A smart thermostat is one of the most popular gadgets among homeowners. According to surveys, 63 percent of families want to install this device in their homes.

If you just bought yourself a smart thermostat, you need to know how to install it. Well, you’ve hit the mark! Read our installation guide to find out all the important and interesting stuff.

How the smart thermostat came to be

Not everyone knows what a thermostat is. It’s a device that controls the temperature in our home. It controls the heating and air conditioning systems.

This means that every time you want to change the heating temperature, you have to adjust it on the thermostat control panel.

This system has some undeniable disadvantages. For example, you can’t always prevent a sudden cold or heat wave, because most systems take some time to adjust the temperature. And if you want to wake up warm and comfortable, you will have to leave the heating on overnight, which incurs discomfort during sleep and bills.

That’s why programmable thermostats have been replacing conventional thermostats at an enormous rate. Now more and more people are trying to install them, because they can be programmed to heat and cool, at any point in time. For example half an hour before you get home from work, or an hour before your alarm clock.

It’s a handy feature, no doubt about it. Do you have a Force Majeure? Change of plans? Did the weather change drastically? Well, the smart thermostat will come to your rescue!

How does a smart thermostat work?

A “smart” thermostat, just like a programmable thermostat, you can set up on a control panel that’s in your home. But this panel also connects to the Internet. That means you can control the panel from your smartphone or tablet, remotely with a simple app. So if your plans change, you can change the settings without rushing home. Sounds fun, right?

These devices are designed to make your life easier. If you’re lounging on the couch and it gets chilly, just use voice commands to adjust the temperature!

Some thermostats, have extra features like motion sensors. This allows them to sense, your movements around the house. They then adjust the temperature to the right value for those peak periods and save energy when no one is in the house.

They’ll also monitor your heating and air conditioning systems and send you alerts if there’s something wrong with them.

Why install a smart thermostat?

Installing a smart thermostat in your home offers a number of benefits:

• Remote control.
• Environmental friendliness.
• Economical, both in terms of time and money.
• Adjusting the comfort temperature for each individual room in the house.

If you use the smart thermostat frequently, it will adjust itself to the desired modes, and you won’t have to do the same thing every time. The app will automatically use the modes you choose, adapting to your preferences. When connected to the internet, it will be aware of the weather forecast! This means the smart thermostat will adjust the temperature in your home based on external conditions.

What does it take to install a smart thermostat?

Smart technology, at first glance, may seem too complicated and only available to Bill Gates, for example. But, installing a smart thermostat is actually quite simple. To do this, you will need:

• the thermostat itself;
• an instruction manual (must be read before installing);
• a screwdriver to loosen the screw clamps and support bar;
• a smartphone or tablet with a working camera and Internet;
• drill and pencil (in case of marking new holes);
• screws (may be included in the kit).

Before you start installing the smart thermostat, make sure you turn off the power with the circuit breaker in the switchboard. This will prevent any wires from shorting out when installing the new thermostat.

Dismantling the old thermostat

Disconnect the old thermostat from the power supply before installing the Wi-Fi thermostat.

Start by removing the front panel. You will see that each wire is connected to screw terminals. If there is a wall plate, loosen the screws that secure it to the wall.

Note how the wires were connected, make a note, or better yet, take a picture. Pull out each wire in turn. If the wire doesn’t come out easily, keep loosening the terminals.

Immediately insert the disconnected wire into the new smart thermostat into the appropriate socket and secure. Sometimes on newer models, the terminals may not be screw-type, so just plug the wires in. Once you’ve connected all the wires, push the panel of the smart thermostat in so that it snaps into place. Do the same procedure with the rest of the wires, then install the new thermostat in place of the old one.

Most often, modern thermostats have base plates slightly smaller than older models. Because of this, they have a wide base plate where the base plate is attached. This is convenient because it hides traces of the previous installation.

Finally, you can turn the power back on and your thermostat should work

Connecting a smart thermostat

Most “smart thermostats” set up very quickly. The interface lights up, and there are a few steps to take.

You’ll need to select your preferred settings: language, Internet connection, and Wi-Fi password. Connecting to the Internet will mean you can access the thermostat controls from within the app.

Also, the device may ask you to give it a name. Don’t be particularly original: for the kitchen, choose “Kitchen,” etc. This will keep you from getting confused or forgetting the name of the voice setting.

Your unit will ask you the date of the last repair. This will give the thermostat information about how well and up-to-date your home is insulated. For example, old insulation will mean that a little more heat will be needed.

Setting the temperature

The last step in the settings will be to set the desired air temperature for your home, including when you are away. Read the instruction manual carefully to understand the signs and symbols that will appear on the screen.

The first few days you will need to adjust the temperature manually.

Try to stick to a certain routine. For example, adjust it in the morning and evening. Over time, your thermostat will begin to pick up on these patterns and reflect them in the temperatures you set. If you have a thermostat with a motion sensor, it will also use your motion activity data to set temperatures.

If you forget to adjust the temperature, don’t panic. You’ll be able to adjust it perfectly from your smartphone on your way to work, for example!

Using your thermostat remotely

Operating your thermostat from your smartphone is quite easy, the main prerequisite is a network or mobile internet connection.

To access your thermostat, log in and use your account password. Control your energy use and adjust the temperature when you’re away from home!

Warm, convenient, economical

Now you know what a smart thermostat is and you can start using it today!

You no longer need to wait for your home to warm up after a long absence, wake up feeling cold or hot, or pay exorbitant electricity bills.

