Whether you want to be able turn up the heat in your house while commuting home from work on the train or just need a way to adjust the temperature without leaving the comfort of your living room sofa, Venstar has a remote control thermostat to fit your needs and budget.  Venstar, one of the leading manufacturers of thermostats in the world, understands that today’s consumers want convenience, energy efficiency and reliability when it comes to home thermostats.  But they also recognize that users have different requirements when it comes to remote control thermostats — some people demand the latest and greatest technology, while others want something more basic.  Keep reading to learn which Venstar thermostat fits your needs.

Venstar Voyager — Wi-Fi, Z-Wave^™, and ZigBee^™ Compatibility

The Voyager series is Venstar’s newest line of advanced digital remote control thermostats that allows you to control your home thermostat from anywhere at anytime via your smartphone.  Make your Voyager thermostat compatible with the protocol of your smart home system by adding either the WiFi, Z-Wave or ZigBee wireless module.

Features Include:

• Controls heat and A/C remotely whether you are home or away
• Compatible with WiF, Z-Wave and ZigBee smart home systems
• Free mobile app for Apple, Android and Blackberry
• Switchable:  Programmable or non-programmable
• Works with gas, electric or heat pump — multi-stage
• Large, easy-to-read display
• Outdoor temperature sensor so you can modify home temperature based on the current weather
• Affordably priced from $60 to $120
• Three models for residential use:  T3700 (2 heat, 1 cool);  T3800 (4 heat, 2 cool); T3900 (4 heat, 2 cool + dual fuel)

Venstar ColorTouch — Built-in WiFi and Stylish Design

Homeowners love the look of the Venstar ColorTouch, the high resolution digital thermostat with the touch screen display.   The attractive ColorTouch remote control thermostat now comes with built-in WiFi so you can control and monitor the temperature in your house from using your smartphone from anywhere.

Features Include:

• Up to 4 heat & 2 cool stages
• Works with gas, electric or heat pumps
• Dual fuel capable
• Free mobile app for Apple, Android and Blackberry
• Switchable: Programmable or Non Programmable
• Customizable screensaver and wallpaper

Venstar Slimline — Control Temperature by Phone Call

The Venstar Slimline is the remote control solution for homes without WiFi or a smart home system.  With the addition of a Comfort Call Phone Thermostat Controller, you’ll be able to call your Slimline thermostat from any telephone and adjust the temperature in your home.  The Venstar Slimline is an easy way to add remote temperature control in vacation homes that lack year-round WiFi!

Features Include:

• 1-day programmable with up to 4 time periods
• Works with gas/electric, heat pump, electric and hydronic heat
• Add a handheld IR remote controller to adjust heat from your sofa

Venstar Wireless Remote Kit — In-Home Convenience

The Venstar Wireless Thermostat Kit is the perfect solution for homeowners who simply want the convenience of a handheld wireless controller.  This remote control thermostat is completely wireless so you can mount it anywhere in the house.

Features Include:

• Works with gas, electric or heat pumps

• Up to 4 thermostats can be used with one receiver
• Transmits up to 500 feet, through walls and floors
• Transmits at 418MHz using pulse code modulation so it won’t interfere with other wireless systems
• 7 -day programmable with 4 time periods per day

More on Remote Control Thermostats

For additional information on how to choose a remote control thermostat for your home, go to the diycontrols.com blog and read “Add the Convenience of Remote Temperature Control to Your Home.”

The post Remote Control Thermostats by Venstar Satisfy Every User and Protocol appeared first on DIYControls Blog.

Attention baby boomers — hearing loss is no longer limited to the elderly.  Since 1971, the number of people ages 45 and 64 who suffer from some degree of hearing loss has risen by 26%!  Loud noise in the workplace, injuries, medications and chronic disease are some of the top causes of hear loss.  Listening to loud music — whether at a rock concert or wearing headphones or earbuds — can also cause temporary or permanent hearing loss as well as tinnitus (or “ringing in the ears”).

Fortunately, technology is available to help folks with hearing impairments.  If someone you know is straining to understand conversations or having trouble hearing the TV and talking on the phone, here are some helpful gift suggestions that will improve their ability to hear and make everyday life more enjoyable.

Flashing Cell Phone Signaler

For a visual signal that a mobile phone is ringing or has received a new text message, the Dreamzon LightOn cradle flashes a bright LED light so there’s no more missed calls or texts.  Just set the phone to vibrate and place it in the cradle.  Great for the office or home.  Works with nearly all mobile phones that have a vibration mode.  Around $50.

Fire & CO Alerting System

When smoke or carbon monoxide is detected, the strobe on the Silent Call Sidekick II Receiver flashes a bright light and an icon on the front panel indicates which transmitter was activated.  To create an alerting system, start with the Silent Call Sidekick II Receiver and add a fire alarm transmitter and carbon monoxide transmitter.  Other compatible 318MHz Silent Call transmitters can be added to receive alerts when the doorbell rings, a door/window opens, or the telephone rings.  For extra protection while sleeping, add a bedshaker to receive vibrating alerts.  Sidekick II Receiver is about $250.

Wireless TV Listening System

Wireless TV headphones are the perfect solution for anyone with hearing loss who needs to turn up the volume in order to enjoy their favorite TV show.  In addition to improved sound clarity, users can adjust the volume, tone and balance of their TV to their personal comfort level and listen privately without disturbing others.  Sennheiser, the German manufacturer of high quality audio electronics, offers both infrared (line of sight) and RF (radio frequency) TV listening systems that feature comfortable under-the-chin, “wishbone-shaped” headsets with soft tips that fit into the ear.  Prices range from around $200 to $280.

For users who prefer over-the ears headphones, the affordable TV Listener J3 by Unisar can be purchased with one or two headphones.  Both sets use infrared technology and sell for under $75.

Vibrating Alarm Clocks

A vibrating alarm clock is for anyone whose hearing loss comes between them and their alarm clock.  The super loud Bellman Vibrating Alarm Clock Classic will wake them with a powerful bedshaker, high-intensity LED light and audible alarm that increases in sound volume up to 100dB.  Priced about $75.

To waken one or two sleepers on varied schedules, the Amplicom TCL Vibe Digital Dual Alarm Clock features a loud audible alarm (75dB) and a silent vibrating wristband alarm that can be set for different times. Under $50.

Other Gift Ideas for People with Hearing Loss

Still searching for just the right gift?  There are lots of other devices to help people with hearing loss which, like the products featured in this article, do not require a doctor’s prescription. Below are a few of our favorites:

• Amplified phones
• Personal sound amplifiers
• Bluetooth TV and audio headphones
• Flashing telephone signaler

The post Helpful Gifts for People with Hearing Loss appeared first on DIYControls Blog.

Freeze alarms (also called “high/low temperature alarms”) are one of the best ways to protect your home from costly damage to walls, floors and furniture caused by frozen pipes that leak and burst.  Who needs a freeze alarm?  Just about everybody who owns a home in a location with cold winters and freezing temperatures.

Furnace failures and power outages are the primary causes of frozen pipes and can happen at any time.  Unoccupied houses and off-season vacation homes left vacant for months at a time are particularly susceptible.  In fact, unless you leave take precautions to maintain heat in your home, or shut off and properly drain systems and appliances, you may not be covered by your homeowners insurance if there’s a freeze event!  With winter approaching, now is the time to shop for a freeze alarm.  Here’s how to pick the best one for your situation.

What is a Freeze Alarm?

A freeze alarm is a device that monitors the temperature inside your home and provides a warning if it dips dangerously low so you can intervene before pipes freeze and crack.  There are two types:  local alert and call-out.

1)  Local alerts, like the popular Freeze Flash Temperature Warning Light, use flashing red LED lights to alert neighbors or passers-by that inside temps are approaching freezing.

2) Call-out freeze alarms, including the best-selling Deluxe Freeze Alarm, send you an alert via a phone call, email or text message when indoor temperatures are falling.

Which do you need?  For a local alert to protect your house, you need reliable neighbors who you will contact you if they see your freeze alarm flashing.  If you don’t have neighbors who you can count on, or your home is in a remote location, then you need a callout freeze alarm that will you notify you directly.

Getting Started

This Freeze Alarm Comparison Chart will help get you started in choosing a freeze alarm for your home.  Use the chart to narrow down your choices beginning with these important criteria:

• Communications — Pick a communications mode based on what is available in your home — landline phone, cellular service or Internet/WiFi (must be full-time).  Also consider how you want to receive alert notifications (see “What will you hear when it calls me”).

• Temperature Setpoint — Basic freeze alarms typically have a factory-determined “fixed” low temperature setpoint of around 45°F. If you want to customize the low (or high) temperature setpoints, choose a freeze alarm with adjustable temperature setpoints.

• Conditions Monitored — In addition to temperature, most freeze alarms also monitor for power outages.  Many models also accept optional sensors to monitor for things like water leaks, smoke, motion and doors or windows opened.
• Status — Some freeze alarms allow you to call or log-in to find out what the current temperature is (see “Call-in to hear exact temperature”).
• Remote Programming — Most web-based freeze alarms and a few phone-based models, such as the Sensaphone 400, let you adjust settings and change the temperature remotely, a nice perk if you want to warm your house in advance of arriving.

