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Smart bulbs and smart lighting systems are a great way to personalize your home’s atmosphere. Even a single smart bulb is a step towards making your home a smart home.

So if you’re thinking about equipping your home with smart bulbs, here’s some of the most important information about them. We’ll cover exactly what smart bulbs are, how they work, and why you should use them.

What are smart bulbs?

Smart bulbs aren’t just controlled with a simple on/off switch. You also have the option to control them with an app on your phone.

Additionally, you’ll also have full control over the color and brightness of the bulbs (depending on the model), so you can set the ambiance of your home.

Most smart bulb apps will suggest “recipes” which are basically just preset color/brightness combinations. Each recipe will be associated with a different feeling or energy. For example, some will promote concentration while other light recipes are designed to help you relax.

Smart bulbs and smart lighting systems aren’t just about impressing your friends with your tech-savviness at the next dinner party. They give you the freedom to control the light and atmosphere in each room, transforming your home into a more ideal environment to live, work, and relax in.

Benefits of smart light bulbs

If you’re wondering whether or not you should buy smart light bulbs, you’ll be pleased to hear that these bulbs have a number of benefits over standard lighting systems.

Turn any light on/off in seconds

If you forgot to turn off the light in another room, normally you’d have to make your way back to the room and flick the switch. If this light happens to be up or down multiple sets of stairs, or in a corner of the house that’s harder to access, this can mean a lot of wasted time traveling back and forth. But with a smart bulb, you can turn any light on or off, regardless of its location.

If you’re heading out, you can easily turn every light in the house off with a single tap or swipe. No running from room to room.

This also means if you’ve forgotten to turn off any lights when you leave the home and you don’t realize it until you’re sitting in traffic halfway to work, no need to sweat it! You can turn off the light remotely through your app.

Control lights with your voice

To make things even easier, if you connect your smart bulbs to a smart assistant like Amazon Alexa or Google Home, you don’t even need to use your phone to set the lighting to your desired level. You can just use your voice.

So if your phone’s out of juice, or it’s just too far away to reach, you can just call out a command and let your smart device do the rest of the work.

Conserve energy and save money

Most people find that when they get smart bulbs, they end up saving money on energy bills. Smart bulbs aren’t necessarily more energy efficient than regular LED light bulbs, but as you’re able to control them with your phone or your voice, you’re likely a lot more aware of switching them on and off.

You can often command all of the lights to turn off at once, which means it’s less likely that you’ll leave the odd light on by accident. You can also use smart timers to make sure lights turn off or on at a certain time.

Have full control over your home

There’s not much choice in terms of ambiance when you have a standard light bulb. Sure, you can sometimes get dimmer lights such as the Leviton Smart LED Dimmers and turn the brightness up or down, but with a smart bulb, you’ll have full control over your home’s lighting.

You can customize the color and brightness of the lighting in each room of your house. You’ll be able to optimize your home space for living, working, playing or relaxing.

How do smart light bulbs work?

Smart bulbs don’t just emit light, they also connect wirelessly to their neighbor bulbs and to smart devices such as a mobile phone, an Amazon Alexa or Google Home, etc. Philips Hue Smart Bulbs are one of the more popular smart bulbs on the market.

All smart bulbs have wireless technology, but some of them differ in terms of exactly what automation protocol they use. Some smart bulbs use Wi-Fi, others use Bluetooth connections. And some bulbs even give you the option of using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, depending on your preference.

What do you need for a smart lighting system?

If you’re wondering how do smart light bulbs work, you might be wondering if you need any extra equipment to set them up. The simple answer is, yes, as smart bulbs aren’t stand-alone devices. Here’s what you need to make your home’s lighting system “smart.”

You need to connect them to an app on your phone, and sometimes to a smart home device or hub. Smart hubs are like central gateways for your home. All of your smart devices can be routed through them, so that you can control everything in your home just by using a single device. Popular hubs include Nest, Wink, SmartThings, or devices like Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Apple HomeKit.

Hubs are especially useful if you want to set your smart bulbs up on a timer, or link them with a compatible doorbell camera. This way you can set your lights to come on at certain times, or when the doorbell rings.

That being said though, you don’t always need a smart home hub to set up a smart lighting system in your home. It’s just a good option if you have lots of smart devices that you want to integrate.

Ultimately, the main thing you need is your smartphone. It will be difficult to effectively use your smart light bulbs without the accompanying app. You just download the app, connect your bulbs, and then control them from your phone. In some cases, you can toggle lighting from the same app that controls your security system.

Looking to upgrade your home security system from stationary fixed cameras to security cameras that offer you more coverage and more control? PTZ cameras may be the solution for you.

PTZ cameras have the capability to pan, tilt, and zoom (thus the name PTZ). They have special mechanical parts that allow the security camera to move and focus on a specific spot, and their entire motion can be manually controlled through software or a controller device.

PTZ security cameras can be controlled remotely by apps or other controllers. They also have preset viewing tours to move and focus on different objects in their field of vision.

