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.