For us a mirror is not only a household item, but also a high-tech gadget. Until recently, smart technology in the manufacture of mirrors was only available abroad. Now it has spread in our country as well. If you order the gadget from an official manufacturer, it will be expensive. But it is possible by simple manipulations to assemble a smart mirror with your own hands.

Characteristics and features

Smart mirror work on Windows or Android systems, which allows you to connect to a cell phone. It has become a useful assistant for the home thanks to a variety of functions:

• access to daily information: time, weather forecast, currency exchange rate, calendar with appointment reminders;
• cell phone connection: access to email and social networks, multimedia files, even online communication if the mirror has a built-in webcam;
• personal beautician: tracking skin changes, makeup tips;
• fitness trainer: he/she provides a workout selection and makes an exercise plan when connected to the cardio tracker.

Smart mirror system overview

Smart mirrors are used not only at home. Now such devices are becoming widespread in the following areas:

• in clothing stores, smart mirrors are gaining popularity, which provide an opportunity to see, without prior trying on, whether the chosen thing is suitable for the buyer. Smart mirrors give a hint on how to form a bow by offering possible variants of goods from the store’s catalog;
• In sports establishments they started installing smart mirrors. They work on the basis of linux, come with floor scales and are connected to the cardiobracelet. This device monitors heart rate, blood pressure, body weight, physical activity and displays all the data obtained on the screen. Interface based on the remote control.
• In cosmetic institutions, panasonic can make a mirror to order, which detects skin defects and suggests ways to eliminate them. They are ordered for the exhibition stands where they demonstrate the possibilities of cosmetic products.
• In marketing, such smart mirrors are installed instead of ordinary mirrors in crowded places (shopping malls, entertainment complexes, etc.). When a person approaches the mirror, contextual advertising appears on it.
• In the production of household appliances, smart mirrors are built into the doors of refrigerators and stove hobs. These technological solutions make it possible to implement the idea of smart multifunctional home.

Description of the technological features of the branded Smart mirror

The smart mirror operates on the basis of a single-board computer. It was chosen because of its small size and low power consumption. The bodies of the first devices were made on a 3D printer from PLA plastic. Then wood was used, since PLA plastic is very fragile.

This solution had a number of advantages: low weight, low cost, sealing when gluing the joints with hot melt glue. After testing revealed temperature increase, which negatively affected the work of software. Therefore the third version of the frames for mirrors was made of aviation aluminum.

The internal filling: a web-camera for face recognition, photo and video communication; a microphone and speakers to control the voice assistant, communication, listening to video and audio files.

To make a smart mirror, Windows 10 IoT was chosen as the operating system. This is due to the low-volume system, which in this device is enough to implement all the necessary operations.

The peculiarity of the interface is the optimized arrangement of the windows of all the applications used, so as not to overlap the reflection of a person. A voice assistant is used to control the system. This is due to minimizing the distraction of the person from his domestic activities and reducing the pollution of the screen.

Smart mirror with your own hands

Having considered all the technological characteristics of the factory product, you can try to make a mirror yourself.

What materials will be required

Mirror. This is the most expensive part of all the equipment. An ordinary one will not do. You can take a Gazelle mirror, but it adds weight to the construction. A mirror film on 6mm acrylic glass, transparent on one side, gives a good effect.

For a good reflection, you need to properly position light sources. Manufacturers of such films recommend observing the proportion of lighting of the front and back 1:8. This film gives the mirror a specific shade of amber color. It does not create distortion.

Display. It is chosen on the basis of the required size, taking into account the available funds, connectivity (HDMI, Internet modules, etc.). For good performance should choose a resolution of about 1280×480. Such a screen transmits 16.7 million colors – the norm for a smartphone.

Frame. How to make a frame is a very important question. This is the basis for fixing all the modules of the mirror. If you are proficient with carpentry tools, you can cut it out of wood yourself.

If not, order a ready-made frame in a picture framing studio, according to your size and from any material. You can also print on a 3D printer, but it will be fragile.

A board for Wi-Fi. You can run wires to allow your gadget access to the internet. Alternatively, you can purchase Raspberry Pi 3 or Raspberry Pi Zero Wi-Fi modules.

Also:

• Power source.
• A USB microphone with an extended USB cable for easy exlusion.
• Motion sensor
• LED.

In addition to the commercially available materials for the assembly of the Smart mirror you will need parts printed on a 3D printer: speaker grills, motion sensor housing, power supply housing, adjustable display mount, LED mount, Wi-Fi module mount.

Component assembly

1. Having prepared all of the above, you can proceed to the assembly of the smart mirror with your own hands.
2. Glue the mirror to the monitor screen, pre-cleaning and degreasing the surface.
3. Prepare the frame: drill the necessary holes for wires, ventilation, speakers, motion sensor and connect all fasteners to it. If the frame is made by hand, it is worth to paint it.
4. Fix the frame to the display: it must fit tightly to the monitor. You can fix the joints with superglue.
5. Installing the equipment: Wi-Fi module, power supply, webcam, motion sensor, speakers, LEDs, microphone.
6. After carefully reading the instructions for all the equipment, move on to installing the software.
7. If you choose a remote control to control the system, configure the interface.

By completing all the points of the plan, we get a multifunctional device weighing about 6 kg, which combines all the functions we need. With self-assembly is possible to improve and modify the device for yourself.

System tuning

This process is quite a long one, so we put it in an extra paragraph. Let’s begin with the configuration of the software. If we are using the Windows 10 operating system we will use the “Rainmeter” application. With his help adjust the screen settings: resolution, screen saver (best reflects the black screen), disable sleep mode.

