system

If you are worried about your home getting broken into while you are out or during the night, we have some steps that should help with the issue. Even though none of the below steps are going to give you a 100 percent guarantee of no break-ins, we believe these steps will ensure the risk is close to negligible. Here are some simple and cost effective ways to prevent break-ins.

Stop Showing Off

It may sound obvious, but if you are going to show off your wealth there is a much higher chance of you getting robbed. And that is especially true if you are not living in a highly secure neighborhood. If you have an expensive motorbike or bicycle do not leave it out unattended. If you have pricey electronics do not throw the boxes they came in to an area that is clearly visible to those who are passing by. And if you have those expensive electronics set up in the house avoid leaving the drapes or shades open while you’re out so that everyone can see your huge screen TV.

Trick Burglars

One of the best ways to ensure you are not robbed is to give the illusion that you are always home. Even when you are heading to work, keep one or two lights on. You may even want to leave the TV on or some music playing as that will really make people think there is someone in the house. Statistics show that a break in is far less likely if someone is home.

Secure Your Windows

It is always a good idea to keep all of your sliding doors and windows secured. You may think no one is going to realize your back sliding door does not lock, but all it takes is for a burglar to try getting inside. We suggest connecting with locksmiths in Perth so they can help you get all of these doors and windows secured. It is much better to be safe instead of coming home to a place that was robbed because your window was unsecure.

Stop Leaving Spares

We have all seen this in many movies or television shows –homeowners leaving a key under the mat or a nearby pot. Do NOT do this under any circumstances. Unless it is for a specific occasion and the key will only be there for a couple of hours, it is a bad idea. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that burglars don’t know this too! The first thing they’ll do is look for a ‘hidden’ key – and they know all the good hiding spots.

Get an Alarm System

With most alarm systems, you are getting a high level of protection for a very low price. And sometimes all it takes is having one of those signs in your front yard that says you are a customer for an alarm company. It will deter burglars, because they know that an alarm is going to go off if they attempt to get into the house through a door or window.

Most households don’t notice their HVAC systems. As long as their home stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter then they don’t think about it. However, when it stops performing effectively or starts getting more disruptive, homeowners are forced to evaluate their HVAC units to determine what can be fixed and what needs to be replaced. Here are three signs that your HVAC system needs to be replaced or at least needs to be inspected.

There Is More Dust Floating Around

Image via Flickr by pulverizer_13

Dust is more than a cleaning annoyance. It can worsen your allergies and make your children sick. If they have asthma, they could struggle to breathe — even in their own homes. Furthermore, pollen from the outside can spread to areas like the bedroom and den that you want to feel comfortable in. Replacing your HVAC unit and cleaning your ducts can make it easy to breathe in your home again.

If you have noticed more dust in your home lately, check your air ducts to see if they’re particularly dusty. While air filters catch a significant amount of dirt and dust, older models are less effective at trapping these irritants. Your older home could also have decades of dust build up in your air ducts if they have never been cleaned.

Your Energy Bills Are Increasing

There are two signs that your HVAC system isn’t performing like it should: your energy bills are increasing and your system seems to run constantly. In this instance, you might have a leak in your air ducts that is pushing the air out of your home instead of inside your rooms. If your energy bills have been on the rise lately, pay attention to your HVAC system and see if it’s not turning off as often as it used to. The two could be correlated.

Before you decide to invest in a new system, call your local HVAC company for a checkup. There might be something wrong with your unit that’s causing it to run longer or push out room-temperature air. This could be an easier — and more affordable — fix than a complete replacement. During your tune-up, the HVAC professional will also check other sources around your home for leaks, like a drafty room or loose windows. This too could provide an affordable alternative to an HVAC replacement.

Your System Is Loud and Disruptive

Has your HVAC system grown louder in the past few years? Is there roaring and clanking that is keeping you and your kids up at night? If so, then your unit may be on its last legs. Older motors have to work harder and lose pipes or doors could lead to clanking noises.

This is another reason to have your HVAC unit inspected by a professional. He or she might be able to tighten up a few loose elements or find a way to muffle the sound of your system without requiring a complete replacement.

A poorly performing HVAC system can make the summer miserable, whether you’re sweating through the day or sneezing all night. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, then it might be time to invest in a modern unit.