Tag: security lighting

Security Lighting Options to Keep Your Home Safe

Sep 27, 2022

Security Lighting Options to Keep Your Home Safe

  • Uncategorized

Did you know the FBI estimates that 400,000 burglaries occur each year during the holidays? The reason for this is obvious: A lot of people are purchasing expensive gifts and have more cash in their homes. At the same time, between holiday shopping and festivities, a lot of us are away more often. All of this combined makes homes prime targets for burglars, porch pirates, and other criminals.

Using Lighting to Enhance Your Home Security

To really enjoy the holidays you need to be sure that your loved ones, your home, and your possessions are safe. While a home security system with an alarm is important, it’s also critical to understand the vital role that security lighting can play. According to experts, well-chosen lighting can deter criminals from targeting your home. The following security lighting options can help keep your holidays safe:

  • Motion-activated door lighting: Burglars typically enter homes in a manner that draws the least amount of attention: through the door. If your porch isn’t well-lit, it’s easy for them to pick the lock on your door or smash a window and unbolt the door from the inside without being noticed. However, if you install motion-activated door lighting by all your exterior doors, the lights will turn on as soon as somebody approaches. And while that will likely make your guests feel welcomed, it will scare most burglars away.
  • Driveway lighting sensors: Just like motion-activated door lighting, driveway lighting sensors turn on the exterior lights as soon as a car pulls into your driveway. It’s great when you come home after a fun family dinner—but it’s not so great if you’re a burglar looking to hide a getaway vehicle.
  • Automatic lighting timers: Install automatic timers on your indoor, outdoor, and holiday lights so they automatically turn on and off, even when you’re not at home. Criminals will literally stake out a home until they believe the owner isn’t there—but if the lights come on, they have no way of knowing you’re not in. This security lighting option is particularly useful if you regularly come home after dark or if you’re planning to travel during the holidays.
  • Whole-property floodlight: This type of lighting floods the exterior of your entire property with light with one single switch. So, if you hear something suspicious outside, all you have to do is turn on the floodlight to scare the bad guys away! There are even budget-friendly options like Ring’s security floodlight that do the job well without breaking the bank.

In addition to providing security, good lighting also enhances safety. Dark evenings can make it challenging for your guests or family to navigate your yard and can lead to preventable accidents like tripping over lawn decorations, tools, or furniture. When these areas are illuminated, you can greatly reduce the risk of injuries occurring and make your whole home safer. This is especially important when it’s cold out, as ice and snow can make the whole ground slippery and dangerous.

Contact a Professional for More Information

If you are interested in adding security lighting to your home, it’s time to contact Ryan Gath Electric to help install the right equipment to keep you and your family safe. We will listen to your concerns and determine what the best options are considering your needs and your property.

For all of your electrical needs, call Ryan Gath Electric today!

By Ryan Gath Electric

Security Lighting Options To Keep Your Holidays Safe

Dec 04, 2020

Security Lighting Options To Keep Your Holidays Safe

  • Electrical
Security Lighting Options To Keep Your Holidays Safe

Security Lighting Options To Keep Your Holidays Safe

Did you know the FBI estimates that 400,000 burglaries occur each year during the holidays? The reason for this is obvious: A lot of people are purchasing expensive gifts and have more cash in their homes. At the same time, between holiday shopping and festivities, a lot of us are away more often, too. And all of this combined makes local Massachusetts homes prime targets for burglars, porch pirates, and other criminals. Ryan Gath Electric gives security lighting options to keep your holidays safe against theft, intruders and injury caused by poor visibility.

Using Lighting To Enhance Your Home Security

That’s why to really enjoy the holidays, you need to be sure that your loved ones, your home, and your possessions are safe. And while a home security system with an alarm is important, it’s also critical to understand the vital role that security lighting can play. According to experts, well-chosen lighting can deter criminals from targeting your home. The following security lighting options can help keep your holidays safe:

