Dans un monde vulnérable aux coupures de courant, la 636V2 se distingue comme une lumière d’urgence à DEL fiable qui s’allume en cas de coupure de courant. Vous pouvez l’utiliser comme source d’éclairage fixe fiable pendant les coupures de courant et comme source d’éclairage portable. Avec le 636V2, vous pouvez compter sur un éclairage lumineux de votre environnement.
Chargement et autonomie de la batterie
Avec une impressionnante autonomie de 48 heures en mode basse consommation et de 21,5 heures en mode pleine consommation, la lumière d’urgence rechargeable pour la maison 636V2 vous garantit que vous ne serez jamais laissé dans l’obscurité lorsque vous en avez le plus besoin. Qu’il s’agisse d’une panne de courant, d’une aventure en camping ou d’une situation d’urgence, cette lampe rechargeable exceptionnelle pour la maison vous couvre.
Cette lampe de sécurité rechargeable offre commodité et simplicité, car elle ne nécessite pas d’installation fixe ni de câblage complexe. L’emballage comprend un câble de recharge USB Type-C, trois batteries Li-ion rechargeables préinstallées et un chargeur mural USB. Pour la recharge, il suffit de relier la lumière au chargeur mural à l’aide du câble USB Type-C et de brancher le chargeur sur n’importe quelle prise secteur standard. Pour charger complètement la lampe de secours, il faut la brancher pendant 24 heures.
Modes d’éclairage réglables
Avec une gamme de puissance de 80 et 140 lumens, la 636V2 offre une lueur rayonnante qui éclaire sans effort votre environnement et constitue un rideau lumineux de sécurité pour vous aider à trouver votre chemin dans l’obscurité. Cette source lumineuse dispose de deux modes d’intensité lumineuse, faile consommation et pleine puissance, qui vous permettent de régler la luminosité en fonction de vos besoins.
Le 636V2 apporte une commodité inégalée au bout de vos doigts grâce à trois modes de fonctionnement réglables.
Le mode Veilleuse est parfait pour ceux qui préfèrent une lumière douce et ambiante pendant la nuit. Que vous ayez besoin d’une lumière d’orientation dans le couloir ou d’une lumière subtile dans la chambre à coucher, lorsque ce mode est activé, le 636V2 s’allume automatiquement dans l’obscurité et s’éteint en cas de forte luminosité.
Lorsque votre appareil est branché sur une prise de courant et réglé en mode Urgency, il s’allume automatiquement en cas de panne de courant. La lampe s’allumera également si elle est débranchée manuellement d’une prise de courant alors qu’elle est dans ce mode, la transformant ainsi en une lampe de poche portable en cas de panne de courant. Le design compact et la construction légère de cette unité la rendent facile à transporter, vous permettant de naviguer dans votre maison sans crainte de rencontrer des obstacles, et vous procurant un sentiment de sécurité.
Le mode Auto offre le meilleur des deux mondes, permettant au 636V2 de conserver à la fois sa fonction Veilleuse et Urgence en fonction de la situation.
Lumières d’urgence polyvalentes en cas de panne d’électricité
Avec ses têtes de lumière à DEL pivotantes et inclinables, le 636V2 offre une solution d’éclairage polyvalente qui vous permet d’éclairer simultanément dans deux directions différentes.
Dans le cas d’une lumière d’urgence à DEL à montage mural, les fentes en forme de trou de serrure à l’arrière de l’appareil permettent également de le monter sur un mur afin d’éclairer les endroits précaires aux surfaces inégales, tels que les escaliers, pour garantir une visibilité optimale en cas d’urgence.
La lumière à DEL 636V2 est une lampe de secours d’intérieur polyvalente et conviviale qui offre le meilleur des deux mondes. Que vous ayez besoin d’une douce lumière nocturne ou d’une puissante lampe de poche pendant les pannes de courant, cette lampe dèurgence à piles pour la maison est faite pour vous. Avec ses têtes pivotantes réglables, ses commandes faciles à utiliser et son mode Auto intelligent, le 636V2 est la solution d’éclairage parfaite pour toute maison.
Faites l’expérience d’une véritable tranquillité d’esprit avec le 636V2 qui fournit un éclairage de secours en cas de coupure de courant. Dites adieu à l’obscurité et embrassez l’éclat de la technologie et de l’utilité. Illuminez votre chemin avec le luminaire d’éclairage de secours rechargeable 636V2 d’Ideal Security.
After reading this guide, you will be aware of a variety of options for adding security to a window with an air conditioner in it, and be able to choose the best options for your specific needs.
Know what you’re looking for, and keen to jump the line? Check out our Sliding Door Security Bars and Window Security Bars below.
With summer arriving, you’re probably gearing up for the hot weather, and this means installing your AC window units and portable AC units. While these things are great for keeping you physically comfortable, we know they can sometimes leave you feeling emotionallyuncomfortable.
Why?
