Vienna, Virginia – January 5, 2011 – The approaching New Year is of course a time for resolutions, and one definitely worth keeping is making better use of your home security system – not only to deter criminals but also to more conveniently manage day-to-day activities at your home. To help consumers do just that, Alarm.com offers five home security resolutions for 2011:
1. Personalize your security
Write down desired benefits from your home security system. What kind of security events would you like to keep track of? Beyond simply protecting your home against robberies, maybe you’d like to know when there’s activity in the basement or in a particular area of your house. Pick out places that matter to you and set up motion sensors to alert you of activity in those places. You can then receive real-time text message or email notifications of that activity and really know what’s going on at home when you’re not there.
2. Use your security system every day
Consistency is key to achieving many New Year’s resolutions. There are various ways you can put your security system to use on a daily basis. Use free home security mobile apps for iPhone, BlackBerry, Android or other mobile devices to remotely control your security system while away from home. You can use the home security apps to make sure your system is armed (and if it’s not, arm it remotely), see which doors are open at your house and view a searchable event history. Also, set up unique lock access codes for other visitors like cleaning crews, dog walkers or neighbors by using a security system with home automation technology.
3. Focus on what’s important
Look at the big picture. Is there something you’re missing? Maybe you worry about kids being home alone. Utilize video security cameras to keep an eye on your home when you can’t be there. You can even use mobile security apps to watch live and recorded video remotely to see who’s coming up the driveway, for example. Or set up motion-triggered recordings through your home alarm system to see who’s at the front door whenever it’s opened.
4. Trust your home security system
Using a wireless security system that works through GSM cellular technology instead of a traditional landline connection ensures that even if the power goes out, your security system can still function and keep you aware of system activity. Wireless security systems also protect you against the vulnerability of phone line cuts (risks associated with broadband and telephone line-based security systems).
5. Manage your energy usage
Did you know that it’s easy to control your energy management with your home security system? Have you thought about controlling your lights to give your home a lived-in look when you’re working late? Or how about saving energy by adjusting your thermostats when you’re traveling? Using an energy management system integrated with your home security system, you can easily control your lights and thermostats and make smarter energy decisions.
Using your security system every day, you’ll realize the true value of safeguarding your home and family. Review your security resolutions often and use Alarm.com as a support team in achieving your home security goals.
About Alarm.com
Alarm.com Incorporated is the industry leading technology provider of interactive security solutions. Through advanced wireless monitoring and web-based services, Alarm.com helps protect and alert hundreds of thousands of residential and commercial customers throughout the United States and Canada. Alarm.com’s products and services are offered exclusively through a network of over 1,500 licensed and authorized Security Dealers. Alarm.com’s corporate headquarters is located in Vienna, VA. For more information, visit www.alarm.com.