Dropping temperatures are a good reminder to change the batteries in your water, freeze, and fire sensors. Plan to replace batteries every 7-10 years if your sensors are new and every 3-5 years for older ones. This will help keep your home protected from freeze, flood, and fire, regardless of where you are. This is especially important if you don’t occupy your property year-round.
Many homeowners reduce the temperature in an empty home or cabin to 50-55 degrees to save money and wear on the furnace. However, setting a furnace too close to below freezing temperatures can lead to frozen and burst water pipes. If your home does get cold enough for frozen and burst pipes, having environmental sensors present will alert your monitoring center and they will contact you. You can then take action to prevent serious damage.
Intrusion protection include other important sensors to have if you will be leaving your home for an extended period. This includes door, window, and motion sensors and should also have their batteries replaced.
To change a battery in a sensor, you will need to disarm your alarm system. Second, let your monitoring center know that you need your system to be placed in test mode. Lastly, gently remove the cover from your sensor and replace the battery. If you have trouble removing the cover, please contact technical support during business hours by calling 763.477.3664. You can also find how-to videos on our website.
Please notify your monitoring center that you will be leaving for an extended period, and no one will be staying in the home. Check your alternate contact information to be sure the dispatching procedure runs efficiently.