  • Motion-Activated Door Lighting: Burglars typically enter homes in a manner that draws the least amount of attention: through the door. If your porch isn’t well-lit, it’s easy for them to pick the lock on your door or smash a window and unbolt the door from the inside without being noticed. However, if you install motion-activated door lighting by all your exterior doors, the lights will turn on as soon as somebody approaches. And while that will likely make your guests feel welcomed, it will scare most burglars away.
  • Driveway Lighting Sensors: Just like motion-activated door lighting, driveway lighting sensors turn on the exterior lights as soon as a car pulls into your driveway. It’s great when you come home after a fun family dinner—but it’s not so great if you’re a burglar looking to hide a getaway vehicle.
  • Automatic Lighting Timers: Install automatic timers on your indoor, outdoor, and holiday lights so they automatically turn on and off, even when you’re not at home. Criminals will literally stake out a home until they believe the owner isn’t there—but if the lights come on, they have no way of knowing you’re not in. This security lighting option is particularly useful if you regularly come home after dark or if you’re planning to travel during the holidays.
  • Whole-Property Floodlight: This type of lighting floods the exterior of your entire property with light with one single switch. So, if you hear something suspicious outside, all you have to do is turn on the floodlight to scare the bad guys away!

Good Lighting Reinforces Personal Safety

In addition to providing security, good lighting also enhances safety. This is especially important when it’s cold out, as ice and snow can make the ground slippery and dangerous. Poor visibility can lead to slips and falls by yourself or your visitors. So don’t risk injury this holiday season – Ryan Gath Electric will light the way to a safer, brighter home.

Contact Ryan Gath Electric For Security Lighting Options

If you want to add security lighting to your home, then contact Ryan Gath Electric today. Our professional security lighting experts will listen to your concerns and determine what the best options are considering your needs and your property. Remember to always make sure that anyone you hire for the job has a proven track record of satisfied clients. Read Our Reviews On Google

Here at Ryan Gath Electric, we want to make sure that you and your home stay safe throughout the dark winter months. If you decide to install security lighting this holiday season, we will ensure your peace of mind in knowing that your home is safe against not only theft and intruders, but personal injury caused by poor visibility. So don’t let the darkest corners of your house remain unseen this holiday season – Call Ryan Gath Electric today!

By Ryan Gath Electric

Preparing Your Home’s Electrical System For The Winter

Nov 16, 2020

Preparing Your Home’s Electrical System For The Winter

  • Electrical
  • Generators
Preparing Your Home's Electrical System For The Winter

The season of chilly air, cozy nights and winter wonders has arrived, and snow is already on the ground in some parts of the nation. In preparation for colder weather, many homeowners have taken care to ensure that their heating system is in top shape and that their plumbing is properly protected from freezing temperatures. When it comes to preparing for winter weather, many people overlook the importance of protecting their electrical system from damage. In order to avoid costly repairs and ensure a steady flow of power to the home, there are a number of steps that should be part of every homeowner’s cold season checklist. Ryan Gath Electric is the trusted local experts to help in Preparing Your Home’s Electrical System For The Winter.

Test/Replace Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

These devices serve an essential, yet often undervalued role in keeping your family safe and secure. During cold weather preparations, be sure to check that each detector and alarm is functioning properly, and that fresh batteries are installed. Homeowners who have had the same detectors in place for many years may want to consider updating them with newer and more advanced devices. It should go without saying that the cost of replacing old smoke and carbon monoxide detectors pales in comparison to the cost of a fire or the emotional toll of carbon monoxide poisoning. 

Install Or Update Exterior Security Lighting

There are a number of excellent exterior lighting options currently on the market, many of which offer multiple features. Homeowners should evaluate their outdoor lighting, and determine if additional or updating lighting would bring value to the home. In addition to improving a home’s security, exterior lighting can make it far easier to unload groceries, care for pets or get the kids settled into the car after dark. Many options are motion-activated, and some even offer high tech features such as a security camera that can be accessed remotely. 

Install A Generator Or Tune-Up An Existing Unit

In many parts of the country, having a back-up generator is a wise choice during the winter months. If the power fails, a generator can ensure that the home remains warm and lit until service is restored. That can make the difference between a livable home and having to find alternate shelter. For those who already have a generator in place, an annual tune-up is a great way to make sure that the unit is in good repair and ready to be called into service if the need should arise. For those who have been considering adding a generator, there are a number of different options available at a wide range of price points. Anyone who has sustained a prolonged loss of power can attest to the benefits of having a generator within the home.

Test Electrical Outlets & GFCIs

Any winter preparation checklist should include a test of all of the home’s power outlets. This is a fast and easy task with the use of a multimeter (which is an inexpensive device that will last for many years.)  The multimeter will not only check to make sure that an outlet is getting sufficient power, it can also let the homeowner know if the wires are properly connected, and if the outlet is safely grounded. Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are special outlets that are designed to automatically shut off when an electrical fault is detected. However, they wear out over time, and will need to be replaced. A special device is used to test older GFCIs, and those manufactured after 2006 will simply stop working once the circuitry fails. Replacing a worn out outlet is a simple and inexpensive home repair project.