In the “Properties” menu, select “Auto-hide taskbar”.

Now let’s move on to the program list settings. Echo Dot, a configuration guide, will help us with this. Smart mirrors tend to set up: Clock Circle, Launcher News and RSS, Feed reader, Daily Fact and Quote Monstercat Visualizer, Calendar. You can supplement this standard list with widgets, specific to your needs.

Choice of interface. There are the following options for controlling your smart mirror:

• Amazon’s voice-activated navigation, which responds to your requests;
• wireless keyboard, to set up once and leave it as is;
• Touch mirror – used more often than others;
• Leap motion – gesture control. According to user feedback, it’s not very comfortable to keep your hands in the air all the time and not always accurate command execution.

If everything is set up as you need, you can mount the obtained Smart mirror on the wall. In the process of operation will still reveal small flaws in the location of applications or inappropriateness of the installed widgets. All these are little things that can be easily corrected.

How to connect a smart lamp to Google Home and control your home lights with your voice. If you have a Google Home device, you can easily connect a smart light and control your home lights with your voice. Here’s how to use Google Home to control connected bulbs.

Connect a smart lamp to Google Home, what do we need?

To control your lights with Google Home, you’ll need a Google Home smart speaker, Google Home Mini, or Google Home Max with Google Assistant. You’ll also need the Google Assistant app for Android O iOS. After installing it, open it and continue reading the guide.

1. Set up your device.

First, set up your smart home device (lights, locks, etc.) According to the manufacturer’s instructions. Again, let’s assume that you’ve already confirmed that this is a Google Assistant compatible device before you buy it-not all smart home products, but the list is significant and growing.

Setting up the device is usually very simple and involves plugging in power and connecting to a Wi-Fi network; in some cases, you’ll need to download a separate brand app to get access to all the features.

But once your voice is set up, you may not have to deal with that app anymore. It’s also worth noting that if your device needs a bridge (like most Philips Hue or Ikea devices), you’ll need to set it up first.

2. Connect your smart lamp to Google Home.

This process consists of finding and adding your bulbs linked to the Google Assistant app and assigning them to your room.

• Open the Google Assistant app.
• Under Browse, tap the compass icon in the upper-right corner of the screen.
• Tap the three dots in the upper-right corner of the screen.
• Tap Settings.
• Scroll down to the Services section and tap Home Management.
• Tap the plus (+) sign in the lower right corner.
• Scroll down and select Smart Lamp.
• Log in to your account, and all the lights you linked will now appear on your devices in Home Control.

3. Set up your rooms on Google Home.

Once you’ve linked your lights to Google Home, group them by room to control them all at once.

• On the home screen of the Google Assistant app, tap “Rooms.”
• You’ll be prompted to assign lights to a room.
• Add lights to the grouped room.
• Tap the pencil icon next to the light source, then select the room it belongs to.
• Tap Done in the upper right corner.

If everything went according to plan, you can now say, “Okay, Google, turn on the light.

A 10-step guide to setting up Google Home

Did you recently purchase a Google Home, Home Mini, or Home Max? It’s time to set it up. This device can do many things, from playing music to reading the weather to controlling your smart home devices. All you have to do to get Google Assistant’s attention is say “OK, Google” or “Hey, Google.” We reveal how to set up your Google Home so you can start everything this product can do.

1. (In case it’s not obvious) Plug it in.

To get started, first plug in your Google Home device. Google Home doesn’t have a power button, so when it’s plugged in, it automatically turns on. Wait a few minutes for it to light up, and then it will start looking for your phone to make a connection. Keep your phone handy so you know when they are ready to sync.

2. Download the Google Home app.

If you’re using an iPhone or Android, you can find the Google Home app in the App Store or on Google Play. When prompted, agree to turn on the permissions to post, as it makes it easier for your device to report the exact local weather, inform you of nearby traffic, etc. Make sure your smartphone is connected to your home Wi-Fi, only then can Google Home access your network information.

3. Sign in to Google

To use your Google Home device, you’ll need a Google account. If you already have a gmail.com email address , that’s fine – go ahead and enter it. If you don’t already have one, it’s time to get one. Go to Gmail.com to create a new account. Using your new Gmail account, sign into the Google Home app, then go to “Devices” and let your mobile device detect Google Home. The app will then play a test sound on the selected Google Home device – just select “I heard the sound” if you hear it.

Don’t forget to specify the location of your Google Home device, as you’ll need this for things like local weather reports, traffic conditions, and commute times. To give you accurate switching times, Google Assistant will need to know the addresses you call home and work. 

4. Get the instructions

The Google Home app will prompt you to take a tour of the instructions. Going through the device tour will give you an idea of the wide range of features offered by Google Home and Google Assistant devices and how to use them effectively.

5. Link your music accounts

Now to the important stuff – music! On Google Home, you can choose from four different supported music services: Google Play Music, Youtube, Spotify, and Pandora. To get the most out of this feature, it’s nice to have a premium Google Play Music or Spotify account, which allows you to request albums and shuffle new songs without having to visit endless ads. Right now, Google Home devices can’t access your music libraries on your phone or computer, so you can’t mash up your iTunes playlists.

6. Customize your preferences.

To fully personalize your Google Home device, click the menu button on the left side of the app and then click “Account Settings.” This will lead to a host of additional features that Google Assistant offers so you can make your device unique depending on what suits your lifestyle.

