Jacuzzis, if not already present in the desired bathroom, is often seen as a means of upgrading one’s bathroom and adding value to one’s home.

If you have completed the first step: and went out and bought your new Jacuzzi, congratulations! This article is comes in handy as it now takes you through the second step which is Installing your Jacuzzi:

Required Materials

• 4 x 4 post stock
• 2 x 4 stock
• Galvanized Screws
• Electrical Conduit
• Plumbing Conduit
• Cement
• Sand Water
• Post Anchors
• Bolts & Nuts

Required Tools

• Drill and the full drill set
• A Shovel
• Table Saw
• Hammer
• Tape Measure (in accordance to the units used in the specifications)
• Square

Instructions

1. Floor on which Jacuzzi is to be installed should be leveled and able to support the weight.
2. In the case of an uneven floor, this would need to be rectified, so as to allow the bathtub to sit on a leveled surface.
3. NB: If Jacuzzi is to be installed on an uneven surface, one runs the risk on encountering ineffective water drainage and even more so the inability of the jets to function properly.
4. Ensure that your floor is able to support 150 pounds (lbs) per square foot. If not you will require additional support under the floor.
5. A frame (supporting enclosure) for the bathtub is required to. The manufacturer, as it relates to the frame should provide the specifications. The frame is usually of a wooden nature, in which the tub will be placed.
6. The frame in which the bathtub is to be placed should be able to provide support along the full length of the bottom of the bathtub as well as it rim.
7. An access panel with dimensions 18×18 needs to be created to facilitate the pump or motor for the Jacuzzi. This panel should be placed in a reachable area in the event there is trouble wit the Jacuzzi. It should also be able to provide the necessary ventilation.
8. Now after the framework is completed, proceed to setting the Jacuzzi.
9. To ensure that the bathtub is level within the framework, use a level to check this requirement.
10. In the event the bathtub is not leveled, you will need to place shims under the bathtub until it is at the leveled position.
11. Now proceed to securing the bathtub to the framework along the sheetrock nailing flange.
12. Where the wiring the plumbing for the Jacuzzi is concerned, it advised that this part of the Job be left to the professionals. If the tub is not properly connected the warranty will be voided.
13. After all the necessary installation is done, clean up the construction area removing all debris.
14. Ensure that all connections and fittings are secured.
15. To ensure that everything is functioning properly, fill the tub so that water level is above the jets, that way checks for leaks can be done thoroughly.
16. Turn on the jets allowing the bathtub to run for at least 15 minutes. Any problems that may arise should be addressed before closing off the area.
17. The sheetrock is to be used to cover the framework. The sheetrock can be either painted or tiled. In the case that tile is to be added, you need to first check to see if your floor is able to support the additional weight.

Additional Installation Tips

• Caulk can be implemented at the edges of the Jacuzzi tub to help prevent water leaks.
• Always make reference to the manufacturer’s manual for instructions and specifications regarding the installation of your Jacuzzi tub.
• Ensure that you have taken the proper measurements especially before making your purchase, as the purchase of the incorrect tub will prove to be of great inconvenience.
• Before installing be sure to check for surface defects, plumbing defects and hardware defects that may have come with your new tub.
• Once again too much emphasis cannot be placed on checking that the floor is able to manage the weight.
• The tub should be sealed sufficiently with silicone to prevent water from leaking out down to the floor.

RV solar panel kits produce energy from the sun. The kit is connected to the RV battery. These kits usually come with easy to install solar panel, regulator, cable, and battery clamps (See some Sunforce solar chargers here). During the day, solar panels conserve energy by storing the energy in their cells. The conserved energy can be used 24 hours to produce electric power.

RV solar panel kits allow its owner to consume electricity whenever needed. They don’t have to rely on an electricity

Photo by Serolynne

source like generators and on-site electric outlets.

To determine how much power is needed for your RV, first calculate total amps used by appliances. Usually, light bulbs, DVD player, Tv, laptop, satellite, water pump, and fan consume 2 to 4 ampere. In contrast, most energy is consumed by kitchen appliances. For example, a microwave can consume 100 ampere per hour.

Similarly, toaster and coffee maker can use 60 ampere per hour. Once you have figured out all energy consuming appliances, it is time to multiply total ampere hours per day with the number of days in a week. For example, weekend camping hours can be calculated by multiplying total ampere hours by two.

