Need Some Advice on low temperature alarms

Silver Duck · 01-30-2005, 12:05 PM

My father spends his Winters in Florida, but does not want to fully winterize his house, so I "keep an eye on it" for him.

Last weekend, we had a very close call with a loss-of-heat situation. We arrived to find the heat off and the house temperature in the low 40s; since the previous night had been below 0, I figure that we lucked out and got there only a few hours after the heat had failed.

I want to install a dial-out low temperature alarm, and figured that many forum members must use these to protect their lake homes. I'd greatly appreciate any advice concerning the best brands, and where to purchase one!

Thanks in advance,

Silver Duck

Paugus Bay Resident · 01-30-2005, 12:12 PM

Try SmartHome

SAMIAM · 01-30-2005, 12:20 PM

I have the same situation with my mom's house,but it is in view,so I just use a plug-in temperature switch (very cheap) hooked up to a light in the window. We leave the house at 50 degrees and just to be safe,we turn the water off without draining the pipes.That way they water is always ready to be used but if a pipe should freeze,there wouldn't be a flood.
Hope that's helpful

Pepper · 01-30-2005, 12:55 PM

Call Don at Guardian Technologies 603-524-3380. He recently installed one of these systems in my Mother-in-law's condo. He does all the work himself, and programs the unit to dial up to five different phone numbers. It'll keep dialing all five till somebody responds with the correct code to stop the cycle. We have hers set to start calling at 50 degrees. It's a one-time cost - you own the unit forever, and no monthly fees or service charges!

We are thrilled with the work he's done, and delighted with the unit! HIGHLY RECOMMEND Guardian Technologies!

newbie · 01-30-2005, 02:17 PM

I had the same issue so I installed one of these units form Sensaphone. http://www.smarthome.com/7005.html

Was well worth it and I can check anytime for peace of mind. Easy to install and program (10 min. of time)

Good luck

KTO · 01-30-2005, 03:04 PM

We used to do that "light" thing. We'd plug it into the wall and would have a neighbor look after it for us. If they light went on, there was a temp. problem.

The Eagle · 01-31-2005, 01:28 PM

Hi Silver Duck!
I don't know if you have oil heat and who your supplier is, but we use Fred Fuller Oil. They installed a temperature notifier to our furnace, and if our house temp drops or the furnace fails to come on, it calls THEM. Fred Fuller then sends a serviceman (we leave him keys to our house) to go over to our house and fix the problem. It saves us from running all the way up there, and it sends a serviceman (which we would probably need anyway) to solve the problem. We also have "Automatic Delivery" so it never runs out of oil. We have used Fuller for the eight years we have been up there, and so far, I am pleased with his service. There is an annual charge for this service, but it's very inexpensive. His number is (603) 253-6600 if you want to speak with them.
"The Eagle"

RLW · 01-31-2005, 04:14 PM

Good afternoon The Eagle,
Who pays the bill when the serviceman goes through all the trouble to go to your place and it isn't the burner, but a good ole fashion power failure??

Silver Duck · 01-31-2005, 08:14 PM

Hi All

Thanks for the input. That sensaphone gizmo is pretty much what I'd envisioned. And, Eagle, the home is down in MA. But, I think I'll give his oil supplier a call and see if they offer the same service.

SAMIAM, that's a heck of a good idea; I'm ashamed that my Dad and I didn't think of it. (He was a plumber, and I grew up helping him!

) The main supply valve is getting shut off next time I go down there, even with a monitoring system.

If anyone knows of any additional units similar to the sensaphone, I'd be very happy to hear about them.

Thanks again,

Silver Duck

The Eagle · 02-01-2005, 08:18 AM

Hi RLW,
So far we have never, had to have that problem. Althought the power does go out often, it is never out, so long, that the Tempratures drop into the danger zone. The device works off the phone line, so if there is no power, the control device can still signal the oil company.

(just a cute note: I noticed, the picture of your license plate. I can tell it's a Veteran's plate, but the funny thing is MY initials are FS)
"The Eagle"

Island-Ho · 02-01-2005, 12:14 PM

If you turn off the water supply valve (a good idea), make sure the gas, oil, or electricity is also turned off to the water heater. An open faucet, or a leak can drain the heater, leading to a melt-down or worse.