7. Change your name.

If you scroll down to “Personal Information” in the app, you’ll see a section that lets you change your nickname, and you can even teach Google Assistant how to pronounce it correctly. So if you want the voice-activated assistant to call you “babe,” “king,” or “batman,” you can successfully implement that in Google Home.

8. Change the news settings.

By clicking “News” and then “Customize,” you can select the news sources you want. If you say “OK Google, listen to the news,” your Google Home device will give you a news report customized to your preferences.

9. Add compatible smart home products

Google Home devices are compatible with a wide range of smart home products, including Philips Hue and Samsung SmartThings. In the app, click “Home Controls” to add a new device. Make sure these smart home devices are on the same Wi-Fi network or you won’t be able to control them from Google Home. Once all the devices are set up, you can say “OK Google, reduce light” and your Philips Hue lights will adjust to your request.

10. Start a conversation with Google

Once your Google Home is set up, it’s time to start using it. There are thousands of questions you can ask Google. For example, if you need to change the volume of your music, say “OK Google volume,” and then say a number from 1 to 11. It’s time to start communicating with your new assistant!

The question of comfort in the house or apartment is always open. Faced with a situation when it is freezing outside and the temperature at home is unpleasant. The question is especially acute when a person is sensitive to temperature changes, or when a child lives indoors. Systems for remote control of the temperature in the house or apartment can help.

The system has the following tasks:

• to maintain the set temperature;
• remotely turn on the heating or cooling in the room;
• to provide information about the current temperature;
• to send an alarm in case of an alarm or if the temperature exceeds the permissible value;
• remote control and regulation of the temperature.

Temperature control is performed in two ways:

• through Wi-Fi -router and “smart thermostat”, with the connection of a device that supports wireless connection. Convenient application for smartphone, tablet or PC will transmit all necessary information. With its help you can set the temperature and remotely control the heating of the house.
• GSM-module, which is relevant for places without access to wired Internet or its complete absence.

Temperature control remotely is the information in electronic form, transmitted at a distance. The way of transmission is cellular communication or GSM, Internet channel. All you need is an application on your smartphone and your ideal environment is already set up.

Boiler control

Most of the apartments today have heating boilers: gas or electric, and for private homes solid fuel boilers have started to be used. All of these options can be combined with one of the remote control tools. However, not all models support operation with automatics and sensors. Sometimes you have to either change the boiler, or pick up compatible equipment. In the latter case, a number of functions may not be available. Remote control of the boiler is realized by the following modes:

• Automated system – operation with maintenance of the set parameters. Based on the data received from the sensors, the temperature is regulated automatically and maintained at a predetermined level, or not.
• Sending alarm messages in case of emergency or repair situation. If such an accident occurs, the owner’s smartphone or other paired device will receive the appropriate notification.
• Sending SMS messages or commands via messenger – the commands recognized by the automation of the gas boiler are sent.

Heating control

Remote control of heating in a country house, detached house or apartment is not a whim, but a reasonable solution. Heating control via the Internet or GSM-module allows you to control the temperature of heating. If the residents are not at home, the temperature can be reduced in order to reduce energy consumption. This option involves placing additional special equipment in the form of sensors.

To control the heating means to control the boiler, as it is the center of the heating system. Remote control systems for heating the house or apartment have become a common solution. For a summer cottage or country house, such an option is full of frills.

Heating control provides:

• Economy – heating intensity can increase/decrease depending on room temperature and weather conditions. Heating can be turned off when the environment warms up sharply. Thus, the owner will not have to pay for excessive heating and create better conditions for themselves. Savings with an autonomous heating system with remote control reaches a level of 50%.
• Adjustable microclimate, if there are a large number of people in the room, including children. “Smart” heating will not allow discomfort by reducing the intensity of heating.
• No freezing of the pipeline, which is relevant for most communications, located in the open areas.
• To prepare the house for the arrival of guests or after work. Remote heating control does not force the owner to go outside and heat the boiler. No more cold or damp.
• Zonal heating of the room with maintaining the temperature in individual rooms at different levels.
• Real time monitoring of the system.
• Timely warning of malfunctions.
• Extension of the service life of the equipment by means of optimized load.

We give preference to wireless networks because of the reliability and flexibility of setting up the system. As soon as the temperature in the room drops below normal, the sensor transmits a signal to a receiver connected to the boiler. Based on the signal, the desired heating mode is switched on. The advantage of the system based on the gas boilers is the wide range of possibilities to upgrade the automated system and the sensors to be connected. The heating level is easily adjustable in all parts of the heating system.

Another method of control is the thermostat. This option is suitable for older models of boilers, the design of which does not provide for the connection of three-way valves and other automatics. Universal thermoregulators easily combine zoning into a single system. In this case, the thermostat is connected to the Internet. It also includes an electronic controller that can be set up in minutes. The controller acts as a Wi-Fi transmitter/receiver, communicating with the electronic thermostats on each heating radiator.

Controlling room temperatures

Smart home systems allow you to localize heating. The microclimate for each room is programmed manually, and then the automatic algorithm comes into play.

For example, if you are not at home, what is the point of wasting gas/electricity? It is much more convenient to set a timer, after which the heating will turn on. Keeping the temperature and humidity different for the rooms. This feature is useful in larger homes with a cellar.

Set the desired mode will allow through the utility in the paired device!