Because according to Safe At Last, burglars commonly choose houses with window air conditioning units.
Window air conditoning units provide one of the easiest entry points to a home
With that air conditioner sticking out of your window, there’s nothing keeping the window locked! Not a big deal on the third floor of an apartment building, but what about those of us who live on the ground floor? Or even on the second floor with an easily accessible balcony? Suddenly the built-in locks on our windows are useless, and anybody walking by can just slide them open and walk right in.
The good news is you don’t have to compromise safety for comfort. There are some great options for adding extra security to a window with an air conditioner in it.
When doing market research for our new window security bars, we developed a lot knowledge about the best ways to secure a window with an air conditioner installed, whether it be a vertical window air conditioner or an air conditioner in a sliding window. If you’re struggling with the same questions, we’ve got some answers for you below.
Note: Yes, we make a window security bar. And yes, we think it’s the best option on this list. But we try to offer impartial advice. None of these are affiliate links, and we don’t make any money from this content
We’ve all seen it, and that’s because it works. Just grab an old hockey stick, broken broom, or whatever else you’ve got lying around. Cut it down to fit your window and lay it in the track if your window slides horizontally or jam it into place in a vertical hung window. Remember, if you’re measuring for a vertical window, you’re going to want a nice tight fit to keep it from falling over.
Just watch out. If you get the measurements wrong and it’s too short, it may not be secure at all. Remember, measure twice, cut once.
Pros
Cheap
Nothing to buy (if you already have equipment and materials lying around)
Cons
Ugly
Requires tools and comfort using them
Time and energy
Room for error
Sliding Window Locks
These things are pretty cool. They’re little locks that you fix onto the sliding track of the window to block it from opening.
They’re super easy to install, usually don’t require any tools, and are pretty affordable. There are also so many different styles, designs, and vendors, which could make it difficult to identify one that will work on your window or find reliable quality. They work by holding onto the track with pressure, so quality here is going to be super important. We didn’t test any, and have no idea how we’d choose.
Also – and this is a big problem for anyone worried about safety – they’re basically impossibleto remove in an emergency. There are egress regulations about this sort of thing, and it was a huge consideration for us when we were designing our own security bars. If you’ve got kids or a disabled family member, or you’re just thinking ahead to a situation where you might need to quickly get out of your house, these locks may be problematic.
Pros
Inexpensive
Effective (depending on quality)
Easy to install
Cons
Difficult to remove in an emergency
Too many potential vendors and styles
Wedge Locks for Sliding Windows
These function similarly to the sliding window locks we discussed above, but with some notable differences. Instead of being screwed onto the track, you just jamb these into place against the profile (easier to understand from the picture than to explain).
That makes them easy to remove for emergency exit, but sacrifices both security and convenience. All a potential burglar has to do is jiggle the window enough to reduce the pressure, and the top-heavy wedge might fall out of place. And every time you adjust the window, you need to reseat the wedge to ensure it’s still solidly in place.
Pros
No installation necessary
Removable for emergency exit
Cons
Rely on pressure for security
Could fall out of place
Don’t remain in position when the window is adjusted
Ideal Security’s Adjustable Window Security Bars
We’ve made our 110 Security Bar for Sliding Patio Doors for years, and it’s one of our best-selling products. People love that it’s easy to adjust so you can size it for your door with no cutting and it lets you lock your door in an open position to let air in but keep intruders out. They also love the pivoting bracket to lift it out of the way when you want to open your door completely.
Last year, Diane (one of our team members who handles customer support in addition to her roles as ERP Champion and Product Coordinator) noticed a new trend: Customers had started asking about shorter bars to accommodate windows and pet door inserts.
Well, we listen to our customers, especially when they’re telling us what they need. A few years ago we added a unique child- and burglar-proof Anti-Lift Lock to our 110 bar, which was a big success.
So after a ton of market research and some design tweaks from our engineer Dex, we introduced the 111 and 112 bars. These are shorter versions of the 110, designed specifically for sliding windows and narrower sliding doors.
Features from the 110 Bar
They adjust super easily by just pressing on the release button, letting you open and close a window at will.
They auto-lock when you let go of the button, letting you lock a window in any position – closed, slightly open for ventilation, or with an air conditioner installed!
They include the anti-lift lock.
Differences – Features Designed Specifically for Windows and Narrower Doors
We changed two things about the 110 bar:
Instead of the the pivot bracket, they have saddle brackets at both ends. Why? This makes them compliant with egress regulations. The bar can be removed quickly and easily in an emergency, allowing the window to open to its full size.
Includes super-strong adhesive tape in addition to screws for installation. Why? This makes them compatible with a wider range of tracks and profiles (see below). They’re also even easier for you to install, and you can remove them without leaving holes behind.
One thing to note, though: Due to the many different styles of window tracks and profiles out there, there are some that aren’t compatible with our saddle brackets. Most notably aluminum windows with multi-grooved tracks.