People love PTZ cameras due to their wide area of coverage that greatly surpasses that of other camera types. In smaller areas, their pan feature can give 360 degrees of coverage; you only need to swivel the camera left or right or tilt up and down to monitor any area you want.

PTZ cameras have many other benefits, including:

• PTZ cameras can be programmed to follow a specific pattern on a schedule
• PTZ cameras are used to cover areas that are impossible to cover with fixed cameras.
• These cameras can be connected with other devices, such as motion detectors.
• PTZ cameras work well even when the lighting is low as they typically have strong night vision capabilities.

Top 5 PTZ Security Cameras

If you are planning to upgrade your indoor and outdoor surveillance system, these are five high-performance PTZ security cameras to consider. They have the ability to keep an eye on every nook and cranny of your house, inside and out.

Amcrest PTZ Poe Camera, Waterproof

The Amcrest PTZ is a home security IP camera, which means it can be connected to the internet and work as a smart security camera, keeping an eye on things even when you are not at home. Its mobile app (available on iOS and Android devices) lets you play back the recordings or watch your home and family members in real time.

Amcrest’s waterproof housing is another great feature, making the camera suitable for outdoor use. Whether it rains or shines, the camera is protected. Its heavy-duty metal housing makes it resilient even in severe environmental conditions.

The developers of this camera didn’t just introduce the weatherproof feature as a gimmick; they tested it against hurricane-level winds and rain, too. Its airtight housing protects against dust and moisture that can potentially seep in behind the lens and fry the internal processor. So it doesn’t matter whether you are living in the deserts of Arabia or face the hurricanes of Florida—this PTZ security camera will weather the storm and always keep your property protected.

This model features a secure SSL/HTTPS connection that ensures your footage is stored safely from unauthorized access, which is a valuable feature, as unsecured data can open your system up to hackers or malware. The SSL/HTTPS connection also receives regular firmware updates to give extraordinary security to you, your loved ones, and your property.

The Amcrest PTZ is powered by PoE+ power, giving you security surveillance around your home 24/7. Having backup rechargeable batteries would be more ideal, but those aren’t easy to find.

With this PTZ camera, you get crisp and rich 1080p images with sharp color contrast. In addition, it offers resolution at 30 frames per second. This video quality makes it one of the best PTZ security cameras on the market.

What we like:

• Stunning 1080p HD image quality
• App available on both Android and iOS
• Motion detection system sends an alert directly to your smartphone
• Waterproof housing performs well in severe environmental conditions

What we don’t like:

• No rechargeable battery option
• Warranty restricted to US customers

Reolink Indoor Camera for Home Security

Reolink’s PTZ indoor camera is perfect for people who don’t want to risk missing a second of the action. It is solidly built and affordable, and people from all walks of life trust this camera’s performance when it comes to home security.

All you need is an available wall socket to deploy this camera anywhere in your home. It gives a crisp picture with a resolution of 2560p by 1440p, comparable in image quality to DSLR cameras. The camera captures super HD videos that work well in the night vision mode too, though its range extends to only 40 feet out.

Getting this camera up and running without a professional technician is rather simple. If you have a bit of knowledge about PTZ security cameras and have connected one of them to your Wi-Fi before, you can easily install it in minutes—no messy cabling is involved. The camera has its own dual Wi-Fi antennas that ensure no signal loss and interference.

Unlike most other PTZ security cameras that secure the footage to a micro SD card, which can be removed or deleted, this Reolink camera adds all the images and videos to the FTP server.

Another great feature we love in this Reolink product is its motion sensitivity. It sends you alert emails and push notifications at once if any motion is detected. This feature is available in other PTZ cameras too, but the Reolink camera is unique in its motion detection sensitivity options that allow you to detect certain types of motion, which is especially useful if you have pets at home. This reduces false alarms and gives you peace of mind.

If you are using more than one PTZ security camera, a Reolink NVR would be a wise investment as it saves all the recordings locally. Most offices and corporations count on the NVR to make their multiple cameras work efficiently round-the-clock. Though, keep in mind, the Reolink POE NVR is only compatible with the Reolink PTZ security cameras. If you have security cameras from other companies, they may not work with the Reolink NVR as intended.

What we like:

• Wide 355-degree rotating angle
• Remote access anywhere
• Ultra HD image quality
• Easy to set up

What we don’t like:

• NVR required for 24/7 recording
• SD card isn’t included

SUNBA 20x Optical Zoom PTZ Security Camera

The SUNBA 20x Optical Zoom PTZ Security Camera has a large variety of features. We have tested many PTZ cameras, including top-rated expensive ones as well as economical ones; this model is somewhere in the middle. The SUNBA PTZ camera gives great performance at a reasonable cost.

The SUNBA’s dome-shaped, compact design might look small, but it has a diverse feature set. For example, it has a 20x optical zoom—something you don’t find in the most expensive PTZ security cameras.

But this extraordinary zoom isn’t only for the daylight; it works well at night too. The developers of SUNBA have introduced a powerful infrared LED that gives a night vision up to 800 feet, compared to most other PTZ cameras that only have a range of around 40 to 50 feet.

