to receive mail.
A nice card means a lot more to me than a Happy Birthday tweet.
If you are like me and like to get letters, make sure that you take a bit of care with your letter box.
After all how hard can it be?…………Unfortunately from my experiences its too hard for lots of people!
Here are just some of the faults that I commonly come across:
Difficult to find
The box behind and below the fence line
The letter slot too small
The box can’t fit a normal envelope without folding
The box is too low
So what should you do about a letter box for your new home?
Have a look at a DIY store you will see plenty of choice. A good tip is to get a piece of card at least 230mm x 325 mm and try it in each box you like.
If you have the skills why not make one. I think they are far more interesting than the run of the mill boxes.
Make sure the box is on the boundary and not obscured by the fence or bushes.
These are the important dimensions when choosing, making, and installing a letter box:
A delivery opening of at least 235mm x 30mm
Minimum internal dimensions below the delivery opening of 240mm x 340mm x 160mm
The delivery opening should be no lower than 900mm and no higher than 1200mm above the ground.
One question I do have is . . . . . Why do they still have a newspaper tube? . . . . I have had a daily newspaper delivered for more than 25 years and its always thrown on the garden. . . . never put in the tube!
According to Alarms.org, there are roughly 2.5 million burglaries each year in the U.S., with 66% of those being home break-ins.
If you’re a homeowner or even if you rent and you’re looking to keep your family safe, you’ve probably considered getting home security cameras set up.
However, there’s an overwhelming amount of information out there, and it can be hard to know where to start.
That’s why we’ve compiled several tips on the introduction into home security cameras so you can have a solid starting point.
In this article, you’ll learn why you need to get home security cameras set up at home, whether you should get a wired or wireless camera, and how to install and place your camera.
Keep reading to discover just how easy it is to keep your home and family safe with home security cameras, even if you know nothing about home security.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Why You Should Invest In Home Security Cameras
Investing in home security cameras is a smart idea for a number of reasons. Here are a few reasons why you need to set one up in your home this year:
1. Protect Your Home from Break-Ins & Burglaries
The most obvious reason to install a home security camera in your home is to defend your family and home against burglaries. Nowadays, home security cameras can send an alert to your smartphone notifying you of unusual activity outside the home, so you can be ready to alert the police, or defend yourself.
Also, in the event that someone does break-in, you’ll have footage that you can take to the police to help identify the criminal so they can prosecute them or press charges if necessary.
2. Communicate with Your Family
Modern security cameras aren’t limited to simply capturing footage of a potential burglar. You can use these devices to check-in with family members while you’re out of the home, as an upgrade to a simple phone call.
Whether that means making sure your kids are getting their homework done at the dinner table, or you want to have a quick chat with your spouse to let them know you’ll be late for dinner.
3. Check-in on Your Pets
Just as you’re able to communicate with your loved ones, let’s not forget about your pets. Though you shouldn’t leave your pets alone for long periods of time, in the case that you do have to be away for a few hours, it can be stressful not knowing how they’re doing.
Home security cameras are an easy way to quickly check-in on your dog or cat to make sure they’re alright, without even having to leave your desk at work.
4. Medical Security
Along with being able to check in on the kids and pets, many homeowners are using home security cameras to check in on their elderly parents, or loved ones with medical conditions.
Maybe you have a loved one who deals with a medical condition, or maybe your aging mother lives by herself or is susceptible to falling. Installing a home security camera is a great way to have peace of mind that you’ll be able to check-in, even if your loved one can’t answer the phone due to an emergency.
5. Bonus: Insurance Benefits
One bonus reason why you should have home security cameras set up in your home is for insurance discounts. Many insurance providers will offer a discount to homeowners who have a home security camera installed in their homes. Remember to check with your home insurance provider as every company offers different policies and discounts.
Wired vs. Wireless Home Security Cameras
Getting a home security system is a smart way to keep your home safe. Homes with security systems are 300% less likely to be burglarized, according to Alarm.org.
Once you’ve made the decision to purchase a home security camera, the next question you have to ask yourself is: Should I get a wired or wireless home security camera?
Here we’ll discuss the pros and cons of each type:
Wired Home Security Cameras
Wired home security is the traditional type of security and is usually used on larger properties. They require cables for an internet connection, power, and video transmission.
Pros
Reliability: The main benefit of wired security cameras is reliability. They’re not susceptible to wireless signal interference.
Large System Support: Wired security is best for large properties. They can handle the range of power, transmission, and internet signal better than wireless on big properties.
Cons
Installation Time: Wired installation can be extremely meticulous and time-consuming. We recommend using a professional (though it’s not mandatory) since there can be plenty of complicated cable-running involved.
Susceptible to Power Outages: If the power goes out, your wired home security goes out as well. One way to combat this is with a backup generator, which requires a bigger investment.