The goal of all solar panels is to generate the maximum amount of electricity. The industry standard for PV panel ratings is defined by the amount of amperes produced at 77 degree Fahrenheit. Since solar panels are rated in watts, you want to look for the specifications indicating the number of watts produced at 77 degree Fahrenheit. If measured, in real life, a panel is most likely to produce 10% to 15% less energy. A good solar panel with good wattage is the one that meets the industry standard and waste less energy in real life.

In addition to a solar panel, the kit may include charge controller, cable connectors, mounting clamps, capacity meter and a wiring diagram.

While you can install small solar power kits yourself, expert help is recommended to install larger solar panels. Panel sizes are usually available from 60 watts to 260 watts. Most solar power panels can be clamped on the roof of your RV. Nowadays, powerful suction cups are also available to attach these panels.

Most RVs use 6 volts or 12 volts batteries. These batteries can be wired either in parallel or in series to get a 12 volt output. For example, two 6 volts batteries wired in series can provide a total of 220 amp hours. The positive from one battery is connected to the negative of other battery. The free ends are used to connect to RV. For batteries wired in parallel, the positive will connect to the positive and the negative will connect to the negative. The free cable at each end will connect to the corresponding alternate ends of RV.

Q & A

• What Will a 220 Watt Solar RV Kit Run? – A 220 watt solar kit can run lights, LCD Tv, fan, and a laptop computer.
• Will a 60 watt solar panel charge a rv battery? – Yes, 60 watt solar kit can charge the battery.
• Can solar panel run a rv air conditioner? – No, it is not cost effective to run an air-conditioner. Instead of using an AC, some people use evaporative coolers and similar methods.
• How much solar power do you need to run lights in a rv? – A 220 watt solar kit is enough to lights most bulbs. Usually, a much smaller kit can do the job effectively.

Dr. Fortie is a freelance writer with experiences in small business renewable energy solutions. He writes for blogs and contribute forum threads to help people go solar.

How do you turn simple heat that has been beating down on the earth since before the existence of humans, into an energy source that lights our houses, runs our air conditioners, and powers the TV?  How does a simple reflective panel use natural light for large scale operations like factories and medical product testing?  The answer is a simple: the laws of nature.  By capturing and breaking down what already happens naturally, solar energy helps to reduce pollution in the environment while still providing us with the electricity we need to survive day to day. But … can it really be that easy?

From sun rays to electricity…

There are a few ways that sunlight can be made into electricity.  One, and possibly the easiest, is through the use of solar cells, (also known as photovoltaic, PV or photoelectric).  These cells transfer sunlight directly into electricity, minimizing and streamlining the process.

A second way of turning the sun’s rays into power is slightly more complicated. The solar panels first collect the natural light that reflects from the sun. Simple so far, right? The heat from those rays is then transferred into a synthetic oil. Oil is used, rather than water, so that the boiling pressure can be controlled because the heat can reach astonishing levels.  The oil then circulates and is transferred into power.  This is more commonly used when energy needs to be stockpiled after an extremely hot and sunny day.

One more type of solar power that can be used is solar heating.  Buildings can be constructed with glass ceilings to absorb heat and minimize its need for a central heating system.  Black pipes can also be placed near glass ceiling or wall panels in order to heat a unit’s water.

Depending on what type of energy collecting is used, the maintenance and upkeep may differ.  This includes solar power testing to ensure that the equipment is working properly and efficiently.  However, all solar power units should be cleaned on a fairly regular basis because it is easier to collect and reflect energy on a clean panel surface.  A dirty or smudged surface will interfere with this process, making it less likely that each panel operates at its highest efficiency possible.

All of the abovementioned forms of collecting and producing solar energy are efficient alternatives for providing electricity that are environmentally-friendly.

This guest post is brought to you by Michelle Anderson, a blogger who enjoys writing about solar power testing and FCC approval.

Considering electricity is so important, wouldn’t it be nice if you knew a bit more about it? Would you feel better if you weren’t forced to trawl the yellow pages for an electrician in Derby every time something blew in the house?

Some electrical jobs should only be attempted by a trained professional, but there are others that do lend themselves to DIY, for example:

1. Replacing elements: When the element in your oven blows, dig out the manual and follow the instructions for replacing it. You could save a fortune over standard care charges (don’t forget to isolate it from the mains first).

2. Replacing fuses: This may sound like a basic one, but there are many people that have never replaced a fuse in a fuse box! Just make sure you swap fuses for similar amperages – and turn the power off first!

