home security Archives - VinTech Systems

Why Hire Small Business VinTech Systems for your Next Security Project.

Marcela Ruiz — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 19:08:52 +0000

As a small business, VinTech Systems has been serving the Chicagoland area for more than 16 years.
Many of our clients have been with us for years and many others contact us as a result of “word of mouth” referrals.

Wondering why these clients decide to hire us instead of the many corporate solutions? Read on to discover how we stand out from the competition.

1. VinTech Systems has an established reputation, licenses, and insurance.

From time to time, we get requests from people that lose touch with the company that installed their system.
The most common reasons are that the company is permanently closed or the person that installed the system doesn’t answer their calls.

The best way to avoid this situation is to verify the company’s credentials before hiring them.

VinTech has been in business for more than 16 years. We are also licensed, insured, and have dozens of positive reviews on Google.

Additionally, our accreditation from the Better Business Bureau has an A + rating for the past 5 years.
If you’re not familiar with The BBB, this is a trusted source to find information about a company including: background, ratings, and complaints for thousands of U.S. businesses.

2. We are both accessible and approachable.

From quotes to installations and technical support, we help you through all the process with in-house employees. This means you will likely be speaking to the same team members over time and they’ll be familiar with you and your system.

We understand that there’s no worse feeling than waiting for days (or weeks) to resolve an issue that involves your security system. This is why we also provide in-house technical support. We ‘feel’ your frustration when you share with us that you switched to a small company because you can experience “the personal touch” that they didn’t receive with corporate companies.

The better we get to know you, the better we’ll be able to accommodate solutions for your needs.

3. Small business VinTech offers multiple brands to balance quality with price

We do our best to work with your budget but we do caution clients that a lower price doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best deal. To compare a security system estimate, it’s important to understand what it offers. The key is to evaluate the equipment and services on the same scale.

Compare apples to apples.

For example, a client called us to request an estimate for 3 high definition security cameras. We provided a quote for mega-pixel cameras with a wide dynamic range function. This was the best option for the area that the client was trying to cover as it blocks sunlight. (Regular high definition cameras will not capture details if there is excessive sunlight.)

Our client asked why our price was higher than a corporate competitor.

We reviewed the estimate and explained that the other company was offering regular high definition cameras. If they wouldn’t have shared these details with us, they could have purchased a system with the wrong capabilities or that they didn’t need.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by product terms and prices, send us a written quote and we can help you compare or match it. We’ll do our best to make sure you’re getting the best value, quality, and service for your security needs.

4. VinTech provides a reasonable warranty on labor and equipment.

All of our labor and equipment comes with a warranty. We strive to make our clients happy and if for some reason, there’s something we missed during installation, you can call us and we’ll make it right.

This is how one of our recent clients agree:

“Very pro and came back to adjust system – they wanted it done right!” _ Doug McBride

We provide a reasonable warranty because we have confidence in our team and we strive to deliver great service.

5. We offers maintenance plans for all of our systems.

Proper maintenance can save you lots of money and time. When you join our maintenance program, we include two services per year and additional perks (think discounts on parts or labor.) Maintenance plans that are purchased with installation have additional discounts but we still offer these at any time for all our clients.

Many small businesses are great but not all can provide the “personal touch” that VinTech strives for. Give us a call and you’ll speak to a real person from day 1!

The post Why Hire Small Business VinTech Systems for your Next Security Project. appeared first on VinTech Systems.

Can a Smart Thermostat Save you Money?

Marcela Ruiz — Wed, 29 Sep 2021 14:33:47 +0000

Can a Smart Thermostat Save you Money?

The energy profile of your apartment, home, or business is always unique. Factors like the square feet of your space, the number of appliances and how often you used them, all contribute to the cost of your electric bill. However, this doesn’t mean that there aren’t ways to reduce this cost. The use of smart technology and daily changes can both make a difference on your pocket and the environment.

What is a smart thermostat?

A smart thermostat is a small device that can be controlled remotely with an App or any other internet connected device. It allows you to schedule your settings to predetermined temperatures and manage the device even when you’re not onsite. A smart thermostat can also be connected to an existing alarm system and be controlled from the alarm panel.