The only downside to the SUNBA is its lower resolution relative to other models in the market. If you’re looking for ultra HD quality, this isn’t the camera for you. That said, its 1080p Sony CMOS provides crystal clear details on images, even with the 20x optical zoom.

If you haven’t used a PTZ security camera before, no problem. The SUNBA is beginner-friendly and so easy to install. Its user manual will tell you everything you need to know about installing it.

The SUNBA PTZ camera has a memory card slot that you can store up to 64 GB of footage in; however, this memory card can only be accessed by removing the lens, which is inconvenient.

What we like:

• Superior night vision capacity
• Rotates 360 degrees horizontally and 90 degrees vertically
• Waterproof and made from commercial-grade aluminum
• Works with a real free desktop VMS client

What we don’t like:

• Hard to access the memory card slot
• No two-way audio option

JideTech PTZ Outdoor Security Camera

JideTech PTZ camera gives you total control over your premises’ surveillance. It has a motion detection system that alerts you immediately. With this feature, you can create specific motion detecting zones and adjust their sensitivity to reduce false alerts.

It is one of the smallest PTZ cameras (4.3 by 4.3 by 3.9 inches) in the market with a 1080p standard resolution. The video works at 18 frames per second and has a 4x motorized zoom lens. The company says the camera gives an excellent image even in the pitch black, but we aren’t impressed with its night vision quality.

Despite this, we still think it’s worth it to recommend JideTech for the responsiveness of their customer service team. Initially we were confused about trying to get their multiple apps to be compatible and set up alerts, but after reaching out to their team, the whole process went smoothly.

Within a few minutes, the JideTech customer support team not only resolved this issue but also helped us receive alerts on the laptop too, so that multiple users can keep an eye on a home and stay in touch with their loved ones.

You shouldn’t choose a product solely because the company behind it has good customer service, but it’s comforting to know that your issues will be taken care of by a reliable team.

What we like:

• Multiple ways to watch remotely
• Waterproof aluminum housing
• Works well with security monitor softwares, like VLC and iSpy
• 4x motorized zoom lens
• Great customer service

What we don’t like:

• Night vision capability isn’t good
• 4x zoom becomes foggy at night

Amcrest ProHD IP2M-941B PTZ Security Camera

This surveillance camera from Amcrest is notable for its extra wide viewing angle, which allows you to see every angle of your property. The camera’s 4x zoom lens also adds extra layers of security, but not at the cost of image quality. Whether it is day or night, the 4x zoom capability doesn’t compromise any detail in the image.

In addition, the night vision of Amcrest’s ProHD IP2M-941B is exceptional and functions up to 98 feet with built-in IR LEDs. You won’t have any problem monitoring your property for potential intruders even in pitch darkness.

Amcrest promises top-notch video quality, but the top-notch video quality is only available when this camera is used in the highest settings. However, using this camera at the highest settings may cause stability and reliability problems. Even if you have the best Wi-Fi network, the video won’t work well.

Furthermore, the highest settings eat up a ton of data, making 24/7 surveillance less appealing. And if you lower the settings, the video quality drops off quickly.

That said, the lens quality in this model is great. If the target is within the zoom limit, the IP2M-941B lens makes sure all the images are crisp. You will get proper image quality even during rough conditions like rain or fog.

This camera is EU and FCC certified, which means it fulfills EU safety and environmental protection requirements and is approved by the Federal Communications Commission in the United States.

What we like:

• Impressive IR LED night vision
• Supports Safari, Chrome, and Firefox on Amcrest Cloud
• Despite low price, image quality is still decent
• Records all motion for 30 days on Blue Iris security software

What we don’t like:

• No audio capabilities
• You can face IP conflict issues on your home Wi-Fi network

PTZ Security Camera Buying Guide

This buying guide section will help you decide on the best PTZ security camera for your needs.

Think About Your Needs

Don’t buy expensive cameras with extra features if you are trying to cover a small area around your home. Big cameras with 360 degrees of coverage are used in large stores or warehouses.

Usually, only large corporations invest in such sophisticated security measures. For home security, a small camera with a 4x optical zoom will likely be enough to fulfill your requirements.

Great Night Vision

Night vision capability is a must-have, and this feature varies significantly from camera to camera. Budget cameras often cut corners on night vision capability. Effective night vision can pick up intruders around your home even at night with its infrared LED night vision capability.

Make sure the camera you are buying comes with the best nighttime surveillance so that your home is protected when it’s dark.

1080p Resolution

The 1080p resolution has become the industry standard for camera resolution. Don’t buy any product that offers less than 1080p resolution, even if it has many other good applications.

For PTZ cameras with 1440p or 4K resolution (which has marginal benefit over 1080p resolution), you need to spend significantly more money and—unless you are tech-savvy—hire a professional technician to install and set up those cameras.