3. Replacing plugs: Learn which wire goes where in a plug – it’s an invaluable piece of knowledge to have.

4. Soldering: Knowing how to use a soldering iron is another useful skill. It’s a bad idea (and could be dangerous) to try soldering inside anything marked “no user serviceable parts”, but if a resistor snaps on a kid’s toy, being able to solder it back on will make you a hero.

5. Replacing a ceiling light: These don’t break often, but when they do, it would save you a lot to be able to replace it yourself.

The above jobs are all fairly simple ones, but they do require an understanding of how electrical systems work, and how to stay safe while working with them. Keep electricity and water away from each other, never work with an appliance while it’s plugged in, and if you’re touching the fuse box, turn off the supply at the breaker box. If you’re ever in any doubt, then it’s best to call in an electrician.

For more advanced jobs, especially ones that involve working directly with the mains, it’s best to seek expert advice. In fact, for any major work, you are required by law to ensure that the work complies with certain standards – so you’ll need it to be inspected by a qualified electrician. If you’re paying for the inspection, why not make life easier and get a qualified electrician to do the work in the first place? They’ll be able to do it more quickly, and more easily, than an untrained person, and they’ll do all of the leg work in terms of getting the right documents and notifying the right people.

Electricity is not something to be messed with. If something goes wrong, the results could be fatal. We depend on electricity for so many things, and it’s easy to forget what a powerful force it can be when misused.

This post was written by James Harper on behalf of Ash Cole your local electrician in Derby. James writes on subjects relating to home improvement and DIY.

When spending thousands on a solar panel system, it is important to be genuinely happy with it. Though for some the prospect of free, green electricity will be enough, for others aesthetics play a larger role.

Traditionally solar panels have been blue, getting their distinctive appearance from the silicon which converts solar energy to electricity for use in the home. However as the solar panel market is progressing, more and more ‘attractive’ panel types are being introduced. Homeowners now have more options to incorporate a solar panel array into their home in a more visually pleasing way.

Black Solar Panels

For many homes, particularly those with slate roofs, choosing a black on-roof panel array can be an attractive option. Black panels are attached to the roof with an all-black mounting system and can ‘blend’ much more effectively into the roof with much less of a visual impact. They are attached to the roof using the traditional on-roof techniques but with a more seamless appearance due to their colour. Companies such as Sharp, Sanyo, Solar Century and Suntech all offer black coloured solar panels, some with black frames. These reduce the effect that the panels ‘stand out’ from your existing roof.

In-Roof Mounted Systems

As an option for installing a more visually pleasing solar photovoltaic (PV) array, this is more invasive but can produce attractive results. For those who object to the look of a panel array on a roof, the in-roof system can be more aesthetically pleasing. Though easier to install in a new-build or re-roof situation, in-roof mounted systems can also be retro-fitted. Where traditional on-roof panel systems are attached using mounting brackets, in-roof systems are mounted directly onto the rafters. In a retro-fit installation therefore, this involves removing roof tiles and replacing them with panels. An in-roof type of installation results in the panels lying flush with the roof. Once again, choosing black panels and a black mounting system will result in a more seamless appearance on a black or slate roof.

Solar Panel Roof Tiles

This form of building integrated photovoltaics is generally considered to be the most attractive and aesthetically pleasing form of solar panel installation. Quite literally these solar panels are roof tiles, and can be installed into a roof in the same way, replacing regular tiles. Many people would consider these for a new-build solar installation or during a re-roof, but they can also be installed retroactively, although this will involve re-tiling a certain area of your roof. They blend into the roof structure which results in significantly less visual impact than traditional panel arrays, usually with the added benefit of providing additional roof insulation. Solar panel roof tiles are available from companies such as System Photonics and Solar Century and are usually black in colour, making them the perfect choice for a black or slate roof.

Though these alternative solar panel options provide homeowners with the benefits of aesthetically pleasing solar panels, they can be more costly than traditional solar PV arrays. The installation costs are likely to be higher as the work in re-tiling a roof will be more complex than attaching a solar panel array with brackets onto an existing roof. The costs of materials are also likely to be higher. For many, however, the costs of an aesthetically pleasing solar panel roof array are priceless.

For that reason, we have tried to break down into an article a list of four key questions which will give you a better understanding of the home alarm systems market and ultimately help you figure out what type of alarm is most suitable for you.

1. Wires or no wires?

Probably the biggest decision you will need to make. So let’s tackle it first. The two main types of home alarms are ‘wired’ and ‘wireless’, meaning exactly that; one is ‘wired’ into the mains and forms a circuit whilst one relies on radio frequency. Decades ago this decision was made on reliability; as wireless alarms, through being powered by batteries and sometimes self installed were thought the inferior product. Technology has come on leaps and bounds, meaning the primary reason to choose a ‘wireless alarm’ over a ‘wired’ is convenience; no big installation. Whilst typically ‘wired’ alarms are chosen for their ‘monitored’ nature (explain later) and often more comprehensive packages.