How to choose a smart thermostat

There are many smart thermostats brands to choose from. If you already have an alarm system in place, the best option is to contact your security company and inquire about their recommendations. Most of the time, they will know which brands and models are compatible with your system. Additionally, it will save you the time of searching for this information yourself.

If you don’t already work with a security company, this article Best Smart Thermostats of 2021 from the Consumer Reports website might be helpful. The report includes brands like Ecobee, Honeywell, and Google Nest.

How to Manage your Home Device for Best Results

If your main goal is to save money on your home electric bill, you’re on the right track. A smart thermostat will help you reduce energy costs by giving you flexibility to manage your device from an app. The settings have a schedule function that you can use to set the thermostat at a predetermined temperature during different times of the day. Controlling your smart thermostat from the app also means that you don’t have to be at home to manage it. This can be especially helpful on days when the weather in Chicago is expected to reach extreme conditions.

Save 10% on your home electric bill by following this rule

If you want to decrease your electric bill by up to 10%, you’ll need to adjust the thermostat temperature to 5 -7 degrees of your normal temperature setting for 8 hours a day. For example, if during the summer you usually set it up at 70 degrees, you can increase it to 75 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. when you’re usually at work or during the weekends when you’re out and about. Once you’re getting ready to go back home, decrease the temperature via the app and arrive to a cool home.

Additionally, since many people have been working from home during the pandemic and expect to continue to do so, one better option is to look for smart thermostats with multiple zones capabilities. This system allows you to set up different temperatures in different zones of your home; which is an ideal fit when you’re spending many hours in your home office.

How to Maximize the Use of a Thermostat in a Commercial Space

Commercial spaces require the same if not more attention to detail than residential homes. Take for example one of our long-time clients who owns a restaurant in the Edgewater neighborhood. They contacted VinTech Systems to install smart thermostats after experiencing a surge of 30% on their electric bill. The restaurant had recently reopened their indoor dining area, but it was still an elevated shift for such a short term. Upon discussing the change with the restaurant’s manager, the owner realized that most employees had forgotten to turn down the room temperature in the kitchen and front area, and before closing the restaurant at night.

In the past, VinTech had offered smart thermostat technology, but at that time, the restaurant owner didn’t think it was necessary as she was often on site. Fortunately, VinTech had already upgraded their Honeywell alarm to be compatible with the 4G network. This meant that if they now decided to install a smart thermostat, they could use a system of the same brand and simply connect it to their existing alarm system.

The restaurant owner now manages the thermostat remotely and immediately saw a decrease of 15% in their electric bill the following month after installation..

What additional steps can you take to reduce your electric bill?

In addition to installing a smart thermostat, we have found these simple tasks to be effective to reduce energy costs:

Turn off appliances when not in use to extend their life and decrease the cost of replacements. Unplugging also helps and you can reduce the time dedicated to this task by using smart power strips.
Switch your lightbulbs to LEADs. They have a longer life and will save up to 80% more energy.
Install efficient showerheads. They don’t only reduce the cost of energy but help by filtrating water.

Final Thoughts

Installing smart thermostats at your home or business can help decrease your electric bill and save you time when you use the schedule settings to set up predetermined temperatures. If you are unsure about how to start as there’re so many options out there, call us today at 773-388-1208. We are here to answer any questions.

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6 Less Common Reasons your Smoke Detector is Set off

Marcela Ruiz — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 21:36:02 +0000

Smoke detectors can be life saving when they are working properly. Unfortunately, this was not the case for Des Plaines, IL mother and her four daughters who died in a fire back in January 27th, 2021. The apartment where they lived had only one exit and although the investigations are still ongoing, it has been confirmed that it didn’t have a smoke detector.

Because of this incident and many others, we want to discuss the importance of reducing false smoke alarms. It’s necessary to spread awareness about smoke inhalation related deaths as this is the number one cause of death related to fires.

How can you identify what is triggering your alarm?

