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Before choosing which type of holiday lights with which to decorate your home, or simply choosing lighting in general, it's a good idea to become familiar with their similarities and differences. When fully informed, you can decide which method of lighting, LED or incandescent, fits your home and style better. According to Elemental LED, the "only similarity" between LED and incandescent lighting is that both are powered by electricity. The fundamental difference between the two, highlighted by Elemental, is the way in which light is created by them. Incandescent lights, as explained by Energy Star, "produce light using electricity to…

A roaring fire in the fireplace can bring comfort, warmth, and a sense of nostalgia to your winter. It can also help to cut heating costs in this economy. Making sure that your fireplace is properly prepared for the coming cold weather is the necessary first step to adding a safe bright spot to the dark winter months ahead. At This Old House, Shyra Peyton provides a step-by-step set of instructions on correct fireplace preparation. One suggestion encourages homeowners to hire a professional to ensure that the fireplace and chimney are properly cleaned: "The National Fire Protection Association recommends that…

With the holiday season upon us, we must remember that the most important part of holiday decorating is not picking out a lighting color scheme or choosing between a natural or artificial tree; it is rather, ensuring that whatever the decorations chosen, they are safe! Here are some helpful strategies for making your holiday season a secure and joyful one. Outside lighting is one way many bring holiday spirit to their homes and following a few simple guidelines can make it a safer experience for you, your family, and your neighbors. The CSPC has an excellent online pamphlet with suggestions,…

With the cooler months approaching, we all need to be sure we are taking the necessary precautions when we deal with our heating system. Here are a few tips to prepare yourself and your system so you are not stuck in the cold this winter. Test your system. I know what you are saying, but yes, this is probably the most important tip we could give you. Too many times, people wait until the last minute to try their heating system, leaving them virtually no time to resolve whatever issue there may be. Start up your system and make sure…

Carbon monoxide, radon, and smoke are three factors that every homeowner needs to be aware of. The biggest difference between the three is the fact that you can actually see and smell smoke, whereas carbon monoxide and radon are both odorless and colorless. There are a few simple ways how you can work to keep your family safe from these problems. Install or replace your detection systems for carbon monoxide. This tip is the easiest one to do. Make sure that you have installed a carbon monoxide detector in your home. As mentioned above, this gas is odorless and colorless,…

As a homeowner, there are a few things you need to keep in mind and check for on a regular basis in terms of environmental risks. Some of these risks include lead, air pollution, and drinking water contamination. Keeping up with your home's safety when dealing with these and/or other environmental risks is not only important in the upkeep of your home, but the protection of who is living inside. If your home was built prior to 1978, have your home tested for lead through either a paint inspection or a risk assessment by a qualified professional, who can in…

When deciding whether or not to install an alarm system, keep in mind a few common misconceptions vs. the reality of this extremely useful tool: 1. A system is too costlyOn the contrary, people are finding that the cost of an alarm system is becoming more and more affordable with advancements in technology. Furthermore, an alarm security system installation can do even more than keep your property safe; for some homeowners, it can also mean major savings in terms of your homeowners insurance. Mostly, the peace of mind that you gain with these systems is priceless! 2. A system will…

There are a lot of questions that you should consider before the installation process of your video security system. A few of the main ones include camera placement, how many cameras you will need, and how you wish to view your cameras. As far as security camera placement, you may just want the ability to scan the perimeter of your property, including driveways and walkways. In the case of homes with a swimming pool, having a camera directed at it would allow you to keep an eye out, which gives you peace of mind in terms of safety. Points of…

In recent years, surveillance systems have been popping up more and more and have been playing a variety of roles in the protection and safety of homes and the important things that reside behind their doors. One of the biggest benefits of video surveillance systems is the protection of personal information. You may not even realize, but you have countless pieces of personal information ranging from bank statements to social security numbers, to everything in between all over your home. Establishing a surveillance system will allow you to see if anyone unwanted has had access to this confidential information and…

A company's fixed assets are any "permanent" physical object that is used within the business. It can be anything from computers, tools, software to office equipment and furniture. As a business grows it can become a significant challenge to accurately track the status of each of these assets. Information about an asset's location, condition, age and how many of them you have on hand are critical for several reasons. It saves the firm time and money, reduces theft, facilitates budgetary planning, as well as even enabling a faster recovery in the event of a disaster. Since these assets are normally…