May not work on all windows. Depends on profile and track type.
Doesn’t feature the same pivot hinge as the bigger security bar for sliding doors
Window Alarms
Even a locked window can be broken… After all, it’s just a glass pane. And once broken, any bars or locks you have in place can be unlocked, giving a potential burglar free access.
Locks and security bars work because most burglars commit crimes of convenience. They find an open window (or a window that can be opened easily), climb in quietly, take what they can quickly, and get out.
An easy and cost-effective way to level up your family’s safety is to add an inexpensive window alarm. Here’s a few stats for you:
About 60% of convicted burglars said that a security system influenced their decision to target another home (source).
A whopping 74% of all unsuccessful burglary attempts failed because of an alarm that emits a loud sound (source).
You can easily add a basic, no-frills alarm to any window or door. For example our SK604 and SK605 contact sensors are great, low-cost units that are super easy to install and emit a loud alarm if your window is opened unexpectedly.
Pros
74% of all unsuccessful burglary attempts failed because of an alarm
Easy to install
Adds a second layer of security
Cons
Doesn’t prevent intrusions, but will scare off a burglar
Conclusion
Just because you’re installing an air conditioner for the summer doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your home security or your family’s safety. Be a hero! Use one or more of these add-on security products, and sleep comfortably in a cool and secure home.
(Montreal, Quebec) – May 8, 2023 – Ideal Security, a leading home hardware supplier for over 65 years, will highlight its innovative safety solution for using ladders on stairs, the Ladder-Aide PRO, at the 2023 NSC Spring Safety Conference & Expo in Indianapolis.
The event takes place from May 18th – May 19th, and product experts Liohn Sherer and Lisa Griffiths from Ideal Security will be on site at Booth 112 during Expo hours to present the Ladder-Aide PRO.
The Ladder-Aide PRO is a portable ladder leveler designed to allow people to safely use extension ladders on stairs. With an all-steel construction, tested for up to 1500 lbs, the Ladder-Aide PRO supports Type III to Type IAA ladders and is equipped with an anti-skid base. It’s micro-adjustable to 1/8″ for use on almost any stairs, and it requires no installation into one’s stairs, taking less than a minute to assemble.
“We are excited to showcase our latest safety innovation, the Ladder-Aide PRO, at the NSC Spring Safety Conference & Expo. Our product is particularly well-suited for businesses that require employees to work on stairs, such as electrical businesses, HVAC, and building maintenance. With its portable and compact design, high-grade steel construction, and anti-skid surface, the Ladder-Aide PRO is a practical solution that can significantly enhance the safety and productivity of these workplaces. We look forward to demonstrating how it can make a difference for attendees at the event”
Liohn Sherer, President at Ideal Security
To learn more about the Ladder-Aide PRO, attendees can visit Booth 112 at the NSC Spring Safety Conference & Expo or contact Liohn Sherer at liohn@idealinc.com or Lisa Griffiths at lisa@idealinc.com.
Ideal Security is a leading hardware developer that offers a wide range of high-quality products for home and professional use. Our company has its roots in storm door manufacturing and has since expanded to include three distinct brands: Ideal Security, Ideal BNZ, and Ideal PRO.
Based in Montreal, Quebec, and with a warehouse in Prescott, Ontario, our team of 15 dedicated professionals works tirelessly to maintain our reputation for excellence in customer service, trust, and collaboration. We are the makers of the award-winning Ladder-Aide Pro, which won multiple awards, including the NHRA Retailers’ Choice Award and the UIA Best Marketing Award.
With our 45,000 square foot distribution center in Prescott, Ontario, we serve the entire North American market, shipping to the US daily. Ideal Security is committed to actively developing new opportunities while keeping the purpose, values, and core competencies that have sustained us for over 60 years.
Whether you’re amping up your home security with our security bars, preparing for power outages with our emergency lights, or using our Ladder-Aide levelers and stabilizers to safely use ladders on stairs for your painting, light installation, HVAC installations, and more, Ideal Security has an unwavering commitment to helping you get the job done safely and reliably.
Here are just a few testimonials our customers have to share about how they’ve been using the Ladder-Aide PRO to safely use ladders on stairs.
Short and sweet. Still not convinced?
And we’ve more to offer than just words to show how safe the Ladder-Aide PRO is. Here are a few images taken by our customers of their own Ladder-Aide PRO setups on stairs!
Whether you’re in need of a ladder-on-leopard…
Or aren’t keen on slippin’ on stairs…
The Ladder-Aide PRO’s got you PRO…tected? This is the high-quality writing you get with a degree in Literature, folks.
Professionals and DIYers alike have the Ladder-Aide PRO to thank for being able to safely use ladders on stairs. Don’t take the risk with paint cans and planks. Get your Ladder-Aide PRO today, and have a safer tomorrow.
