Anyone who has a security system installed on their premises knows exactly how much of research they have conducted before deciding which one to opt for. If you check what’s available in the market, you will find there really is an expansive range of security solutions to choose from, in varying price ranges. In many ways, this wide choice makes the decision more difficult. It’s probably why many people settle for devices that have the most advanced technology.

Unfortunately, that isn’t the end of the story! It doesn’t take too long for security technology to become outdated and get nudged out of the picture by newer, state-of-the-art, security systems. But you can’t really switch to the new technology that easily, even if you want to. After all, the security system you get installed represents a significant investment and you want to be able to use it for as long as you are able to.

If you are considering getting a security system for the first time, or are upgrading to a new one, there are certain things you should keep in view:

While all these factors are important, it’s also extremely important to ensure that the wiring in your home is completely synched to your security needs in the future. Technologies are always in evolve-mode. It’s difficult enough to accommodate the varied equipment that is an integral part of most households. But when you throw in security system-related wiring requirements, you might just be in for some unpleasant surprises, if you don’t keep your future needs in view.

When you are adding a new security system and upgrading your wiring, think about all the places you would want Ethernet, cable, Internet or any other wiring installations and how those needs may change in the future. The wiring you get done now, should keep these things in view. This will help make your security system more future proof than it already is.

For more security system wiring ideas and the best electrical solutions, call Allround Electrical at 1300 169 263. You can also drop us a line via email.

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With the start of the school year and the holiday season approaching, it seems as though the mound of expenses just keep piling up. You’re budgeting for school shopping, lunches, holiday shopping and making sure your lights stay turned on. This season tends to be the most expensive for many home owners.

Luckily, we have a few ideas on how to cut back on utility bills and lower your electric bill. We also provide home inspections for everyone in the Northern Virginia area and look at ways you can utilize the most out of your electrical appliances. You may be heading into a time filled with many expenses but you can pad your pocket with money saved from lowering your utility bill. Check out these tips that will help you with your utility bills and give you peace of mind during this hectic season!

Install Dimmer Switches

When you install dimmer switches, you can use only as much light as you need. With a traditional light switch, the only settings are on and off, meaning you are either using 0% electricity or 100%. With a dimmer, you have an entire spectrum of settings in between. Being able to decrease the amount of light you use inevitably results in lower energy bills. Install dimmers in the rooms you use the most like the kitchen, living room, bathrooms, and bedrooms; this will allow you to take advantage of the greatest savings possible.

Keep Your Fridge and Freezer Full

Everyone always tells you to keep the fridge closed. But did you know that keeping your fridge and freezer full can also save money? Food acts as insulation and lessens the amount of time that the fridge has to run to stay cool. This will be easy to do with all of those lunches your family will have to pack for school and for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

Install Ceiling Fans

Keep the air circulating in your home, and your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard. Ceiling fans can help lower your electric bill by up to 30 to 40 percent. While a ceiling fan doesn’t actually decrease the temperature of a room, the draft makes the room feel cooler – allowing you to raise the thermostat and be just as comfortable. You can even use your ceiling fans in the winter months! Many people are unaware that ceiling fans can be used to circulate warm air during cooler months of the year. By running the blades clockwise, ceiling fans push warm air down from the ceiling without creating a draft.

Get Rid of “Phantom Loads”

A shocking 75 percent of the energy used by home electronics is consumed when they’re turned off. These “phantom” users include: televisions, videogame consoles, stereos, computers and many kitchen appliances—basically anything that holds a time or other settings. A simple solution? Plug all of these items into power strips; then, get in the habit of turning off the strips between uses.  This will cut back on utility bills and will help combat overloading fuses.

Switch to LEDs

LED light bulbs use 90 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs. Switch out the most widely used bulbs in your home. Then, replace the rest as they burn out. LED lights tend to last much longer than traditional bulbs so you won’t have to replace them as often – saving you money.

Were you aware that the air quality inside your home can be worse than that of the outdoors? While this is especially prevalent in spring, fall isn’t exactly a walk in the park. The change of seasons kicks up many allergens and debris that can make even the healthiest person ill.

Before you think, “Well I change the air filter in my HVAC system on a regular basis, so isn’t that enough?” consider this: Your HVAC system’s air filter is there to protect the inside components of the system, not your indoor air.

So maybe you have an electronic air cleaner to take care of this problem. This type of air filter is incredibly beneficial. It works by removing microscopic impurities from your indoor air, such as dust, smoke, and smog, in addition to pet dander. Perhaps these seem like harmless particles to you—however, they can actually make you and your family ill.

Electronic air cleaners work best when you stay on top of cleaning the plates so that dirt doesn’t accumulate to a point that it becomes a problem. But if you have an electronic air cleaner, do you need a UV purifier?