Good Customer Service

If the camera manufacturer doesn’t provide good customer service, you will experience significantly more frustration in the future. Camera systems are great when they work fine, but as with any electronic device, you will have times when you need to troubleshoot problems with your camera.

Things like the Wi-Fi connection, installation process, changing camera settings, and compatibility all have potential for problems. If you are installing a PTZ camera on your own, or if you have problems with it, a good customer support service can resolve your problem quickly and eliminate any frustration.

FAQs About PTZ Security Cameras

Let’s address some of the most frequently asked questions about PTZ security cameras.

How do you connect the PTZ camera to the security system?

How you connect a PTZ camera to your security system depends on the model you are buying and your security system. Usually, you need a system that includes CCTV or DVR. Companies also give clear guidelines in their model’s instruction manual about how to connect the camera to a security system.

Are all cameras vandal-proof?

Though all companies claim their PTZ cameras are vandal-proof, this may not necessarily be the case. Manufacturers tend to focus on weatherproofing with sturdy materials over tamper-resistance. They can’t prevent a burglar from smashing the camera lens with a blunt instrument, for example.

The best way to protect your cameras is to place them high off the ground. Install your cameras at least 10 feet above ground level to minimize the risk of them being tampered with.

Does the zoom quality matter?

Zoom quality is not the most essential feature when it comes to PTZ cameras installed in residential settings because you’re unlikely to ever really make use of it. However, if you need your camera to pick up details further away, a higher zoom quality could make a difference.

What is the difference between optical zoom and standard zoom?

Optical zoom preserves the image quality and records the video clearly. On the other hand, standard zoom diminishes the video quality because it simply enlarges the existing image, ruining its quality. Always buy PTZ security cameras that have optical zoom.

Conclusion

With a PTZ security camera, it is now easier to monitor many areas of your home or business. If you are planning to buy the camera for outdoor security, focus first on how weatherproof the camera is.

For outdoor units, the weather is a bigger threat than professional burglars tampering with the camera. If the camera isn’t weatherproof, it won’t last long, and you’ll be back to square one looking for a PTZ camera to protect your home in 2024.

If your home caught fire tomorrow and was completely burned to the ground without any chance of rescuing your property, what would be the three most valuable items that you lost?

If a burglar broke in while you were away on vacation, what are they likely to walk off with?

Frightening, isn’t it? Sometimes we don’t realize just how vulnerable our property is until tragedy strikes.

No one ever plans to have a home fire (arsonists excluded), but when they do strike, the homeowners who suffer most are the ones who were unprepared. In an instant they’ve lost valuable collectibles, their car title, jewelry, cash, digital data, and more. And the same can be said of burglary.

That’s where home safes come in. They protect your most valuable assets from the most dangerous threats. If you’re looking into how to buy the best home safe, you’ve basically got to answer two questions:

• What am I trying to protect?
• What am I trying to protect it from?

Safes are designed to keep your valuables defended against the two dangers we’ve already identified: fires and burglars. But not all safes are secure against both, and not all safes are created equal.

In this in-depth guide to buying the best home safe, we’ll look at the different types of safes on the market as well as the spectrum of security they provide.

Fire-Resistant Safes

Most safes are at least designed to resist fires. If you only need to secure property that wouldn’t be of much value to a thief, such as contracts, wills, and other important documents, then a fire-resistant safe will suit you just fine.

These safes are designed to resist high temperatures, but can be broken into pretty easily by a burglar with moderately decent tools. The walls are thick and hollow (to prevent heat transfer), and the safe is filled with fire resistant insulating material.

Fire Safe Standards

The protection provided by any model of safe from a fire is typically indicated in hours, an indication of how many hours the safe can withstand an external temperature of 1700 degrees Fahrenheit without the inside heating to the point that paper could burn (350 degrees).

Underwriters Laboratory (UL) is one trusted organization that sets such standards, and a home safe should have a minimum UL rating of at least one hour. Two and four hour rated safes are also available, but one hour is usually enough for most home safes.

Protecting Digital Media from Fire

While paper burns at 350 degrees, objects like tapes, DVDs, CDs, hard disks, and USB drives can be vulnerable as low as 125 degrees. If you need to protect items such as these, you may want to invest in a special media safe.

While they can run two or three times the price of your standard issue fire safe, they are rated for much higher temperatures and are also designed with special moisture-resistant insulation.

So if you’ve got precious home movies, an autographed copy of Joe Versus the Volcano, or years of backed up computer data to protect, a media safe might be the best home safe for you.

SentrySafe SFW123DSB 1.23 Cubic Feet Combination Fire-Safe

This is one example of a popular fire-resistant safe to give you an idea of some of the typical specifications. Featuring a combination lock with a tubular key and four live-locking bolts, the SentrySafe is designed to provide security for years upon years.

Floor bolting hardware is included for additional security, but please note that mounting requires you to drill holes in the mounts, which will reduce the safe’s flood resistance.

The SentrySafe offers superb heat resistance for all of your most precious media, bearing a UL and ETL (Edison Testing Laboratories) 1-hour rating (up to 1700 degrees) for DVDs, CDs, USB drives, and memory sticks.