Le printemps arrive à grands pas, ce qui signifie qu’il est temps de tirer les rideaux, d’ouvrir les fenêtres et les portes patios ou les portes vitrées coulissantes, et de laisser entrer le soleil chaud et la brise légère pour chasser la déprime de l’hiver. Mais aussi tentant que cela puisse être d’ouvrir chaque fenêtre et chaque porte pour cette saison de nettoyage de printemps, ces quelques points pourraient vous faire repenser cette décision :
1. L’initiative des enfants et des animaux domestiques d’explorer
Après un hiver passé enfermé et emmitouflé dans des vêtements épais, rien n’est mieux que de sentir le soleil sur la peau. Bien qu’il soit indispensable de promener vos animaux de compagnie ou de laisser vos enfants jouer dans le jardin, ces activités peuvent être reléguées au second plan sur votre liste de priorités pendant que vous nettoyez les gouttières, et que vous remplacez vos vestes et manteaux par des chemises et des robes et votre literie d’hiver par des draps plus légers.
Mais pour vos animaux de compagnie et vos enfants, un peu de plaisir au soleil est une priorité, et une porte patio ouverte est une invitation à sortir sans surveillance et à se mettre en danger.
2. L’intrusion de personnes non invitées dans votre maison
Si votre attention est partagée entre la surveillance de votre famille et le désencombrement de votre maison, ou si vous avez laissé une fenêtre entrouverte pour laisser la brise tempérer les nuits étouffantes de chaleur, un intrus pourrait se charger de vous aider à vous débarrasser de certains de vos biens – pour de bon.
Vous pensez peut-être que ce dilemme a une solution binaire – soit vous laissez vos fenêtres et portes patios coulissantes ouvertes et vous prenez un risque, soit vous les gardez fermées et vous faites du nettoyage de printemps une corvée poussiéreuse et exiguë – mais si je vous proposais une troisième option qui vous donne le meilleur des deux mondes ? Un moyen d’assurer la sécurité de vos proches tout en invitant la sensation du printemps dans votre maison ?
Voici les barres de sécurité pour portes patios et fenêtres de Ideal Security
Disponibles en trois tailles différentes, nos barres de sécurité 110, 111 et 112 visent à résoudre de multiples problèmes avec une seule solution simple. Voici quelques exemples de ce que vous pouvez faire avec les barres de sécurité :
Dissuasion des intrus : Éloigner les intrus avec une couche supplémentaire de sécurité solide ; Ces barres de sécurité se verrouillent en place et sont percées dans le cadre, contrairement aux barres montées sous pression qui peuvent être ébranlées
Verrouillage progressif : Ouvrez vos fenêtres et portes patios aussi largement que vous le souhaitez pour laisser entrer la brise printanière, mais avec une ouverture trop étroite pour laisser sortir les enfants et les animaux domestiques ; La barre peut se verrouiller par incréments pour empêcher la porte ou la fenêtre de s’ouvrir plus largement
Aide à l’installation à domicile : Gardez vos fenêtres et portes patios bien stables lors de l’installation de climatiseurs de fenêtre ou de portes pour animaux de compagnie
Et bien plus encore !
Chaque barre de sécurité est équipée d’une serrure anti-soulèvement pour plus de sécurité et de protection des enfants. La barre de sécurité 110 est également équipée d’un support rotatif, qui vous permet de ranger la barre vers le haut et sur le côté lorsqu’elle n’est pas utilisée. En fonction de la taille de votre fenêtre ou de votre porte patio, vous devriez opter pour :
Le modèle 110, d’une longueur minimale de 25,7 po et d’une extension maximale de 47,5 po
Le modèle 111, d’une longueur minimale de 15,7 po et d’une extension maximale de 26,75 po
Le modèle 112, notre plus petite barre de sécurité allant de 10,6 po à 16,6 po
Une fois que vous aurez choisi la bonne taille et installé la barre de sécurité, vous disposerez d’une serrure de fenêtre ou de porte vitrée coulissante efficace.
Ce printemps, il n’est pas nécessaire de faire des compromis en matière de sécurité. Profitez du confort de la sécurité grâce aux barres de sécurité pour vos fenêtres et portes patios coulissantes.
Spring is just around the corner, which means it’s time to pull back your curtains, open your windows and patio doors or sliding glass doors, and let the warm sun and gentle breeze in to wash away the winter blues. But as tempting as it may be to throw open every window and door for this season of spring cleaning, these few points might make you reconsider that decision:
Children and pets taking the initiative to explore
After a winter spent cooped up and swaddled in thick clothes, there’s no better feeling than the sun on your skin. While taking your pets out for a walk or letting your children play in the backyard is a must, that might have to take a backseat on your list of priorities while you clean out the gutters, swap out your jackets and coats for shirts and dresses, and replace your winter bedding with lighter sheets.
But to your antsy pets and kids, some fun in the sun’s up on that list, and an open patio door is an open invitation to get out there unsupervised and possibly put themselves in harm’s way.