2. Do you want to install it yourself?

If the answer to this is yes; then a wireless home alarm is the product for you. As mentioned above; technology has really moved on in the last few years, meaning self installed home alarms are now of a very high standard.

3. Do you want it to be monitored?

A few years ago, ‘monitored’ alarms mainly formed part of more ‘upscale’ alarm installations, but are now commonly available across the alarm market. The term ‘monitored’ relates to the fact that if and when your alarm is triggered, you or a 3rd party are informed remotely (instead of just the alarm ringing). Wireless alarms typically have a personal monitoring option, which on more recent products allows the alarm to notify you or family members via Smartphones or email to the fact your alarm has been triggered. Wired alarms often allow for a 3rd party monitoring service, where if triggered a real person at a monitoring station will alert you and try to help.

4. External or Internal Alarms or both?

So you have decided you want an alarm but where do you want it installed? Typically a lot of homes choose an exterior alarm but the positioning of the alarms would have to be perfect to ensure you target every potential point of entry. Combining this with an internal alarm would mean you can sleep safely at night. Here are some of your options for internal alarms:

Passive Infrared Detectors (PIDs) – This is generally a recommended alarm for those who want a simple yet effective home alarm system. It works by measuring the temperature of the surrounding area and sounds the alarm when anything unnatural is detected.

Photo-Electric Beam (PEBs)- These alarms use beams of infrared light to “light” up the monitored area. Just like in the films the alarm sounds when an intruder’s movement passes through the beams. Beams can be either stationary or moving.

Glass Break Detectors (GBDs) – They do exactly what they say they do. Whenever glass is broken in your home these alarms produce a frequency ranging from less than 20 Hz.

5. One off cost or monthly fees?

This one is worth thinking about. In some cases, depending on the provider you will need to pay a monthly subscription fee in addition to the initial outlay of buying the alarm. This fee varies depending on the service level and provider, but typically covers police fees and the fact your alarm is being monitored by humans. On the other hand some systems allow you to simply pay for the initial set-up and then that is the only cost associated with the alarm (apart from batteries and electricity of course). Bottom line is read the fine print, shop around and have a rough idea about the type of service you want or budget you have.

These alarm buying tips are brought to you by Yale home alarm systems.  Yale Alarm systems are committed to bringing awareness of the security you can get for your homes.

Image: Michelle Meiklejohn / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Most people don’t give too much thought as to how they can get the most out of their wireless network, but the truth is, it’s not all that difficult to optimize your wireless performance. Let’s take a look at the three basic things you can do in order to improve your Internet experience at home.

1. Plug your modem and/or router into an RF filter. Radio frequency noise generated by the wiring in your walls can wreak all sorts of havoc with your wireless router’s ability to broadcast a clear signal. Using an RF filter, or a power bar that offers RF filtering is a great way to make sure that the electricity your wireless router is receiving is as clean as possible.

2. Cell Phone and Cordless Phone Interference. Most wireless routers broadcast at a frequency of 2.8 GHz. Unfortunately, so do a large number of older cordless phones, which can mean a dropped wireless network signal while chatting, or when a call comes in. Other devices that can cause similar types of interference include cell phones, baby monitors or even microwaves. If you suspect that your wireless network performance might be suffering due to this type of interference, you might want to look into choosing either a 900 MHz or 5.8 GHz phone, or try moving the router farther away from the source of the problem.

3. Secure Your WiFi Network. An open WiFi network is like blood in the water for pranksters and hackers looking to take advantage of free-to-them Internet, as well as an opportunity for more malicious individuals to mess around with your computer’s files and settings. Using simple WEP or WPA key encryption on your wireless network can keep out pests and make sure that you get to use all of your own bandwidth – not give it away to some random strangers. It will also ensure that no one attempts to sniff out any of your passwords or personal information while you are browsing or emailing.

Author Jason Lancaster works with InternetServiceProviders.org, a website connecting homeowners with WiMax Internet service as well as listing Internet service providers in Florida.

A popular design style that many people have been using these days is modern or contemporary. Modern design features clean, simple lines that add to an overall uncomplicated look. Although modern and contemporary can elicit similar feelings or sometimes even parallel characteristics, there is a definite difference between the two. Contemporary usually refers to the trend in the market at that moment, but modern is specifically geared toward furnishings, fixtures and architecture that are geometrical, clean and uncomplicated.

