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April 2, 2015
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4 Tips & Tricks to Leave Windows Open Safely at Night
This post was originally published on April 2, 2015. It was updated on February 28, 2020, with current product information.
Is it
safe to leave windows open at night? It can be! Learn how to do it with and
without a security system.
As winter gives way to fresh spring and summer breezes, you may be tempted to leave your window open at night. But this can present a security risk. The good news is, you can follow tips for getting fresh air safely without needing bars over your windows.
We’ll cover four ways (with and without a security system) you can feel safe and keep your home protected when leaving your bedroom windows open while you sleep.
1. Use Door
and Window Sensors—but disable them when you want some fresh air
Frontpoint’s Door and Window Sensor is nearly invisible and can attach to doors, windows, cabinets, and drawers. The sensor alerts you when something is opened and when it is accidentally left open. But you’ve got to turn one (or more) off when you arm the system but want to leave a window open.
How do you disable a window alarm sensor? The first method is to bypass a Door and Window Sensor, which allows you to keep the rest of your sensors armed. This can be done in the Frontpoint app, whether the system is armed or disarmed:
If armed:
- Open the Frontpoint Customer Portal, the Frontpoint App, or the Frontpoint Touchscreen.
- Within security system options, select Bypass Sensors.
- Enter your master code.
- Scroll to the desired Door or Window Sensor and press OK.
If disarmed:
- Open the desired Door or Window Sensor.
- Arm your system.
- Within security system options, select Bypass Sensors.
- All sensors except the one(s) reporting open will be armed.
And you’re good to go! All of your other sensors will be armed, allowing you to open and close your bedroom window throughout the night.
2. Use two
magnets to arm open and closed windows
Another option is to place two Door and Window Sensor magnets on the same window. Place one magnet where you normally would while the window is closed. Place the second magnet in the location where the sensor would be were you to slide up the window—allowing you to keep the sensor “closed,” or at least showing up as closed on your system.
This method is primarily meant for those with windows that slide up and down, and it may not work with other types of windows. Double-check whether your sensor can reach the secondary magnet when opening the window to ensure that it remains "closed."
When you have a second magnet that arms your window in an open position, the system will be triggered if it is opened wider. A burglar may see an open window as an opportunity to come right in, but they’ll be met with an alarming surprise!
3.
Install motion sensors for first-floor window security
While there are ways to use your security system with open windows, it can be a burden to bypass the sensor of every door and window.
Motion sensors keep areas of your home secure without requiring numerous individual sensors. In a teardrop shape, a single Frontpoint Motion Sensor detects motion up to 40 feet away. This means that you can set up a detector to alert you to a first-floor intruder while you’re sleeping upstairs, for example. Your home is still being monitored, but you don’t have to deal with arming every door and window or only disarming select ones.
4. Tips
for safely leaving windows open at night without a security system
- If your home has multiple stories, try to only leave open the second-floor windows, or windows that aren’t easily accessible.
- Remove or beware of anything that can be used to climb to a second-floor window, such as a drainpipe or trellis.
- Some windows are fitted with a second lock point, allowing you to open the window slightly and lock it in place. Other windows, such as sliding sash windows, can be fitted with an additional locking sash to allow for a breeze while providing security.
- Install an anti-lift device to prevent windows from being lifted out of their frames.
- Use motion-detector spotlights in areas near windows to scare off potential burglars.
With all of these security tips, there’s no need to fear leaving your bedroom window open at night. Get that fresh air safely.
Frontpoint keeps homes safe whether families are there or not. We've been revolutionizing the home security industry for over a decade. And we're just getting started. To shop DIY home security systems, check out our Security Packages. If you have questions or would like to discuss a quote, contact us at 1-877-602-5276.
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