Richmond Alarm News Blog

As temperatures finally begin to rise, it's time to start preparing to use our air conditioners. For many that means ensuring that windows are properly sealed, vents are clean, and that their unit is in proper working order. Still, there are some extra steps that could potentially save you money and a big headache.

Prevent Water Damage from AC Compressor Leaks

Homes that use air conditioning units with indoor compressors are at risk of suffering water damage due to malfunctions or leaks with their unit. Often, these leaks go unnoticed until the water damage begins to show and by that time the cost to repair it could be substantial, ranging from hundreds to even thousands of dollars. Leaks near other electrical equipment in your home or close to your home's water heater pose severe threats as well. As with all things relating to your home and safety, prevention is key. Richmond Alarm has the tools you need to protect your home and yourself.

Richmond Alarm Can Help Prevent Water Damage to Your Home

While Richmond Alarm is known for home security services, they also provide flood alarms. These flood alarms alert homeowners to leaks around appliances or devices, such as air conditioners, the moment they happen. When water touches the leak detectors, a notification is immediately sent to all of the homeowner's web-enabled devices, reducing the time it takes to correct the situation and preventing the need for costly repairs.

Find Out More

Richmond Alarm offers free estimates and can integrate leak detection systems into existing home security systems, offering complete home protection. You can learn more about flood alarms and have your questions answered by contacting Richmond Alarm online or call 804-276-9259.

In a power outage, the backup battery on your security system is designed to power the system for 8-12 hours and the usual battery life is 3-5 years. If your power has been restored after Hurricane Irene, wait 24 hours for control panel to recharge the battery. If after 24 hours it does not show a full charge, it is time to purchase a new one and they are easy to install yourself.

Purchasing New Control Panel Batteries

You can find these at local retailers like Radio Shack or Batteries Plus but their stock is not certain. We are stocked with control panel batteries at our main office at 14121 Justice Road in Midlothian, VA. Contact us and we’ll have it ready for you.

RAC President, Wayne Boggs, lists things parents can do to keep kids safe if they are home alone after the bus drops them off. We also offer Simple Home Automation technology that can assist you in monitoring kids' activities while you are away.

Richmond Alarm August 2011 Newsletter

See When your Child Arrives at Home

Have your kids outgrown after school care? We realize that it is a tough decision, taking the leap to letting them stay home by themselves after school. Richmond Alarm has a solution to help give you peace of mind that your teen has arrived home safely. We can email you a video clip or still image of your child entering the home after school! All you need is a high-speed internet connection, and one of our Total Connect Video packages.

Connect to Home Activities from Any Location

In addition to pushing information out to you via email, you can also log in to your system from any computer or Smartphone! With cameras for both outdoor and indoor applications, you can keep an eye on what is going on at your home while you are away.  This is the perfect system for the working family!

This system can be standalone (video only) or be incorporated into most of our newer security systems.  This connection to your security system, allows you to receive alerts from critical areas such as gun and liquor cabinets, as well as allowing you to remotely arm and disarm your system you’re your computer or Smartphone.

Richmond Alarm is proud to offer these services to our clients.  We hope that we can make a difference in your quality of life with these small but significant lifestyle enhancements.  Call us for further information, or to schedule a free in-home consultation.

Typically we suggest that our customers issue individual codes to the users of their security system.  Most of our systems allow users to program multiple codes.  The obvious advantage to individual codes is that if you want to take access away from an individual, you can simply remove their code and the rest of the users of the system can stay active.  Multiple codes also allow you to issue temporary codes to contractors or house sitters.  These codes can be removed very easily when access is no longer required.  If only one code is programmed into the system, then you will have to share your personal code with others.  Another advantage of using multiple codes is that we can log who armed or disarmed the security system.  This information is very helpful to business owners and managers.  
 

Keep Your Code Private

We recommend that you manage your alarm system user codes, much like you would manage other personal information like ATM pin numbers or account numbers.  Anyone who would like to change their code or discuss their systems capability for multiple user codes should feel free to contact our service department and we would be happy to assist.

Everyone knows that the economy is still slow and it appears that it may not begin growing again this summer.  The alarm installation business is also in the doldrums and we think it’s time something was done.  So to celebrate Independence Day we’re having a sale.  We are very fortunate to have so many clients who have been with us for 20 or 30 years or more.  Unfortunately security systems that old no longer have parts available and are a big cause of false alarms.  Besides the technology available today is absolutely amazing.  

July Security System Update Special

So if you would like to look into updating your system, adding some new features or devices, seeing the new technology, or just having an inspection and battery change, give us a call.  During July we will offer a 15% discount on any system update, inspection, or upgrade for any client who’s been with us at least 5 years, and a 20% discount to anyone who’s been with us at least 10 years.  (Commercial fire alarms excluded)  Just a little reward for being such good customers, and a shot at getting the economy going again.

Remotely Connect to Home Devices

Richmond Alarm offers so much more than security for your home. Technology is improving rapidly and through your RAC security system, we can also remotely connect to many devices in your home.

• Do you want to keep an eye on children or elderly and their caregivers while you are at work? We can integrate video technology with your RAC security system so you can see what is happening while you are away.
• Do you need to unlock your door for a repair technician, and can’t take the day off work to be there? Use your smart phone or computer to send commands through your security system and allow the technician to enter, then lock it again when the work is complete.
• Heading to the airport and can’t remember if you turned off the iron? Use your smart phone to remotely control small appliances, lights, and thermostats.

Home Automation Mobile Devices

This service works on mobile platforms such as Blackberry, iPhone, Android and laptops.

Contact us and we can set up your RAC security system to function as a Simple Home Automation tool, and give you the peace of mind that you and your family deserve.