Alarm systems with heat sensors? (Kris? I know you did this...) [long]
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Alarm systems with heat sensors? (Kris? I know you did this...) [long]
Submitted by Julia on April 20, 2010 - 5:25pmSo my husband and I just met with an alarm company. For Grover's sake, we want to install an alarm system in our new house with a heat monitor... and I'm not talking about fire heat. I mean, the area the house is in is PRONE to electricity outages and god forbid a room's windows be closed with the A/C cranking, and we lose power while we're at work.
Without expressing my sheer stress level about the thought of leaving Grover in an A/C'd house and having the power going out (you guys understand) we are TRYING to find companies that service CT with what is essentially a greenhouse sensoring system.
This particular company we met with seemed pretty cool. You set the temperature so whatever you want, and if that sensor goes off, they notify YOU, but not the "authorities." We have plenty of time to call a neighbor or "grandma" to run over and let Grovie out.
Basically, I'm asking if anyone has experience with a system like this? I know Kris does. But I can't get them up here. 
We're going to call around to places like ADT and Brinks tomorrow but I couldn't get anything online.
My HUGE question that I forgot to ask the salesguy (and my husband will call tomorrow) is STUPID - If the power goes out, and the air conditioner goes out, and the heat rises, isn't the electricity OUT? How does the system continue to work?!?!?! I'm hoping there is a battery back-up - but how long might it last? I would think by the time the house heated up to a point we'd need to be notified, the battery would be worn out, no?
Any info you want to share with me is MUCH appreciated. Please no flames - I care IMMENSELY about my dog and even if this NEVER needs to be used, it's for my peace of mind.
Julia
So how long does the battery back-up last?
That's my big question. We're definitely getting the system for security purposes, but MAINLY for the hi-low temperature sensor for during the summer when we have the A/C on and we're at work.
Hee hee.
Like I said, the area loses power constantly (at least I remember as a kid, maybe it's gotten better!) so how long will the battery back-up LAST when the power's out... ? You know?
I'm paranoid.
Oh! And this security company is part of an oil business, too. Unfortuantely we don't have oil heat, but they're a well respected oil company.
Anyway, THANKS!
Julia
Battery back-up
I had the same question. It has a battery back-up and it will beep ANNOYINGLY to let you know that the battery is low. They will call, show-up up unexpectedly to fix it too. I unplugged the fire detector to paint the ceiling and I had them show up at more door telling me that they had a tamper alert!
You have to go through a local company. We got introduced to it through the salesman who sold our heat/oil contract. The same company owns it for us.
With all these bullies getting stolen and harrassed by neighbors, I think you are doing the right thing.
Now if I can only keep Major from digging under the fence somehow...
Kris
Battery back-up
I had the same question. It has a battery back-up and it will beep ANNOYINGLY to let you know that the battery is low. They will call, show-up up unexpectedly to fix it too. I unplugged the fire detector to paint the ceiling and I had them show up at more door telling me that they had a tamper alert!
You have to go through a local company. We got introduced to it through the salesman who sold our heat/oil contract. The same company owns it for us.
With all these bullies getting stolen and harrassed by neighbors, I think you are doing the right thing.
Now if I can only keep Major from digging under the fence somehow...
Kris
Hi/Lo - that's what this is....!
The monitoring system of this particular company sounds very good. They do have a good phone chain system - cell phone, work, family members... the ring until they get you SOMEWHERE.
But it's a local company. Not national. So I'm a little uneasy.
Thanks for your response... your situation is exactly what I want to attempt to preempt.
Julia
Alarm System Info...
We added a Hi/Lo temp sensor to our system 2 years ago. We did this after a mishap where our central A/C went down and was actually blowing hot air. Luckily we came home shortly after to find the dogs somewhat overheated.
Most of these alarm sytems have a battery back-up in case of power loss.
One of the most important things is the central station monitoring. It is critical that they are reliable and call your contacts (or cell phone) quickly, and don't stop calling until they get an answer.
We used a well known local company. I would suggest asking around to see who people in your area are using, and how they like them.
Bruce (BIKHINTISCH)