Uninvited guests intruding into your home
If your attention is divided between keeping tabs on your family and decluttering your home, or if you’ve kept a window open a crack to let a breeze temper the stiflingly warm nights, an intruder might take it upon themselves to help you get rid of some of your belongings – for good.
You may think this dilemma has a binary solution – either keep your windows and sliding patio doors open and take a risk, or keep them shut and make springtime cleaning a dusty, cramped chore – but what if I gave you a third option, one that gives you the best of both worlds? A way to ensure the safety and security of your loved ones while inviting the sensation of spring into your home?
Introducing the Patio Door and Window Security Bars from Ideal Security
Coming in three different sizes, our 110, 111, and 112 security bars aim to solve multiple problems with a single, simple solution. Here are just a few examples of what you can achieve with the security bars:
Intruder Deterrence: Scare off intruders with an extra layer of sturdy security; these security bars lock in place, and are drilled into the frame unlike pressure-mounted bars that can be shaken loose
Incremental Locking: Open your windows and patio doors as wide as you’d like to let the spring breeze in with an opening too narrow to let the kids and pets out; the bar can lock in increments to prevent the door or window from opening any wider
Home Installation Aid: Keep your windows and patio doors safely steady while installing in-window air conditioners or pet doors
And more!
Each security bar comes with an anti-lift lock for additional security and childproofing purposes. The 110 security bar also comes with a rotating bracket, which lets you store the bar upwards and to the side when it’s not in use. Depending on the size of your window or patio door, you should go for:
The 110, with a minimum length of 25.75” and a maximum extension of 47.5”
The 111, with a minimum of 15.7” and a maximum extension of 26.75”
The 112, our smallest security bar ranging from 10.6” to 16.6”
Once you’ve picked the right size and installed the security bar, you’ll have yourself an effective window lock or sliding glass door lock.
This spring, there’s no need to compromise on security. Enjoy the comfort of safety with the security bars for your windows and sliding patio doors.
We’ve seen lots of discussion and received several questions about a Z-Wave or Zigbee enabled version of our SK630 pressure mat for smart home integration. We can’t offer an integrated version for sale, but the good news is that it’s quite simple to do yourself!
The SK630 Pressure Mat Alarm with Chime is a simple contact type of device. The connector jack to the alarm unit can be cut off, exposing the two wires that complete the circuit. These can then be connected to a different device. Any device with wire terminals will work, just find a Z-wave device that has terminals for external inputs. Screw-type header connections will be easier than terminals that require soldering.
Z-Wave or Zigbee contact sensor with wire terminals (we use the Ecolink Z-Wave Plus Door & Window Sensor, DWZWAVE2.5-ECO)
Flat-head screwdriver
Scissors or wire cutters
Step by step instructions
The instructions here are for the Ecolink DWZWAVE2.5-ECO, but should work more or less the same for any other sensor you choose.
Cut the connector jack off the end of the wires from the SK630 mat.
Strip off about 1/4 inch of insulation from each the two wires.
Remove the cover from the contact sensor.
Locate the terminal header.
Pass the two wires though a hole near the bottom of the sensor, and lead them towards the header
Insert each wire into one of the headers, then fasten the two screws in the header.
Close the contact sensor.
Connect the sensor to your Z-wave network, test the newly converted mat by stepping on it.
Note that you don’t even need a custom device type handler. You can use the mat in your smart home platform as a regular open/closed sensor using the default device type handler for your chosen sensor.
Applications
There are lots of potential applications for this setup. If you have others, share them in the comments below!
Caregivers. Possibly the most common need. Whether you’re caring for an elderly parent, a patient, or a wandering child, you can use this setup to get alerted when someone steps out of bed, leaves their chair, or heads somewhere they shouldn’t be.
Health reminders. Worried about spending too long sitting at your desk without moving? Create custom rules to get reminded to move if the sensor has been closed for too long!
Trigger scenes. Dim the lights when you sit down to watch a movie. Turn on under-counter lighting when you’re standing at the counter in the kitchen. We saw one example of a super customized set of triggers: Someone turning on quiet jazz and a reading lamp when he on the couch between certain hours and his wife was not at home!
Pet care. Get alerted when your dog or cat wants to go out to pee or come inside from the cold.
Compatibility
We’ve only tested this directly with Samsung SmartThings. But essentially it should work with any smart home platform like HomeKit, Wink, or Google Home. As long as you choose a sensor that’s compatible with your hub and has wire terminals, you should be good to go!
Additional Resources
You can find more discussion about this project at some of these sites:
While homeowners once packed up their possessions and moved on the average of once every five years, the modern trend is to stay put and use the money to remodel the home you live into a bigger, better structure that is more of what you want. Taking out a wall, expanding a closet, or building a deck can add livable room to your home, but it can also fill your home with plaster dust, construction noise, and grumpy construction workers. Before you decide to change your home, here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about home security, remodeling, and new additions.
