Posts Tagged "Home"

Home Improvements – Wireless Kitchen

February 21st, 2012 Admin
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Home improvement

I think that all of us have, at one time or another, wrestled with a menagerie of electrical cords. Our desktop computers, as much as we cling to them, are an excellent example of this; processor, monitor, printer, fax, telephone and etc. If only they were all wireless.

Well, back up a step and take a flying leap into the future. Presently, there is a company who is introducing the “electric” kitchen countertop. An “electric” kitchen countertop transmits electrical power by way of very thin material that is embedded in the countertop utilizing the principles of magnetic induction. Even though there are multiple buried “hot” spots of power in that countertop, there is no fear of electrical shock if you happen to touch them. Kitchen countertops and mats work only in conjunction with receiver units. Power is transmitted if, and only if, a receiver unit comes in contact with the mat or kitchen countertop.

This receiver unit, by the way, is also totally enclosed in a water tight case and is entirely shockproof.

Currently, there are electrical receivers that are capable of powering your iPods, MP3 players and even laptop computers. Just think, individual chargers will be a thing of the past. There is also a receiver unit that will accept any of our standard electrical kitchen appliances. The receiver unit is simply rested on the “hot” spot of the kitchen countertop and up to four appliances can then be plugged into it.

This is only the beginning. Soon, desks, furniture, walls and even building materials will include this new technology. What a change we are in for.

Home Improvement , , ,

Top Home Security Tips

February 21st, 2012 Admin
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home Security

 

At Eversafe Security we are always looking for new ways (and sometimes ‘old but good’ forgotten ways) to keep your home and assets safe and protected. See our top tips below for ones that you might have missed out on.

 

1.   Mark your prized possessions with a special pen available in a property marking kit which you can purchase, or borrow from the local police station.  You can use any method of marking that is personal to you i.e. postcode or the house number followed by the first couple of letters of your house name.  Whatever is recognizable as you and your property is all it needs.

 

2.   Burglars almost always check outside your property for hidden spare keys.

If you are concerned about locking yourself out of your home or car maybe leave your keys with a trusted neighbor. It may sound simple, but never leave a key sitting in a lock.

 

3.   Never leave cash lying around that can be seen through windows etc, would be thieves would find this very attractive.

 

4.   Don’t leave laptops, game stations and other easily removable technology devices in plain view. Where possible put these items in locked drawers or at a minimum away from plain sight.

 

5.   Install window locks to all easily accessible windows except your emergency escape windows.  One in five burglars will gain entry through a window.

Locks are relatively simple to install yourself, or for more advanced solutions contact and Eversafe security Consultant.

 

6.   The doors and doorframe on your property should be of the strongest and safest construction possible. Insert extra security locks on patio doors so that they cannot be lifted from their tracks.  Any double doors should be fitted with lockable bolts at both the top and the bottom and you should ensure you always remove the keys from these locks.

 

7.   Protect your privacy by ensuring your electrical appliances such as TVs videos computers etc are not able to be seen through your windows. This is particularly important while you’re away, consider closing the blinds in front of these windows and even placing a timer switch on devices like the TV and Radio when you are away so it “sounds” like someone is at home, but potential intruders can’t see in to be sure!

 

8.   When going on vacation do not make it obvious to intruders.  At night when the house is in darkness and the curtains are open is a sure sign no one is home. Remember to cancel all newspaper deliveries and have a friend or neighbour empty the mailbox daily for you.  Leaving a spare key with a trusted friend means they can check the on property regularly.

 

9.   Write a list with the details of all your valuables.  Include in this any serial numbers and the make and models numbers of appliances. Taking a photo of your valuables is also a good idea as a precaution, and to help with any insurance claims

 

10. Change your locks without delay if you lose your keys.

 

11. Having a security door you can see through which you keep locked is a very good security measure. If this is not possible install a door chain and be very cautious about opening the door to strangers.  Always ask to see proof of identity from callers and if you are still hesitant phone the persons head office for assurance.

 

12. Storing all jewelry and valuables in a small safe is an extra safety precaution. 

 

13. If you install a burglar alarm system yourself you must make sure it is compliant with Australian safety standards and is approved by your insurance company.  Be sure to set the alarm to turn off after 20 minutes or so if it activates when you are not around. For obvious reasons we advise against this, is most cases alarms that have not been professionally installed have proven to be faulty, or have failed to meet insurance requirements upon further inspection. Contact an Eversafe Security Consultant if you are unsure or need advice.

 

14. Install good outside lighting as a deterrent but be sure it does not disturb your neighbours.

 

15. Don’t leave your car keys lying around where they could be used to steal your car, never leave them near doors or windows.

 

16. Consider joining your local neighborhood watch scheme or if there isn’t one operating,  maybe start one up in your community.

 

 

Home Security , ,

Home Improvement – Adding Insulation

February 20th, 2012 Admin
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Home improvement

Years ago the importance of over insulating your house was minimal. Yes, it would take a little more oil to heat the house but, at the same time, adding additional insulation was very expensive. I’m addressing oil because in a lot of areas natural gas was not available at that time. Most homes had, and still do have, oil burning furnaces. Today, however, all this has changed. Insulation is now inexpensive; while the price of fuel oil is soaring.

Nevertheless, there are solutions to this problem. You don’t have to completely demolish your home in order to beef up its’ insulation value. Instead, you can simply add insulation to your existing home in a variety of ways. First there is loose-fill insulation. This type of insulation is usually blown into any walls, floors, attics or any irregular or inaccessible crawl spaces that you can find. Blown in loose-fill insulation can even be used to fill in empty spaces that were left when the original insulation was installed.

Next, blanket insulation is fairly easy to add to the exposed areas in the attic.

These blankets can be cut to fit any size space. However, you must wear safety clothing and use protective equipment when working with this type of insulation. There is also spray-foam insulation. This type of insulation can be used to fill in spaces that exist under switch plate covers and around window frames. You will be amazed by the quantity of cold air that can seep through an electrical switch plate cover.

So, as you can see, lowering your energy bills can be achieved by simply adding extra insulation in your existing home. Any time and physical work that you devote to this job will result in a warmer, more comfortable place for you to be.

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