It used to be that those who could afford vacation homes employed at least one full-time caretaker to look after things while they were away. But then again, those named Rockefeller, Hearst and Morgan were the ones who could afford second homes and a staff to go along with it. Now, with ever-increasing numbers of Americans purchasing vacation properties or second homes, a new industry has sprung up to replace the old-fashioned caretaker -- remote monitoring.
A major source of growth in the security industry over the last few years, remote monitoring entails installing sensors, cameras and alarms that can detect problems and alert absent homeowners as well as the proper authorities (see Electronic Caretakers Sept./Oct. 2002). This technology began as a way to watch for burglars, catch fires in the early stages, or avoid frozen or burst pipes, but now they can do so much more.
Most systems not only ring alarms at the police, fire or other monitoring stations, they alert homeowners via phone, Internet or beeper. And in turn, users can control certain components in their homes using those same channels. Users now have options to control heat, air conditioning, appliances or even hot tubs so they can prepare their weekend retreats for arrival before they even leave the office.
More good news for those considering purchasing a remote monitoring system: the right system could save you a bundle in insurance premiums. While simple smoke detectors, burglar alarms and deadbolt locks will usually get you a 5 percent discount, some insurance companies will cut your premium by as much as 20 percent if a sophisticated fire sprinkler and remote alarm system are installed, according to the Insurance Information Institute. But the institute warns that not all systems qualify for such discounts -- some of the technology is too new to be reflected in claim statistics, so companies are holding pat on price breaks for the immediate future.
The Institute advises interested homeowners to find out what type of system your insurer recommends, how much it would cost and how much you would save on your premiums. Before investing in a system, homeowners should also:
Research and choose from licensed companies that are certified by the National Burglar Fri, 14 Sep 2007 00:00:00 Rob Fanjoy Herbie to the Rescue http://www.smart-homeowner.com/node/8019 http://www.herbiehydrant.com or call 888-580-7233.
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