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    Month: January 2020

    How to Clean and Maintain Your Kitchen Hood

    Posted on by j3marketing

    Your kitchen hood can be easily overlooked when cleaning. However, this is an area you definitely should be cleaning to keep your home safe from germs, bacteria, and fire hazards. The hood itself can be easily cleaned if you make a regular habit of it, although it may require some harsher chemicals than your regular surface cleaner at first. Then, depending on what type you have, you can easily clean or replace the hood’s filter on a less frequent basis.

    How often should you clean your kitchen range hood

     If you cook daily, the inside and outside of the hood and the filter should be cleaned monthly. If you aren’t a frequent chef, seasonal cleaning will be sufficient. Always plan to clean the filter after preparing a holiday feast even if you don’t clean the rest of the hood.

    As the fan and suction draw the grease and food particulates up into the ductwork, they naturally cling to the surfaces. Cleaning is essential to not only make the hood look and smell better but to also prevent a house fire. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), cooking is the leading cause of injuries in residential fires and the fourth leading cause after carelessness, smoking, and electrical problems of all residential fires. The statistics are even more dramatic for commercial kitchens. When a pot or pan is left on the stovetop for too long, flames can appear and may leap up into a greasy range hood causing extensive structural damage.

    Troubleshooting


    A good way to test the vent on your device is to cut a small square of newspaper and hold it over the vent. If the newspaper is sucked up and held in place, your vent hood should be fine.

    Every specific model of range hood is unique. If you are having difficulty diagnosing issues on your own, try looking up the model number of your unit. This way you’ll find information about common problems that will occur with your particular model.


    Ways to clean your kitchen hood

    Clean the air filter – the air filter is the part of your vent hood that removes particulates and smoke from the air before pushing it outside of your house or recirculating it. There are two kinds of filters: a metal filter and a charcoal filter. Both of these kinds of filters can be easily removed for cleaning or replacement.

    If you have a metal filter, simply remove it, and then put it in a small bin or appropriate container filled with enough degreasing solution to cover the filter completely. Once all the grease has been dissolved, give it a thorough wash in warm, soapy water. For good measure, put it in the top rack of a dishwasher. Before re-attaching it, make sure it is completely dry.

    If you have a charcoal filter, the removal process will be much the same. The only difference is that you can’t clean one of these filters. It is a good idea to replace a charcoal filter annually, or whenever it begins to lose effectiveness.

    Clean the range hood itself – this process is rather simple. Make sure you have the unit turned off and your stove top is not hot or turned on. A household cleaning spray or degreaser will be perfect for regular clean-ups. Just remember to use a non-abrasive variety. Do not spray the cleaner on to the light bulb or any other electrical components.

    Clean the vent  – you should check the vent leading from your hood to outside on a regular basis. Grease can sometimes build up in this vent, impairing functionality and potentially causing a fire hazard. If the grease is building up in this part of your vent, it is important to contact a cleaning professional as soon as possible to clean it properly.

    Clean the fan or replace the motor – the fan motor is generally durable enough that it will not need maintenance, but you should still examine every part of your vent hood when you do check-ups. Sometimes the motor or even the bearings themselves can be exposed to excessive humidity and grease, and will not function properly. A definite sign of this is if the motor is acting up as described in the first tip above. More often than not, it is the blower wheel that has collected dirt and grease. You can remove this part and clean it with a degreaser. If this does not solve your problem, you will most likely need to get the motor replaced.

    Preventative Measures

    Stopping issues before they happen is always the best idea. To prolong the health of your range hood, you should:

    • Clean your fan blades on occasion to prevent buildup of dirt and grease. This will help avoid excess stress on your motor and keep it from overheating.

    • Wash the exposed metal often. Warm suds will usually suffice. If surfaces get really greasy, a solution of ammonia and water will do the trick. Just make sure to rinse thoroughly after using this method.