Smart home independently of the user on the set parameters will prepare the conditions for sleep or rest, warm the room in a frightening cold. Control ventilation depending on the temperature and humidity in each room. The automatic heating system independently determines the necessity to correct the room temperature: turn the ventilation on or off. For convenience, the temperature mode is set on the control panel or mobile device.

What happens if you don’t control the temperature in the house when you leave?

If you leave the temperature uncontrolled for a couple of days, you don’t see much of a problem. However, this does not apply to trips lasting 4 or more days. A remote temperature control system sets different scenarios for maintaining the indoor climate under different conditions. The option is suitable as a temporary program, a long absence of the owner or a trivial opening of the window.

Absence of temperature control will cause fluctuations in the level of humidity, and as a result – favorable conditions for harmful microorganisms, damage to furniture, floor coverings and even blooming of microcircuits. Using the tools of our software and hardware, the user can easily adapt the microclimate of his home to his own needs. As the popularity of remote control systems grows, equipment manufacturers have developed services to remotely optimize the energy consumption of heating equipment. So you don’t have to worry about saving resources.

Fire safety when controlling the heating remotely

Since the system is planned to be frequently used remotely, a safety unit is necessary. It will provide protection against overpressure in the heating circuit, as well as prevent depressurization. By ordering the installation of remote heating control, the owner can not worry about fire safety.

Fire safety in a smart home works on the following principle:

• Prevents and prevents fire – continuously monitors the state of wiring, air composition, pressure levels. To this end, a set of sensitive sensors is installed. If the pressure in the system or the temperature of heating has reached the upper threshold – the system will automatically shut down until the temperature reaches the programmed minimum.
• If an increase in pressure is detected, a water or gas leakage is detected, the corresponding sensor is triggered. First of all, the gas supply and electricity are automatically cut off.
• The owner of the house or apartment sends a message about the accident.

Panoramic windows in a private home: should we fear the cold, condensation, thermal shock

Recently, a homeowner bragged about his modern cottage. Interlocutors agreed, yes, it’s beautiful. It’s made of aerated concrete, plastered. The construction itself with a touch of constructivism – simple geometry without frills. Fancy.

– But without floor-to-ceiling windows it looks like a parallelepiped, – suddenly confessed one of the interlocutors. – I’m sorry, I asked you to be honest.

– I was just afraid it would be cold with floor-to-ceiling windows,” the landlord admitted. – That’s why I did the standard ones. But the house was warm. And now I regret it. Yes, you could have had panoramic windows. But not too much.

More and more often homeowners are looking at such solutions – panoramic windows in the country house. But there are a lot of nuances that need to be taken into account. Many of them were discussed at the webinar of the renowned construction company GoodWood.

How much colder in the house with a panoramic window will be than in a traditional one?

The “warmest” standard windows have a coefficient of resistance of heat transfer R = 0.8, which corresponds to a bar wall of 100 mm. To get even more energy-efficient windows, you need to install two layers of insulating glass, but such solutions are rarely used.

For reference: the simplest single-glazed window has a coefficient of R = 0.3.

According to the founder of Good Wood Alexander Dubovenko, R=1,2 or 1,5 declared by some manufacturers is nothing more than a sly trick, which is not confirmed by anything.

In addition, a coating is applied to the surface of the low-emission glass which reflects heat waves, i.e. “leaves” them inside the room. And, as the manufacturers assure you, there is no condensation on them in the winter. I have seen such windows in a new modular house. Indeed, there was no condensation. But this year the winter was quite warm. Without severe frosts.

When installing such windows, experts recommend putting a convector recessed into the floor at the bottom. This will prevent condensation on the glass.

In one of the comments a reader of this channel told that after the installation of the window in the floor (by the way, it was a project of “Dacha Answer”) in the room was still noticeably cooler. But the designers have provided a built-in convector in the floor and additional radiators. So the panoramic windows really need more energy efficient solutions.

Another interesting trick is that in frame houses you can install glazing immediately in the walls without the frame and profile. True, it will be blank, with no ability to open-close. This, by the way, greatly reduces the cost of the entire wall and allows you to make a very modern design.

A few more myths:

1. It is not recommended to put windows in log cabins and houses with horizontal stacking.

This is a myth. In this case, a so-called trim box is used, which is a sliding system that allows you not to clamp the glass during the seasonal fluctuations of the wood.

2. There are standard window sizes that are not recommended to increase, because the glass unit will not withstand the wind load and will simply burst because of the large area.

In fact, the larger the size of the glazing unit, the thicker the glass and the greater the distance between the panes, that is, the chamber itself must be significant.

For conventional, non-tempered glass, the area should be no more than 2.7 meters. In the case of tempered glass, the dimensions can be increased.

3. In a wooden house is stupid to put a window with a plastic profile.

This was mentioned by some commentators in the material, where I told about the experience of wooden and plastic windows. But experts believe that we should be guided by expediency – price, technological features, aesthetics. Window profiles can be good as PVC, as well as wooden or aluminum.

According to Andrey Nikitin, the managing owner of BiTri, wood windows have advantages in the Far North, where the daily variations can reach 40 degrees. In addition, wood has a better bearing capacity, so when the large spans (over 2.7 meters) is recommended to use wood.

There are some more nuances of using these or those solutions in specific conditions, so you should always consult with experts who will select the best option, and it is possible that for a wooden house that profile will be PVC.

In general, standard wooden windows are twice as expensive as plastic windows. Wood-aluminum windows will add another 40% to that price.

Not only cold but also heat can pose a threat to windows. Panoramic windows can burst if they get hot in the sun.

