You’ve heard Hive talking about our new, never-before-seen service plans, but you may be wondering; What exactly is Hive Care? How do the plans compare? What plan is best for me? 

We’re here to help. Each week, Hive will focus on one of our awesome service plans, so you can be confident in your system in the near and far future.

In this newsletter, we take a deep dive into our Priority plan, our second-highest level of service. Benefits include priority service, 24/7 support, and more!

Hive Care is our new proactive maintenance service, designed to help our clients with everything from system outages to yearly tune-ups. Our four, unique plans include; Limited, Essential, Priority, and Elite. This wide range of plans will give you the peace of mind that Hive will care for your system long after we walk out the door.  

What Is The Priority Plan?

Our Priority Support Plan provides amazing service to our clients. Recommended for small businesses and residential homes, the Priority plan starts at $89 per month. This plan includes access to OVRC, a Hive Care mobile app that allows you to reset your system and fix other common issues without waiting for a service call. 

The Priority Support Plan also includes proactive monitoring. When your system has a problem, Hive will get an alert and remotely troubleshoot the issue before you even notice. Can’t solve the issue remotely? The Priority Plan automatically applies a 20% discount on our normal labor rates. 

Hive Care’s Priority Plan comes with priority service. It’s even in the name! This means you’ll get placed in the front of the queue should you need a technician to fix your system. 

With 24/7 Phone, Email, Text, and Chat Support, Hive Care is always available to help fix system issues as fast and conveniently as possible for your lifestyle. Avoid the frustrations of a system outage before it happens, and contact our knowledgeable representatives about Hive Care today.

Select Priority Support Plan:

How Does It Compare To The Other Hive Care Plans?

Hive Care's Priority Plan is the third-highest service plan. This means it provides more care than the Limited and Essential Plans but misses features in the Elite plan. Proactive monitoring and priority service are features only found in the Elite and Priority plans and are not available for lower tiers.

Be sure to check out last week’s blog on Hive Care’s Elite Plan which includes all these benefits and more! More information on Hive Care is available on our website. Contact us at (813)547-HIVE or on our contact page here

We recently covered the basics and benefits of alarm security systems, but what are some common problems? Many people are hesitant to get a home security system because they have heard reports of them having issues or have experienced these issues themselves. 

A long-standing myth is that your home alarm system has to be expensive to function properly. However, the reality is, that it doesn’t matter how expensive or inexpensive your home security system is. All homeowners face the same issues when it comes to maintaining their security. 

When it comes to your family’s safety, there are more important factors than price. This includes coverage, technical difficulties, and compatibility. At Hive, we specialize in home automated security systems, ensuring our clients can easily monitor any area in their homes. 

Below, we’ve covered some common issues you may face and how to resolve them.

Five Common Home Security Issues and How to Fix Them

1) Insufficient Coverage for The Entire Home: 

Insufficient monitoring coverage is the biggest issue for many homeowners. Sometimes this is due to purchasing a security system that is too small for the home, leaving areas vulnerable to a breach. 

This is especially common for people who have tried to install a security system themselves or bought a package deal that may not be right for their home. The solution to this is having the right security company come in and do an evaluation of your system to identify weak spots and upgrade or adjust your system as needed.

Check out our recent article on alarm systems to figure out the most vulnerable parts of your home and how to protect them. 

2) Experiencing False Alarms:

False alarms are another issue many homeowners face. These annoyances are often caused by an alarm system not being installed correctly. They can also be triggered by a sound from an open window or outside critters running too close to the sensors. 

False alarms can become very frustrating for homeowners. It causes unneeded distress and can result in residents becoming less reactive should the alarm ring often. 

The best way to prevent them is by having systems properly installed and maintained to ensure they are functioning correctly. Many installation companies, like Hive, have methods to prevent false alarms as much as possible. This includes placing sensors at levels higher than animals but low enough to sense human movement. 

Ask your technician where the best location for your alarm panel is. This will guarantee a convenient way to disarm any false alerts. Most systems also feature an app, allowing you to conveniently disarm the alarm system from your phone. 

3) The System Won’t Alarm or Disarm:

This issue is usually caused by a door or window not being shut properly. However, it can also be indicative that there is an issue with the system itself. If you are sure all your windows and doors are closed, contact your security company to come and inspect your system to determine the cause of the problem. 

4) Your Security Products Won’t Work Together:

Incompatibility is a common problem for people who have purchased security products from different companies. This includes having some do-it-yourself security pieces, and some parts installed from a security company. In some cases, different products may not work well with other systems making the overall security inefficient for your home.