    • Regularly check the vent to keep air flow unrestricted. If you allow grease to build up, it can pose a fire hazard.

    • Clean the filter frequently as it is the part that will collect grease the fastest.

    Following these tips will help your kitchen hood last a long time and effectively perform the job of keeping your kitchen smoke free and clean.

    Contant Titan Alarm to learn more about Kitchen Hood Systems

    What Are Doorbell Cameras?

    Posted on by j3marketing

    Simply put, a doorbell camera is a device similar to a traditional doorbell but, as one may assume, has built-in camera. Doorbell cameras allow homeowners to view who is at their door remotely, from any smartphone, tablet, or computer. This device shows the user live streaming footage from in front of the equipment and is capable of recording both audio and video. Doorbell cameras also let the user have a 2-way conversation with the person on the other side before opening it, possibly preventing an intruder from entering the house.

    How do doorbell cameras work?

    Smart doorbell cameras are easy to use, have many convenient features and provide a higher level of security around a residential property. Here are some of the things that a doorbell camera does.

    • A doorbell camera connects to your home’s existing doorbell wiring and doorbell chimes, as well as your home’s WiFi.

    • When someone pushes the doorbell, it chimes just like a normal doorbell. Some doorbell camera models use motion detectors to sense when someone is at your front porch and then start recording automatically.

    • A notification is sent to your smartphone via the WiFi connection, alerting you when someone is at the door.

    • Opening the doorbell camera’s app will allow you to watch a live video feed from the camera. Some doorbell cameras start recording video footage once the doorbell is pressed, or when motion is detected, allowing you to review the footage at your convenience. Because recorded video clips require storage space, you may need cloud storage or removable storage.

    • Doorbell cameras also feature a speaker, allowing you to use the app to speak through the doorbell camera to the visitor on your doorstep. If the doorbell camera also includes two-way talk functionality, you can see and have an active conversation with your visitor.

    Why should you add a doorbell camera?

    If you’re like most people, you may not answer your phone if you don’t recognize the number on the caller ID. Many people now feel the same about their front door—why would you answer it without knowing who is there?

    A doorbell camera acts like the caller ID for your front door, letting you see who’s there without actually opening the door or peering through a peephole. It’s a must-have for anyone interested in improving the security of their home.

    Contact Titan Alarm to explore the benefits of a doorbell camera installation.

    Benefits of Smart Locks

    Posted on by j3marketing

    As technology continues to advance, we are finding new and better ways to protect ourselves, our belongings and our assets. One of the best innovations in security that’s gaining popularity is the keyless system that strongly simplifies the entry procedures to your home or office. Also known as smart locks, they provide a level of convenience and customization that can’t be had with traditional locking mechanisms, all while not compromising security. 

    Here are just a few ways smart locks can change your daily life.

    Never lose your keys again

    House keys stand among the most commonly misplaced items. So it is more convenient that you don’t have to keep track of yet another key or worry about how to pass off the key to someone else.

    The entire idea of a smart lock (and every smart-home device, really) is to add convenience to your life. For smart locks, that includes features like remote access, voice control and scenes. With Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa, you can set up scenes like “OK Google, goodnight” that dim the lights, adjust the thermostat and lock your front door. 

    You can control your smart lock remotely when it is connected to Wi-Fi. More often than not, that means purchasing a small, plug-in Wi-Fi bridge to connect the lock to your network. Once you’ve done so, you’ll be able to lock or unlock your door from anywhere you have an internet connection. Forgot to lock the door when you left for that business trip this morning? A connected lock will alert you when your door is left open or unlocked. 

    Prevent lockouts

    It happens to the best of us, especially these days with juggling so many things at one time: locking yourself out of your house. If this issue sounds all too familiar, then you’re in luck. Smart locks can help you eliminate the chance of getting locked out. Smart locks use an app to control your locks. With an internet connection and a smartphone or any smart device with you, you can lock and unlock your doors anytime, anywhere. 