A smoke detector needs regular health inspections to work properly. Most people know that overcooked food, low batteries, or a loose wire can cause a smoke detector to go off. Fortunately, these false alarms can often be prevented with good ventilation, changing the batteries every 5-10 years, and checking the system annually for faulty wires. Nonetheless, there are several other external reasons that can trigger a false smoke alarm. These are six of the less common triggers to look for:

1. Proximity to cold air returns

Smoke detectors are sensitive devices and temperature changes can trigger them. It’s not the first thing you should check but it might be helpful in explaining why an alarm is triggered. If your device is placed close to a door or window, cold air or dust particles from outside can trigger the sensor. This is specially true about false smoke alarms during the night.

Kidde Fire Safety explains in detail why this happens in their article: “Why do smoke alarms go off in the middle of the night?” Their post describes how a battery can develop internal resistance and trigger an alarm when the temperature around the alarm decreases.

2. Proximity to high humidity

Has your smoke detector gone off while you are in the shower? It sounds like the alarm might be too close to your bathroom. The bathroom’s humidity and steam from hot running water, might be causing this false alarm. You can try relocating the device further away from the bathroom and test if that helps reduce/eliminate this trigger.

3. Insects are crawling into your the cavities of the alarm

This is an interesting trigger because it’s unexpected. Many of us love insects only from a distance and find it difficult to believe that our homes have more than a couple of small spiders. Well, this is perfect because small insects can fit into the small cavities of the smoke detector and trigger the sensors. Luckily, this issue becomes a problem more often during the fall and it can be resolved by opening the smoke detector, checking inside, and cleaning the device.

You can read more about how to reduce this trigger in our blog: “Can spiders set your alarm off?”

4. Build up of dust or dirt

Internal and external accumulation of dust or dirt in a smoke alarm is normal. It’s easy to forget about these devices when they are not making a noise. However, dust can also trigger a false alarm. This is because smoke detectors react similarly to dust and smoke particles. The good news is that a semiannual cleaning of the device can be a solution to prevent this trigger.

Additionally, if your smoke detector is connected to your burglar alarm, this cleaning can also be done when your alarm company provides maintenance to your alarm. If you check both devices on the same dates, it’ll be easier to remember when the last inspection/testing was performed and if the batteries of your smoke detector need to be replaced.

5. Strong chemical odors are being detected by your alarm

Chemicals in cleaning products, ammonia, or paint fumes can also become triggers. Most of the time, this false alarm resumes after ventilating the area. If the problem persists, it might be helpful to reset the smoke detector.

6. Furnace/fireplace is turned on for the first time.

When turning on the fireplace or furnace for the first time during the season, dusty elements can create smoke. It might be difficult to prevent this false alarm but should be easy to eliminate by waiting for the smoke to dissipate and reseating the alarm.

When was the last time you tested your smoke detector?

It is important to test the device every six months to make sure they are working properly

Follow these steps to test it:

Inform everyone in the house you will be testing the smoke alarms to avoid confusion.
Use safety precautions if you need to climb a ladder.
Inspect your smoke detector for faulty wires or dust.
Press and hold the test button on the smoke detector.
After a few seconds, you will hear a loud siren from the smoke detector.
If the sound is weak, replace your batteries.
Test the new batteries to assure they are working properly.

The Takeaway

In most cases, the fact that your smoke detector makes noise it’s a sign that your device is in good condition and responding to external aggressors. Unfortunately, like any other device in the house, a smoke detector can have minor glitches. The good news is that most can be prevented or resolved within minutes.

If you have already checked all these triggers and the problem persists, you should also consider upgrading your alarm. As the detector gets older, it becomes less efficient and you don’t want to risk having a system that doesn’t work well.

It’s understandable to get irritated when you can’t pinpoint the reason for the false alarm right away, but don’t give up! Remember that no one should ever live in a home without a working smoke detector or delay testing it regularly

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Are You Cyber Secure for 2021?