There are also some elements that are important in modern design that is usually overlooked in other styles. This is the use of space. Although most designers will just fill up the space to make it look a certain way, you can use the space to create a functionally usable area. Another aspect of modern design is its neutral to dark color palette. Besides the stark shapes of the furniture, the color theme of the modern designed room is important. It usually incorporates darker hues that will give it a relaxing and tranquil feel that can be associated with this type of style.

Besides the use of colors, there are more noticeable things you can do to produce a modern interior. You can achieve the look by adding furnishings and light fixtures that are categorized under modern. The furniture and lights all incorporate the same elements of design that are used to decorate the room. Most furnishings will complement the architecture of the space and give it the extra bit of accenting detail.

The light fixtures also follow the general characteristics of modern design with its clean lines and simple shapes. Modern lighting, however, does not just end in the style of the fixture, but it is also the placement and type of light that makes it fall under that group. By using lighting mechanisms like recessed lights or track lighting, you can achieve an uncluttered look. Since these lights take up minimal space, it is something that can work well within the modern interior. Other items like wall sconces, chandeliers, floor lamps and other lighting goods all depend on the construction and design when it comes to following a specific theme. If you are able to stick to a plan and follow through with it, than you will be met with coherent results and an enjoyable experience in decorating.

Check out lampclick.com for home lighting goods. There are many different lighting fixtures to choose from and are reasonably priced. With their huge selection of styles, you can definitely find that modern light fixture to go in you modern home. From chandeliers to floor lamps and everthing in between, there is no shortage of styles and types that you can get. So browse and pick away!

Photo by Luisus Rasilvi

In an emergency situation, access to a reliable power source is incredibly important. We never know when something is going to go wrong, and so we have to be prepared for any situation. Modern generators and power sources come in a variety of different models, and each one has some benefits and drawbacks for different situations.

I began writing this article a while before the terrible earthquake and tsunami struck Japan, and at the time it was simply intended to be a simple discourse on the types of generators and inverters available for those “what if” situations. Now, though, with the massive crisis in Japan, suddenly the effects of natural disasters on us are startlingly real. We don’t like to think about it, but the absolute worst case scenario could happen to us any day, and we should take steps to protect our homes and family.

There are literally millions of people in Japan that don’t have any power right now. I’m not going to make any sort of claim that their own personal power supplies would have been an option because, frankly, they weren’t. I lived in Japan for two years and when you live in an apartment that has a kitchen, a bathroom, and one space that serves as living room and bedroom depending on whether your beds are in the closet or on the floor, there’s not a lot of room to store a personal power source.

Sometimes the situation may be so bad that it is completely beyond our control. However, now I live in the West and we are always being warned of the next earthquake. It would be foolish if we didn’t do everything possible to prepare for unforeseen events.

Portable Generators

A portable generator is usually the most economical way to get temporary power during an outage. They are often much more affordable than the other options on the market, and they are often implemented in many different situations. If you need to take your power source to a new location, this model is your best option, and as long as it can produce over 4,000 Watts it should be able to power most of your household items.

There are a few drawbacks to a portable generator, though. For example, they are not suited for an extended power outage. First of all, they don’t have a very large fuel tank, and you may have to refill it several times throughout the day to keep it running. Second, if there has been a major disaster, chances are the gas stations will be closed or inoperable as well, so you may not have access to more fuel when you need it. Still, there is something to be said for convenience and portability.

Stationary (Standby) Generators

A stationary generator isn’t going anywhere. It stays in place where that it can receive fuel from an external source like a natural gas line. It is easy to use, and easy to maintain, and it will start at the push of a button or, in some cases, automatically when it sense the utility power has cut off or dropped to an unacceptable level.

These generators can run for extended periods, and they can easily power the appliances and emergency devices in your home. If you are going to run it for days at a time, though, you may need to shut it down occasionally to check the engine and change the oil. And if there is no fuel line that your generator can use, it is possible to install a large propane tank that can hold large fuel reserves almost indefinitely (which may even be better in case the city’s fuel line is somehow compromised).

Battery Backups and Renewable Power Sources

Image: Suat Eman / FreeDigitalPhotos.net<

Solar and wind power are good alternatives for people who want to start reducing their dependence on power from the utility grid even before something bad happens. These systems can give users access to renewable energy at certain times (when the sun is out or the wind is blowing), but the amount of power they can provide beyond those times is dependent on the size of the battery backup. These systems can only store so much power for so long, and then it will need to be recharged.