    Ability to send E-keys

    Did a relative show up early, or are you stuck at the office when someone needs to get in the house? Do you have a vendor visiting your business? With smart locks, you can send an E-key to those who need access to your home or office. 

    Convenience for the Disabled or Elderly
    With a smart lock, those who are handicapped can gain easy access to your home and business. It also provides ease of access for those who cannot easily grip a key due to arthritis or other issues.


    Better Security


    There are many ways to pick a lock. The old solution was to come out with a new lock, that would then be cracked for burglars to pick. Today, you can install a smart lock. This keyless entry gives would-be robbers no way to access the deadbolt.

    You can also have convenience such as a remote monitoring or tie your smart lock into a full-home or full-office security system. This way, you can receive alerts about suspicious activity.

    Contact Titan Alarm to Learn More About Keyless Door Locks

    As one of the top home security companies in Phoenix and Tucson, AZ, Titan Alarm Inc. can provide you with a fully integrated security solution that includes state-of-the-art keyless door locks. Feel free to contact us for more information and to schedule a no-obligation in-home consultation today.

    Ways to Keep Your Kids Safe Online

    Posted on by j3marketing

    The internet is a great place to hang out. Not only can all sorts of information be found there (some correct, some not so much), but it’s also a great way to stay in touch with friends and family.

    Sadly, the internet is also a dangerous place to hang out – particularly for children.

    Cyber stalkers, child molesters, inappropriate content, cyber bullies and more are lurking, waiting for an opportunity to reach out to your children. Such an experience could possibly damage a child for the rest of their life.

    Here’s a few tips to keep your children away from online dangers. 

    Place your computers in a common area of the house

    Don’t allow kids to have a computer in their room. You’d be surprised by how much the mere presence of a parent who may or may not be looking over a child’s shoulder while they use the computer can keep a child in line. They have no way of knowing if your eyes actually are good enough to see across the room, now do they? Make sure the computer’s screen is visible from other parts of the room, and isn’t turned toward a wall.

    Spend time online with your kids

    Make browsing the web a family thing (just like watching television was for most of us when we were kids). Hang out with your kids and help them with their homework online, searching for information together. But, make sure to put the Google search filter on “safe.”

    Have a conversation with your children

    Kids are getting their first internet-connected gadgets at pretty young ages. So start talking to them early. Warn them about malware, dangerous websites, and sex offenders. Let your kids know you’re looking out for them, speak honestly with them, and listen. After all, if it’s just you talking, it’s not a conversation. It’s a lecture. And no one likes a lecture.

    Know your children’s passwords

    If you’ve got a younger kid, create an account for them in your own name to avoid exposing your kid’s name — and so you’ll have the password. But please respect the age limitations on accounts. If a site says you should be 18 to sign up, then maybe your child should wait. Whatever your choice, though, make sure you get their passwords and warn them that you’ll be checking their accounts from time to time to make sure everything’s kosher. (Spying on your kids’ accounts without their knowledge could weaken their trust in you.)

    Check your children’s browsing history

    Open your child’s web browser and look for “History” to see a list of websites they’ve been to. Also check the recycle bin to see if any files have been deleted. You may be surprised.


    Set reasonable time and usage limits


    Set rules about what your child can and can’t do when on the internet. Set time limits on their computer use. If they say they’re researching homework, maybe you don’t include that in the time limits. But make sure they’re actually using it for homework.


    Set parental controls

     

    You can’t be around all the time to monitor your children’s internet usage. One of the best things you can do to prevent your kids from visiting sites that are not appropriate to them  is to set parental controls. Check with your Internet Service Provider for any parental controls, blocking and filtering tools they may offer to make the internet a safer place for your younger family members.

    Prevent False Alarms at Home

    Posted on by j3marketing

    Despite advanced technology, false alarms do happen occasionally. This can be a result of faulty equipment, dead batteries, improper installation, user error, or any number of other issues. There can be fines of up to $200 associated with repeated false alarms, but proper system use and maintenance can help you avoid those hefty expenses.