Marcela Ruiz — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 22:01:50 +0000

In previous posts, we have discussed the importance of Physical security like security cameras, alarm systems, and access control to protect properties. But because we know that cyber security is equally important to the overall functioning of these systems, we decided to share with you this topic by Emily Miller. In this blog, Emily answers three questions that describe how layering up on security really works.

Are You Cyber Secure for 2021?

By Emily Miller

With more people working remotely, shopping in online commerce platforms, and socializing digitally because of the coronavirus pandemic, 2021 continues the trend set last year: it is the age of the internet. But increased activity online, especially activities that include transfers of sensitive private information, make enticing prospects for potential hackers. Cybercrime statistics skyrocketed during 2020, with data breaches affecting at least 30% of online consumers. Additionally, homeowners may not be aware of the potential risks. So what are the risks related to your internet security? And how can you make sure you are internet secure for 2021? From your bank details to private footage from your home security system, there are many facets to consider.

Which cyber security risks are more common?

Have you received an email on your personal account from a strange sender? An email that contains information about either a wonderful prize you have won for a contest you have never entered. Or a mysterious dead relative whose fortune will be yours if only you can provide the sender with your bank details? These scam emails are phishing attempts. And phishing is responsible for the highest percentage of internet security risks, according to scam watch reports. Scammers aiming to collect valuable private information target people in areas where they are already vulnerable. Fake dating and romance websites are the ruse responsible for a huge amount of successful internet scams. Additional scams include phony investment opportunities and false billing claims.

In addition, generally speaking, we rely more heavily on the internet today. Our home internet network bears not just the bulk of our online activities. It can also power a range of wireless devices, from smart TV’s to computers, to phones and tablets. Wireless home security systems are equally reliant on the internet- and can be accessed via remote app technology. So, if your home internet network is not secured, information that passes through any of your devices could be at risk of exposure. Sophisticated hackers who are able to access your home internet network could even be able to deactivate contactless locks. Others have even deleted footage from wireless home security systems.

What is data encryption?

One method of preventing potential attackers from gaining access to your sensitive data is to encrypt all the information that you send over the internet network. There are two main types of encryption available. These will automatically scramble the data you send through the internet network, so that it is illegible to anyone attempting to access it from outside the network.

The first encryption method is WPA: Wi-Fi Protected Access. This method is the strongest and most updated, so if your computer, router, and all other equipment have WPA2 capability, you should install that one. Keep in mind that all of these devices must be synced to the same encryption-otherwise you will be sending a scrambled code across a network that is unable to decipher it.

The second encryption method is WEP: Wired Equivalent Privacy. This choice is less secure and may not prevent some common hacking attempts. Many older devices come equipped with WEP encryption capabilities. Whichever mode you are going to use, be sure your router’s encryption feature is activated. Many internet routers come with this feature turned off.

For secure internet browsing, you can also easily install a VPN. A VPN (or, Virtual Private Network) creates a tunnel of encryption that allows you to securely and privately transfer data back and forth between your device and the hosting site. This means any transaction you enact online takes place anonymously, with both your identity and geo-location masked to possible prying eyes. For online commerce transactions, online Banking, or even filing your tax returns, using an internet browser protected by a VPN allows you to thwart any hacker’s attempts at intercepting your sensitive details.

What are other ways to restrict network access?

There are some simple steps you should always take to make sure your internet network is secure. Limit network access by allowing only devices with a particular Media Access Control address to sync to the network. This, coupled with other smart security approaches, should help ensure that you know exactly which devices are connected to your network. Additionally, you should make sure every password you use is internet secure. A unique combination of numbers, upper and lower case letters, and symbols is needed for each password. To add additional protection, change your passwords frequently. Do not reuse your passwords or make them too simple. Although it seems simple, these extra security measures can have huge effects at bolstering your online privacy.

What is 2FA?

As often as possible, include two-factor authentication (2FA). Utilizing multiple streams of security will help shore up your home system, further preventing hackers from gaining access. Plus, this method can help you recover your devices or details in case a breach does occur. Keep your software updated. Updates often contain new and improved security measures to help your home system and devices keep up with hackers’ evolving techniques.