Many companies use different software, often exclusive to them. Syncing several cameras, sensors, and panels can prove almost impossible in this case. 

If you’re looking to outfit your home with a security system, research the products ahead of time. Not only will you get plenty of information on the product’s pros and cons, but you can cross-reference compatibility and budget for your new system. 

Having incompatible cameras, motion detectors, sound sensors, alarms, monitoring stations, and other devices will quickly create a faulty security system. Resolve this by ensuring all of your security components are compatible with one another. Purchasing all your items from the same place, or even better, having a home automation security company do the entire installation, will ensure everything works together correctly. 

5) Security System Lacks Regular Maintenance: 

This is the easiest problem to resolve with your home security system. All you need to do is schedule regular maintenance appointments with your security company so they can make sure every part of your system is working properly. 

Certain parts of your system are more prone to deterioration than others. It’s important to keep track of when certain components should be tested or replaced. For instance, security cameras should be replaced every 5 years, while motion sensors should be checked every 90 days. Hive recommends inspecting the overall system once a year. This allows the technician to check for any loose wiring, shifted cameras, or software updates that may be available.

Don’t forget, regular maintenance can even be as simple as making sure to change the batteries regularly. Forgoing regular maintenance appointments leaves your security system susceptible to breaches and can even leave your family at unnecessary risk.

Your family is important. Common home security issues like these shouldn’t prevent you from keeping yourself and your home safe. Our home security specialists at Hive can help you determine the best type of security system for your home.

We’re here to help answer any questions you have about the home technology process. Call (813) 938-1585 or contact us anytime.

 

You’ve heard Hive talking about our new, never-before-seen service plans, but you may be wondering; What exactly is Hive Care? How do the plans compare? What plan is best for me? 

We’re here to help. Over several blogs, Hive will focus on one of our awesome service plans, so you can be confident in your system in the near and far future. 

Hive Care is our new proactive maintenance service, designed to help our clients with everything from system outages to yearly tune-ups. Our four, unique plans include; Limited, Essential, Priority, and Elite. These wide range of plans will give you the peace-of-mind that Hive will care for your system long after we walk out the door. In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into our Elite plan.

Hive Care: Elite Support Plan

Our Elite Support Plan provides incredible service for clients with larger, more complex systems. Starting at $149 per month, this plan includes access to OVRC. This is a handy mobile app enabling you to quickly fix many of the common issues technology systems experience from the palm of your hand. No service call needed! 

The Elite Support Plan also includes proactive monitoring. When your system has a problem, Hive will get an alert and remotely troubleshoot the issue before you even notice. Can’t solve the issue remotely? The Elite Plan automatically applies a 30% discount on our normal labor rates. 

Hive Care’s Elite Plan encompases every plan available resulting in the highest-level of service. Available exclusively to Elite Plan subscribers is Hive’s same-day service (premium rates apply) along with an annual on-site health check and tune-up. This includes device firmware updates, device cleanings, and follow-wire management, etc. 

With 24/7 Phone, Email, Text, and Chat Support, Hive Care is always available to help fix system issues as fast and conveniently as possible for your lifestyle. Avoid the frustrations of a system outage before it happens, and contact our knowledgeable representatives about Hive Care today. 

Select Elite Support Plan:

Check out more information on Hive Care on our website. Contact us at (813)547-HIVE or on our contact page here.

Nothing is more important than keeping your family safe. You want your loved ones as secure as your home. But we’re not gonna ask you to put blind faith into just any home security vendor. At Hive, one of the highest-rated home automation companies in the Tampa Bay area, we want our clients to understand what makes up their home alarm systems and how they keep your home safe. 

In this article we cover:

What Is An Alarm System?

A security alarm is a system that alerts homeowners of potential danger in their homes. Used to detect unauthorized entry, an alarm system emits a signal (such as a siren or direct message) to alert the homeowner and emergency services. 

Home security consists of different components including an alarm key, motion detectors, smokes, glass breaks, carbon monoxides, and window and door sensors. Your system can be as simple or complex as you want. Hive offers systems that connect to your smart device for easy viewing. Monitoring services are also available so no matter where you are, someone is keeping an eye on your home. 

How Are Alarms Installed?

Alarms can be hardwired into the home or placed on a wireless network. No need for pre-wiring to protect your space. Often, a home security system is made up of multiple sensors installed throughout the home. As a part of Hive’s top-of-the-line system, this includes: 

All these parts come together to optimize your home with our easy-to-use technology. 