In fact, “thermal shock” – a crack from heating and sudden cooling appears if the manufacturer has incorrectly calculated the thickness of the glass, the volume of the chambers. For example, on the south side of the house, it is better to put tempered glass, which will withstand the differences.

To protect your home from intruders, you need a surveillance camera. It is necessary to choose it carefully and consciously. It is important to determine where to install it, the type of construction and whether it is necessary to record sound.

Where to install the camera

First it is worth determining where to install the surveillance camera. This is necessary to ensure sufficient lighting and good visibility.

To install the camera on the street, you need to buy a model with built-in heating and sealed housing. For rooms where humidity is high, a camera with a moisture-proof housing is suitable. In places where the perpetrator can damage the equipment, you must install a vandal-resistant camera.

How to take into consideration the focus distance and viewing angle

The focus distance and viewing angle sets the area of the image to be covered and its appearance.

Models with a small viewing angle focus completely on the subject. This allows a close look at people who are in the room. The disadvantage of such a camera is that you can not fully see what is happening in the room. If you want to observe objects located within 30 meters from the device, the camera with a viewing angle of no more than 45° will do. To completely cover the room, you should use a device with a viewing angle greater than 90°.

The greater the viewing angle, the harder it is to make out details in the video. You can buy a camera with an adjustable viewing angle, but such a model is more expensive than the mentioned one and a half times. 

You can also buy a special lens to the camera: a varifocal lens with variable focal length, a transfocal lens with an adjustable angle of view or a monofocal lens with fixed focal length.

What types of designs there are

There are three types. Swivel cameras can help you monitor angled areas of a room. Dome cameras are only suitable for panoramic surveillance on rooftops or in open spaces. However, the larger the viewing angle, the worse specific objects and people will be seen. Outdoors, you can install a cylindrical camera with a reinforced housing that is not as easy to penetrate.

Which sensors will help optimize the camera’s performance

Special sensors respond to motion and sounds. With them, you can increase security and optimize the shooting process.

The motion sensor triggers after an object enters the infrared sensor’s capture area. To prevent the sensor from reacting to animals, its sensitivity must be adjusted.

The peculiarity of cameras with sound sensor is that the camera starts recording video only after it reacts to sound. This feature makes it easier to find the right fragment in the video and saves space on the memory card.

What the lighting should be

Pay attention to the light sensitivity of the camera if it will shoot around the clock, because the lighting changes several times a day. Before you buy equipment, you need to measure the level of light in the room with a luxmeter. In order to record all day long, you need a camera with sensitivity of 0.01 lux.

It is necessary to ensure that the camera matrix receives the same amount of light, regardless of lighting mode. So the video will be without flares and blackouts. To do this, it is better to buy a surveillance camera with an electronic shutter or a lens with auto-iris control.

With infrared illumination, you can record video in complete darkness.

How to Record Sound

Some CCTV cameras can record sound as well. This feature allows you to get more information and monitor the room more effectively.

Note that you will not be able to record sound perfectly, because the microphone responds not only to human speech, but also to extraneous sounds. Therefore, do not buy a camera with a microphone for the street. A wired and wireless microphone can be connected to the camera to improve sound quality when recording indoors.

What camera standards there are

Digital IP cameras stream video digitally over the Internet using the IP protocol. They can be connected via smartphone, tablet or laptop to retrieve data or control settings.

HD cameras are high-definition. They can be digital and analog. Now there are new surveillance formats – AHD, TVI and CVI. High definition AHD cameras differ from IP cameras in that they can transmit the signal up to 500 meters away. CVI technology separates brightness and color signals and provides for automatic correction of the video signal when transmitting it over long distances.

CVBS is a composite video signal used in analog cameras. It provides a mixture of timing and color difference signals, which guarantees a stable picture on the monitor screen.

Which camera is better: analog or digital

If you record video with an analog camera, you’ll need a connection with a video recorder or computer. Digital IP cameras have the advantage that they encode the data they receive from the matrix into a digital signal. Then, using wireless networks – GSM, CDMA, 3G, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth – they send the material to a computer, cloud server or video recorder. Thanks to this, you can watch video anywhere in the world from your cell phone or computer.

Analog cameras have a higher resolution than digital cameras. With a digital camera you can see the details in the image: the figure, clothes, the silhouette of a person. When choosing, you can be guided by cost.

Deciding to organize additional security for your home, first you need to understand where to install video surveillance cameras. The effectiveness of the entire system depends on how competently they are placed. 

Viewing angle, location of outlets, ease of maintenance – all this affects where and how to install video surveillance cameras. We will tell you about all the features of their placement right now.

Features of installing video surveillance cameras in an apartment building

If you want to be sure that your house is all right, even under the condition that you are several thousand kilometers away from it, then you can’t think of anything better than installing video surveillance. Modern cameras allow you to monitor your children, their nannies, tutors or your elderly parents from computers, phones and tablets. But it’s also important to know where to install surveillance cameras so you don’t accidentally break the law.

Potential users of video surveillance systems often worry about whether they can be installed in the stairwell. If in a private house or in its yard you are entitled to do whatever you want, in case you live in an apartment building, there are a few nuances to consider when installing surveillance cameras.

Installing video surveillance in the entryway may be considered legal under the following conditions:

• You can only mount a camera above the door of your apartment.
• The camera must not be able to see the interior of neighboring apartments when you open their doors.
• Contrary to popular belief, it is not at all necessary to hang a sign warning of the filming.
• You do not have the right to disguise the camera under objects, it must be visible.
• Video surveillance in the entryway should not have a shooting mode at night.