Budget Freeze Alarms — Under $100

HomeSitter Temperature, Water, and Power Alarm

This is the lowest cost multi-functional home monitoring system on the market for homes with a landline phone connection. Monitors either high or low temperature (fixed at below 45°F or above 85°F), power outages, water leaks and backup battery status. Sends a voice message alert to three phone numbers and sounds a built-in siren.

La Crosse Online Temperature and Humidity Wireless Alert System

This model is an online gateway for homes with full-time Internet and a wired router connection.  Sends text message or email alerts to one smartphone.  High and low temperature setpoints are adjustable.  Comes ready to monitor temperature and humidity.  Accepts up to five wireless sensors or wet or dry probes.  Historical data can be viewed via special web portal.

Better Freeze Alarms — Under $300

Intermediate Freeze Alarm

This best selling freeze alarm is a landline phone-based freeze alarm that lets you call in to change the settings or check the current temperature by phone.  Sends a voice message alert that announces the specific problem.  Calls up to three phone numbers and sounds a built-in siren.  Comes ready to monitor either high or low temperature (below 45°F or above 85°F), power outages, water leaks and backup battery status.

Temperature@lert Wi-Fi Edition

A stand-alone WiFi freeze alarm for homes with full-time Internet. Sends email and text alerts to an unlimited number of smartphones or computers (text service fee required).  High and low temperature set points are adjustable.  Comes ready to monitor for high and low temperatures.  Accepts up to four other sensors.  Remote programming possible by logging in.

Elertus Smart Sensor

A small, battery-powered environmental sensor that can be placed inside or outside in homes with a full-time WiFi connection.  Powered by two AA alkaline batteries.  Sends text message or email alerts to up to five smartphones.  Built-in adjustable temperature, humidity, motion and light alerts; accepts two additional sensors.  Remote programming via logging in or app.

Advanced Freeze Alarms — Under $400

Sensaphone 400 Cottagesitter

The most versatile landline-based freeze alarm around for homes without a full-time Internet connection. Calls up to four phone numbers with voice message alerts. Continues to call until someone responds.  Monitors for high/low temperatures (adjustable set points) and power outages, plus four other conditions based on optional sensors.  Remote programming by phone call. (Can also communicate via a cellular network by adding a cellular terminal or Bluetooth terminal.)

Metropolitan Ion Cellular Gateway

Ideal for homes without a landline phone or full-time Internet connection. Simple plug-and-play setup.  Sends text message or email alerts to up to three smartphones or computers.  Adjustable high and low temperature setpoints.  Add a wireless temperature sensor to receive freezing temperature alerts.  Remote programming via logging in.  Monitors for power outages, water, motion, and more with optional sensors.

More Good Reading About Freeze Alarms

Regardless of which model you choose, a freeze alarm is probably one of the best investments you will ever make to protect your home and belongings from catastrophic frozen pipes.  For additional information on freeze alarms, see these blog articles:

Frequently Asked Questions About Freeze Alarms

Freeze Alarms for Every Budget – Best Way to Prevent Damage by Frozen Pipes

Pick a Freeze Alarm Based on How it Communicates

The post Freeze Alarms: Why You Need One, How to Choose appeared first on DIYControls Blog.

Stuff is still being designed and built in the USA, including Sensaphone’s innovative line of remote monitoring systems and early detection products.  Since 1985, Sensaphone has manufactured its full line of reliable and robust autodialers in the small town of Aston, PA, located about 20 miles south of Philadelphia.  If you are looking for a way to protect your unoccupied home, vacation property or office from environmental threats like low temperatures, high humidity and leaks, a  Sensaphone remote monitor is one of best devices out there for the job.  With a “Made in the USA” Sensaphone remote monitor standing guard, you’ll receive alerts via phone, email or text message as soon as there’s a problem so you can fix things before costly damage occurs

24/7 Surveillance of Home and Small Businesses

Sensaphone 400 and 800:  Affordable Phone-based Remote Monitors for Any Property

A Sensaphone 400 or 800 remote monitor is the inexpensive, simple-to-use and easy-to-install solution to have 24/7 surveillance or your property.  So many things can go wrong when no one is there to watch over your property, including water leaks, furnace failures, freezing pipes, break-ins and damage from high or low temperatures.  Even if you have a human caretaker or watchman, there will be times when your home or office is unattended.

Top Features:

• Communicates via a regular landline phone connection — In locations without landline service, a cellular terminal can be added to get a dial tone.
• Prevents freeze or humidity damage — Monitors temperature from -20°F to 150°F so you’ll know when the heat or A/C is out or when there’s a power failure;
• Sends you customized voice message alerts anywhere — Calls 4 or 8* phone numbers (home, cell or office) if there’s a problem and keeps calling until answered;
• Listen in — Features a built-in microphone so you can hear activity, such as a beeping smoke alarm or answering machine, or even an intruder;
• Call in for status reports — Dial in to your Sensaphone to hear the status of all the conditions you’re monitoring;
• Monitor other critical conditions — Add 4 or 8* optional sensors to monitor for things like water on the floor, motion (see when your caretaker arrives) and high humidity (especially important in the south);
• Easy to program remotely — Change settings or emergency contact numbers from wherever you are using your telephone’s touch tones.

* Number of phone numbers and sensor inputs depends upon model.

Alerts via Email or Text, Plus Data Logging and Online Reporting

Sensaphone Web600:  The Economical Web-based Remote Monitor for Small Business

If you communicate primarily by smartphone, the Sensaphone Web600 Monitoring system is ideal for business people like you who want a remote monitor that sends alarm alerts by email or text message.  In unoccupied offices with a full-time Internet service, the Sensaphone Web600 protects as well as the Sensaphone 400 and is comparably priced.  And for small scale business applications that require advanced data logging and online reporting, the Web600 is the low-cost monitoring solution.

Top Features:

• Sends alarm notifications to your smartphone, tablet or computer — Notifies up to eight people by e-mail, text message or SNMP if there’s an alarm event or power outage;
• Data-logging capabilities — Ideal for use in computer rooms and food and medical storage facilities; records up to 100,000 samples, including data, date, and time;
• Log-in for status reports and remote programming — Access status conditions, review data logs and reprogram online through any web-enabled PC or tablet;
• Monitors a range of conditions — Monitors temperatures from -109°F to 168°F; accepts up to six external wired sensors to monitor conditions such as humidity, air quality, water detection, and more.

Powerful Cloud-Based System

Sensaphone Sentinel:  Allows Homeowners or Businesses to Check Critical Conditions Easily from Anywhere

The cloud-based Sensaphone Sentinel system gives you access to your readings from anywhere using a simple, powerful web-based interface or mobile app. If something happens, you’ll be the first to know. The Sentinel is designed primarily for businesses but homeowners will also appreciate the ease that they can access status reports and make on-the-go programming changes via the cloud site.  Alerts can be sent straight to your mobile device through an Internet or cellular connection to keep you updated and give you peace-of-mind wherever you are.

Top Features:

• Notifies an unlimited number of people — Sends instant alerts by e-mail, text message or voice phone calls to as many users as you need;
• Monitor up to 12 conditions — Accepts up to 12 external sensors; monitors a wide temperature range of -109° to 168°F;
• Secure, user-friendly online control panel — Store your sensor readings in “the cloud” to automatically protect against data loss and provide limitless information storage;  also allows remote programming.
• Cellular option — Available with an optional cellular modem for locations without landline or Internet service.

Why Choose Sensaphone?

For more than 30 years, over 400,000 Senspahone products have been manufactured, serviced, and supported in the U.S.  For consumers and business owners, that means a knowledgeable technical support team who can diagnose and correct many setup and programming problems over the phone; repair service at its PA headquarters; products with simple setup and programming with no complicated codes of commands; and a history of the highest customer satisfaction rates in the industry.  For purchasing information on Sensaphone remote monitors, contact diycontrols.com, an authorized Sensaphone reseller for decades.

The post Sensaphone: “Made in the USA” Remote Monitors for Home & Business appeared first on DIYControls Blog.

If saving money on household expenses is important to you, you are not alone.  Most homeowners are always on the lookout for new ways to reduce their monthly energy, utility and maintenance bills.  Here are some useful tips for lowering household spending so you’ll have extra pocket money at the end of the month that you can spend on yourself or family or add to your bank account.

1)  Affordable Security to Scare Away Intruders

If you want to protect your home and property but can’t afford an expensive home security system with high monthly service fees, here are some simple and vey affordable ways to deter thieves:

• Dummy security cameras that look like the real deal placed in strategic locations around entrances.
• Security yard signs by the mailbox and decals on windows at all of your entrances.
• Exterior motion sensor floodlights positioned outside your home (either battery-powered or solar-powered).
• And Rex Plus II, the Electronic Watchdog who barks loudly when he detects movement and never needs to be walked.

2)  Cut the Cord on Landline Phone Service

If you want to eliminate the monthly expense of landline phone service and still have convenience of telephone handsets in every room, you can replace your home’s landline service with a device called a cellular terminal.  A cellular terminal is a box with an antenna that gives you instant cellular connectivity so you can hook up your handsets or any other device that works through a phone line and requires a dial tone. It’s easy to add your cellular terminal to your current cell phone plan as another line.  For more information on cellular terminals, read this blog.