When you draw power from the batteries it will be in DC current, which is not compatible with most of the appliances and machines in your home. So if you are relying on any kind of battery backup system you will also need the right inverter and high quality inverter cables to connect them to your appliances or emergency devices.

Maintenance and Preparation

Whatever generator or power source you eventually use, it is extremely important to maintain your system and keep it in top condition. You never know when a disaster could strike, or when you will need access to a power supply. Sometimes you will have some notice, but even that may not be sufficient if you aren’t prepared. After the tsunami struck Japan, for example, a warning went out to the people on the west coast of the United States to prepare for their own possible disaster. It didn’t hit, but even with that warning there wouldn’t have been enough time to completely develop and implement an emergency plan that would take care of all your needs. Not unless you already had access to the proper resources.

Take the time to plan for emergency situations. If you do purchase a generator of some kind always make sure that it has plenty of fuel and that the inverter is dry and in working shape. Regularly check up on your system and perform routine maintenance. The middle of a disaster is the wrong time to learn that there’s a short in one of the wires.

What Type Of Solar Panels Do You Need?

There are three types of solar panels, and they all vary in efficiency.  It is argued that monocrystalline panels are the highest quality, the most expensive, and the most space-efficient.  At the simplest level, monocrystalline solar cells are created by cutting them out off a big sheet of crystalline silicon.  Metal strips that are then placed over the silicon act as conductors for the electrons.

The quality of polycrystalline panels is not as high and they take up more space, but they are also less expensive!  This type of panel is made up of many small cells placed together.  The basic principle is the same, but they produce less output.  If you’ve got enough roof space, these might be a more appropriate choice.

The third type is known as amorphous solar panels.  They are called “amorphous” because, at the microscopic level, the silicon is not nearly as rigid as it is with the other types.  Amorphous solar panels are the newest of the three varieties and many consider it to be the future of solar panels.  However, they vary pretty widely in terms of efficiency, partially because the technology is still at a level of relative infancy. One advantage of amorphous solar panels is that they are cheap and easy to produce.

How Much Power Do You Need?

The main thing to think about when choosing solar panels is wattage.   Ask yourself – what do you plan on doing with your solar panels?  Do you want to power the whole house, or just use them to power certain appliances?  Do you also want to store energy that can be used during the night?

An easy way to determine how much wattage you need to power your home is to look at your electricity bill.  You’ll

Image: xedos4 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

see on it the amount of energy you use in kilowatt hours (KWH); a kilowatt hour is also sometimes referred to as a ‘unit’.  One kilowatt hour of electricity is the amount of electricity you would use if you were to run a 1000 watt appliance for one hour.  This is a standard unit of measurement of energy.  Your electricity bill will tell you how many KWH you consume per day on average. You can use this information to determine how much wattage needs to be generated by your solar power system to meet your energy requirements.

Take Your Time

This is only the start of the journey – things get more complicated once you start investigating the specific solar panels available to you. Although it may take some time to choose the right solar panels, it’s worth the investment.  However, be careful about getting stuck in analysis paralysis, because with the amount of choice available you may find yourself drowning under information overload. Although it’s important to develop a good level of understanding, it’s more important to actually do something with that knowledge. So do some research, understand the basics, get a few quotes, and then do your bit for the environment, and save money on electricity while you’re at it.

This article was written on behalf of Sun Connect; if you would like to get in touch then you can also visit Sun Connect on Facebook or Sun Connect on Twitter.

Doors have been around since early civilization and subsequently locking mechanisms started evolving too, the earliest key based lock being the ‘pin lock’ dating back to around 250 B.C. Most doors these days use a cylinder lock incorporating ‘pin tumbler’ technology, until the introduction of keyless door locks.

The installation and advocating of keyless door locks has been on the rise over the last couple of years. Prices have come down from their initial heights and more of the general public have been able to appreciate the benefits associated with not carrying door keys.

There are still a number of questions and still some skepticism over the functionality of keyless locks. This article aims to highlight the top 5 reasons to install a keyless door lock in your home:

1. No keys

A fairly obvious start. Installing a keyless lock will mean you are no longer reliant on keys to gain entrance to your property. This will mean that you don’t ever end up forgetting them, or leaving them in the lock. You won’t need to get new ones cut every so often or change the locks when someone loses them.