Compliance with the above conditions allows you to be confident in the legality of the installation of video surveillance system, no one has the right to demand its dismantling without an appropriate court decision. If someone nevertheless gets to the camera and takes it off, it will be a reason to sue the culprit.

As an alternative it is suggested to use the so called video eyeholes or video intercoms. Then you will not have to think about where to install video surveillance cameras, the option will be only one – in the front door.

Installing video surveillance cameras in the apartment

The first thing to think about when designing your own video surveillance system is what purpose you are pursuing. The purpose of use determines what kind of technical solution is more suitable.

Here are the main reasons why people buy and install cameras:

• To monitor the babysitter’s work.
• To check what hired workers, like maintenance workers or cleaners, are doing at home.
• Often people want to be able to watch over elderly parents or children.
• Some are driven by a desire to keep an eye on their significant other or other relatives living with them.
• To protect their belongings from burglars.

The first and most necessary condition is often the installation of a camera that “looks” at the front door. This will allow you to monitor everyone who enters or leaves the house. So you can find out, for example, whether the nanny drives guests while you are away and how much time the maintenance workers spend working and how much time drinking tea.

Is permitted when the camera, aimed at the entrance, has a high resolution that allows you to see the faces of those who come to the door, and the rest of the camera can be with a lower resolution, because a little less high-quality picture will still be enough to understand what was doing people who came into the house. 

If we talk about the number of cameras, then each room is enough for one. It is very important to consider the viewing angle of the device when designing the system. The known rule of thumb is that the wider the viewing angle of the camera, the lower the detail in the picture. Fisheye lenses have a very wide field of view, but you certainly will not see the details in their images.

A kind of standard are cameras with a viewing angle of approximately 90 °. If the device is mounted in a corner of the room, this is almost always enough. You can pick up a book, stand where you decided to install a surveillance camera, and open it, drawing an imaginary boundary of what the device will see and what it will not, to determine the required viewing angle of the camera.

There are two ways to install the camera at home: either on the wall under the ceiling, or vertically on a stand. The first way is better because in this case the device provides maximum visibility and can not be accidentally dislodged or overlapped, but the second option is attractive because of the simplicity of installation and the ability to easily remove or relocate the camera if necessary. 

Where to install video surveillance cameras in a private home

If you own a private house, then you are lucky, because you do not need any permits, and to collect signatures from neighbors will not require. In this case of great importance is a competent system design that provides maximum coverage of the electronic “eye”. 

Gates and gate should be included in the frame, which should be equipped with electronic lock and video intercom for greater security. This will provide more advanced access control territory. Video phone is better to choose multi-channel, to be able to connect to it and the cameras that you install along the perimeter. This will save you some money.

Consider the fact that the expert recommends putting the cameras not only in the yard, but also on the site. The number of cameras is calculated based on the size of the yard and the complexity of its configuration. Often two or three pieces are enough for the entire perimeter.

When you are away from home, you always want to check if everything is okay, so installing cameras in the rooms is also necessary. This is the only way to get assurance that the child is safe and their babysitter is not doing anything illegal. The same applies to tutors, housekeepers and other hired staff. In this case, you need to consider a few rules. 

When hiring a person to work in your home, you must necessarily stipulate that the premises are monitored by video surveillance, and note this fact in the employment contract, which the person will subsequently sign, expressing his consent to the filming.

If the employee has been working for you for a long time, and the cameras have just appeared, then make sure to notify him about it, take a receipt from him that such a conversation between you really took place, and also make changes to the employment contract by drawing up an additional agreement.

• Consider the capabilities of the cameras. Think carefully about the exact places where they will be installed: kitchen, rooms, yard or stairwell.
• Study how the equipment will be connected. If there is no possibility to run wires where you will install CCTV cameras, then pay attention to devices that work via Wi-Fi. Remember that such models still need power.
• Functional component. Study all the characteristics of the camera, such as the presence of detectors, the ability to record audio and the range of illumination. Don’t buy devices with functionality you won’t need.
• Viewing recordings. If you’re buying multiple cameras, you’ll need to get a DVR as well. When buying it, think about the size of the video archive and choose hard drives with the appropriate capacity.

Where to Install Video Surveillance Cameras on the Site

Designing a security system involves not only buying enough cameras and other equipment, but also studying their characteristics, thinking about the points and angles of their location. Cameras used for outdoor surveillance differ in a certain angle of view and range.

Based on these parameters, you will be able to understand the area of the monitored area. When placing cameras, try as much as possible to reduce the number of places not under surveillance. Moving objects should always be in your field of view.

It is important to position the cameras so that they are not illuminated by the sun, floodlights or vehicle headlights. To do this it is important to choose the right place where you install a surveillance camera, as well as the height and angle of its location. Most often they are simply hung in the corners of the house, buildings and the site itself.

When designing a surveillance system for a standard plot and the house takes a minimum of 4 cameras. If the house has extensions or ledges, the number of devices increases, this is done to the territory there are no “blind spots. 

Most often, cameras are located in the corners of the building. This is done to ensure that was viewed as a plane wall, and the maximum possible part of the territory. If we talk about the height of installation, the best option is three meters. This will protect the camera from physical damage and allow enough to distinguish the faces of intruders entering the area.

Too high positioning of the device will give you only a shot of the general view, in addition, you will lose the opportunity to see the face of the intruder, get only his parameters such as hair color or headgear. 