It meets UL standards for resisting a 15-foot drop and is ETL verified to withstand being submerged in 8 inches of water for up to 24 hours (except when drilled for mounting).

Furthermore, you can add even more peace of mind by enrolling in the SentrySafe Fire Protection Guarantee, which offers up to $50,000 of insurance on your property should the safe fail to protect them

Burglar-Resistant Safes

If you’ve got more to protect than documents and media, you’re gonna need a bigger safe (or at least a better one). While a fire safe is great for protecting your valuables from burning, they’re gonna crack open like a can of tuna to any burglar with the right tools.

If you’ve got real valuables, like jewelry or cash, you’re going to want to invest in a burglar-resistant safe. These are made of steel and feature thinner walls than fire safes, and they are designed to withstand assault from tools like power saws, sledge hammers, and high speed drills.

They are also intended to be heavy so that they can’t just be carried off, and ideally they should be tied into your existing security system.

Burglar Safe Standards

Burglar safes are rated based on how long they were tested to withstand assault with a wide array of burglar tools. The Underwriters Laboratories standard minimum rating of TL-15, for example, means that the safe was unable to be cracked after 15 minutes of concentrated tool work with drills, hammers, carbide disc cutters, and other sophisticated burglary equipment. TL-30 would indicate that a safe withstood attack for 30 minutes. And so on.

Another standard that some safes include is torch resistance (TR), or the ability to withstand a cutting torch for a given number of minutes. A safe rated TRTL-30, for example, has been tested to withstand attack from burglar tools and a cutting torch for 30 minutes.

A final standard for the heaviest of safes indicates its resistance to explosives, indicated by TX. While you probably won’t need anything this serious, you never know. It all comes down to what you’re protecting.

AMSEC’s AmVault TL-30 Fire Rated Composite Safes

Here’s an example one safe that is rated for burglar and fire resistance. This TL-30 rated safe demonstrated the ability to hold up against the expert testers at Underwriters Laboratories for 30 minutes against their best efforts with power saws, carbide disc cutters, drills, and more.

The AmVault is also fire resistant, and suitable for use in both commercial and residential settings for the protection of your most valuable possessions.

Choosing the Best Burglar Safe

When it comes to choosing the best home safe for protection from burglars, you want to keep in mind the situation in which most thieves are trying to bust into a safe. Typically, they’re under pressure, keeping one eye out for law enforcement, and working in the dark as fast as possible as their nerves run wild. Basically, they are trying to break into a steel safe in the absolute worst conditions.

When these safes are quality rated, the tests are performed in the complete opposite situation. The room is well lit, the testers are under no pressure, and they’re equipped with the most powerful burglar’s tools. So, buying a TL-15 safe is probably fine for most home safes because 15 minutes is a long time for a burglar to be whacking away at a safe. If you’re really looking for security, though, go for a model rated for 30 minutes or more.

No matter how burglar-resistant your safe is, however, it won’t matter a bit if a home invader can just lug it away and work on it all night elsewhere. For this reason, if your safe weighs less than 750 pounds, it must be anchored to the floor or wall for maximum effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Safes

So, your main choices come down to fire safe or burglar safe, and the choice relies on exactly what it is you’re protecting. If it’s anything that a thief could potentially find valuable, spring for a burglar-resistant model.

As you consider the best home safe for your needs, the following FAQs might further help you make the right choice for you.

Is a Floor Safe Right for Me?

Floor safes are about as safe as safes can be. They are installed to be level with the floor and surrounded with at least 200 pounds of concrete, so they are near impenetrable and completely impossible to be carried away by a common criminal. Settled below the ground, floor safes are also easily concealable with a rug or even by being placed beneath a couch or dresser.

Floor safes are also especially resistant to fires because they are below ground level. This means that the fire can never really engulf them. They don’t heat easily, and popular locksmith lore holds that there has never been a loss by fire from a properly installed floor safe.

The primary disadvantage with floor safes are convenience and permanence. They are kind of difficult to access because you have to stoop to the ground, so they might not be a good choice if you have joint pains or are approaching old age. They’re also permanently installed in the floor, so you can’t take them with you if you move.

Should I Buy a Keyed Safe or a Combination Safe?

Keyed safes seem more convenient, but keys are easily lost and easily stolen. If a burglar breaks in and finds a keyed safe, the next thing he’ll hunt for is your keys.

Combination locks, on the other hand are much harder to break into because a thief can’t steal or copy your combination the way they can your keys. Furthermore, you can change the combination as necessary when people move out or employees change.

While you might be annoyed at having to remember the combination, you can easily write it down disguised as a phone number (or pull a Walter White and buy a lotto ticket with your combo numbers).

Can a Burglar Break Into a Safe Through Other Methods?

The movies are filled with expert cat burglars cracking codes with stethoscopes or filing down their fingertips to feel the click of tumblers. But such gimmicks are simply for the silver screen.

