Did you know that you could use a freeze alarm to monitor temperature extremes in places outside the home? These days, a lot of people have more possessions or work-related supplies than their house will hold, so they turn to outbuildings like garages, barns and sheds to stash their stuff. However, freezing or high temperatures in buildings without heat or air conditioning can be a real threat to temperature-sensitive materials like chemicals, paints, plastics and certain equipment. If that’s the situation you’re faced with, here are some of the best freeze alarms on the market today for monitoring temperature remotely.
Outbuildings With Electric Power
The temperature inside a detached garage, barn or shed can get pretty darn cold in the winter. To combat sub-zero weather, many people storing temperature-sensitive supplies in an unheated building use portable electric heaters to warm the temperature. Heaters usually do the job, unless the heater trips the circuit breaker or there’s a power outage that shuts it down.
A freeze alarm that monitors for both temperature and power outages is the solution for this scenario. Here are two recommendations.
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Solution #1: Cellular freeze alarm that alerts via text message
The very affordable DIY Cellular Alarm for Homes comes ready to monitor for power outages, plus two other conditions of your choice including high temperature. Features include:
- Sends text message alerts.
- Operates on the Verizon Wireless network, the largest in the country.
- Buy the sensor options you need.
- Cost: Under $250 for base unit and fixed temperature sensor.
- Low-cost service plan: Only $30/year.
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Solution #2: Cellular freeze alarm that alerts via text message, email or voice
The full-featured HomeSitter TEC comes ready to monitor for high or low temperature, humidity and power outages and is reasonably priced. Features include:
- Sends text message, email or voice alerts.
- Operates on the Verizon Wireless network, the largest in the country.
- Unlimited cloud access from your smartphone, tablet or computer.
- Built-in battery backup.
- Cost: about $250.
- Multiple low-cost subscription plans starting at $8.25 per month/annual plan.
Outbuildings Without Power
Don’t worry if your outbuilding doesn’t have electricity — you can still protect your stuff from high or low temperatures with this cellular freeze alarm that uses a wireless temperature sensor with a transmission range of 250+ ft.
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Solution: Cellular freeze alarm that uses wireless sensors
The Metropolitan Ion Cellular Gateway uses a wireless temperature sensor that operates 250 – 300 ft. non-line-of-sight from the gateway. Install the temperature sensor in your garage, barn or shed and set up the gateway inside your house or office. If the distance between your house and outbuilding exceeds 300 feet, add a wireless range extender. Features include:
- Sends text message or email alerts and sounds an audible alarm.
- Operates on the T-Mobile network.
- Accessible via web/smartphone for current temperature reading or remote programming.
- Cost: About $375 plus sensors.
- Low cost service plan: $6.00 – $8.00/month thru manufacturer.
Buildings in Remote Locations Without Power
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Even offsite buildings without electricity located in a rural or remote place can be monitored for indoor temperature using this cellular freeze alarm that uses the energy from the sun for its primary power source.
Solution: Cellular freeze alarm that uses solar-power
The Temperature@lert Cellular Solar Temperature Monitor System is a weatherproof, solar-powered temperature monitoring device that is ideal for remote locations and outdoor operations. After the sun goes down or on a cloudy day, its extended life lithium ion battery delivers up to 4 weeks of continuous service. Features include:
- Sends phone call, text message or email alerts.
- Operates on the GSM wireless network.
- Plug-and-play optional sensors for soil moisture, wind speed, tank level and more.
- Cost: About $1,110 including temperature sensor.
- Low cost service plans starting at $15/month.
Summary
Once you’ve selected the best freeze alarm to use in your outbuilding, check it’s specs to see if it can be used to monitor other conditions in addition to temperature. Most freeze alarms are multi-functional. Some models let you hook up sensors to monitor for flooding as well motion sensors to protect your outbuilding from break-ins. For a comprehensive look at a variety of freeze alarms and their features, go to the Freeze Alarms Comparison Chart on the diycontrols.com website.