8 tips for installing CCTV cameras

Installing cameras according to all the rules will not only allow you to maximize the effectiveness of the entire video surveillance system, but will also extend its life:

• It is important not only to think about the locations of cameras, but also to make sure they work.
• When installing, check where the device “looks”. If there is no swivel mechanism, it is important to adjust the correct angle of the body at once, so that you do not have to return to this issue later. 
• Installing the camera outdoors, make sure that its power supply is protected from moisture.
• If in your particular case the law allows the camera to be hidden or camouflaged under some object, do not neglect it. This way the system will be less visible to intruders.
• Like the power supply, the camera itself should be protected from precipitation if it is meant to be located outdoors. Do not point it at the sun, it will quickly destroy the technique, place the device so that the direct rays do not hit its peephole throughout the daylight hours.
• Even lighting is also important. The camera should not be in the dark, as long as its purpose is to view some well-lit area.
• It is important not only to understand where you will be installing the surveillance camera, but also what time of day it will work. The device for night photography should be backlit, and the observed area is also better illuminated.
• Installing a camera, remember that sooner or later you will have to get to it to clean it, change the viewing angle or perform other procedures.

Insects will actively flock to devices equipped with infrared illumination, contaminating the optics in the process. To solve this problem, repellents are used to treat the camera body, but they do not work for long.

Good equipment and professional installation are important for efficient operation of the surveillance system, but that’s not all. It is very important to think about the right locations for cameras. You can take one device and place it first at the end of the corridor and then in the middle. You will see that from two different points the camera will shoot completely differently.

To ensure that the money is not spent in vain, and that the video surveillance works 100%, treat the choice of camera locations with the utmost responsibility. 

Building the architecture of the security system at home, office or sales area, sometimes you should think about how to hide security cameras. This will not only increase the level of security of the spaces, but also secure the expensive device from vandals.

Home camera

If the camera is installed at home, it is desktop and not large, experts are ready to offer several ways to hide it from the prying eyes of a negligent housekeeper or naughty children. Among them:

• Using a bouquet of artificial flowers. Familiar to the eye plastic or textile roses or gladioluses will successfully help to disguise the small device. The only inconvenience is that you will have to dust them yourself.
• A soft toy. It is quite possible to sew the camera and install the toy in such a way that the power cords are not visible. So that the bear or hare will not become victims of children’s games, they can be vintage, become part of a carefully stored collection.
• Needlework boxes. A large and convenient container for threads, needles, rhinestones will allow you to conveniently place a small device in it. You will only have to sacrifice the integrity of a beautiful chest and make a hole in it for a camera eye.
• Light switch housing. The camera will have to be mounted in the wall, but this solution will completely protect it from prying eyes and solve the problem of power supply. To implement the project, you will have to involve professional renovators. You can also mount the camera in the wall separately from the light control devices, but it is better to do it in inconspicuous places – under the window sill or between the joints of furniture, while making sure to preserve the desired viewing angle.
• Bookcase. This is the simplest solution, the camera is easy to get lost among the array of books, magazines, figurines and photos, usually decorating the shelves of the bookcase.
• A table lamp with a large lampshade. It is behind it that no one would guess to look for a tracking device. Also, the device, which has a ceiling type of mounting, with success will be able to be placed behind the curtain rod.
• The camera, which is located at the entrance to the apartment, on the staircase, can easily be hidden in the body videophone. There can also be placed in the body of the lamp, paying attention to the fact that it was transparent, not frosted. Some masters place the camera and in cabinets, which are located in the power meters.

Camera in a public space

The video camera ensuring security of the trade hall, restaurant or office, placed on the ceiling or on the wall, is more difficult to disguise.  Professional security cameras must have a good viewing angle, they can be given out and running backlight, indicators, and a sudden turn of the eye on the object of surveillance. Among the basic solutions:

• Disguise the camera as a fire alarm sensor. This will require some financial investment and modification of the housing, but the effect will be striking, the device will not be noticed.
• Place the camera in the computer or its monitor, replacing the regular device or simply by placing it under the casing of the system unit. This is a good solution for sales rooms. There it can also be placed near cash registers.
• Install the camera in flower pots placed on restaurant window sills. In a cozy cafe with a lot of household items, you can implement all the solutions used in a city apartment.

Office spaces don’t provide many opportunities to disguise a video camera. In filing cabinets someone is always putting new folders, bookshelves are actively used. The solution can be a picture placed on the wall, behind which the device is placed. You can also spend money and buy a double-sided mirror, placing the camera behind them will help to create a perfect viewing angle.

Outdoor camera

The most difficult to hide, disguise the video camera, located on the street. The contours of the house wall, entryway or fence are always clear and predictable and any projection will be seen as a likely location of the monitoring device.  At the same time, the camera should provide both control of the adjacent territory, and check all entrances to the house, and monitoring of order in the playgrounds for children’s games. Among the acceptable options are:

• Place the device behind carved window casings or in any other decorative elements of the house;
• Place the video camera at the base of the weather vane;
• Installing the device in the intercom;
• use a mailbox for this purpose;
• place the camera in the bird feeder, this solution requires hiding the wires. It is possible to place decorative lighting on the same tree, which will provide the necessary power.

All ways to hide the camera must ensure its safety from changes in temperature, rain and hail, so the chosen method should provide not only the stealth of placement, but also the safety of the enclosure. It is also worth considering that collecting video information without informing citizens about it is punishable by administrative fines, so the placement of hidden devices without warning that the territory is under video surveillance is allowed only in private spaces.