In reality, the vast majority of safe jobs are clumsy and not premeditated. Burglars happen unsuspectingly on your safe and make a pathetic attempt to break in. At best, they might attempt to drill into or smash their way into the safe with basic tools.

The few safe jobs that are successful are likely the result of the owner failing to lock the safe or the burglar acquiring the combination somehow.

Are Bolted Hinges Secure?

You might think that you have to buy a safe with welded hinges because otherwise a burglar could just remove the hinges and crack the safe, right?

Wrong. Hinges work a little bit differently on burglar safes. They exist purely to hold the weight of the door when it’s open, but are not actually tied to the locking mechanism.

How Can I Learn More About Safes?

If you’re in the market for the best home safe, you want to talk to as many qualified professionals as possible. Find an expert locksmith to start with, and ask them for references. There’s no one better to learn about safes than from than someone who’s an expert at working with (and breaking into) locks.

Another great source of information is your insurance company. Your agent may be able to secure premium savings for you based on the security rating of your safe.

Find the Best Home Safe for You

We hope this guide on how to buy the best home safe has been as fun to read as it was to write. Remember that what it really comes down to is identifying what it is you need to protect and what it needs protecting from.

For some, a fire safe will do the trick. For others, burglar-resistant is the way to go. Those looking for maximum security may invest in a floor safe. But, whether the threat is fire or theft, your goods are only as safe as the safe they’re secured in.

As home security becomes more and more advanced, you’ll likely be inundated with options as you search for new technology. Doorbell cameras are quickly gaining traction as one of the best additions to your home security system.

Two of the most popular brands on the market are the Skybell Trim Plus and the August Doorbell Cam Pro. Of course, everyone’s needs are different. We’ve put together a quick comparison between the two so you can make the best choice for your home.

What Is A Doorbell Camera?

First thing’s first: what exactly is a video doorbell camera, and why might you choose to use one?

The doorbell is a typical feature of any home. As technology has advanced, so has the doorbell. Today, the device can be used not only to alert you to visitors, but also to allow you to view and speak to these visitors from within your home.

Although doorbell cameras are not much larger than a traditional doorbell and are mounted in the same place, they come with a wide range of additional features. Motion sensors, HD video and photo capture, two-way communication, and smartphone or tablet syncing are just a few of the available features.

Choosing a doorbell camera, therefore, means choosing something that truly improves upon convenience and safety in the home.

What To Consider When Choosing Between the Skybell Trim Plus and the August Doorbell Cam Pro

Choosing the best option for your home can be difficult. There are loads of devices to choose from, so ask yourself the following questions when making a decision:

• How often will your doorbell camera be in use?
• What devices will you use alongside your doorbell camera?
• Will you need a device that works night and day, and no matter the weather?
• Who will need access to this device?

Skybell Trim Plus

The Skybell company specializes in doorbell cameras. Many of its products’ features are patented and unique. Therefore, choosing a device from this company means you are receiving the very best in this kind of home security.

Style

The Skybell Trim Plus is around the size of a regular doorbell and has a sleek and modern design. It comes in two colors: brushed aluminum and dark, oil-rubbed bronze. These two options match all kinds of home designs, so you have the opportunity to invest in a stylish addition to your home.

Features

180-degree view

The Skybell Trim Plus has a panoramic view so you can view the entire door area through the device’s HD videos and pictures.

5X zoom

Within these videos and pictures, you can zoom in up to five times the original size. This means you will be able to view finer details such as package information.

Motion sensors

The device has a motion sensing option that picks up on any movement within the doorbell’s IR sensor range, whether the doorbell has been rung or not.

Easy installation

The Skybell Trim Plus can easily be installed at home as the instructions are clear and simple to follow.

Weather resilience and night-vision

This device can be used day and night and in any kind of weather. The 1080p HD camera boasts full-color night vision.

Cloud video storage

This doorbell camera offers free video storage on all of your devices. Your footage can be kept safe and private on the cloud.

August Doorbell Cam Pro

The August Doorbell Cam Pro is a strong competitor when it comes to choosing a device. This product has a number of impressive features that make for a great user experience.

Style

The August Doorbell Cam Pro works with existing mechanical doorbell wiring. The product comes in dark grey and silver, and its large doorbell button is easy to use for visitors. Installing your new device can however be tricky, as its square design may not fit on your door frame.

Features

120-degree view

This device has a 120-degree horizontal field of view, so its panoramic feature is limited compared to Skybell Trim Plus. Nevertheless, its 1280 x 920 HD camera is clearer than many other doorbell cameras out there.

Motion sensors

Your doorway is constantly monitored by this device’s HindSight technology. This feature allows for both motion sensing as well as capturing the moments leading up to someone approaching the door.

Easy installation

Setting up your August Doorbell Cam Pro is simple, and you can follow the step-by-step instructions on the August app.

Night-time floodlight

Instead of using infrared LED night vision, this device includes a small light in the middle of its doorbell button that can illuminate anyone standing in front of it.

Compatible with other devices

This product is compatible with a number of other devices, such as smartphones, Alexa, and August Smart Locks.