RLW · 02-01-2005, 01:56 PM

You are right about shutting down the water system, but not because of a leaky faucet or pipe. That would not drain down the system for a melt down as the main system is shut down and there is no pressure to push the water out of the tank and/or coils. Now if the tank sprung a leak that is a different story. MELT DOWN

Just Wonderin · 02-02-2005, 10:58 AM

Silver Duck,

Go to Amazon.com and search "freeze alarm". We recently purchased one for our cottage up at the lake and in all of our searching, Amazon.com had the best prices. And, hey, if you're willing to sign up for an Amazon.com Visa card, they'll even give you an additional $30.00 off your purchase. (that's a female shopper for you)

We bought the Control Products FA-I-CAA Intermediate FreezeAlarm. The retail price on other sites is $250.00. Amazon.com's price is $179.00 and with the additional $30.00 off, it came to $149.00 with free shipping...such a deal!

When you search "freeze alarm" you will be shown 4 models. You may prefer one other than the intermediate, but it's one more place to look before you make your decision. Good Luck!

Island-Ho · 02-02-2005, 12:27 PM

I was trying to keep my suggestion simple without all the details. You are correct, but there are some installations where the water heater is above some of the faucets. If someone inadvertently opened one of those hot water faucets, and with other conditions favorable (or unfavorable, depending on your point of view), it is possible to drain the tank. Obviously some source of replacement air would be required. Also, as you mention, a leaky tank would lead to the same result. Bottom line - It is recommended that the heat source in the tank be turned off.

Silver Duck · 02-02-2005, 07:57 PM

Thanks, Just Wonderin! I'll pop over to Amazon.com and have a look at that model.

Silver Duck

Charlie T · 02-03-2005, 10:43 AM

I have had a "FREEZE ALARM" at my house for 2 yrs. I have been very happy with it. The model I have allows me to call in and over the telephone and check the temp in the house. It also allows me to turn my heat up or down ( relay contact closure activation) so that I can keep the house cool and economical when I am not there, yet I can turn the heat up several hours before I arrive so that it is nice and toasty. It has provisions for a external "water sensor " so I know if I have sprung a water leak and there is water on the floor. To be safe I shut the pump off when I am not there.
The couple of hundred I spent on it is certainly cheaper than the cost of a freeze up. I hope this helps
Good Luck
Charlie

JoeP · 03-05-2005, 06:21 PM

I have the basic freeze alarm model (was about $100) and learned last winter that it works! It telephoned us in the middle of a very cold night. I called Fred Fuller's (they have 24-hour coverage) and they sent out a service person first thing in the morning. Fuller's had also installed an alarm that calls them, but my old freeze alarm called us first. Best $100 I've ever spent.

T.H.E. Binz · 03-20-2005, 12:03 PM

Why not just phone the NH Elec. Co-op or go on their website? They have been selling low temperature alarm systems for years. The simplest one phones you when the temperature is below your programmed set point.

01-30-2005, 12:05 PM	#1
Silver Duck Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Billerica, MA Posts: 364 Thanks: 40 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	Need Some Advice My father spends his Winters in Florida, but does not want to fully winterize his house, so I "keep an eye on it" for him. Last weekend, we had a very close call with a loss-of-heat situation. We arrived to find the heat off and the house temperature in the low 40s; since the previous night had been below 0, I figure that we lucked out and got there only a few hours after the heat had failed. I want to install a dial-out low temperature alarm, and figured that many forum members must use these to protect their lake homes. I'd greatly appreciate any advice concerning the best brands, and where to purchase one! Thanks in advance, Silver Duck

01-30-2005, 12:55 PM	#4
Pepper Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Laconia, NH Posts: 1,284 Thanks: 409 Thanked 155 Times in 40 Posts	Guardian Technologies Call Don at Guardian Technologies 603-524-3380. He recently installed one of these systems in my Mother-in-law's condo. He does all the work himself, and programs the unit to dial up to five different phone numbers. It'll keep dialing all five till somebody responds with the correct code to stop the cycle. We have hers set to start calling at 50 degrees. It's a one-time cost - you own the unit forever, and no monthly fees or service charges! We are thrilled with the work he's done, and delighted with the unit! HIGHLY RECOMMEND Guardian Technologies! __________________ Never waste time lamenting what was. Simply celebrate what is!