Replace Light Bulbs With Compact Fluorescent Lights

Updating your home’s lighting can lead to lower power bills and a greener lifestyle. One of the best ways to improve your home’s energy use is to replace traditional light bulbs with CFLs. Compact fluorescent light bulbs produce light differently than incandescent bulbs, and require approximately 70 percent less energy. That can rack up significant savings over the course of a year, especially when most of your home’s light fixtures have been switched to CFLs.

Conserve Energy Throughout Your Home

As the weather chills, conduct an annual check of your home’s energy efficiency. Look for areas where improvements can be made, and be aware of “phantom load,” which is a term used to describe power that flows to unused appliances or electronics. Many people are surprised to learn that power is continuously consumed by many devices, even when they are not turned on or in use. Simply shutting off the power can save hundreds of dollars each year. Be sure to unplug appliances that are not currently in use, and consider using a power strip to supply current to multiple devices, such as a television, gaming console, and sound system. That makes it easy to shut off power to those devices with one simple switch, rather than having to unplug each cord.

Choose Ryan Gath Electric When Preparing Your Home’s Electrical System For The Winter

Read Our Reviews On Google

Here at Ryan Gath Electric, we want to make sure that your electrical system and the rest of your home stay safe throughout the winter months. When you call us for electrical system maintenance this season, we will work with you every step of the way to get your home’s electrical system ready for the cold weather. So don’t let your power go out in the middle of a blizzard – Call Ryan Gath Electric today!

By Ryan Gath Electric

Six Security Options That Will Ensure Santa is the Only Stranger Entering Your Home This Winter

Dec 23, 2019

Six Security Options That Will Ensure Santa is the Only Stranger Entering Your Home This Winter

  • Electrical
Security Lighting from Ryan Gath Electric

Security options are necessary for your home no matter how safe your neighborhood is, nowadays, you need a multi-layered home security system to keep your family and home safe. Because let’s face it, from vandals that destroy your property to burglars that steal from it to fires that destroy it, you can’t possibly guard your family and your home at all times by yourself. And since criminals are getting smarter by the day, a simple burglar alarm is no longer enough.

Fortunately, if you want to make your home a safer place, you’ve got quite a few options:

  1. Carbon monoxide detection: Carbon monoxide is often called “the silent killer” because it’s so difficult to detect. It’s a colorless, odorless gas that doesn’t have a taste or causes any irritation of the eyes, airways, or skin. It’s released as a byproduct of burning fuels like natural gas, oil, propane, and even wood. If it builds up in a space that’s not adequately ventilated, it compromises humans’ and pets’ ability to carry oxygen—and that can result in death. The only way to ensure this doesn’t happen in your home is to install a properly working carbon monoxide detection system.
  2. Smoke detectors: Smoke detectors don’t just alert you to smoke from burnt cooking. Today’s smoke detectors are so sensitive that they can register even the slightest amount of smoke generated by a smoldering fire, failing or arcing wire, electrical emergency, or other types of heat-producing danger.
  3. Driveway lighting sensors: Are you tired up pulling up in a dark driveway at night and trying to unload the car with no way to see what you’re doing? When you install driveway lighting with sensors, the lights turn on as soon as your car pulls up to your property. That way, you can see what you’re doing no matter how dark it is. And as an added bonus: The lights come on if any other car pulls up, too, so you’ll always be alerted when someone else enters your property.
  4. Motion-activated front, side, and back door lighting: Most burglars enter the home through a door. However, with motion-activated lighting that clearly shows what they’re doing when they’re picking your lock, they’ll think twice. In addition to scaring off uninvited guests, having lights that turn on automatically is a nice touch when you’re expecting guests you actually want to see.
  5. Daylight timers: When you program your lights to turn on and off at a predetermined time even when you’re not home, it will look like you are—and that goes a long way in deterring burglars.
  6. Immediately turn on all exterior lights: Flood your property with light with the flick of a switch. This technique helps protect your property and your family from criminals, as well as potentially dangerous wildlife such as bears and coyotes.

Call Ryan Gath Electric today for more information on security options!

By Ryan Gath Electric