Video storage

Basic video recording of up to 24 hours is included free with this device. You can upgrade to August Video Recording Premium to view 30 days of saved video history and download and share videos.

Skybell Trim Plus and August Door Cam Pro Comparison

Because both of these devices have such great features, you may not be sure which one is best for you. Below, we compare the Skybell Trim Plus and the August Doorbell Cam Pro to help you make your decision.

Ease of Use

Both of these doorbell cameras are easy to install as well as use. Both are also compatible with a number of other devices.

While both products need pre-existing doorbell hardwiring, installation is easy for both and you will be able to install either device without the help of a professional.

Video Quality and Field of View

The Skybell Trim Plus has a notably better video quality compared to the August Doorbell Cam Pro. While the former has a 1080p HD camera, the latter has a 1280 x 920 HD camera. However, although the Skybell Trim enjoys a higher resolution, this feature lowers the frames per second to 15 FPS to cut down on data usage, so the video is clearer but not as smooth as the August’s 30 FPS.

The Skybell Trim Plus also has a wider field of view, capturing 180 degrees of the area as opposed to the August’s 120 degrees. Being able to view the entirety of your door area may be necessary, so keep this in mind.

Zoom

While Skybell’s product boasts the option for a 5X zoom, the August does not give you the option to zoom in at all. Zooming in can be extremely important when it comes to being able to view finer details. It can also be helpful when you are surveying the street area in front of your home.

Storage and Subscriptions

Each product allows for the storage of videos on the cloud. However, the August Doorbell Cam Pro has the option for an upgrade that allows you to view 30 days worth of footage. This costs $4.99 a month and can be extremely helpful in tracking your doorbell area. Without this upgrade, however, you will only be able to access footage from the last 24 hours.

With the Skybell Trim Plus, there is no option for an upgrade. You can access the last seven days of footage from your doorbell camera for free, but there is no way to extend the length of time beyond this limit. However, it is likely that this limit will be more than enough for you and your family.

Power Options

How each device is powered is an extremely important aspect to take into account.

The Skybell product’s internal battery is equipped for everyday use and provides power consistently. The smart doorbell does not have a backup battery, but the device is widely compatible with a number of different transformers.

The August product, on the other hand, does have a small battery backup. However, this only works for a few hours. This device is only compatible with 12-24 VAC transformers, so it is not as easy to ensure total security in the event of a significant power outage. Nevertheless, its backup battery does offer a fantastic short-term solution.

Weather Conditions

Both of these products are built to withstand all kinds of weather conditions. However, the Skybell Trim Plus has the edge when it comes to temperature as the Skybell device can operate within extreme temperatures.

Although the August device is also competitive in this field, it is not as hardy when it comes to extreme cold or extreme heat. That being said, both of these devices are great for most climates.

Network Compatibility and Integration

No matter which device you choose, you can be assured that it will work smoothly with your WiFi connections and other home devices. However, be aware that using a doorbell camera alongside multiple cameras on the same network may eat up your bandwidth and impact your internet speed.

The August Doorbell Cam Pro and the Skybell Trim Plus both allow for seamless integration. When it comes to smart home integration, both devices are compatible with Amazon Echo and Alexa. The August will fit in nicely with Google Home too.

Bottom Line

Whichever device you decide to purchase, the addition of any doorbell camera to your home is a smart investment. Doorbell cameras do so much more than alert you to someone at your door—they are a great addition to any home security system. Being able to view who is at your door no matter where you are allows for peace of mind.

However, asking yourself what it is you need out of your doorbell camera is important when making this decision.

Both products are competitive when it comes to integration and compatibility, although the August Doorbell Cam Pro does allow for more integration options. Each device can be accessed through a smartphone or tablet, whether you are home or away. You can also interact with your visitor through the devices’ speakers and microphones.

While both of these products have their advantages, we lean more towards the Skybell Trim Plus. The style of the Skybell product is slim and sleek and matches almost any home. Its compatibility with a number of transformers, great video quality and range, as well as the option to access seven days of footage all contribute to it coming out on top.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States behind smoking and is responsible for around 21,000 lung cancer-related deaths each year. The EPA estimates that one out of 15 homes in the U.S. has unhealthy levels of radon.

So what is radon? Radon is a radioactive gas that can be harmful to humans and animals when they’re exposed to high levels of it. Radon gas exposure is caused by a breakdown of uranium within the earth; the radon gas rises and enters through cracks and other holes in a building’s foundation.

What makes this gas so deadly is that it is undetectable by humans—it’s odorless and invisible. It doesn’t cause immediate health problems, but extended exposure to it does. That’s why you need specialized equipment to detect radon in your home or business.

How to Detect Radon Gas

There are a few different methods that you can use to detect radon within your home or business. The two main radon detection methods are active and passive tests.

The most common passive test uses a radon test kit that is sent to experts for analysis. Using radon test kits, property owners can measure radon levels for two to 90 days for short-term passive tests, or they can measure 90 days or more for long-term passive tests.

