Now is the Perfect Time to Reassess Your Security Lighting Needs
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in 2013 about 2 million burglaries were committed in the U.S., representing tens of millions of dollars in losses, not to mention the fear and anxiety that go along with having your space violated by criminals. Every year, alarm and security companies come up with new devices and technology aimed at thwarting criminals, and every year crooks find new ways to “game” those systems. But throughout the years, one security tactic has remained amazingly effective, no matter what skills would-be crooks wind up mastering: Security lighting.
Properly and professional installed, security lighting directs light where it’s needed to prevent crime and halt criminal activity. But the key to being effective lies in having the lighting system planned and installed by an experienced contractor.
Too Much Light Is Not Good
On first consideration, it may seem like adding as much light as possible is the best way to keep burglars at bay. But in fact, studies have shown that providing too much light can actually make it more difficult for your property to be seen by watchful neighbors or passing police. Too many lights also can cause glare, and that can result in people actively avoiding looking at your property – which is just what burglars want.
Balancing the amount of light and the types of lights on a property is the key to achieving the ideal mix that will provide the greatest boost in security.
Even if you have a system that was professionally installed, having it reassessed is a good idea. That’s because research into the effects of too much light or light directed ineffectively is relatively recent, and your system may need to be adjusted to suit new data.
Upgrade Lighting to Downgrade Your Bills
Another reason to give an existing system a second look – or to consider adding a system if you don’t already have one – is to take advantage of new technology that has resulted in significant cost decreases. Just in the past couple of years we’ve seen the advent of LED lights that are designed to offer plenty of lighting while minimizing the use of electricity. As a result, you can increase your security without substantially increasing your electric bills – and if you have an older system in place, you’re likely to see a decrease in your bill. As an added bonus, many insurance companies consider lighting to be a worthwhile enhancement as well, and that can mean a decrease in homeowner’s insurance premiums.
Having your security lighting reassessed doesn’t take long, and by working with an established company like Corbin Electric, you can feel assured the assessment will be conducted using the most up-to-date techniques and information so you get a custom plan based specifically on your unique needs. If you’re ready to schedule an assessment for your property, give us a call today at 732-536-0444.
Getting Your Generator Ready For Spring
The long, cold winter is drawing to a close, and that means summer storm season can’t be too far away. There’s one thing you can say about New Jersey – it offers lots of opportunities to experience weather in all its crazy glory. It also offers plenty of chances for the power to go out. In fact, thanks to a recent spate of especially fierce storms, home generator use has been on the upswing in the state. If you’re one of the homeowners who believes in the power of being prepared, now is the time to dust off that generator and make sure it’s ready for storm season and all it brings.
Caring for your generator now means you’ll have time to identify parts that are becoming worn or nearing the end of their life cycle so they can be replaced before they wear out completely. After all, few things are as disheartening as turning to your generator during an outage, only to find it won’t start. Proactive maintenance helps you find problems and nip them in the bud, before they escalate into major problems. Here’s what you need to do:
- First, grab your owner’s manual and read it over. Your manual contains important information about your generator’s specific type and model, like the best type of oil to use, the size filter you need and other brand- and model-specific data. Can’t find your manual? Look online. Many companies offer copies you can download or browse through right on their website. If that fails, give us a call. We work with many brands of generators, and we can help you determine what you need.
- Perform a visual inspection. Inspect gaskets, hoses and other parts for signs of wear and make note of parts that need to be replaced.
- Change the oil and spark plugs. Drain the old oil and replace the oil filter before adding new oil. Use the type of oil recommended for your generator.
- Add a new air filter, again, using the filter that’s recommended for your brand and model.
- Check the battery and clean the terminals.
- Check the exhaust outlet to make sure it’s not obstructed. Enterprising insects may decide to overwinter in your exhaust, so give it a good visual inspection before using it for the first time after it’s been stored.
- Wipe down the unit, making sure to remove dust and debris.
- Run the generator to make sure it’s operating the way it should. Take note of any unusual sounds that could indicate a problem. And be sure to follow proper operating procedures during your test run; don’t make the potentially fatal mistake of thinking you can do this pre-season run in an enclosed garage or shed. Take the time to wheel it outside so there’s plenty of ventilation. Let it run for at least 20 minutes, and make sure it’s providing power.
Preventive maintenance is an important step to ensure you have power when you need it. If you’re not sure how to tune-up or maintain your generator, give us a call at 732-536-0444. We’re happy to help!
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