3)  Make Appliances More Energy Efficient

Find out which appliances in your home are using the most electricity with a simple device called a power meter. A power meter helps you to identify which appliances are the biggest energy wasters so you can modify your usage and potentially cut electric bills by as much as 10 to 20 percent. Go to “How to Save Energy at Home Using a Power Meter” to learn how to reduce “vampire power” and become more energy efficient.

4)  Reduce Cost of Running the Clothes Dryer

Did you know your clothes dryer can be one of the most expensive home appliances to operate and consume about 6 percent of your home’s total electricity usage?  You can reduce the cost of running your dryer by keeping your dryer vent clean.  Not only does a clogged dryer vent result in inefficiency and higher operating costs, it also creates a potential fire hazard. To remove a dangerous build-up of lint from your dryer vent, get the LintEater Dryer Vent Cleaning System. The LintEater system is easy to use and connects to any cordless power drill.

5)  Save on Heating and Cooling

The easiest way to reduce monthly heating or cooling bills is with a programmable thermostat that automatically adjusts the temperature in your house.  When you’re home, it will maintain a comfortable temperature, and when you’re asleep or away, it will adjust the temperature so you don’t waste energy heating or cooling an empty house.   To control temperature remotely using your smartphone or computer, upgrade to a programmable Internet thermostat.  To learn which type of programmable thermostat is right for you, read “Should You Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat?”

6)  Heat Your Pool for Free

Save hundreds of dollars each month by replacing your gas or electric pool heating system with a DIY solar pool heater that uses economical renewable energy.  A solar heater can extend the swimming season by weeks so you’ll get more enjoyment from your pool and it’s better for the environment too.  A solar pool heater system can be expanded easily and the payback period on your investment is typically only a couple of months.

7)  Replace Costly Chimney & Gutter Cleaning Pros with a DIY Kit

Cleaning the chimney once a year is important to prevent catastrophic chimney fires and reduce the smell of soot, but hiring a professional chimney sweep can be expensive.  Instead, make a one-time investment and get a do-it-yourself Sooteater Chimney Cleaning System that makes chimney cleaning an easy chore that any homeowner can do.

The same goes for gutter cleaning.  With the do-it-yourself VertaLok Gutter Cleaning Tool Kit, it’s easy to clean blockages and debris so rain and melting snow drain away from your house instead of into your basement.  The special rotary gutter cleaning tools attach to any cordless drill, making cleaning easy and eliminating the need to climb up on a ladder.

8)  Reduce Outdoor Water Consumption

If you live in a community where you have to pay for water, one of the first steps for reducing water consumption is knowing how much you are using.  To find out how many gallons of water are running through your garden hose, hook up a hose water meter that accurately measures both single waterings and cumulative water usage.  A hose water meter is a low cost item that pays for itself in no time.  It makes it easy to control your overall water usage and  lets you judge when your lawn or plants have had enough to drink.

Other Tips for Saving Money

Here are some additional tips and tricks for reducing household expenses and saving money around the house:

• Wash laundry in cold water to save on energy.
• Use CFL or LED lights instead of regular incandescent bulbs.
• Use ceiling fans to stay cool while reducing the need to run your A/C..
• Use caulking and weatherstripping to air-seal your home and cut heating and cooling costs.
• Lower the temperature on your hot water heater.
• Tackle routine home maintenance chores yourself instead of hiring a handyman.

The post Tips for Saving Money Around the House appeared first on DIYControls Blog.

With the holiday season fast approaching, now’s a good time to get a head start with your shopping with one of these great gift ideas for grandparents and seniors. Each of these items was carefully selected for older folks who don’t need more household clutter but who will appreciate a gift that makes everyday living easier and more enjoyable.

Gifts Under $50

No More Wasted Trips to the Mailbox

With the Dakota Alert 1000 Series Wireless Mailbox Alert Kit, seniors will know exactly when their mail has arrived.  The Dakota Alert’s sensor mounts on any hinged mailbox door and activates the moment the postman opens the mailbox.  Inside the home, the receiver plays a tune to signal that mail has been delivered. Both the transmitter and receiver are battery-powered and wireless, so installation is easy. Works up to 1,000 feet away and priced around $50.

Using the Telephone Just Got Easier

The Clarity Photo Phone P300 provides up to 26dB of amplification, making voices not only louder but also clearer and easier to understand. The extra large dial pad is designed for users with vision problems to make dialing easier.  Seniors can customize the speed-dial buttons with photos of family, friends or other frequently-called numbers. This is a great gift for seniors with mild to moderate hearing loss or low vision. Only $50!

Protection Against Tripped Circuits or Power Outages

Many grandparents have trouble climbing stairs or walking distances so they won’t know if the power goes out or a circuit is tripped on a basement or garage refrigerator, freezer, water heater or sump pump.  The Power Failure/Failed Circuit Alarm solves that problem by alerting with a loud 85 to 90 dB buzzer and blinking lights so they can remedy the situation. Installation is simple — just plug it in! Cost is $45.

Gifts Under $100

A “No Meds” Approach to Better Sleep

With the Marsona Sound Therapy Machine, seniors will fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly without medication. Instead of hearing the ringing of tinnitus or disturbing background noises, users are lulled by the realistic sounds of either falling rain, the ocean’s surf, a babbling brook, crickets chirping softly, the shoreline of a lake or a waterfall.  The Marsona Sound Therapy Machine plugs into a wall outlet or runs on battery power.  Lightweight and portable, it also features an automatic timer and sliding volume control.  A unique gift for around $90.

Watchdog You Never Have to Walk or Feed

Grandparents who live alone will feel extra secure with Rex Plus II, the Electronic Watchdog on duty guarding and protecting them. With his electronic radar eyes, Rex II can “see” through thick doors, walls and glass.  When he detects movement, he’ll begin barking. As the intruder gets closer, volume and frequency increases, just like a real watchdog. As the intruder backs off, the barking decreases in frequency and eventually stops. Powered by 110V wall outlet or batteries.  Priced around $80.

Wake Up Solution for Deep Sleepers (w/wo Hearing Loss)

Here is an extra-loud alarm clock that promises to wake up any deep sleeper on your shopping list, even if they’re hard of hearing. The Bellman Vibrating Alarm Clock Classic uses a powerful but silent bedshaker, high-intensity LED lights and a built-in extra-loud 100-plus dB ascending alarm.  The alarm spans multiple frequencies, so even users with a high frequency hearing loss won’t miss their wake up call. Around $75.

No More Missed Meds

Many seniors take multiple prescription medications as well as vitamins at various times of the days, which can be difficult for them to manage and risky if they get it wrong.  With a Med-E-Lert Automatic 6-Alarm Pill Dispenser, you can ensure that they taking the right meds at the right time.  The Med-E-Alert has 28 medication compartments and holds up to 6 doses of medication per day.  A medication reminder alarm sounds a tone or blinks when it is time to take a pill and the tamper-proof locking key system helps prevent over-medication. About $80.

Gifts Under $200

Adjust Room Temperature Without Getting Up

Make it easy for grandparents and seniors to adjust the heat or A/C from wherever they are with a 7-day programmable Venstar Wireless Thermostat with Remote Control. The portable, handheld remote is easy to carry from room to room, so grandma and grandpa can turn the heat up or down from the comfort of their sofa or bed. The remote transmits up to 500 feet, even through walls and floors, and the system is completely wireless so it’s easy to install.  For anyone confined to a bed or wheelchair, this gift provides the ultimate in convenience!  About $175.

Gifts Under $300

Turn Up the TV Volume Without Disturbing Others

Wireless TV headphones are the perfect solution for seniors with hearing loss who need to turn up the volume in order to enjoy their favorite TV show or music, but don’t want to disturb others nearby.  The wireless Sennheiser 830 Infrared TV Amplifier System lets users listen to TV from anywhere in the room and enjoy clear, outstanding sound quality. The under-the-chin stethoscope-style headset is lightweight and comfortable to wear (even with eyeglasses) and turns on and off automatically. Priced at $250.

Never Miss a Doorbell, Phone Call, Baby Cry or Smoke/CO Detector

Here’s an expandable home alerting system for any senior regardless of their hearing or visual challenges. The HomeAware™ Complete Home Alerting System by Sonic Alert provides both visual and audible alerts for all kinds of important events happening in the home. The main unit features a dual alarm clock with a bright red, 2-inch scrolling display that announces the alert (e.g., “smoke,” “phone” or “door”); flashing ultra-bright strobe light; 110 dB extra-loud alarm; and a powerful bed shaker that slides under the mattress. Starter kit sells for about $205.

More Gift Ideas

Still looking for just the right gift for your favorite senior? Take a look at some of the other gift ideas we offer in the “Independent Living” section of the diycontrols.com store, including: personal emergency response systems you buy instead of rent, amplified phones, reminder alarm clocks and wireless security and in-home monitoring systems.

The post Great Gift Ideas for Grandparents and Seniors appeared first on DIYControls Blog.