The radon kit is then sent to a laboratory, and the lab sends the property owner an analysis of the sample. These tests require no special training to conduct, so property owners can perform these tests themselves.

The other common radon detection method available for property owners is the active detection method. Active radon monitoring devices require a power source and can provide almost instantaneous results at any given time. These devices can provide both short-term and long-term results, but they’re usually more costly than passive radon detection kits.

Why You Need a Radon Detector

Exposure to radon for prolonged periods of time or in high concentrations can be deadly and lead to long-term health problems, such as lung cancer.

Using a radon gas detector or radon detection kit, you can identify radon gas levels within your home or business and prevent any unnecessary exposure to this harmful gas. If your building does test positive for radon, you can then act accordingly to prevent further exposure.

One method for eliminating radon gas exposure is sealing off any cracks or gaps in the building’s foundation. Sealing and venting areas of exposure can also help reduce radon levels. Preventing further exposure is straightforward once you know you have high levels of radon.

The 3 Best Radon Detectors on the Market

It’s important to know your building’s radon level so you can keep your family or employees healthy and safe from its dangerous long-term health effects. These active radon tests will help you do just that and provide you with both short-term and long-term results and monitoring. Here are the best radon detectors on the market today.

Radon Eye RD200

Using the latest in smart technology, the Radon Eye RD200 boasts 20 times the sensitivity compared to other radon detectors. That’s because its dual-structured pulsed ionization mechanism enables it to provide more accurate detection.

The Radon Eye RD200 provides its first reliable results within the first hour of operation, meaning you no longer need to wait extended periods of time for accurate results.

A useful feature of the Radon Eye RD200 is its ability to log and share data to your smartphone or PC, allowing you to conveniently observe and monitor radon levels within your home or business. This data can be easily exported to Excel so you can view and manipulate the data easily in a spreadsheet.

The Radon Eye RD200 displays data in a graph format to ensure you can easily understand the results and readings provided. Additionally, the device supports Bluetooth connectivity via an app so you can easily access the device using a smartphone or tablet.

What we like:

• Quickly provides accurate and reliable readings, allowing you to get immediate results
• Data can be easily accessed through Bluetooth connectivity and an accompanying app
• Much more sensitive than competing devices
• Data can be exported directly to your PC or smart device in a graph or spreadsheet format

What we don’t like:

• At over $200, the device is a little pricey

Radex MR107

The Radex MR107 is an active radon detection device that is highly sensitive and provides accurate and reliable results. This device is suitable for both home and workplace environments, and it is user-friendly.

In addition to its primary radon detection functionality, the Radex MR107 also provides additional features, such as relative humidity and temperature measurement, to provide you with more comprehensive results. This device comes with Windows software that you can download and use for free.

Using this software, you can easily transfer data gathered by the Radex MR107 to your PC and analyze and monitor the results within your home or business. Another useful feature is an adjustable alarm that is triggered when the device detects unsafe levels of radon.

The Radex MR107 also measures the surrounding radon levels relative to the surrounding temperature and humidity, ensuring more accurate and relative results. This provides you with a more complete picture and additional context so you can track dynamic changes in surrounding radon levels more reliably than with most other devices.

What we like:

• The ability to transfer results to the free Windows software is useful and helpful
• Additional features such as humidity and temperature readings provide more context when compared with relative radon levels
• User-friendly design makes the device easy to use for both home and business owners
• It retails for under $200

What we don’t like:

• Lack of a built-in interface makes results more difficult to identify
• Can only be charged via USB, and the battery lasts for up to six days

Corentium Home by Airthings

The Corentium Home is a portable lightweight radon detection device that provides accurate results within 24 hours. You can view results easily with its built-in LCD screen without the need of any external devices. This allows you to conveniently monitor radon levels in your surrounding environment.

This device is resistant to a variety of environmental and physical conditions, such as electromagnetic interference, dust, and weather. This helps ensure that its readings are accurate and reliable.

Boasting a two-year battery life, the Corentium Home can provide long-term results and monitor your surrounding radon levels with great precision. You can easily replace the three standard AAA batteries, allowing your device to last up to 10 years.

What we like:

• Its portability allows you to conveniently monitor radon levels in various locations
• High resistance to electromagnetic and environmental conditions ensures more reliable results
• Built-in LCD screen allows you to view and monitor results immediately without the need for any external devices
• Two-year battery life and replaceable AAA batteries allows for long-term use
• Its price—under $150—means you get great value for good functionality

What we don’t like:

• Unable to export and transfer data to a PC or other devices

Where to Place Your Radon Detector

Once you’ve selected the radon detector that will work best for you, make sure you follow instructions and place it properly in the building you’re testing.

Because radon gas rises up from the ground, place the radon detection device or test kit in a room that is closest to the ground for the most accurate and reliable results. For example, if you have a basement, you should place the detection unit there.

For the best and most accurate results, you should keep all windows and doors closed during the testing period prescribed by your device or test kit. In long-term tests, however, closed house tests conditions are not necessary.