2. Multiple access codes

Most keyless locks have a keypad element, meaning that you will be able to open the door with or without a remote keyfob. The refreshing thing about most keypads is that they allow multiple access codes; meaning that you can allocate codes to friends, cleaners or anybody else you want. This negates the need to cut and distribute multiple sets of keys which invariably get mixed up or forgotten. Access permissions can be revoked just as easily as they are granted allowing you to create time sensitive codes.

3. Unlock from anywhere (within range)

The majority of keyless door locks come with a number of remote keyfobs, which can be attached to a key ring or just kept on your person. These keyfobs allow you to lock or unlock your door remotely from as far away as the signal will allow. Meaning you can unlock the door whilst you are in the car removing the need to rummage around in your pockets or bag whilst carrying something. It also means you don’t have get out and double check the door is locked before setting off; as you can simply hit the ‘lock’ button from inside.

4. More secure

What use would all this added technology if it didn’t make the door safer? Well technology has advanced and subsequently some keyless locks out there have features such as automatic locking and emergency exiting systems. Fear not in the event of power being lost; as even without power the majority of locks have fail safe entry methods.

5. Alarmed

The Yale Keyfree alarm has an 80 decibel alarm unit built into the lock which can be activated in a number of ways. Firstly if the lock is tampered with or sustains damage the alarm will go off, alternatively the alarm can be triggered by entering a pre-determined code – a useful addition for personal security.

This article and ideas are brought to you by Yale composite doors. All Yale composite doors are designed and manufactured with ‘secured by design’ status in mind. Yale’s front doors combine bold design with state of the art manufacturing techniques.

The home is always looked upon as a place of refuge where one should feel safe and sound. But did you know that according to the US Bureau of Justice Statistics, nearly 75% of all crimes committed in US are crimes on property?

In 2003 alone, there were roughly 14 million thefts, and in 83% of these thefts, the burglars entered the house or building to steal personal property. Burglary can happen to anyone, whether you live in an urban, suburban, or rural area. You could live within a mile of a police station, and you could still be burgled – there have been similar cases before.

Experiencing a burglary is very upsetting. Not only are you facing the cost of the lost items, you will not be able to feel secure in your house for a time. It’s as if you lose your peace of mind because you’ll always think that your house was robbed once, and it could happen again.

What Are the Chances?

So the question is this;  will you wait for a burglary to happen in your own home before you do something about it?

The problem is that people usually trust too much in their door locks, but these can be picked by skilled people easily. In addition to this, thieves are also increasingly more resourceful and creative in finding ways to enter a house unnoticed. They sometimes do so under the guise of being repair or maintenance crews, or furniture delivery companies, and enter your house in broad daylight when everybody is at work or school.

People sometimes trust too much in neighbor watches as well. However, come to think of it, what neighbor will spend every minute watching your house? The best solution to prevent burglary is installing a home alarm system. The security company you hire can readily install sensors in various areas of your house.

Home Alarm System Remote Monitoring

Once a sensor is triggered, the security company will immediately call to verify whether there is indeed an emergency or an accident triggered the alarm (which happens fairly often). If they can’t get you on the phone, they will immediately alert the proper authorities to request for assistance. 

You may also have surveillance cameras installed as part of your home alarm system. These are very useful to check unsupervised people you hire around the house such as house cleaners and babysitters. If an attempted break-in happens, these are also useful in identifying the potential thieves.

As an added feature for your home alarm system, you may also request the security company to hook up your smoke alarm to the house alarm system. If the smoke alarm goes off, the company will automatically contact the fire department. This is useful especially during the night, or when you leave your pets or children at home alone for a period of time.

Your home alarm system comes with strategically-placed panic buttons. You will appreciate the importance of panic buttons if you are trapped at home during a break-in or when there is a medical emergency.

Home Alarms Can Reduce Insurance Premiums

Besides all these benefits, once you have a home alarm system in place, you can usually get a discount in your house insurance policy (depending on your insurance company of course). This is because they recognize that the risk of having burglary in your house is significantly minimized when you have a home alarm system.

Any home alarm system comes with a very visible lawn sign to announce that your home is being protected by an alarm system. This is a great deterrent as thieves will always choose to break in a house without a home alarm system as opposed to a house that has one.

Now that you have seen the benefits, let’s look at the costs involved in a home alarm system. Getting a home alarm system can usually be afforded by the typical American family. However, you have to remember that aside from purchasing the home alarm system, you also need to pay a fixed monthly fee to your security company to provide you with 24-hour home monitoring.