Simple Steps with Big Results

The best thing you can do this year to secure you and your property, is taking small steps to ensure that your network and therefore all your devices are protected from hackers. With complex passwords, updated software, encrypted messages, and a multi-stream security approach, you can rest assured that your internet- and therefore your property itself- is secure for the year to come.

About the author

Emily has had a love for travel since she was a little girl. She has visited places all over the US and even to a few other countries. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 and travel restrictions, she has been spending more time at home. Nonetheless, she now uses her experiences to write about travel, home safety, and cyber security.

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How to Use your Burglar Alarm

Marcela Ruiz — Tue, 26 Jan 2021 17:21:35 +0000

The week after Christmas, we received an alert from the office of Chicago’s Alderman Michelle Smith about two recent residential burglaries. According to the newsletter, in each of these burglaries, “the offender broke a window at ground level, entered the residence, and removed property.” Additionally, the cases had other similarities. Both incidents happened in the evening hours and the homes were less than a mile away from each other in Lincoln Park, a Chicago neighborhood that is considered relatively safe.

How Can an Alarm System Protect You from a Burglary?

Alarm systems are monitored by a local station 24/7. This means that whether you are at home or not, the alarm will alert you and the local monitoring station when someone or something ‘is in the zone’ and has activated the motion sensors. The monitoring station will then call you to verify a false alarm or to dispatch the authorities immediately if needed. However, since a burglar alarm system can be triggered by different things, it’s important to know how to correctly use all features. This will ensure that you’ll get the fastest and most accurate response and your family or business remains protected.

What Are the Main Components of an Alarm System?

Control panel

The control panel is the primary component of your burglar alarm system. It has a touchscreen or keypad in which you will be entering confidential codes to arm/disarm your alarm.

Motion sensors

As their name indicates, motion sensors detect motion. When these are activated, you’ll get notified right away. One of the advantages is that you can add as many motion sensors to your alarm as you wish. This is practical because if you have a larger home with more doors and windows to protect, it’s only reasonable that you’ll need more sensors.

Central monitoring station

This is usually a local station that is in charge of monitoring your alarm, receiving signals, and calling you to determine a false alarm or real emergency and dispatch the police right away.

Remote access

You can remotely control your alarm with an app in your smartphone. This app is handy when you forget to arm your alarm. It is also useful when you need to give access to a family member or friend while you’re away on vacation. Some apps also allow you to control your home lights or thermostat.

What Additional Systems Can I Connect to My Alarm?

Panic buttons and smoke detectors.

Do You Have to Be Present When Your Alarm System Is Installed?

The person who will be managing the alarm should be present at the time of installation. Installation shouldn’t take long so this will be the best time to discuss questions and make sure you have all you need to operate your system successfully.

Most security companies provide a user manual for their system. Those who don’t, will usually provide basic training the day of installation. Take this opportunity to ask questions and practice to arm/disarm your alarm. Make sure you know your passwords/codes and what steps to take in case of a false alarm.

Installation Day Checklist:

Request a user manual for your system or ask about onsite training
Practice arming/disarming your alarm
Know what to do if you have a false alarm
Ask additional questions
Save your password/codes in a safe place
Have your security company’s phone number handy.

What are the most common mistakes when using a burglar alarm?

According to VinTech Systems’ president Mun Wong, there are two main mistakes she has witnessed throughout the years:

“First, clients forget to arm their system. Second, they don’t use the stay function to protect themselves against home intrusion.” – Mun Wong

Fortunately, these common errors can be easily fixed.

Using a burglar alarm when you leave home.

It’s easy to forget to arm your alarm system when you are leaving your home in a hurry. However, not doing so would be the same as not having a security system at all. Before leaving your home, take a few seconds to arm your alarm system in AWAY mode.

To arm your burglar alarm in AWAY mode, enter:

Your 4-digit code + the number for (AWAY)

If any of the secured doors/windows are not closed, the system will notify you immediately.

Using a burglar alarm while you are at home?