    Here are some tips to reduce chances of false alarms:

    Arm and disarm the system properly

    It’s important to arm and disarm your system properly, as improper use of the system is one of the main reasons there are false alarms to begin with. Disarming and arming systems accounted for 38 percent of all false alarms. Keep track of everyone who has the code. If you aren’t convinced you’ll remember the code, try to choose a system that comes with remote key fobs that will arm or disarm the system instead. Still, even fob holders will need to know the code as a backup in case the key fob batteries fail you.

    Choose the right equipment

    It’s a good idea to choose cameras that come with smart features, such as motion detection and people detection. Having those types of detectors ensures the camera won’t send you an alert because your pet was strolling across the room or a car was driving by on the street. 

    Keep the area around motion sensor clear

    Objects like balls rolling past sensors can set the alarm off. Balloons are notorious for causing false alarms when they float by. Keep the area free of clutter and tie down anything that could be blown around by the air conditioner.

    Keep batteries fresh

    Change the batteries in your home security equipment regularly. Low batteries can lead to false alarms. Typically, the equipment will notify you that the batteries are running low, but it’s not a bad idea to consult with your monitoring company to see if it recommends regular battery tests.

    Keep devices well-maintained & up-to-date

    It’s as important to choose the right devices as it is to maintain them. If you aren’t making sure your safety gadgets work, you won’t know when they aren’t working, either.

    Educate houseguests

    If you have people over, let them know how the alarm system works. You’d be surprised at how easy it is for a friend or family member to accidentally trigger the alarm, and if you aren’t readily available to tell the monitoring company that it isn’t a real emergency, you’ll end up with emergency personnel at your door.

    Learn More About Home Security

    Benefits of Security Cameras

    Posted on by j3marketing

    One of the most important qualities for any professional endeavor is a secure environment. Being able to monitor activity helps owners ensure their business stays safe. Security cameras are a major asset for commercial operations of all sizes. Having high-quality cameras in the right locations can be very beneficial. Getting a security system from wholesale security camera distributors may help companies reduce shrink and protect the individuals at their facility. 

    Here are some of the benefits of having business security cameras: 


    Deter theft and crime

    One of the biggest benefits of security cameras is deterring crime and theft. People are less likely to commit a crime if they know they are being watched. In addition to random theft, employees may steal from a business. Although many business owners don’t like to think that their employees would steal from them, it does happen. Having footage can help give you the proof you need to catch the thief, plus the evidence can be used in court if needed.


    Protection against burglary

    60.5% of burglaries are forcible entry. Many people believe that burglaries are simply “crimes of opportunity. However, statistics show, the majority of burglaries are actually forcible entries (breaking windows, picking locks, kicking in doors, etc.). A good security system, including surveillance security cameras, can be a great deterrent for these types of crimes.

    Monitor activity

    No one is capable of being everywhere at once, but security cameras allow you to keep a constant eye on your business. They are beneficial for monitoring the day-to-day activities and operations of employees and visitors. This can be especially beneficial for remote sites and when a manager isn’t present at all times. Maybe you’re dealing with productivity problems, punctuality issues, or conflicts between employees. Security cameras can help boost efficiency and productivity as well as provide the evidence needed to resolve conflicts.

    Avoid legal claims and fraud

    Avoid costly legal expenses from false or dishonest claims. One of the worst fears of any business is being sued. Whether an accident, injury, harassment or other legal issue occurs on site, having video evidence can prove what actually took place

    Business compliance

    Many types of businesses must have a video surveillance system in place to comply with HIPPA or SEC regulations as well as internal corporate policies.

    Reduce the need for hiring additional security personnel

    Because employees, managers, and supervisors cannot be everywhere at once, a video surveillance system monitors productivity without the added expense of hiring additional personnel.

