2016 Spring Home Improvement

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Page 20 2016 Spring Home Improvement LINCON DAILY May 2, 2016
This product and other similar products may be
found at several higher-end home improvement
stores.
We all have things in our home that we care
about that have personal value, and we want to
protect. But systems even of this caliber may not
be affordable or even necessary, especially if your
primary concern is that your home stay safe and
secure while you take a week away.
There is always the option to go old school with
light timers and motion lights, telling trusted
neighbors and the local police that you’re are out
of town, stopping your mail delivery, and making
sure your doors and windows are all locked when
you leave.
Timers and motion lights are available locally
at several locations, and can equal a minor
investment compared to a full-blown security
system.
There are options for timers such as a “smart
timer” that can be programmed to mimic your
habits when you are gone. One such timer is the
GE 7-day timer. The timer works on a single
outlet, so if more than one light is to be lit, you’ll
need multiple timers at about $13 each. The timer
is programmable for seven day cycles and allows
for up to 20 different on/off settings.
It should be noted that of these 20 settings, half
are used to turn the timer on and half to turn it off,
so you only have ten total cycles of lights on and
off, spread across seven days, per outlet. Set-up of
the timer may be a little complicated. But GE has
thoughtfully provided a YouTube video that will
walk you through the process.
Many have mixed emotions about using outdoor
motion lights for home security. There is a camp
of thought that says all you are doing is lighting
the pathway for the burglar to get into your
home. Others though believe that shining light
in vulnerable parts of the home exterior can deter
thieves.
Both views are understandable. So the bottom line
will have to be, what makes you feel more secure.
One of the greater benefits of exterior motion
lights is not just security but also safety. For
those coming home after dark, a light that turns
on automatically on the porch or at the garage
door may have separate benefits of its own. Also,
having a flood light that goes on and is in view
of that trusted neighbor’s front window, can
assist them in knowing something might be awry.
However, it should also be noted that the lights
can be set off by wandering dogs, stray cats, and
falling leaves.
As always, the bottom line of what you need for a
home security system falls to you. It is important
to remember that bigger is not always better, but
will almost always be more expensive. The best
recommendation: Evaluate what you need for your
peace of mind, and act accordingly.
[Nila Smith]