If you own a vacation home, you’re probably enjoying the last few weeks of summer while also putting together a “to do” list of all you need to do to close the property for the winter. To safeguard your soon-to-be vacant vacation home, there is a wide variety of simple and affordable home monitoring and protection equipment on the market.
Whether it’s freezing pipes, faulty plumbing, basement floods or unwanted intruders, these easy-to-use devices will safeguard your summer cottage or cabin from four of the most common threats — and help keep it safe and sound until next season.
Frozen Pipes: Internet or Cellular Alert Freeze Alarm
Frozen and burst pipes caused by prolonged power outages or failed heating systems can be a real problem in unoccupied summer homes. If you have internet access and prefer a no-fee monitoring solution, the Temp Stick Wifi Temperature & Humidity Sensor is a WiFi connected, battery operated smart monitor that sends alerts to your phone or email the instant a significant change in temperature or humidity occurs. It will accurately monitor conditions 24/7 and you can view and update it from your smartphone, tablet or PC.
If your home doesn’t have phone or Internet service during the off-season, a cellular freeze alarm like the MarCELL Cellular Connected Monitoring System is a great solution. This full-featured, reasonably priced system sends text message, email or voice alerts using a cell phone signal. And you now have a choice of cellular carriers — AT&T or Verizon! For added protection, place SPucks® wireless sensors up to 200 feet from the MarCELL unit to notify you when water is detected nearby.
Vandalism or Burglaries: DIY Professional Grade Security System 
If keeping trespassers and burglars out of your unoccupied property is a top priority, a do-it-yourself, fee-free, internet based security system like Risco’s WiComm Internet/Cellular Security System with a cellular backup option is the ideal solution. It is easy to install and offers many of the same features and cutting-edge technologies as a professional installation — at a fraction of the cost. Use your iOS or Android smartphone or a computer to control your system from wherever you happen to be. It can also send email and push notification alerts right to your mobile device so you’ll know immediately if there’s an emergency that needs your attention. Adding an indoor or outdoor Risco IP camera to your system will allow you to visually check on your home in real-time.
Faulty Plumbing: Automatic Water Main Shutoff System
Water leaks from old or faulty
plumbing can destroy walls, flooring, furniture and irreplaceable personal items. Water main shutoff valves, also known as whole house water shutoff valves, stop water damage before it starts by turning off the main water supply line. The leakSmart Automatic Water Shut Off System with Internet Control and Water Hero WiFi Flow Monitor & Shut Off System each combine smart technology and convenience to deliver the ultimate in automatic water main shutoff systems so you’ll always know your home and belongings are protected.
Leaksmart’s sensor-based system detects leaks and shuts off the water in less than 5 seconds. The system hub connects to the Internet and sends audible and visible alarms as well as notifications via a smart device app. Water Hero is a flow-based remote water usage monitoring system that also tracks temperature and provides consumption information. It alerts you via text or e-mail to potential leaks and shuts off your water main valve. It also monitors the ambient temperature at the installation site, letting you know if it exceeds a pre-set range. The rechargeable back-up battery ensures continuous operation if the power goes out.
Sump Pump Failure: Cellular Sump Pump Alarm
If you use a sump pump to keep your basement dry and prevent flooding, you are aware that it won’t work if there’s a power outage or a mechanical failure. A sump pump alarm warns you when there is a high water alert or a leak is detected so you can take immediate steps to avoid a basement flood. The PumpAlarm Cellular Water Alarm is one of the most affordable alarms you can buy. It communicates via a cellular connection (so you don’t need a landline phone or Internet connection) and sends text message alerts to up to three cell phones if there’s a power outage or the water level in the sump pit is too high. The PumpAlarm monitors power and temperature out of the box, and you can add sensors for additional monitoring, including water and sump pit levels.
More Home Monitoring Devices
Addressing these four key concerns is essential for protecting your summer home during the off-season. These and other DIY devices will allow you to keep an eye on everything from mechanical failures to trespassers anytime, from anywhere. You’ll find a full range of home monitoring solutions in our online store, or you can contact us to discuss more ways to keep your cottage or cabin safe all year long.