While electronic air cleaners eliminate pollutants from the air, a UV air purifier kills certain contaminants within your ductwork before they even have a chance to enter the air. Most importantly, they eliminate microorganisms such as mold, mold spores, and other bacteria.

Microorganisms are not something that an electronic air cleaner can remove from the air. This doesn’t mean that electronic air cleaners are ineffective though—each type of air purifier eliminates the problem that the other one leaves. In other words, they work perfectly together for a comprehensive indoor air quality solution.

Electrical installation testing is a practice that has become more important over time. This is due to the increasing complexity of installations in both commercial and residential spaces. When it comes to electrical work, the top priority is always going to be safety. This focus is the reason electrical standards and wiring regulations exist in the first place. Electrical installation testing serves the purpose of identifying any possible deficiencies. These shortcomings could be areas in which an electrical system doesn’t meet regulations.

It’s important to have older electrical systems looked over to ensure they’re still in good working condition. At the same time, new installations need an inspection to make sure they conform to today’s stringent standards. You might also feel inclined to have testing done if you’ve recently purchased a building with preexisting installations. If you’re curious about what makes electrical installation testing so complex, or if you’re wondering why only a professional should be doing it, read on for more information.

There are different phases of an electrical installation to keep in mind. The first step is to perform a visual inspection, which is exactly what it sounds like — an expert will confirm the permanently wired electrical components are compliant with safety regulations. He or she will make sure there are no outward signs of damage, and that the required safety measures are present.

After the visual inspection, electrical testing begins. This is where having a qualified individual working becomes even more critical. Everything from specialized training to safety-oriented clothing is necessary for this aspect. In fact, non-authorized people might have to keep a certain distance away from the testing itself.

The testing will cover a building’s wiring, as well as its various components. This can include electrical panels, outlets, distribution boards and lighting. Essentially, the examination covers all systems that conduct electricity within a building. The electrician will use the tests to make sure every necessary precaution is in place to reduce the risks of injury or death due to electrical shock.

In some cases, the testing will call for exploratory work to complete the job as effectively and safely as possible. Parts of the system might need to be temporarily shut off for this. This means you should make sure you don’t have something important — and electricity-based — going on while the installation testing is taking place.

In this high-tech age, our gadgets can be essential lifelines. Smartphones, tablets, laptops and other devices are what help us connect with colleagues, avoid boredom and find our way from Point A to Point B. They can seem almost magic, but there’s one great equalizer that limits them all: battery life.

If you depend on your devices, keeping them charged is critical. But life doesn’t always work that way; you often can’t stay tethered to an outlet for an hour or more, and sometimes an outlet just isn’t there when you need it. And that’s where portable chargers come in.

Power to Go

A portable charger is like a second battery for your device, and some models hold enough juice to charge your devices a few times over. Charge your trusty portable charger at the same time you charge your phone, and you can walk around with double, triple or even quadruple the battery life you’re accustomed to.

The portable charger market is getting bigger all the time, so choosing a model can feel a little overwhelming. But that also means that if you know what factors to consider, you can find the perfect charger for your needs.

When shopping for a portable charger, consider these key attributes:

Size and weight: The smallest portable chargers are about the size of a tube of lipstick, while others may be as big as your hand and nearly an inch thick. Similarly, some are virtually weightless, compared to larger chargers that are even heavier than they look. You might want one of each -- one for your pocket and another for your briefcase.

Charge capacity: There is a huge range of available charging capacities -- that is, how much energy each charger can store at once. Capacity is measured in milliamps per hour (mAh), and models can range from around 3,000 mAh (enough to double the battery life of your smartphone) to more than 20,000 mAh, which is ideal for laptops.

Charge speed: Nobody likes to wait, and some charger manufacturers capitalize on this by emphasizing charging speed in their designs. It’s common for chargers to be marketed based on how quickly they can charge common devices, so look for this detail if speed is important to you.

Connections and cords: Virtually all portable chargers have a USB port, but some may support several types of connections and come equipped with a variety of cords.

Special features: While many chargers just stick to Job #1, others may have features like built-in flashlights or emergency alarms.

Durability: Portable chargers are particularly popular among those who like to go off the beaten path while remaining connected. That’s why some manufacturers make their chargers waterproof, shatterproof and otherwise tough as nails.

Price: When price is an object, you’ll be able to find some chargers for as little as about $10. For the most durable chargers with the highest capacities, prices can exceed $100.

When you need a recharge on the fly, portable chargers are clearly the way to go. But if you ever have trouble getting a charge in your own home, don’t hesitate to reach out to your professional local electricians!