1. Do you need a permit to have a security alarm system in your home?
Many city governments require any security system with a loud alarm in a neighborhood with homes surrounding the building to have an alarm permit. There are differences between fire, break-in, and police alarms, so check with your local city or county to see what permits and alarm licenses are necessary if you decide to install a noisy alarm to scare burglars or notify of home intrusion.
2. Do home security systems really deter criminals?
Several studies have been done that show burglars do look for homes without security systems, especially security cameras. While having someone take your items may make you sad, the sense that someone broke into your home can violate your trust in the building and your home’s ability to protect you. According to incarcerated burglars, more than 60 percent reported that homes with security systems were left alone.
3. Is there an organization that regulates home security companies?
4.What alternatives do I have to a home security system?
Whether you’re unable to purchase a home security system or are in need of further improving your sense of home safety and security, you can do no wrong by looking to your community for support. Groups of neighborhoods and residences often form support systems to establish a sense of community and create a safe environment for children and loved ones. You can read more about how neighborhood watch groups operate through the resources gathered by our friends at Porch, and learn of all the added benefits that occur when members of a community come together.
5. When remodeling, if I want to add solar panels, how many do I need to purchase?
It may surprise you that one of the most frequently asked questions about solar power is:how many solar panels to power a house or addition? The answer is that there is no certain amount, rather it depends on the number of people living in the home, how much electricity is consumed each day, and what your average weather conditions are.
6. Is it better to build up or build out when creating an addition?
The simple answer is based on the size of your yard and how much of it you can give up without compromising the ability to sell your home in the future. Building out requires the loss of parts of your yard while building up (often over a garage or above your home), allows you to keep your backyard.There is no right or wrong answer, but you must check with the zoning regulations of your city or county before deciding.
7. What problems are associated with remodeling projects?
Other than the dust, noise, and inconvenience of having workers running through your home for about 12 hours a day? Depending on the room you are remodeling, the area of your home altered by the building, and how much disruption the remodeling will do to your home, you should be prepared for a modicum of disturbance that you don’t expect, and a great deal that you do. For example, if you are remodeling the kitchen, be prepared to eat out for the four to six weeks it takes to tear down and rebuild the room. Also, consider the health of your animals with strange people constantly moving about.
Your home may be your castle, but when you want to remodel, improve, or add security to the structure, it can be disruptive to your home life. If you are prepared, the transition can be much easier. So, whether you choose to add a security system, solar panels, or remodel a room, you can be assured you are prepared for the project and all the problems it may entail.
Home repairs may be quite common. Your home may need a bit of repairing and maintenance here and there to improve its functionality. However, some of these repairs can cost you a lot.
Some fixes may need expert supervision. However, there are many repairs around the house that you can do on your own. Your garage door is one such place.
An automatic garage door sure makes life easier. With just a push of a button, you can take your vehicles out and park them inside without stepping out from them. These automated devices can be quite handy and time-saving in our fast-paced lives. They provide protection and security to our vehicles. However, garage doors are susceptible to repairs due to daily use.
Garage doors are mechanical devices that can encounter problems here and there. It may be that your garage door is not opening smoothly or making a sound while opening or closing. These problems are quite common and may have simple fixes.
Most of the problems of the garage door may be quite minor, which may not need expert repairs. The idea is to find out the exact problem and try to resolve it on your own. If you do not think you are confident enough with your toolbox, we will tell you some simple fixes to repair a garage door.
Here are 5 common problems that you may encounter with your garage door and some easy ways to fix them.
1) The garage door is not opening properly-
This is the most common type of problem that you may face. If you find that your garage door is not opening or closing as smoothly as it should, you need to find the exact cause. The batteries of the door may need replacing. If you have recently changed the batteries, you may try lubricating the rails of the garage opener. Your garage door may also not be functioning properly due to the transmitter issues. So, make sure to replace it with fresh batteries as well.
2) The photo-eyes are not working properly
The latest garage doors have sensors that prevent them from closing in on anyone or anything in their way. This mechanism helps prevent serious injury. Sometimes, your garage door may not close. This may be due to an obstruction in the photo-eyes. First, locate the photo-eyes. They are usually placed on both sides of the garage wall. Then, you can try to clean their surface using a soft cloth. The photo-eyes work just like a camera lens to detect any object. Once the lens is clean, your garage door may function normally. If not, you can try to check if they are aligned properly. Photo-eyes need to face each other at the same angle. If they cannot detect each other, they assume that something is on the way, and this prevents the closing of the door. Once you align them, your garage door should function normally.
Sometimes, you will see that your garage door isn’t opening all the way, or is having trouble opening at all. Though you are sure that the transmitter and the remote are working fine, the door is having trouble going up. This may be due to your torsion springs being broken. These powerful springs are responsible for lifting the heavy garage door. You may hear a loud bang when one of these breaks. If not, your garage door making a noise but not opening is an indication that your garage door springs are broken. Most springs have a limited life cycle, after which you should replace them.