Shopping for a gift that is unique and within your budget doesn’t have to be hard when you use this list of perfect holiday gift ideas.  All of the items we chose for this article are affordably priced, ranging from as low as $15 and on up to $100.  In addition, all of these holiday gift ideas are truly unusual and we guarantee that your loved ones will find them to be extremely useful!

Under $25

For:  Any Home with a Dishwasher

FloodSafe® Braided Stainless Steel Dishwasher Connectors are a great addition to anyone’s kitchen.  Use them to replace old dishwasher hoses that can crack and burst and cause catastrophic flooding.  FloodSafe Hoses turn off the water supply to the dishwasher automatically when an excess flow of water is sensed, before there’s messy water damage.  Since they have no mechanical moving parts, FloodSafe hoses need no power source and last for years and years.   Easy to install in 10 minutes.

For:  Families with a Clothes Dryer

LintEater Dryer Vent Cleaning System is a novel gift that will keep families safe from dryer vent fires caused by a build-up of lint that blocks the flow of air and results in excessive and dangerous heat.  The LintEater system makes cleaning the vent hose quick and easy, reducing the risk of a fire. It also makes dryers run more efficiently, reducing monthly electric or gas bills.  Pair it with a LintGard Dryer Safety Monitor that indicates when the lint buildup is reaching dangerous levels.

For:  New Drivers and Not-So-Good Drivers

Park Right Ball-on-a-String  is a clever invention that helps guide drivers into the garage and creates a flashy light show when they park correctly!  Attaches easily to the garage ceiling and comes complete with an eyehook, 8-foot line and 3 replaceable batteries.  Great for teen drivers and anyone else who needs a little help parking in a garage.  Add a set of Park Right bumper guards to protect car and walls.

Under $50

For:  Anyone with a Cell Phone

Datexx PowerNow Buddy is the most reliable portable iPhone or Android smartphone battery charger you can buy. PowerNow Buddy holds 97% of its charge after one year, compared to only three months for competitive chargers. Its 2400 mAh lithium-ion rechargeable battery charges a smartphone in under 3 hours.  PowerNow Buddy doubles as an LED flashlight and recharges itself using an USB/AC adapter in 6 hours. Comes in 4 colors.

For:  Remote Control Afficianados

SimpleHome Smart WiFi Plug with Energy Monitor lets homeowners or renters control any plugged in device, lamp or appliance from anywhere in the world using their smartphone and special app.  Users can set weekly schedules to have the device turn on and off to help save energy or deter thieves.  Also monitors the amount of energy being used by the connected device.  Communicates via Wi-Fi and includes an outlet plug and two USB ports for charging devices.

For:  Homeowners with a Curbside Mailbox

Dakota Alert 1000 Series Wireless Mailbox Alert Kit is the surefire way to know exactly when the daily mail has arrived.  The moment the postman opens the mailbox, the Dakota Alert receiver inside the home plays a tune to signal that mail has been delivered. Both the transmitter and receiver are battery-powered and wireless, so installation is easy. Works up to 1,000 feet away.  This is great gift for seniors or anyone who has a long walk out to the mailbox.

For:  Deep Sleepers and the Hard-of-Hearing

The Sonic Alert Traveler is the compact traveling alarm clock that features both an extra loud 110dB alarm and a vibrating bedshaker to awaken even the deepest of sleepers.  Because it is silent, the bedshaker can be used to rouse one sleeper while another person continues to snooze.  Comes with a built-in USB port for charging phones and other electronic devices.

Under $75

For:  Facebook Fans, Weekend Warriors and Amateur Filmmakers

The Swann SportsCam is the easy-to-use, miniature waterproof digital video camera that takes 640 x 480 high resolution video with excellent sound.  Transferring files to a PC is easy via the USB connection.  So is attaching files to an email or posting on Facebook, YouTube or other content sharing sites.  To shoot, hold the SportsCam in your hand; wear it on your head, body or helmet using the special straps; or attach it to a bike, car or whatever you’re riding using one of the mounting brackets.  Divers can use it in up to 65 feet of water.

For: Vacation Homeowners

For homes with a landline phone connection, the Homesitter is the most affordable remote monitoring system on the market today.  It makes a great gift for people with a second home to monitor high or low temperatures, power outages, water leaks and backup battery status. Set-up takes only a few minutes and there are no monitoring fees or installation costs. If there’s a problem, Homesitter calls up to three phone numbers and sends a voice message alert that announces the specific problem.  It also sounds a built-in siren.

For:  Dog Lovers

Dogtra’s iQ No Bark Collar is the safe way to teach dogs to stop unwanted barking.  This pet-friendly collar features a learning system that vibrates before any correction. The bark-recognition sensor has 10 levels of stimulation and a vibrate-only mode. Contact points are made from conductive plastic and ergonomically shaped with your dog’s comfort in mind. Both the collar strap and the receiver unit are fully waterproof to make cleaning easy.  Collar is adjustable to fit any size dog.  Comes in four colors.

Under $100

For: Techies and Early Adopters

smart home system for technology buffs who crave the latest and greatest.  With a smart home system, homeowners can control devices and appliances — including door locks, thermostats, lights and security cameras — from anywhere using a mobile device or computer.  VeraEdge controls over 220 devices and is compatible with over 1,200 leading brands of Z-VeraEdge is the Wave devices.  Adding devices is easy and setup is intuitive.

For:  All Renters or Homeowners 

A Kidde RemoteLync Smart Home Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Alarm Monitor is a surefire way to alert renters or homeowners if there’s a smoke or carbon monoxide emergency when they’re away from their house or apartment.   RemoteLync “listens” to existing smoke and CO alarms and automatically sends an alert to an iPhone or Android-compatible smartphone or tablet if one of the alarms goes off. It can even be programmed to call 911.  Plugs into any wall outlet and communicates via WiFi.

For:  Seniors or Insomniacs 

The Marsona Sound Therapy Machine is a thoughtful gift for anyone who has difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, especially seniors or people who suffer from tinnitus.  Users are lulled to sleep by the pleasant sound of falling rain, the ocean’s surf, a babbling brook, crickets chirping softly, the shoreline of a lake or a waterfall.  Plugs into a wall outlet or runs on battery power.  Lightweight and portable for traveling.  Provides up to 90dB amplification and a 60 minute timer for automatic shutoff.

The post Perfect Holiday Gift Ideas from $15 to $100 appeared first on DIYControls Blog.

This list of popular gifts will make shopping for families with children a lot easier this holiday season.  Most of the items here are best sellers and longstanding favorites amongst parents.  If you want to give a gift that helps keep kids safe and make parenting easier, this is the shopping guide for you!

SAVINGS TIP:  LOOK FOR THE BLACK FRIDAY / CYBER MONDAY 5% OFF COUPON CODE ON THE DIYCONTROLS.COM WEBSITE.

Gifts to Protect Little Ones

Digital Video Baby Monitor for Nurseries, Playrooms or Any Room

The Safe & Sound Digital Video Baby Monitor by VTech is a great gift for families who want to keep an eye on sleeping infants or older children busy in the playroom.  It features a full-color, high-resolution large 4.3-inch LCD screen; a pan, tilt and zoom camera; and automatic infrared night vision so parents can see their little ones in the dark.  The two-way intercom lets parents soothe a restless baby or converse with an upset child.  Best of all, the system is expandable so cameras can be added in up to 8 rooms.

Floating Pool Alarm for Any Type of Pool

The Pool Patrol PA-30 Pool Alarm with Wireless Remote Receiver is one of the best ways to prevent an accidental drowning in a backyard pool.  Pool Patrol works in any shape or type of pool — above-ground, in-ground or inflatable — and protects swimmers, non-swimmers and pets.  The adjustable sensing ring activates only when an object the size of a child or pet falls into the pool.  Installs in seconds, no tools required.   The PA-30 comes with a remote receiver so the alarm will sound at poolside and in the house (up to a distance of approximately 200 feet).

Take-it-With-You Pool Alarm Protects at Home and Away

Families love the portable Safety Turtle 2.0 Child Immersion Pool Alarm System for protecting young children and pets around open water. Safety Turtle 2.0 is a “personal immersion” system that uses water-activated wristbands and pet collar tags that trigger a loud alarm when submerged in water.  Safety Turtle can be used at home or carried to wherever the family will be swimming, including hotels, lakes, a friend’s pool or on a boat.  One Safety Turtle 2.0 base unit can support and unlimited number of child wristbands or pet collar attachments, which can be purchased separately.

Safety Gifts for Bigger Kids

Keep Tabs on Where Kids Hang Out

For parents who worry about their children’s safety when they’re away from home, the KJB Security Tracking Key II GPS Data Logger provides a reliable and discreet way to see when and where they’ve gone.  Measuring only 3-3/4″ x 1-1/2″, the KJB Tracking Key II can be tucked into a child’s backpack or attached to a car with the built-in magnet.  It holds up to 10 days of activity data so parents will know precisely where, when, and how fast their child traveled.  Location information can be viewed on Google Maps using the free online mapping software.  Works on PCs and Macs.