What Areas Are Most Vulnerable?

Above all, the point of a security system is to protect the most exposed areas of your home. Not sure where your home is most vulnerable? Then let’s run through some areas.

  1. Front & Back Doors) It’s a bit scary to think about, but doors are the main entrance for residents and thieves alike. Doors are often obscured by landscaping and decorations, like trees, potted plants, and hedges. In other words, it creates hiding places for potential burglars that you might not see out your window.
    Specialty Doors also pose a risk. French doors are made of small glass panes that are incredibly easy to break and don’t shatter loudly. It's perfect for thieves looking to unlock your doors. Likewise, sliding glass doors can be opened with small tools.
  2. Windows) Similarly, windows are a common way of entering a home unnoticed. Not everyone remembers to close or lock their windows, especially in the stifling Florida summer. Thus creating another opportunity for criminals to enter. 
  3. Garages) It’s incredible the number of people that don’t consider their garage an entryway. Many, in-fact, leave the door leading into their home unlocked, secure in the idea that the closed garage door will deter criminals.
    In reality, thieves use a garage entry nearly 33% of the time. Some homeowners use the default code on automatic garage openers, which can be easily found online.

Deterrents

Physical deterrents like visible cameras and alarm stickers have proven to scare away criminals, thus leaving your home guarded and peaceful. 

  1. Doors) Install cameras around your doors, and add extra lighting to eliminate any shadows. For specialty doors, install strong locks and glass break sensors to detect any mischief entering your home.
  2. Windows) Combat thieves by installing new, deadbolt locks on each vulnerable window. If your home is older, the frame might be weak or broken. It’s important to evaluate your windows and replace them if necessary. 
  3. Garages) Make regular updates to your system. Even if it doesn't lead directly outside, it's imperative to always lock your garage door at night and when away. Treat the area as a second front door. 

Hive offers many incredible security devices including the highest-caliber cameras in the Tampa Bay area. In addition, Hive Care provides active monitoring to ensure your home is protected. Check out our Home Security page to see other services, like smart-device enabling and smoke detection, offered by Hive. 

How Long Will My Install Take?

One great thing about home security is it can be as simple or complex as you’d like. With a vast selection of security features available, Hive tailors your installation to your personal needs. An alarm system installation can take anywhere from a few hours to several days. The timeframe is dependent on factors including home size, system complexity, and the homeowner’s schedule. Installers also perform a demo so you understand how to make the most of your new automated system. 

Don't let the price scare you away from protecting your space. In a previous blog, we broke down the cost of a security system. It covers aspects like monitoring services, equipment, and installation. 

Housekeeping Tips

Your home holds everything near and dear to you. Protect it with the smartest home security system. Have more questions? Then check out more alarm security behind-the-scenes on our Youtube channel and our full interview with one of our worker bees below:

When hiring someone to come to your home and install pretty much anything, you want a professional installation. You want them to come prepared and leave the area tidy and clean, just as they found it. No one likes to find trash anywhere or have damage to their walls, ceilings, floors, etc. You want your team to be courteous and professional in all their dealings with you. 

This is exactly what you will get from our well-trained, professional Hive technicians. They arrive at the job site ready to work. Our team will have all of the pre-ordered component parts ready to go when they get there. Everything needed for the installation will be in their truck, in boxes, and ready to go.

Our professional Hive technicians consider the homeowner comes first. Our technicians make sure they keep the area clean before, during, and after the installation is done. They wear booties, use rollout mats to protect your floors or carpet and other protective gear as needed.

What Happens When Hive Comes To Your Home?

Firstly, we want to keep you safe in your home and have confidence that you can trust our people. Therefore, all of our Hive technicians have had to pass a background check and all our people are drug tested as well. Additionally, all Hive employees are required attend four or more in-house hours of training each week to keep their skills current so they stay on top of the latest technology. Because of this, we know they can answer any questions you may have and are up to date with the most modern components for your smart home.

Above all, we want you to be worry-free and have peace of mind about who will be coming into your home for your smart home installation. At Hive we know that our customers come first and how important it is to be respectful of your property. All of our technicians respect that you, the customer, come first. 

We're always here to answer any of your questions.
You can reach HIVE at 813-928-1585 or reach out on our contact page

For an example of a Hive professional technician installing some smart home technology, check out the video above. More fascinating behind-the-scenes professional installation jobs can be found at our official Hive Youtube channel

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