01-30-2005, 02:17 PM	#5
newbie Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Just North of Boston Posts: 105 Thanks: 57 Thanked 5 Times in 4 Posts	I had same issue last year I had the same issue so I installed one of these units form Sensaphone. http://www.smarthome.com/7005.html Was well worth it and I can check anytime for peace of mind. Easy to install and program (10 min. of time) Good luck

01-31-2005, 01:28 PM	#7
The Eagle Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Burlington MA & Moultonboro NH Posts: 218 Thanks: 17 Thanked 141 Times in 33 Posts	Here's whay we do... Hi Silver Duck! I don't know if you have oil heat and who your supplier is, but we use Fred Fuller Oil. They installed a temperature notifier to our furnace, and if our house temp drops or the furnace fails to come on, it calls THEM. Fred Fuller then sends a serviceman (we leave him keys to our house) to go over to our house and fix the problem. It saves us from running all the way up there, and it sends a serviceman (which we would probably need anyway) to solve the problem. We also have "Automatic Delivery" so it never runs out of oil. We have used Fuller for the eight years we have been up there, and so far, I am pleased with his service. There is an annual charge for this service, but it's very inexpensive. His number is (603) 253-6600 if you want to speak with them. "The Eagle"

01-31-2005, 04:14 PM	#8
RLW Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Alton Bay on the mountain by a lake Posts: 2,023 Thanks: 563 Thanked 444 Times in 311 Posts	Who pays the bill when its a power failure Good afternoon The Eagle, Who pays the bill when the serviceman goes through all the trouble to go to your place and it isn't the burner, but a good ole fashion power failure?? __________________ There is nothing better than living on Alton Mountain & our grand kids visits.

01-30-2005, 12:12 PM	#2
Paugus Bay Resident Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Gilmanton, NH Posts: 754 Thanks: 136 Thanked 92 Times in 51 Posts	Try SmartHome

01-30-2005, 12:20 PM	#3
SAMIAM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 2,836 Thanks: 326 Thanked 1,626 Times in 562 Posts	I have the same situation with my mom's house,but it is in view,so I just use a plug-in temperature switch (very cheap) hooked up to a light in the window. We leave the house at 50 degrees and just to be safe,we turn the water off without draining the pipes.That way they water is always ready to be used but if a pipe should freeze,there wouldn't be a flood. Hope that's helpful

01-30-2005, 03:04 PM	#6
KTO Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Meredith, NH Posts: 391 Thanks: 30 Thanked 117 Times in 26 Posts	We used to do that "light" thing. We'd plug it into the wall and would have a neighbor look after it for us. If they light went on, there was a temp. problem.

01-31-2005, 08:14 PM	#9
Silver Duck Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Billerica, MA Posts: 364 Thanks: 40 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	Hi All Thanks for the input. That sensaphone gizmo is pretty much what I'd envisioned. And, Eagle, the home is down in MA. But, I think I'll give his oil supplier a call and see if they offer the same service. SAMIAM, that's a heck of a good idea; I'm ashamed that my Dad and I didn't think of it. (He was a plumber, and I grew up helping him! ) The main supply valve is getting shut off next time I go down there, even with a monitoring system. If anyone knows of any additional units similar to the sensaphone, I'd be very happy to hear about them. Thanks again, Silver Duck

02-01-2005, 08:18 AM	#10
The Eagle Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Burlington MA & Moultonboro NH Posts: 218 Thanks: 17 Thanked 141 Times in 33 Posts	To RLW Hi RLW, So far we have never, had to have that problem. Althought the power does go out often, it is never out, so long, that the Tempratures drop into the danger zone. The device works off the phone line, so if there is no power, the control device can still signal the oil company. (just a cute note: I noticed, the picture of your license plate. I can tell it's a Veteran's plate, but the funny thing is MY initials are FS) "The Eagle"

02-01-2005, 12:14 PM	#11
Island-Ho Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 176 Thanks: 19 Thanked 14 Times in 11 Posts	Turn off Heater If you turn off the water supply valve (a good idea), make sure the gas, oil, or electricity is also turned off to the water heater. An open faucet, or a leak can drain the heater, leading to a melt-down or worse.