Garage Door Alert Prevents “Escapees”

Here’s a gift for families with young children who are concerned that their kids may slip out of the house unsupervised via the garage to explore the great outdoors. With an STI Wireless Garage Door Alert, they’ll be notified each time someone opens the garage door.  The wireless receiver works up to 1,000 feet away (line of sight) and flashes and chimes when activated.  It also reports the garage door’s current status (“open” or “closed”).

Home Alone Protection — Screen Visitors from Smartphone

Here’s a simple device that all parents will cherish — the Ring Video Doorbell.  It’s like Caller ID for the front door!  When the doorbell is pressed or motion is detected, an alert is sent to mom or dad’s smartphone along with streaming live HD video of the visitor outside the door, allowing them to screen visitors while deciding if its safe for whomever is home to open the door.  Ring Video also lets parents converse with the visitor through the built-in microphone and speakers.  This system is especially useful for working families with “latchkey” children who are home alone after school.

Gifts for Tweens and Teens

No More Excuses for Oversleeping

If you know a deep sleeper who is chronically late for class or consistently missing the bus, the extra loud Sonic Boom Skull Alarm Clock w/ “Bone Crusher” Bed Shaker will wake them up on time every morning.  In addition to its deafeningly loud 113dB alarm, The Skull has flashing red eye sockets, a strip of orange flashing alert lights and a deadly bone crusher vibrating bed shaker, making it one of our most popular gifts for young teens.  It also has a socket for plugging in an MP3 player.

And for teens or college students who share a bedroom with a sibling or roommate, the compact, wireless Amplicom TCL Vibe™ Dual Alarm Clock features two wake-up alarm times.  Vibe Dual comes with a comfortable vibrating wristband alarm that silently wakes up one sleeper without disturbing anyone else.  To awaken really heavy sleepers, Vibe can sound an extra loud audible alarm.

Personal GPS Tracker = Peace of Mind for Parents

All teens enjoy technology and so do most parents!  With a KJB iTrail Solo GPS Tracker in their backpack, purse or vehicle, they can chart their walking, hiking or driving activity on Google Maps™ and parents can view their activity and location in real time so they’ll always know where they are.  Teens can also use iTrail Solo to send discreet text message alerts to notify parents that they’ve arrived safely or left one of their parents’ customized geo-fence zones.  If teens encounter trouble anywhere, the iTrail Solo has a built-in panic button.

Unique Gifts for the Home

Easy-to-Install DIY Home Security System 

Here’s an affordable wireless security system that installs in minutes.  Because there are no wires to run or holes to drill, it’s the perfect gift for do-it-yourselfers with no skills! It’s a great solution for older homes too. The STI Burglar Stopper System is controlled by a Smart Panel that monitors wireless sensors in up to 8 zones. When there’s a security breach, the system’s indicator lights and a loud 120dB audible alarm is triggered. Comes with 2 door/window sensors, 1 motion sensor and a remote key fob controller.  Accepts an unlimited number of add-on sensors.  Include an autodialer that automatically dials up to 8 emergency contact phone numbers when activated.

24/7 Protection Against a Leaky Washing Machine Mess

Whether at home, at work or on vacation, a washing machine flood can go undetected for hours or even days, spilling 500 gallons of water per hour onto the floor!  Give a lucky family on your shopping list the Floodstop Washing Machine Valve Shutoff Kit to prevent this kind of disaster. When the Floodstop water/leak sensor detects water under or near the washing machine, it immediately turns off the hot and cold water supply.  Floodstop is easy to install and completely lead free. It can even be hooked up to a home security system to receive notifications when it’s been activated.

Need More Ideas for Popular Gifts?

For more suggestions of popular gifts for kids and families, go to the Great Gift Ideas tab on the diycontrols.com home page.  Or read about some of the other cool items we offer on the diycontrols.com blog page and click on Child Safety in the blue menu bar.

The post Black Friday Guide — Popular Gifts for Kids and Families appeared first on DIYControls Blog.

Folks who love their house, condo or vacation cottage will really appreciate receiving one of these unique gifts for the home.  For people who want to protect their property against mother nature or wear and tear, choose one of these temperature alarms or water shutoff valves to combat leaks and floods.  And for homeowners who relish comfort and convenience, take a look at these remote controlled thermostats.  All of these gifts are useful in either a primary residence or second home.

Prevent Frozen Pipes Damage

A freeze alarm is great gift for people who own a northern home or vacation cottage to protect against water damage caused by frozen pipes.  Freeze alarms monitor indoor temperatures and power outages.  If temps drop dangerously low due to a prolonged furnace failure or power outage, the freeze alarm either flashes or sends out a phone, text or email alert so someone can intervene before pipes freeze and burst.

Cellular Freeze Alarm

For homes located where there’s reliable Verizon cellular service, the MarCELL Cellular Connected is one of the most affordable cellular-based freeze alarms for monitoring temperature, humidity and power.  If there’s an emergency, it sends an instant alert message to a mobile device or PC.

• No phone line or Internet connection required;
• Sends phone call, text message and/or email alarm alerts;
• Also sends pertinent environmental info 3-4 times/day to a cloud account.

Flashing Temperature Warning Light

For homeowners with attentive next door neighbors, the battery-powered Freeze Flash Battery-Powered Low Temperature Warning Light protects unoccupied homes by flashing bright red LED lights when the inside temperature drops below the set-point.  Place the alarm in a highly visible window and ask neighbors to call if the see the warning lights flashing.

• Temperature range is 30°F to 70°F;
• Powered by two alkaline batteries so won’t be affected by power outages;
• Super bright red LEDs have 360 degree visibility up to 1,000 feet away.

Landline Phone Freeze Alarm

For homes with a year-round landline phone connection, the Intermediate Freeze Alarm is a versatile and economical solution.  If the indoor temperature gets too low or there’s a power failure, the Intermediate Freeze Alarm automatically calls up to three programmed emergency phone numbers.  (Can also communicate via a cellular network by adding a cellular terminal or Bluetooth terminal.)

• Call in from any phone for current temperature, power and back-up battery status;
• Comes ready to monitor high or low temperature and power outages;
• Temperature set points are adjustable.

Comfort, Convenience and Energy Savings

Give the gift of comfort with one of these remote controlled thermostats.  Once someone experiences the convenience of pre-warming or pre-cooling their home from wherever they are, they’ll wonder how they ever lived without remote thermostat control!  It’s also a great way to save energy by running the heat  or A/C only when home.  Important Tip:  Make sure to select a model that’s compatible with their type of heating system and communications capabilities (click here for more info on choosing a remote thermostat.)

Control Temperature by Phone 

The Venstar Comfort Call Thermostat Kit is the remote control solution for homes without WiFi or a smart home system.  With a Venstar Comfort Call system, homeowners can call and ‘talk’ to their thermostat using the latest in voice recognition and synthesis technology, making it easy to monitor and control temperature from any phone, from anywhere.

• 1-day programmable with up to 4 time periods;
• Works with gas/electric, heat pump, electric and hydronic heat;
• Add a handheld IR remote controller to adjust heat from your sofa.

Smart Home Compatibility

If you’re shopping for someone who already has a smart home system, the programmable Venstar Voyager Residential Digital Thermostat is instantly compatible with the major smart home communications protocols by adding either a WiFi, Z-Wave and ZigBee module. A Voyager Thermostat gives homeowners the convenience of remote temperature control so they can tweak their heat or A/C from anywhere at anytime using their smartphone.

• Works with gas, electric or heat pump heating systems;
• Free mobile app for Apple, Android and Blackberry;
• Outdoor temperature sensor lets you modify home temperature based on current weather.

Remote Control for Electric Heat

Here’s an original gift for homeowners with electric heat who struggle with reaching and regulating that  inconvenient baseboard temperature knob.  The Honeywell EConnect Wireless Thermostat with Gateway can be mounted on any wall, making it easier to reach and where it can better sense room temperature.

• Easy, wireless installation;
• Includes Internet Gateway for remote temp control via smartphone, computer or tablet;
• Programmable thermostat enables energy savings of up to 33%.

Stop Messy Plumbing Leaks

Water damage from a plumbing leak can be devastating and expensive, especially in a vacation home that’s left vacant for weeks or months at a time.  An automatic water shutoff valve is how you can give homeowners on your holiday shopping list some peace-of-mind and a way to circumvent plumbing leaks.  By turning off the water supply to a leaky appliance or at the water main before there’s catastrophic flooding, an automatic water shutoff valve is one of the best ways to prevents damaging water leaks.

Protect Against a Leaky Hot Water Heater

Water heaters have a limited life, then leak after years of corrosion.  A leaking hot water heater can go undetected for hours or even days and dump gallons of hot water onto the basement floor.  The result is an expensive, soggy mess!  How to avoid this kind of disaster?  A FloodStop Shutoff Valve for Water Heaters.  When the Floodstop sensor detects a leak under the water heater, it turns off the water supply and sounds an alarm — before there’s a damaging flood.

• Has battery backup in case of a power outage;
• Can also be used on the water main supply line for whole house protection;
• Connect to a home alarm system or autodialer to get phone, text or email alerts.

