SIXTH SENSE: Medeco has introduced a six-pin version of its Maxum Residential Deadbolt. The six-pin construction offers several advantages over the typical five-pin key: increased security against physical attacks, more combinations to reduce the chances of duplicate keys, and increased master keying capabilities. The product is available in oil-rubbed bronze, anti-tarnish polished brass, and satin nickel. For more information, call Medeco High Security Locks at 540-380-5000 or visit www.medeco.com.
LOCK OUT: Secure sliding doors with Vanguard’s 2-Point Mortise Lock, which features a patented anti-slam feature and a compact design. The two-point lock system ensures that the sliding door cannot be rattled open by a burglar, the company says. Made from hardened steel components, the system exceeds AAMA test requirements for forced-entry resistance. For more information, call Vanguard Plastics at 604-888-2511 or visit www.vanguard-plastics.com.
SAFE AND SOUND: Offer residents extra protection with the Multifamily 360 system, an in-unit alarm system designed for the multifamily industry. The wireless system offers easy installation and does not require the use of a land line telephone. Instead, the system sends signals to a central station over radio frequency. The product includes software and training. For more information, call Network Multifamily at 800-626-9096 or visit www.networkmultifamily.com.
DOUBLE TAKE: Offer twice the protection with Baldwin’s two-point locking system. The solid brass handle sets are available in two new designs. Ashton incorporates the high arch styling found in the company’s popular Manchester and Canterbury styles, while Landon echoes the classic oval contours of Baldwin’s Blakely and Logan offerings. For more information, call Baldwin Hardware at 800-566-1986 or visit www.baldwinhardware.com.
ALL EYES: Watch over large properties with Citadel, an access control system that supports more than 4,000 cardholders and 32 card readers per site. The system supports multiple dial-up or networking sites with instantaneous reporting of alarms to its host computer. Both card and fingerprint biometric technologies can be used. For more information, call Synergistics at 508-655-1340 or visit www.synergisticsinc.com.
Hot Product of the Month
TOOL TIME: Being organized has never been easier, thanks to the Mobile-Shop System. This mega tool kit on wheels is fully stocked for all your maintenance needs with 230 high-quality tools and 150 critical small parts. Each tool and part is kept in a numbered and labeled pocket or bin, allowing for a 60-second inventory check. (The company resupplies all parts.) The system can be wheeled around a property, go up stairs, or be taken apart and placed in a small vehicle in less than 30 seconds. Plus, an on-board cover and alarm system prevents against theft. For more information, call Mobile-Shop Co. at 866-771-8665 or visit www.mobile-shop.com.
Q: How is your company reducing utility expenses this year?
A: In homes throughout our portfolio, we are installing energy-efficient appliances, which are designed to save energy and reduce pollution. We are upgrading refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes washers, heating and cooling systems, and more in an effort to conserve water, electricity, and natural gas.
Energy-efficient refrigerators require about half as much energy as models manufactured before 1993 and use 40 percent less energy than the conventional models sold in 2001. Replacing a refrigerator bought in 1990 with a new energy-efficient model would save enough energy to light the average household for more than four and a half months. Significant savings are also realized with energy-efficient dishwashers and clothes washers. We are investing in energy-efficient heat pumps and air conditioners that use 20 percent less energy than standard models. Energy-efficient boilers are 15 percent more efficient than conventional furnaces and 10 percent more efficient than standard models. In addition to saving energy, these investments promote cleaner air without sacrificing product quality and performance.
–Martha Carlin is executive vice president, director of property operations at United Dominion Realty Trust, a Richmond, Va.-based REIT.