4) Water entering into your garage
Your garage door contains a weather sealant that keeps water and air out of your garage. If you notice that there is water leaking from your garage door, you may have to repair it immediately. Leaking water may cause irreparable damage to your garage door. To avoid it, you can replace the weather sealant on your garage door. It is advisable to keep an eye on this part of your garage door and replace it when you notice any cracks in it. You can further use a waterproof cement or filler to close any holes as well.
5) Your garage door isn’t closing properly
If you find that your garage door closes and then opens up again, there may be problems in setting your garage door limits. This problem usually persists on a newly installed or replaced garage door. You need to set a limit on the garage door for it to close properly. If the limit is too high, the door may hit the ground and open up again, thinking that it has hit something. If the limit is too low, the door may not close properly. You may have to do some trial and error before you can set the correct limit on your garage door, for it to function smoothly.
Conclusion
These are some common problems that you may face with your garage door and how you can fix them without calling in for expert repairs. However, these solutions are perfect for minor repairs. If your garage door is having persistent problems, you may have to get help for the experts. Carrying regular maintenance of your garage door will ensure that it is running without any issues. If you are looking for garage door replacement hardware, consult Ideal Security Garage Door Hardware section with hinges, brackets, rollers, side-locks available in zinc plated or powder-coated black finishes.
Author’s Bio
Derek Edison Is an Interior Decorator and a passionate writer who loves to write about creating an aesthetic and ambient living environment for everyone. He focuses on sharing ideas and techniques learned from his experience as an Interior Decorator in a concise manner so that it can be used by everyone to make their surroundings beautiful to live in. Currently, he’s working with Elitetech Garage Door Repair.
Burglars commonly choose houses with window air conditioning units. When doing market research for our new window security bars, we developed a lot knowledge about the best ways to secure a window with an air conditioner installed. We thought it would be worth sharing, so here’s what we found.
“Man installing an air conditioning unit in a window” by yourbestdigs is licensed under CC BY 2.0
After reading this guide you will be aware of a variety of options for adding security to a window with an air conditioner in it, and able to choose the best options for your specific needs.
Know what you’re looking for, and keen to jump the lines? Check out our Sliding Door Security Bars and Window Security Bars below:
With summer arriving, you’re probably gearing up for the hot weather, and this means installing your window A/C units. While these things are great for keeping you physically comfortable, we know they can sometimes leave you feeling emotionallyuncomfortable.
Why?
Because according to Safe At Last, burglars commonly choose houses with window air conditioning units.
Window air conditioning units provide one of the easiest entry points to a home
With that air conditioner sticking out of your window, there’s nothing keeping the window locked! Not a big deal on the third floor of an apartment building, but what about those of us who live on the ground floor? Or even on the second floor with an easily accessible balcony? Suddenly the built-in locks on our windows are useless, and anybody walking by can just slide them open and walk right in.
The good news is you don’t have to compromise safety for comfort. There are some great options for adding extra security to a window with an air conditioner in it.
When doing market research for our new window security bars, we developed a lot knowledge about the best ways to secure a window with an air conditioner installed. If you’re struggling with the same questions, we’ve got some answers for you below.
Note: Yes, we make a window security bar. And yes, we think it’s the best option on this list. But we try to offer impartial advice. None of these are affiliate links, and we don’t make any money from this content.
We’ve all seen it, and that’s because it works. Just grab an old hockey stick, broken broom, or whatever else you’ve got lying around. Cut it down to fit your window and lay it in the track if your window slides horizontally or jam it into place in a vertical hung window. Remember, if you’re measuring for a vertical window, you’re going to want a nice tight fit to keep it from falling over.
Just watch out. If you get the measurements wrong and it’s too short, it may not be secure at all. Remember, measure twice, cut once.
Pros
Cheap
Nothing to buy (if you already have materials and equipment lying around)
Cons
Ugly
Requires tools and comfort using them
Time and energy
Room for error
Sliding window locks
These things are pretty cool. They’re little locks that you fix onto the sliding track of the window to block it from opening.
They’re super easy to install, usually don’t require any tools, and are pretty affordable. There are also so many different styles, designs, and vendors, which could make it difficult to identify one that will work on your window or find reliable quality. They work by holding onto the track with pressure, so quality here is going to be super important. We didn’t test any, and have no idea how we’d choose.
Also – and this is a big problem for anyone worried about safety – they’re basically impossibleto remove in an emergency. There are egress regulations about this sort of thing, and it was a huge consideration for us when we were designing our own security bars. If you’ve got kids or a disabled family member, or you’re just thinking ahead to a situation where you might need to quickly get out of your house, these locks may be problematic.
Pros
Inexpensive
Effective (depending on quality)
Easy to install
Cons
Difficult to remove in an emergency
Too many potential vendors and styles
Wedge locks for sliding windows
These function similarly to the sliding window locks we discussed above, but with some notable differences. Instead of being screwed onto the track, you just jamb these into place against the profile (easier to understand from the picture than to explain).