Prevent Whole House Floods

Water leaks from old or faulty plumbing can destroy walls, flooring and furniture, as well as personal items that can’t be replaced.  The Valve Screamer Whole House Kit is probably the easiest whole house water detection system to set up because all of the sensors are wireless. It comes with a water main shutoff valve to turn off the water supply for plumbing leaks anywhere in the house and the sophisticated Flood Screamer to monitor for water leaks in up to 32 leak-prone locations, including next to appliances or places where rain or ice can cause flooding.

• Monitors up to 32 wireless water puck sensors (comes with two);
• Sounds an extra loud 130dB siren when a leak is detected;
• Easy-to-read LED display makes it easy to identify activated sensor.

More Unique Gifts for Homeowners

We have many more unique gifts for family and friends who will appreciate receiving an interesting and useful device to protect their home and property.  If you don’t see just the right gift here, take a look at these articles for more original gift ideas for the home and vacation cottage:

“Protecting a Vacation Rental Property from Afar”

“Peace-of-Mind Home Monitoring for Summer Homes”

“Tips for Saving Money Around the House”

The post Unique Gifts for the Home and Vacation Cottage appeared first on DIYControls Blog.

Shopping for cool gifts that will get a guy’s attention can be a challenge, regardless of how old they are.  So we put together this list of not-so-ordinary gift ideas that will appeal to men who have everything, as well as those other guys who wish had everything!  We’re confident that if you spend a minute or two browsing this article you’ll find a couple of awesome gifts for that special father, grandfather, son, brother, boyfriend or uncle.

For Adventurers & Travelers

GPS Personal Location Finder

Your man will always find his way back with the small, lightweight Backtrack G2 Personal Locator from Bushnell.  Whether it’s finding his way back to a campsite in the woods or marking a car in a crowded parking lot, getting back to where he started is as easy as pushing a button and following an arrow.  The Backtrack G2 stores and locates up to three separate locations and features a highly sensitive GPS receiver that uses the latest digital technology.

Tracking and Mapping Device

With the miniature iTrail GPS Logger in his pocket, backpack or car, your guy will be able to record his adventures and view them on Google Maps and Google Earth via the easy-to-use free software PC interface.  The iTrail GPS Logger records up to 120 hours of location, speed and time info.  When he’s back home, all he has to do is plug the unit into his computer via the USB/charging cable and download the information to view it on the screen or print a report.  No monthly fees!

Compact & Portable Power Bank and Jump Starter for Cars

Here’s a unique and handy gift for any man’s car or truck:  it’s the PowerAll Portable Power Bank and Car Jump Starter, the #1 selling portable lithium battery charger.  PowerAll combines 3 different useful devices into a package small enough to fit into a pocket or glove box: a battery charger for on-the-go charging of cell phones or other electronic devices; an emergency jump starter so he won’t have to wait for a tow truck to jump start a dead battery; and an LED flashlight with on, strobe, and SOS flash modes. PowerAll features a powerful 12,000 mAh lithium ion rechargeable battery that retains about 50% of its rated capacity for up to a year.

For Chefs & BBQ Kings

Wireless Talking Thermometer

Here’s a cooking gadget that tailgaters and backyard BBQ chefs will love because it lets them hang out with friends and family while grilling.  When the meat they’re cooking reaches the perfect internal temperature, the programmable Grill Right Talking Thermometer for Grills and Ovens sounds an alarm and announces the status of the meal (“almost ready,” “ready” and “overcooked”).  Features a digital LCD screen and remote wireless temperature probe that communicates with the main unit up to 330 feet away.  The multilingual Grill Right even speaks 5 languages!

BBQ Accessory Kit and Case

The Marverick BBQ Accessory Kit contains everything your guy needs to grill, whether he’s a novice or master chef.  It comes with five indispensable, professional quality tools for grilling — a spatula for flipping, tongs for spearing and turning, basting brush, grill cleaning brush and Maverick’s ET-64 Fast Redi-Fork Digital Probe Thermometer (a $30 value).  Comes in an attractive carrying case for easy transport and storage.

For Coach Potatoes & Binge Watchers

Wireless TV and Music Listening System

For men of all ages who want a comfortable and private way to listen to their TV, hi-fi system or radio, the Sennheiser Set 840 RF TV Sound Amplifier lets them turn up the volume without disturbing others.  The sound quality is excellent and the lightweight wishbone-shaped receiver has comfortable, flexible ear cushions.  And because it uses a wireless RF signal, users can enjoy full-range, personalized audio from their TV or entertainment system from another room or even outside up to 328 feet away.  It even transmits though walls!

For Control Freaks and Gadget Geeks

Remote Control Wi-Fi Plug

Here’s a clever device for men who like to be in control.  With the SimpleHome Smart Wi-Fi Plug with Energy Monitor, your guy can control any plugged in device, lamp or appliance from anywhere in the world using their smartphone and the special app.  He can also program a weekly schedule to have the device turn on and off to help save energy or deter thieves.  In addition, the Smart WiFi Plug monitors how much energy the connected device is using. Works in any house, office or apartment with full-time Wi-Fi and includes an outlet plug and two USB ports for charging devices.

Emergency Crank Weather Alert Radio

If there’s an avid weather watcher on your shopping list, Midland’s ER310 E-READY Emergency Crank Weather Alert Radio is loaded with features they will gush over, starting with 7 preset weather channels (including NOAA) plus AM/FM; a super bright 1400 Lux LED flashlight with low, high, and strobe modes; an SOS beacon that transmits SOS in Morse code; smartphone and tablet charger via USB connection; and more.  It also has four power options — solar, hand crank, AA batteries and a rechargeable Li-ion battery — so it’s always operating for receiving news and weather and ready to send emergency alerts.  Perfect for hunting, hiking, camping and every day use.

Remote Control Internet Thermostat

Cool gifts that combine technology, convenience and saving money will appeal to nearly all men, right?  So think outside the box and take a look at the BAYWeb Internet Thermostat.  It lets users adjust the thermostat from anywhere using their smartphone or computer so they can pre-cool or pre-heat the house before arriving.  It also sends email or text message alerts to an unlimited number of people if the room’s temperature goes too high or low.  It even supports optional sensors to monitor things like water leaks or break-ins.

For Guys Who Take Security Seriously

Smart Indoor/Outdoor Security Camera for Live Streaming and Alerts

The Arlo Security System makes a great gift for men who want the peace-of-mind that comes with knowing that their home and property is guarded when they’re not around.  This very cool motion-activated wireless security camera captures 7 days worth of video and sends an alert if there’s activity.  The Arlo Security System include an Internet hub, a weatherproof HD camera with night vision and a free secure app for viewing video stored in the cloud.  Combine it with a Z-wave controller (like the VeraEdge) to begin building a full smart home system.  One Arlo hub supports up to 5 cameras (purchased separately).

Expandable Smart Home Lighting Automation Kit

This Samsung SmartThings bundle is a great entrée into the world of smart homes.  The

Samsung SmartThings + Leviton Home Automation Bundle gives your man the ability to easily control the lighting in his home from anywhere in the world.  This kit includes the SmartThings hub, a Leviton universal dimmer and a Leviton switch.  And because this system is totally expandable and compatible with many Z-wave, Zigbee, and WiFi sensors and modules, he can add any of hundreds of compatible devices to monitor and protect his family and property, including lights, speakers, locks, thermostats, sensors and more.

More Cool Gifts for Him…

Jump over to the diycontrols.com store site for more cool gifts for men and women too!  We specialize in unusual devices and gadgets designed to make life easier and protect your home and family.  If you have any questions, we urge you to call our toll-free phone number and speak to one of our trained technical experts.

The post Cool Gifts for Him appeared first on DIYControls Blog.

If you have an elderly family member or close friend who lives independently, here are some important cold weather safety tips to prepare them and their home for the upcoming winter.  Seniors are particularly vulnerable during frigid weather and are at a higher risk for accidents, injuries and other emergencies, especially if they still drive.  Other threats include furnace failures, power outages, isolation, hypothermia and dehydration.  Keep them safe and comfortable in the months ahead by addressing these to-do’s before winter’s snow and ice arrive.

First and Foremost, Keep Them Warm!

1.  Check the furnace

Cold weather safety begins with preventativeHVAC maintenance to ensure trouble-free operation and peak performance of the furnace.  To avoid problems with your senior’s heating system when winter is in full swing, schedule a furnace inspection with an HVAC professional now.  Have the contractor clean or replace filters and make any necessary repairs.

2.  Clean the chimney and flue

If your senior’s home has a fireplace or wood/pellet stove, make sure the chimney and flue are clean of creosote and soot to prevent chimney fires and improve efficiency.  If you don’t want to spend money on a professional chimney sweep, use a do-it-yourself chimney cleaning system that makes it easy to clean the chimney from inside the home without getting up on a ladder.

3.  Stock up on fuel

Fill the oil, propane or kerosene tanks and arrange for a delivery of seasoned firewood or wood pellets.

PRODUCT RECOMMENDATION:  Install a freeze alarm that sends alerts if your senior’s heating system fails.

To get an immediate alert if your senior’s furnace fails and the indoor temperature is plummeting, equip their home with a freeze alarm.  There are many types of affordable call-out freeze alarms on the market, including the very affordable phone-based Homesitter freeze alarm that automatically calls up to three emergency phone numbers and sounds a loud alarm if there is a drop in temperature (below 45°F/7°C).  If their home does not have landline service, a cellular freeze alarm like the MarCELL Cellular Connected Monitoring System is a good solution.