Do some Internet research and ask around to find the best security company so that you can get the best value for your money. Remember though that the benefits of getting a home alarm system surely outweigh the costs.

This is among the major reasons why home safety should become everyone’s main concern.

The problem is that sometimes, many people are thinking that home safety products and devices are enough to ensure that they will be ready for any coming emergency.

Owning such items are good but you must remember that home safety does not only involve purchasing the necessary gadgets, but starting lifestyle changes as well.

To illustrate this point, do you know that 97 percent of homes in the US have a smoke detector in their house but only 19 percent of them have really tested the alarm at least quarterly?

You may ask, what is the problem about not testing the smoke alarm regularly? Untested tools prove to be useless in times of emergency if they won’t work!

Seeing the small alarm on your ceiling gives you a sense of security and makes you confident of your home safety. However, if the battery has died out or the detector has malfunctioned for whatever reason, it will be useless to you in cases of fire.

Although you have the home safety product installed in your house, not having the habit of checking it regularly could defeat its purpose.

The practice of home safety is like building up your physique. It’s not enough to purchase an exercise machine – you have to regularly use it too!

Some people make the mistake of assuming home safety without making actual plans, and then they are shocked when something happens to them. To ensure home safety, here are some practical steps you can apply:

1. Smoke test alarms should be tested by pushing the button repeatedly until you hear a loud noise. Make sure that all smoke alarms are connected in such a way that if one goes off, the rest would go off as well. Put new batteries yearly and replace smoke alarms every 10 years.
2. Install smoke alarms in every floor of your house. Always make sure that there is an alarm near every sleeping area, and that everyone can wake up to the sound of the smoke alarm. Home safety during a fire depends on early warning and swift evacuation.
3. Create an emergency fire escape plan with your family, and clearly identify with everyone your home’s possible exits such as backdoors and windows. These points of exit must be easily opened from the inside. Remember also that home safety during a fire is highly reliant on being able to evacuate quickly. Assign someone to every handicapped person or child in your house who may need assistance in getting out.
4. After making a fire escape plan, have a fire drill done at least once in a year. It’s a great thing if you have an accurately written plan, but it’s entirely another thing to actually make the plan work. Set an area outside your house where everyone should meet after an evacuation. Remind everyone that under no circumstance should they return to the burning house to get anything such as their valuables.
5. Keep all those household chemicals, medicines and other cleaning products in their original packaging with the labels on. Make sure that they are inaccessible to children by placing them inside locked cabinets.
6. Make sure that everyone knows where the first-aid kit is located, and make certain that this is always completely stacked with all the necessary medical supplies.
7. A list of important numbers should always be kept or placed near your telephone.
8. Make sure of your home safety regarding accidental drowning by keeping the gate to your backyard swimming pool locked at all times. Never leave children alone with water whether in buckets, wading pools, or bath tubs.
9. Put on and off switches at the top and bottom of the stairs in your house. Ensure that all stairways have handrails no matter how short they may be. Keep them clean of clutter as tripping over an object while climbing the stairs is the most common reason for falling accidents in the house.
10. If there are young children who live in your home, it is best to install safety gates both at the top and bottom of each stairway to prevent them from wandering off the stairs.

Regardless, there are some safety precautions that should be taken when dealing with electrical wiring!

Before beginning any electrical repair, shut off the power.

Remove the fuse or trip the breaker for the circuit you will be working on in your service panel. Use a neon tester to be sure the power is off. If there is any doubt, you can remove the main fuse or trip the main breaker.

Remember: Removing the main fuse or tripping the main breaker will usually shut off the power to the entire house. In my opinion, better safe than sorry! Electrical wires are color coded to prevent wiring errors.

White wires almost always connect to other white wires or to chrome terminal screws on switches and receptacles.

Some electrical wiring devices–such as receptacles–are back-wired by pushing the bare wire end into spring grip holes. These wiring devices are plainly labeled to show which color goes into each spring grip hole.

Switches are nearly always connected into black wires in cables. The only exception is where a cable is extended, making it necessary for the white wire to play the role of the black wire. When this is necessary, the white wires should be painted black to prevent future wiring errors.

Study the wiring diagram. This will help you understand the basic principles of good wiring. Also, find a good electrical how-to book. It’s one book every homeowner should keep on hand for ready reference. If you know an electrician, ask them which one is the best for the average homeowner!

Most home electrical wiring is complete with either No. 14 gauge or No. 12 gauge wiring. No. 14 is the smallest wiring permitted under most codes. Always use the same size cable for a continuation of any extended wiring circuit.