    Monitor customer transactions

    Retail establishments use video surveillance to monitor customer transactions. For example, if a customer claims to have purchased an expensive item but does not have the receipt, or that an employee was rude or provided misinformation, video surveillance records can be used to determine whether they were in the store on the day in question, and what, in fact, took place. Create a safer workplace By installing security cameras at your entrances/exits and in your parking lots, you are creating a safer workplace. Your employees will feel safer, and you’re more likely to prevent vehicle break-ins and vandalism. Having security cameras can also help prevent harassment and other inappropriate behavior among employees. There are many benefits to installing security cameras in and around your business. If you’re curious which cameras would be most beneficial for your business, contact the experts at Titan Alarm.

    How to Make Your Home Safe for the Elderly

    Posted on by j3marketing

    Our homes provide comfort, familiarity, and feelings of continued independence and security. So, having a senior continue to live at home makes sense. But in order to safely share one’s home with an elderly parent, families must take into consideration potential safety issues that may arise. Depending on the health and mobility of the elderly family member in question, one’s home may require minor or major adjustments to ensure that all residents are safe from accidental injury.

    Prevent falls and injuries

    For seniors, accidental falls are a serious problem and the leading cause of broken bones, head injuries, cuts, and bruises. However, these risks can be mitigated by taking certain precautions. To start, it’s important that the family recognizes the common causes of senior falls.

    Poor lighting and decreased vision are common culprits. Not only does a person’s eyesight change as they age, but other conditions may affect their ability to see clearly. To counter decreased vision, families should add more lighting or brighter lights if necessary.

    In addition to poor lighting, slippery floors or area rugs that move may be dangerous. Toys from pets and children can create clutter and become tripping hazards, as well. It’s important to make sure that walkways are kept clear to reduce the risk of a parent stumbling or tripping.

    Easy access

    Accessibility can be a problem for one’s parents if they have difficulty moving without a walker or wheelchair. This can be resolved with the installation of a ramp leading to the front or a side door. Doorways will also need to be widened to 6 inches or wider to allow wheelchairs to pass through easily. To make doors easier to open for people with arthritis, change handles from knobs to levers.

    Educate family members

    When moving an older family member into one’s home, it’s important that all residents understand what to do in the event of a medical emergency. Establish a protocol that includes everyone taking classes for basic CPR and first aid. The family should be taught how to recognize the signs of a medical emergency, including those for serious problems such as a heart attack or stroke, and should know when to call 911. It could also be a good idea to keep a list of all the senior resident’s medical conditions, along with the names of their doctors and medications.

    Check on them frequently

    Home safety for seniors means checking in with your loved one. You, your loved one’s neighbors, and a professional caregiver can help to make sure they are safe.

    Another great option is to install cameras around the house so you can monitor your elederly loved ones even when you’re at work or away from home. 

     

    To learn more about security cameras and home automation, contact Titan Alarm.

    Reasons to Get Home Automation System

    Posted on by j3marketing

    Smart technology has become an integral part of our lives. The industry is exploding with options and excitement. In the last couple of years alone, around 30 million households adopted some element of smart home technology. But what is it and why do we need home automation?

    Simplify daily lives

    Home automation is the automation of common household activities and processes having a centralized control. The devices and appliances are connected and can relay information which is then collated. Having information about regular usage can help the system to respond to your needs, or point out important abnormalities. It is complex technologies that make life simple.

    Security

    Improved safety is one of the top two reasons people opt into home automation systems. Systems use the collected information of connected devices and motion sensors to know when you leave the house and can close the smart garage door, turn off lights, or lock smart locks. You can also tap in through a smart app and turn off forgotten connected appliances so you can avoid causing a fire.

    Care for family

    With home automation features such as smart cameras, video doorbells, and motion sensors, you can provide even better care to your family. Whether it is using motion sensors to know if a sick or aged loved one is getting around enough or wandering at odd hours, or using the smart cameras to know that the kids made it home or are playing safely outside, smart technologies offer a wealth of support.