Get Them Ready for Power Outages

1.  Provide an alternative source of heat

Seniors should have a safe (non-electric) way to stay warm during power outages, such as a wood stove, kerosene heater or efficient wood-burning fireplace. But since burning wood or kerosene can produce deadly CO gases, make sure the area is properly ventilated and install a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke detector.

2.  Provide non-electric lighting

Make sure your senior has adequate lighting sources during blackouts, including battery-powered flashlights, lanterns and extra batteries.  As a backup, get your senior a hand-crank flashlight that works without batteries.  For instant illumination in rooms and hallways, plug in automatic rechargeable nightlights that provide safety lighting if the power goes out.  Outside, install a couple of motion-sensitive spotlights.  Check out the latest in solar-powered security lights.  They’re super easy to install because they’re wireless and can be positioned just about anywhere there’s adequate sunshine to recharge the batteries.

3.  Keep their cell phone charged

Staying in touch with the outside world during a power outage is important for home-alone seniors, but keeping mobile devices charged is a problem when there’s no electricity.  Get your senior an emergency cell phone charger like the PowerNow Grande so they can power up their cell phone or tablet during prolonged power outages.

PRODUCT RECOMMENDATION:  A personal emergency response system so your senior has a reliable way to call for help.

A power outage can make it difficult or impossible for seniors to get help, especially if there’s a medical emergency.  For cold weather safety and anytime safety, set them up with a personal emergency alert system so they can contact family, friends or emergency services if they need assistance.  The smartphone-controlled Oplink Connected Care system is a good choice.  It includes 2 wearable panic buttons that send instant alerts if immediate help is needed.  It also lets family and caregivers monitor live video of their senior on a smartphone so they can see firsthand if their loved one needs help.

Stock up on Food, Water and Meds

1.  Buy extra food and bottled water

Stock the cupboard with a week’s supply of non-perishable food and a couple of gallons of drinking water. Get your senior a hand-operated can opener to use during power outages.

2.  Fill prescriptions of critical medications

Don’t let important meds run low in the winter.  Switch your senior’s prescriptions to a local pharmacy that makes home deliveries or sign up with a mail order pharmacy so no one has to venture out in bad weather to pick up medications. Set up a “Reminder Rosie” voice controlled clock to remind your senior when it’s time to take his meds. Rosie has a backup battery so she’ll keep working during power outages…and since she talks, she’s actually good company!

PRODUCT RECOMMENDATION:  Fill a multi-day automated pill dispenser to make pill taking easier.

Many seniors take multiple prescription medications as well as vitamins at various times of the days, which can be difficult for them to manage and risky if they get it wrong.  With an automated pill dispenser and medication reminder like the Med-E-Lert Automatic 6-Alarm Pill Dispenser, you can ensure that they taking the right meds at the right time.  When it’s time to take a pill, medication reminder alarm sounds a tone or blinks.  Med-E-Lert also features a tamper-proof locking key system that helps prevent over-medication.

Keep them Healthy Even when Housebound

1.  Prevent cabin fever by having family, neighbors or a caregiver call or stop by

Winter can be a time of boredom, isolation and seasonal depression for seniors, especially when housebound. Encourage family and friends to stop over or stay in touch by phone.  Make sure your loved one has a good telephone system so they can make calls easily and enjoy conversations. A phone such as the Serene Innovations CL-60 Amplified Cordless Phone with easy-to-read buttons, amplified volume and talking caller ID is a favorite for older folks with hearing loss, low vision or limited mobility.

2.  Encourage indoor exercise

Seniors who are mobile should move their bodies by walking in place or doing laps around the house.  Wearing a pedometer or heart rate monitor can encourage movement while helping them exercise within safe limits.

3.  Prevent dehydration

Although the causes are varied, winter dehydration is a real risk for the elderly.  Remind your senior to eat well-balanced meals that include lots of vegetables and fruits and drink plenty of water.  Staying hydrated is another very important cold weather safety tip.

PRODUCT RECOMMENDATION:  Make it easy for your senior to regulate the room temperature by installing a remote controlled thermostat.

Keep your senior happy and comfortable and help prevent hypothermia by installing a remote controlled wireless thermostat in their home so they’ll be able to adjust the heat without getting up from their seat.  Older adults are especially vulnerable to hypothermia, which can be deadly if not treated quickly.  Lower body heat, inactivity, illnesses such as diabetes and some medications also put older adults at risk of hypothermia.  To avoid danger, seniors should stay inside during extreme cold and windy weather; keep their home heated to between 68^o – 70^o F; and dress in layers including long underwear, socks, slippers and sweaters.

More Cold Weather Safety Suggestions

If your senior is still driving around town, be sure that their car is winterized and equipped with an ice scraper, travel fluid, hat and gloves, cell phone and a travel blanket in case they become stuck or stranded. Remind them to pay attention to travel warnings or advisories during winter weather.  A weather alert radio is a great way to stay on top of the latest weather forecast.

Arrange for someone to shovel and salt the walkways, entrances and driveway to your senior’s home.  Encourage seniors to stay indoors until everything is clear.  Volunteer or ask a neighbor to bring them their mail and newspaper and offer to drive them to the store or appointments.

The post Cold Weather Safety Tips for Seniors appeared first on DIYControls Blog.

For ski and snowboard enthusiasts who know the Friday night drill of packing the car with gear, people and food and driving hours to the ski cabin, upgrading to an Internet thermostat lets you live the dream of arriving to a pre-heated house on those cold winter nights.  Instead of shivering for hours waiting for the cabin or condo to heat up, an Internet thermostat (sometimes called a “Wi-Fi thermostat”) lets you turn up the heat from your smartphone as soon as you hit the road.  Now when you open the door to the cabin, you’ll be welcomed by toasty warmth!  The price of an Internet thermostat has dropped in recent years to typically below $200, making them an affordable luxury for nearly all vacation homeowners.

Perks of an Internet Thermostat

There are many perks to having an Internet thermostat, including:

• Ability to pre-heat or pre-cool from virtually anywhere using your smartphone, computer or tablet and a mobile app.
• Doubles as a freeze alarm so you’ll get emergency email or text message alerts if indoor temps drop, before pipes freeze and burst.
• Receive high temperature and excessive humidity alerts (available in many models).
• Monitor energy usage through a mobile app.
• Get instant real-time status reports on indoor temperature and/or other conditions on your smartphone.
• Many models are expandable so you can remotely control other devices like locks, appliances, lights, security cameras and more.
• Control temperature in multiple zones via the app (requires that each zone be equipped with the same Internet thermostat).

Money Saving Benefits

Here are some of the many ways an Internet thermostat will save you money.  In fact, with the typical energy savings you’ll realize, your Internet thermostat will pay for itself in about a year!

• Reduces energy bills because you’re no longer heating or cooling an empty house.
• Lets you turn down the heat in case you forgot when leaving.
• Eliminates the expense of hiring a caretaker to turn up the heat or check the house for frozen pipes.
• Simple DIY installation means you don’t need to hire an electrician or HVAC contractor.
• No recurring service company monitoring fees.

How to Get Started

There are only two requirements for installing and using an Internet thermostat:

1)  A 24/7 high-speed Internet connection in your home.

2)  A smartphone, computer or tablet loaded with your Internet thermostat’s free mobile app.

Popular Models

Venstar ColorTouch with Built-In Wi-Fi

Homeowners love the look of the Venstar ColorTouch, the high resolution digital thermostat with the attractive touch screen display.

• Full HVAC control (Heat/AC/Off/Auto)
• Works with gas, electric or heat pumps
• Wireless communication with Internet router via Wi-Fi
• Reports temperature by email and text message
• Free mobile app for Apple, Android and Blackberry
• Switchable: Programmable or non-programmable
• Customizable screensaver and wallpaper
• Humidification & dehumidification control available in T7900 model

BAYWeb Internet Thermostats

Energy-saving BAYWeb Internet Thermostats are fully-programmable and multi-functional and feature comprehensive energy management reporting, analysis and alerting functions as well as energy setting threshold alerts.  With the addition of optional sensors you can also monitor for sump pump failures and break-ins.

• Full HVAC control (Heat/AC/Off/Auto)
• Works with gas, oil, or electric heat with air conditioning
• Communicates with Internet router via an ethernet connection
• Reports temperature and other alarms by email and text message
• Free personal web portal for controlling thermostat from anywhere
• Free smartphone app for Apple, Andriod and tablets
• Keypad lockout feature so only authorized users can change temperature
• Optional humidity sensing capability on the BAYWeb Professional model

Honeywell E-Connect (for Electric Baseboard Heating)

Many older vacation homes were built with electric baseboard heating systems where the thermostat control is located near the floor.  With the Honeywell E-Connect w/Gateway, you get all of the benefits of remote temperature control plus a more efficient way to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home.