02-01-2005, 01:56 PM	#12
RLW Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Alton Bay on the mountain by a lake Posts: 2,023 Thanks: 563 Thanked 444 Times in 311 Posts	Hot water shut down You are right about shutting down the water system, but not because of a leaky faucet or pipe. That would not drain down the system for a melt down as the main system is shut down and there is no pressure to push the water out of the tank and/or coils. Now if the tank sprung a leak that is a different story. MELT DOWN __________________ There is nothing better than living on Alton Mountain & our grand kids visits.

02-02-2005, 10:58 AM	#13
Just Wonderin Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 165 Thanks: 55 Thanked 23 Times in 14 Posts	freeze alarms Silver Duck, Go to Amazon.com and search "freeze alarm". We recently purchased one for our cottage up at the lake and in all of our searching, Amazon.com had the best prices. And, hey, if you're willing to sign up for an Amazon.com Visa card, they'll even give you an additional $30.00 off your purchase. (that's a female shopper for you) We bought the Control Products FA-I-CAA Intermediate FreezeAlarm. The retail price on other sites is $250.00. Amazon.com's price is $179.00 and with the additional $30.00 off, it came to $149.00 with free shipping...such a deal! When you search "freeze alarm" you will be shown 4 models. You may prefer one other than the intermediate, but it's one more place to look before you make your decision. Good Luck!

02-02-2005, 12:27 PM	#14
Island-Ho Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 176 Thanks: 19 Thanked 14 Times in 11 Posts	To RLW I was trying to keep my suggestion simple without all the details. You are correct, but there are some installations where the water heater is above some of the faucets. If someone inadvertently opened one of those hot water faucets, and with other conditions favorable (or unfavorable, depending on your point of view), it is possible to drain the tank. Obviously some source of replacement air would be required. Also, as you mention, a leaky tank would lead to the same result. Bottom line - It is recommended that the heat source in the tank be turned off.

02-02-2005, 07:57 PM	#15
Silver Duck Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Billerica, MA Posts: 364 Thanks: 40 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	Thanks, Just Wonderin! I'll pop over to Amazon.com and have a look at that model. Silver Duck

02-03-2005, 10:43 AM	#16
Charlie T Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 303 Thanks: 248 Thanked 178 Times in 84 Posts	freeze alarm I have had a "FREEZE ALARM" at my house for 2 yrs. I have been very happy with it. The model I have allows me to call in and over the telephone and check the temp in the house. It also allows me to turn my heat up or down ( relay contact closure activation) so that I can keep the house cool and economical when I am not there, yet I can turn the heat up several hours before I arrive so that it is nice and toasty. It has provisions for a external "water sensor " so I know if I have sprung a water leak and there is water on the floor. To be safe I shut the pump off when I am not there. The couple of hundred I spent on it is certainly cheaper than the cost of a freeze up. I hope this helps Good Luck Charlie

03-05-2005, 06:21 PM	#17
JoeP Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Walpole MA and Moultonborough Neck Posts: 18 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	freeze alarm I have the basic freeze alarm model (was about $100) and learned last winter that it works! It telephoned us in the middle of a very cold night. I called Fred Fuller's (they have 24-hour coverage) and they sent out a service person first thing in the morning. Fuller's had also installed an alarm that calls them, but my old freeze alarm called us first. Best $100 I've ever spent.

03-20-2005, 12:03 PM	#18
T.H.E. Binz Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Meredith & Chadds Ford, PA Posts: 112 Thanks: 0 Thanked 11 Times in 8 Posts	Elelctric Co-op Why not just phone the NH Elec. Co-op or go on their website? They have been selling low temperature alarm systems for years. The simplest one phones you when the temperature is below your programmed set point.