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A freeze alarm is invaluable to anyone who owns a home, cabin,
trailer, or commercial building that endures harsh winters. For "snow
birds" who like to travel south for the winter months, a freeze alarm
is practically an insurance policy against winter weather damage back
at home that would otherwise go unnoticed. If your furnace or
electricity fails, your home is susceptible to below freezing
temperatures that can cause pipes to burst and leak water, damaging
drywall or other structural elements with dampness and mold.
Every
freeze alarm varies slightly, but most operate on the same premise: it
alerts you, usually via phone, when the temperature inside your home
drops below (or nearly below) freezing. When you receive a pre-recorded
voice message from the freeze alarm, you can then remotely respond and
take immediate action to protect your home.
A more advanced
freeze alarm may allow you to preset the temperature alerts according
to your own preference, or send alerts to multiple phone lines. Often,
a freeze alarm will double as a heat sensor as well, alerting you to
high temperatures that may be hazardous to plants or pets if your air
conditioning fails. Installation is typically no more difficult than
plugging in a phone cable and maintenance usually requires 9-volt
batteries. Be sure to replace the battery before you leave, and set
your thermostat no lower than 55°F in the winter. Some freeze alarm
models allow you to check the battery charge, or call into the system
to check the temperature in your home, cabin, or greenhouse.
No
matter what sort of freeze alarm you purchase for your home, it is
important that its capabilities meet your needs as a homeowner. Before
deciding on a freeze alarm, ask yourself if you: (1) need to be alerted
via several phone numbers, or is one sufficient? (2) Want the ability
to call in and check or change the status of your home, cabin, or
greenhouse temperature at any time? (3) Prefer a rechargeable battery?
(4) feel more comfortable with a dual cold and heat sensor?
These
are all questions you should ask yourself before buying a freeze alarm
or any environmental sensor for your space. A freeze alarm may save the
life of a pet, plant, or even a person, and it will undoubtedly prevent
your home from suffering the severe structural damage caused by power
failures that lead to water leakages from pipes, refrigerators, washing
machines, dishwashers, and other home appliances.
Because a
freeze alarm is so cost-effective and easy to install, it's simply
common sense to get one for your home, especially if you vacation often
during the winter months. Practice preventative home care and save
yourself from worrying about what might happen while you're away by
installing a freeze alarm in structures vulnerable to the elements...
Where you can find out more about
Freeze Alarms and
articles on Home Security Systems
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