Wireless Home Security Cameras
New & modern wireless home security cameras have become more and more popular over the years.
They address the biggest downside to wired security: installation.
Pros
Easy Installation: If you’re someone who can’t stand setting up new technology, then your best bet is to choose wireless. Since they transmit footage via Wi-Fi, you don’t need to run internet cables. Plus, installation is more flexible since you only require a power source.
Easy Take Down: If you rent your home or lease business property, then wireless systems are much easier to take down if you have to move locations.
Cons
Varying Signal: The biggest downside to wireless security cameras is their vulnerability to a weak Wi-Fi signal. If your home has terrible Wi-Fi, you should consider getting a wired system.
Limited Size: Wireless systems are usually limited to four cameras. If you have a larger property, your security cameras may not have the capacity to cover the entire area.
Tips for Installation & Placement of Cameras
Once you’ve purchased your home security cameras, the next step is to figure out how and where to install them.
Here are a few installation tips to make sure the process is as simple and as fast as possible:
Test Your Equipment Before Committing to the Install. This is important to make sure the signal is strong enough if you have wireless security.
Don’t Try to Jerry-Rig or Tweak the Camera. If you have a knack for technology, you may want to “adjust” the settings or the mount. Unless you’re an expert, it’s best that you stick with the manual and equipment provided so you don’t damage your cameras.
Don’t Install the Cameras Where You Can’t Reach Them.Put them somewhere you can reach them for ongoing cleaning, maintenance, or if you need to access them for any reason.
When in Doubt, Hire a Professional.If you’re not confident installing the cameras yourself, don’t push yourself to the edge to do so. Hire a professional if you have any doubts. It will save you time, and they will ensure an efficient installation.
Placement
Placing your home security cameras in the right spot is crucial to ensure maximum security. Here are the most vulnerable break-in entries that your cameras should be covering:
The Front Door This is the main entry a potential burglar will take. Put your camera on the second-floor level that points directly to your front door.
The Back Door The back door is another vulnerable location. Again, make sure the camera is high enough so a potential threat can’t remove it.
Off-Street Windows Many burglars will attempt to break-in through a window that’s not visible from the road. Make sure to point one to any windows at the side or back of the house.
Other Vulnerable Locations Some other common locations to secure include:
Basement
Second floor
Driveway
Garage
Shed or Barn
The easiest way to figure out where to put a camera is looking at all possible entries, with doors being the most vulnerable, and windows being the second most vulnerable.
A University of North Carolina study, titled, “Understanding Decisions to Burglarize from the Offender’s Perspective”, states that 60% of burglars would change their minds if they noticed a home security system was installed.
Remember, an investment in home security cameras is an investment in the safety of your home and family.
If you are building your new house with a big builder once the contract is signed the most important person in the build is going to be the Site Supervisor(SS).
The site supervisor is responsible for programming the works, ordering materials, selecting who will carry out the various tasks (from the tradies contracted to the builder), and supervising the works as well as liaising with you.
To get the best results for your house building a good relationship with the site supervisor is important.
I am not saying that you have to be best friends, but you should aim for an atmosphere of mutual respect.
Here are a few thoughts:
When you are first contacted by the site supervisor why not suggest buying them a coffee to start the relationship off in a good way.
Let them know what things are important to you.
Arrange site meetings during the working day. – Typically the building trades works from 6.30am until 4.00pm. It’s your house so if you can’t make the effort to meet during their work hours don’t expect the supervisor to use their family time to meet you.
If you are given a mobile number that doesn’t mean you can ring in the evenings and at weekends.
If you spot a problem be firm but don’t go off the handle. “I noticed that ‘X’ was different to the required specification” is going to get a better response than “YOU SCREWED UP!”
The typical site supervisor will be involved in building several houses at once so sometimes they can’t get straight back to you.
If during construction you are told that something you wanted can’t be done ask to be shown the regulation that doesn’t permit it. On our last house I wanted the gas meter and electrical meter together. One night I checked the site and the plumber had installed the pipework to another location. When I was told that they couldn’t be together I asked the question about the regulations and the meter location was moved without further discussion.
Sometimes it can be worth waiting a bit longer for the better tradesman to become available, rather than rushing the build.
Always go through the site supervisor, don’t try to order the tradies around if you visit the site.
How have you got the best out of your site supervisor?
For more info while the build is underway see Construction
Sometimes when you are driving round a housing estate you see a Ghost House.
The house that was under construction and then for some reason everything stopped.
Three, five, sometimes even ten or more years later its still half built.
I used to walk past this house every day, that had been at lock up for more than 3 years.
An estate where my daughter lived had two ghost houses that must have been half finished for at least eight years.
They are houses that silently ask questions:
Were the buyers too ambitious and ran out of money?
