Author: Casability Team

Few things are as important as the safety and security of your home. This comprehensive guide is designed to help homeowners protect their family, property, and peace of mind from intruders, fire, and other emergencies. We’ve compiled this home security checklist, broken down into key categories, to ensure you have all the information needed to safeguard your home effectively.

Table of Contents

1. Exterior Home Security
2. Window and Door Security
3. Vacation Preparation
4. Other Home Security Considerations

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Exterior Home Security

1. Properly Light Your Home’s Exterior

• Importance: A well-lit exterior deters burglars by reducing hiding spots.
• Action Steps:
  • Replace light bulbs around the house.
  • Install flood lights.
  • Place path lights along walkways.
  • Consider smart lighting systems for remote control and motion activation.

2. Trim Landscaping Along Windows and Doors

• Importance: Overgrown shrubs and trees provide cover for intruders.
• Action Steps:
  • Keep shrubs and bushes below window level.
  • Trim trees and bushes regularly to maintain clear sightlines.

3. Move Valuables from Window Views

• Importance: Visible valuables can entice burglars.
• Action Steps:
  • Rearrange furniture to keep expensive items out of direct view.
  • Use window coverings like top-down bottom-up shades.

4. Ensure House Address is Visible

• Importance: A clear house number helps emergency responders locate your home quickly.
• Action Steps:
  • Ensure house numbers are not obstructed by vegetation or damaged.
  • Replace faded or broken house number signs.

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Window and Door Security

1. Inspect Windows and Exterior Doors for Damage

• Importance: Windows and doors are primary entry points for burglars.
• Action Steps:
  • Regularly check for signs of damage.
  • Upgrade to advanced locks and sturdy door materials.
  • Consider impact-resistant and high-security windows.

2. Ensure Sliding Glass Doors Have Proper Locks

• Importance: Sliding doors can be vulnerable.
• Action Steps:
  • Install secondary locking mechanisms.
  • Use dowels or security bars to prevent sliding doors from being forced open.

3. Inspect and Use Window Locks

• Importance: Windows are often left unlocked.
• Action Steps:
  • Regularly inspect window locks for damage.
  • Upgrade to more secure locks if necessary.
  • Ensure all windows are locked when not in use.

4. Install a Wide-Angle Peephole

• Importance: Improves visibility of visitors at your door.
• Action Steps:
  • Install a wide-angle peephole to get a broader view of your doorstep.

5. Check All Locks and Entry Points Nightly

• Importance: Ensures all potential entry points are secure.
• Action Steps:
  • Regularly check that all windows, doors, mail slots, pet doors, and garage doors are locked.
  • Store valuables in a safe or other secure location.

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Vacation Preparation

1. Arrange for Incoming Mail While on Vacation

• Importance: An overflowing mailbox signals an empty home.
• Action Steps:
  • Have the post office hold your mail.
  • Ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to collect your mail regularly.

2. Use Light Timers When Traveling

• Importance: Lights that are always on can indicate an empty home.
• Action Steps:
  • Install timers on your lighting systems.
  • Use smart devices to control lights remotely.

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Other Home Security Considerations

1. Install a Home Security System

• Importance: Provides comprehensive security coverage.
• Action Steps:
  • Choose between DIY and monitored security systems.
  • Install doorbell cameras, motion lighting, alarm sensors, and smart fire detectors.

2. Check Smoke Detectors and Fire Extinguishers

• Importance: Essential for fire safety.
• Action Steps:
  • Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level of your home.
  • Test smoke detectors monthly and replace batteries annually.
  • Replace smoke detectors every 10 years.
  • Invest in quality fire extinguishers and conduct regular tests.

3. Keep Valuables Stored Securely

• Importance: Protects valuable items from theft.
• Action Steps:
  • Store jewelry, identification, credit cards, and important documents in a locked safe.
  • Keep firearms unloaded and in a locked rack or safe.

4. Have an Emergency Plan

• Importance: Ensures family safety during emergencies.
• Action Steps:
  • Create fire escape plans, storm safe rooms, and intruder exit paths.
  • Establish a nearby meetup location for emergencies.

By following this comprehensive home security checklist, you can significantly enhance the safety and security of your home. For more detailed advice or personalized assistance, Casability is here to help you every step of the way. Stay safe and secure!

Installing a new air conditioning or heating system in your home might not be at the top of your renovations list, but it should be. If your heating and air conditioning system is still keeping your home at a comfortable temperature, you might not have even considered an upgrade. However, an old system could be costing you each month due to poor efficiency, and you run the risk of it breaking unexpectedly — leading to uncomfortable days without HVAC. Thanks to an increased interest in sustainable and energy-efficient homes, you can find an abundance of short- and long-term savings to make your heating or cooling investment more affordable.

Why Upgrade Your HVAC System?

Energy Efficiency

Older HVAC systems are less efficient, leading to higher monthly energy bills. Upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient system can significantly reduce your energy consumption and costs.

Reliability and Comfort

An outdated system is more likely to break down, especially during extreme weather conditions. A new system ensures reliable performance, keeping your home comfortable year-round.

Environmental Impact

Modern HVAC systems are designed to be more environmentally friendly, reducing your carbon footprint and contributing to a sustainable future.

Financial Considerations for Your HVAC Upgrade

Down Payment and Initial Costs

HVAC jobs vary from full replacements to repairs. Often, an air conditioning contractor will need to conduct ductwork or modifications to a home before installing a new unit. In these cases, a down payment is usually required, typically about 20% of the final quote.

Warning: Be cautious of contractors requesting large cash sums upfront, as it could be a scam and risks leaving the homeowner unprotected.

Comparing Contractor Quotes

The best way to secure the lowest price for your air conditioning project is to compare multiple contractor quotes. This ensures you get the best value for your investment.

Financing Options

Many contractors offer financing options through preferred manufacturers or direct payment plans. Always be mindful of interest rates and compare different financing options to find the best deal.

Tax Credits and Incentives

Installing a new air conditioning unit as part of an energy efficiency upgrade may make you eligible for tax credits or deductions. Always check for available financial incentives to reduce the overall cost.

Leveraging Home Equity for HVAC Upgrades

Homeowners can use their homes, whether mortgaged or not, as security for loans to fund home improvement projects. Here are two common ways to leverage your home for credit:

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

A HELOC allows homeowners to borrow money against their home’s equity. It is generally flexible but limited by the home’s value and carries the risk of foreclosure if not managed properly.

Home Equity Loan

A home equity loan lets a homeowner borrow money against the value of the home over the amount of any or all mortgages levied against the property. It acts like a second mortgage, positioning the home itself as security for the loan.

Steps to Replace Your HVAC System

1. Assess Your Current System: Determine the age and efficiency of your current HVAC system.
2. Research Modern Systems: Look for energy-efficient models that fit your home’s needs.
3. Get Multiple Quotes: Compare quotes from different contractors to find the best deal.
4. Explore Financing Options: Consider all financing methods, including payment plans, HELOC, and home equity loans.
5. Check for Incentives: Look for tax credits and incentives available for energy-efficient upgrades.
6. Schedule Installation: Once you’ve selected a contractor and secured financing, schedule the installation at a convenient time.

Upgrading your HVAC system is a wise investment that enhances your home’s comfort, reduces energy bills, and increases its value. With Casability’s guidance, you can navigate the process smoothly, making informed decisions that benefit both your home and your wallet. Ready to replace your AC today? Let’s get started on making your home more comfortable and efficient!

For more detailed advice or personalized assistance, Casability is here to help you every step of the way. Stay cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and enjoy the benefits of a modern HVAC system!

REPLACE YOUR AC TODAY