    Energy savings

    Home automation can help you reduce your energy consumption by automatically adjusting the thermostat based on the time of day, open and close shades to take advantage of daylight, adjust lights to reduce electricity usage and keep your family’s budget in check

    Peace of mind

    Never again worry about your home while you’re away. Using home video cameras and an internet connection, you can check on the status of your home or kids from anywhere in the world using a PC or web-enabled phone.

     

    Contact Titan Alarm to learn more about home automation.

    New Year Home Improvement Tips

    Posted on by j3marketing

    A brand new year brings with it possibilities and chances to start fresh and improve things that didn’t go well the previous year. You might have vowed to quit smoking, lose some weight, travel new places or spend some more time with your family. But what about your home – the place where you’ll spend most of your year? Fortunately, You don’t have to plan a major home renovation to upgrade your abode. Here are simple ways to improve your house in the new year:

    1. Add fresh paint

    What better way to make a fresh start in the new year than by adding a fresh coat of paint to the walls. Not only is it one of the easiest ways to improve your home, but it’s also a great way to make your home appear bigger and brighter. For smaller projects, such as powder rooms and bedrooms, try painting these rooms yourself. For larger projects, such as painting an entryway, staircases and living spaces, we strongly recommend hiring professionals to handle the job.    

    2. Get your space cleaned and organized

    Getting rid of clutter is a must. In fact, it’s probably the best and cheapest way to feel better about your home. Of course, the act itself however can be quite overwhelming but can you think of a better way to start the year than with a clear and organized home? Keeping your space organized basically comes down to two things if you stick to them. One is to periodically get rid of whatever things you don’t use often or don’t like at all. The other is to only bring in things that you actually need.


    3. Update light fixtures

    Adding or improving both interior and exterior lighting is a great way to spruce up your home in the new year. Interior light fixtures should be added to the indoor entryway, living spaces and kitchen. Adding exterior lighting to the outside of your home will not only improve its security but also its overall curb appeal. Entryway fixtures, porch lights and landscape lighting can also make it easier for visitors and guests to find your home. Additionally, updating interior chandeliers, pendants and lamps is an easy way to transform the look and feel of your home.

    4. Create a healthy and family-friendly kitchen

    The kitchen is the place where families gather together in the midst of all of the hassles of everyday life. While each of us is busy in our work and studies throughout the day, the kitchen is what brings us together.

    So why not make as healthy and family-together kitchen as possible? Make your kitchen clean and organized and keep it full of healthy and nutritious ingredients. Look out for some healthy recipes in cookbooks or online. Throw out anything that has overstayed in your kitchen by checking out their expiry dates. And also, transform your kitchen into a place that’s not just about cooking but also about connecting. Make the kitchen more accessible. You could also create a zone for kids in the kitchen. Try to make it multi-purpose and also elegant.

    4. Conduct a home energy audit

    What better way to save on energy bills in the new year than by conducting a home energy audit. To do so, we recommend hiring a professional auditor to conduct an official energy assessment of your home. These assessments include a “room-by-room examination,” as well as an examination of utility bills. All in all, a home energy audit will determine whether or not there are any air leaks in your home. If there are, you’ll need to improve your home’s overall insulation by sealing your attic, drafty windows and air duct system.

     

    5. Make your home safe and sound

    Outfitting your home in smart home devices is one of the best ways to improve your home in the new year. Adding smart home features to your new home can save you money in energy bills, improve your place’s security and make your life easier, overall.

    You should also ensure you’re not living with a potential fire, health or security risk. Installing fire detectors. Also check your house for gases like radon and carbon monoxide also. Watch out for dryer lint as well. Make sure your house is properly ventilated. You could also install door and window alarms, that don’t cost much these days. And also, ensure that your house is up to date with latest safety standards.

     

    Learn more about home security by contacting Titan Alarm.

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