When you are returning home or going to bed, you should set your alarm to STAY mode. That ensures that any motion sensors inside the house are not active but zones around the home are. Many people don’t use this feature. If an intrusion similar to the ones in Lincoln Park occurs, the alarm will sound immediately and the owners will have the opportunity to contact police right away.

To arm your system in STAY mode, enter:

Your 4-digit code + the number for (STAY)

Depending on the model, there should be additional modes available in your instruction manual.

Get the most from your Burglar Alarm

An alarm system can be an excellent tool to protect your family and home. If you have any doubts or concerns, work with your alarm company to help you use your system effectively. Only this way will you benefit the most from using your system.

More from our blog: When does a False Alarm become a problem?

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New Pool Security Alarm Saves Lives

Mun Wong — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 20:21:05 +0000

The Security Sales and Integration magazine announced the current top 30 technology innovations recently. Among them, the PoolSonix pool security alarm caught our eye. This innovative pool alarm is a great security solution for families with young children.

If you have a swimming pool in your home, you know its a summer luxury. However, if you have small children, you also know its a hazard. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were more than 3,400 fatal drownings in 2007. Furthermore, more than one in five of these cases were children ages 14 and younger. In order to avoid a tragedy like this, its important to evaluate what can be done to prevent it.

How does a poolSonix security alarm work?

This Pool security alarm is designed to detect unintentional entry and activate an alert. If a child or pet accidentally enter or fall into the pool, you can be sure you will receive an alert. The pool alarm is connected to your home burglar alarm so it can be monitored at all times. You can also armed or disarmed the alarm remotely with a key fob. This will give you the freedom to manage it at all times. Additionally, this pool security alarm its solar powered and environmentally friendly. A lot of security for your family and a little love for the earth.

For more information, please watch this short clip: PoolSonix wireless pool alarm.

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‘Tis the Season to be Careful of Holiday Crime

Mun Wong — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 14:43:12 +0000

The holiday season is in full swing and so is holiday crime! Along with an increase of package delivery and shopping activity there is also an increase in crime. Another development that goes hand in hand with the increase in holiday crime is people choosing to increase their home security measures. Give yourself a Christmas gift by checking out the following tips. They can aide you in your decision making process and, hopefully, make your Holidays Happier.

Layer your defenses

According to Law Enforcement officials, locks and lights are most effective when used in conjunction with other barriers, such as cameras and alarms. Great security is all about layers of protection. The more layers you have, the more frustrated a would-be burglar becomes. The piercing sound of alarms going off can be very disorienting and cause burglars to make mistakes. The more time and effort it takes, the more likely he will give up.

Make sure your security installer is licensed, insured, and bonded

You would be surprised how many unlicensed/uninsured installers are out there. Many times their work is shoddy and if there is a problem, you are, usually, left without any recourse to have them fix it. Having an installer who is licensed gives you an added guarantee that you will most likely receive top-notch service.

Check with your insurance provider

Most insurance companies offer credits or discounts to individuals that purchase home security systems. These credits vary; but they are usually enough to offset the cost of monthly home monitoring service.

Be cautious of door-to-door security system sales people

Some companies have sales people that come to your house and offer you a free system w/installation. In exchange your “only obligation” is to sign a contract and agree to post a sign in your yard or window that advertises their company for 36-60 months. Upon signing the service contract you are informed that, in order to keep your system active, you will have to pay a monthly fee. (usually $30-$50) before you agree to anything, please make sure you read and understand the contract completely. Ask questions, because the contracts are usually pretty vague. Look out for hidden fees; there may be unlisted cancellation fees, sometimes as much as $2500. Lastly, before any money changes hands make sure everything is connected and working properly.

Do some research

Call the companies you are considering, talk to your friends and neighbors, and search online. A company’s web site is a good starting point. Also, sites like Yelp.com and Dexknows.com are good tools. These sites allow you to rate companies and see what other consumers are saying about them. (example: VinTech on Yelp)

Home security is an essential part of any household. If you are in the market to add any type of security system to your home, we encourage you to do your homework before making a purchase decisions.

For further reading:

Crime Spikes during the Holidays

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