That makes them easy to remove for emergency exit, but sacrifices both security and convenience. All a potential burglar has to do is jiggle the window enough to reduce the pressure, and the top-heavy wedge might fall out of place. And every time you adjust the window, you need to reseat the wedge to ensure it’s still solidly in place.
Pros
No installation necessary
Removable for emergency exit
Cons
Rely on pressure for security
Could fall out of place
Don’t remain in position when the window is adjusted
This security bar designed specifically for A/C units
Despite tons of product research, we hadn’t seen the EZ-AC Air Conditioner Security Window Lock Wedge (that’s a mouthful) bar until we started writing this article, months after beginning development on our 111 and 112 window bars. That’s because when we did our initial research, we were looking into broader window security, not thinking exclusively of the air conditioner use case. These guys really nailed a niche.
Obviously, we like the concept of this bar, because it’s sort of like ours: Take the old wood stick idea, build it out of aluminum, and make it adjustable. Great!
That said, there are a few things we think could be improved on this bar.
First of all, the adjustment on the bar is painfully “functional.” It’s basically just a bolt threaded through a couple of nuts. Sure, it works, but… So did that sawed-off hockey stick.
Second, it’s only adjustable from 7-1/2″ to 14″! That’s super short. Reading through the reviews on the Amazon listing, you can see other people who thought so as well.
Finally, it’s not really all that secure. Because there’s nothing holding it in place, if there’s even a little wiggle room in the fit a burglar could jiggle the window up and out until the wedge falls out of place.
Pros
Simple
Small (this is a pro if it fits your window, but a con if it doesn’t)
Cons
Not adjustable enough
Not secure enough
Feels like it was designed by engineers, for engineers
Ideal Security’s Adjustable Window Security Bars
We’ve made our 110 Security Bar for Sliding Patio Doors for years, and it’s one of our best-selling products. People love that it’s easy to adjust so you can size it for your door with no cutting and it lets you lock your door in an open position to let air in but keep intruders out. They also love the pivoting bracket to lift it out of the way when you want to open your door completely.
Last year, Diane (one of our team members who handles customer support in addition to her roles as ERP Champion and Product Coordinator) noticed a new trend: Customers had started asking about shorter bars to accommodate windows and pet door inserts.
Well, we listen to our customers, especially when they’re telling us what they need. A few years ago we added a unique child- and burglar-proof Anti-Lift Lock to our 110 bar, which was a big success.
So after a ton of market research and some design tweaks from our engineer Dex, we introduced the 111 and 112 bars. These are shorter versions of the 110, designed specifically for sliding windows and narrower sliding doors.
Features from the 110 bar
They adjust super easily by just pressing on the release button, letting you open and close a window at will.
They auto-lock when you let go of the button, letting you lock a window in any position – closed, slightly open for ventilation, or with an air conditioner installed!
They include the anti-lift lock.
Differences – Features designed specifically for windows and narrower doors
We changed two things about the 110 bar:
Instead of the the pivot bracket, they have saddle brackets at both ends. Why? This makes them compliant with egress regulations. The bar can be removed quickly and easily in an emergency, allowing the window to open to its full size.
Includes super-strong adhesive tape in addition to screws for installation. Why? This makes them compatible with a wider range of tracks and profiles (see below). They’re also even easier for you to install, and you can remove them without leaving holes behind.
One thing to note, though: Due to the many different styles of window tracks and profiles out there, there are some that aren’t compatible with our saddle brackets. Most notably aluminum windows with multi-grooved tracks.
May not work on all windows. Depends on profile and track type.
Doesn’t feature the same pivot hinge as the bigger security bar for sliding doors
Window alarms
Even a locked window can be broken… After all, it’s just a glass pane. And once broken, any bars or locks you have in place can be unlocked, giving a potential burglar free access.
Locks and security bars work because most burglars commit crimes of convenience. They find an open window (or a window that can be opened easily), climb in quietly, take what they can quickly, and get out.
An easy and cost-effective way to level up your family’s safety is to add an inexpensive window alarm. Here’s a few stats for you:
About 60% of convicted burglars said that a security system influenced their decision to target another home (source).
A whopping 74% of all unsuccessful burglary attempts failed because of an alarm that emits a loud sound (source).
You can easily add a basic, no-frills alarm to any window or door. For example our SK604 and SK605 contact sensors are great, low-cost units that are super easy to install and emit a loud alarm if your window is opened unexpectedly.
Pros
74% of all unsuccessful burglary attempts failed because of an alarm
Easy to install
Adds a second layer of security
Cons
Doesn’t prevent intrusions, but will scare off a burglar
Conclusion
Just because you’re installing an air conditioner for the summer doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your home security or your family’s safety. Be a hero! Use one or more of these add-on security products, and sleep comfortably in a cool and secure home.
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