• E-Connect thermostat mounts on any wall, making it easier to reach and where it can better sense room temperature
• Includes the RedLINK Internet Gateway for remote temperature control via a smartphone, computer or tablet
• Gateway communicates with Internet router via an ethernet connection
• Easy, wireless installation of electronic interface modules (EIM) eliminates opening walls for system or control upgrades
• Programmable thermostat enables energy savings of up to 33%
• Sends high and low temperature and humidity messaging alerts by email or text message
• Communicates with Internet router via an ethernet connection

Internet Thermostats for Smart Homes and “Dumb” Homes

If your cabin or condo is already equipped with a smart home system, the new programmable Venstar Voyager Residential Digital Thermostat is instantly compatible with the major smart home communications protocols by adding either a WiFi, Z-Wave and ZigBee module.  The Voyager Thermostat works with gas, electric or heat pump heating systems and comes with a free mobile app for Apple, Android and Blackberry devices.  It has all of the important features of the Venstar Colortouch thermostat plus an outdoor temperature sensor so you can modify your home’s temperature based on the current weather outside.

And for homeowners who do not have full-time Internet service but still want the luxury of pre-warming their “dumb” vacation house, there are many landline phone-based and cellular-based remote control thermostats on the market.  Take a look at this remote thermostat control comparison chart and contact the tech support team at diycontrols.com if you need additional information.

The post Preheat Ski House with an Internet Thermostat & Smartphone appeared first on DIYControls Blog.

Winter’s cold, snowy weather presents homeowners with many challenges, including the possibility of frozen pipes in walls and unheated areas of the house such as crawlspaces, basements and attics. In extremely cold and windy conditions, frozen pipes can crack and burst in a matter of hours, spraying gallons of icy cold water and doing thousands of dollars worth of damage to your home’s floors, walls, appliances and furniture.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

The first step to preventing frozen pipes is to keep the interior temperature above 55°F.  (In an unoccupied house, you can shut down the heating system as long as you completely drain the plumbing system.)  Next, insulate all pipes in unheated or uninsulated areas and seal all holes and cracks in outside walls.  Finally, invest in a freeze alarm.  A freeze alarm is a device that monitors the indoor temperature and alerts you when the temperature drops below a certain level (typically around 45° F) so you can intervene before the pipes freeze and burst.  Here are three of the most popular freeze alarm models.  While deciding which is the best for your situation, consider how they send alerts.

Good:  Freeze Flash Temperature Warning Light

Imagine you are walking your dog down the street and you see a bright, flashing red light in your neighbor’s living room window.  It’s mid-Feburary and you remember that their home is empty because they went to Florida to escape the cold.  Luckily, you have their cell phone number so you call to let them know that you see a red light flashing in their window, so something must be wrong.

That’s basically how the popular Freeze Flash Warning Light works.  For people who live in a community with friendly, reliable neighbors, a Freeze Flash temperature warning light is an effective way to alert passers-by that the heat in the house has failed and the indoor temperature is plummeting.  Set up is easy.  Just position the Freeze Flash in a front-facing window and ask neighbors to contact you if they notice it flashing.  Visibility of the super bright LEDs is 1,000 feet away at night!  For around $80, the battery-powered Freeze Flash is an affordable solution for homeowners with trustworthy neighbors.

Better:  Intermediate Freeze Alarm

If your home is in a remote location where there are no neighbors, or no reliable neighbors, or you don’t want burden friends and ask them to be your watchman, you’ll need some type of “call out” freeze alarm.  A call out freeze alarm monitors the inside temperature and contacts you directly by phone call, email and/or text message if the temperature drops below or above your set-points.  One of the most popular call out freeze alarms for residential use is the Intermediate Freeze Alarm. It monitors high or low temperatures as well as power outages.  People like it because it’s inexpensive (often on sale for about $125), uses a landline* phone connection and calls up to three programmable phone numbers.

Here’s how it works.  Say you set the low temperature threshold on your Intermediate Freeze Alarm to 45°F.  If your furnace fails or the power goes out and the temperature drops below 45°F, your Intermediate Freeze Alarm will begin calling your three emergency phone numbers indefinitely until someone picks up and acknowledges the call.  It also has a “Quick Status Check” feature that lets you call in to check current temperature, power and back-up battery status.  You can even change the settings by phone call.

* In homes without landline phone service, the Intermediate Freeze Alarm can communicate via a cellular network by adding a cellular terminal or Bluetooth terminal.

Best:  Temperature@lert Cellular Temperature Monitor System

Let’s face it, people are in love with their smartphones these days and many new devices are being designed to be controlled by a smartphone, including the latest generation of freeze alarms.  The Temperature@lert Cellular Temperature Monitor System is fast becoming a favorite amongst homeowners who want a cellular-based freeze alarm they can control with their smartphone or computer.  Because it communicates via a cellular connection*, it’s ideal for homes without a landline phone or full-time Internet connection.  Another plus is you won’t have to worry about your freeze alarm not working because the phone lines being downed by harsh weather.

Operation is simple.  Just plug the Temperature@lert Cellular Edition into an electrical outlet and it immediately begins sending temperature reports via the cellular phone network to the Temperature@lert monitoring system and dashboard website.  All of the data is stored securely and can be viewed at any time.  If the temperature in your home goes below or above your set-points, the Temperature@lert sends a text message or email alert to multiple smartphones or computers at the same time!  Settings can be changed through the web.  You’ll also be notified if the temperature returns to normal and if there’s a power outage.  For around $400, the Temperature@lert Cellular Edition is a very sophisticated but easy to use device.

*If you like the sound of the Temperature@lert Cellular Edition but don’t have reliable cell service at your location, take a look at the Temperature@lert Wi-Fi Edition.  It’s the same great freeze alarm but uses an Internet connection instead and sells for about $300.

Still Worried About Frozen Pipes?

These are three of the best selling freeze alarms on the market, but there are many other models to choose from that offer a range of features and capabilities.  If you are worried about frozen pipes but can’t decide which of these freeze alarm is right for you, take a look at this Freeze Alarms Comparison Chart and read the article “Freeze Alarms: Why You Need One, How to Choose”.   For technical support, contact the experts at diycontrols.com.  For as little as $50, you can protect your home and property from the damage and mess of frozen pipes.

The post Prevent Frozen Pipes: Good, Better & Best Freeze Alarms appeared first on DIYControls Blog.

For some of the 37.5 million American adults who have difficulty hearing, one of the listening devices described below can be a helpful alternative to wearing a hearing aid.  Everyday activities like talking on the telephone, watching TV or participating in the conversation at the dinner table can be a challenge for people with hearing loss.  If you or someone in your family struggles with a mild hearing impairment, a listening device such as a personal amplifier, TV listening system or amplified telephone can be a real game changer for improving your ability to hear and comprehend voices, sounds and music.

Personal Sound Amplifier

A personal sound amplifier can be an affordable alternative to hearing aids for people on a budget.  Small and portable, a personal amplifier makes it easier to communicate, follow dialogue on TV shows and movies, and have conversations in noisy restaurants.  The set consists of a transmitter, a receiver, a microphone and ear buds or over-the-ear headphones. Some models, like the Domino Pro shown in this picture, work with hearing aids and cochlear implants as well as with regular headphones or earphones. Carry your personal amplifier in a shirt pocket or and pull it out in a challenging listening situations.  It’s a great tool to filter out background noises, enhance speech and increase sound volume.

Wireless TV Headphones

A TV listening system lets users listen to their favorite TV show or music at any volume without disturbing others.  It also amplifies voice pitch frequencies above other sounds, so words, whispers and accents are easy to understand.  A variety of comfortable, lightweight headset styles are available, including over-the-ear headphones and the under-the-chin “wishbone” receivers that are worn like a stethoscope.  For a wireless connection that enables the user to listen to the TV from anywhere in the room without wires, choose one of the new infrared systems.

Amplified Phones

Talking on the household phone can be extremely frustrating for people with hearing loss. Fortunately, there’s a wide selection of amplified phones for the hearing impaired that offer a variety of features, including large keypads, adjustable volume and tone, extra loud ringers and hearing aid compatibility. Amplified phones have three levels of amplification — mild, moderate and severe — based on the degree of hearing loss.  You can also choose between a corded, cordless or handsfree phone.   For users with vision loss, there are amplified phones with bright visual ringers to signal incoming calls and other models with extra large, back-lit keypads and large LCD displays to make dialing easier.

Other Helpful Products for the Hearing Impaired

In addition to these listening devices that improve hearing, there are other products that compensate for hearing loss and help overcome daily challenges.  These include:

Visual Doorbell — A wireless, battery-powered doorbell that uses a flashing strobe signaler and an audible chime to let you know that someone is at the door.

Flashing Lamp Signaler — Plug this device into any lamp and use it to receive a flashing alert for important sounds including telephones,  kitchen timers, babies crying, ringing doorbells, etc.

Vibrating Alarm Clock — For people who can’t hear an alarm clock or want to be awakened silently, vibrating alarm clocks come with a wired or wireless vibrating bed shaker that slips under the pillow.  There’s also a model with a vibrating wristband.  Many models can be set to sound an extra loud alarm.

The post Listening Devices — An Alternative to Hearing Aids for Some appeared first on DIYControls Blog.

A winter power outage presents special challenges, including no heat, downed telephone lines and snow-blocked roads.  Our advice is to start preparing now for the next power outage.  With a little advance planning, you can keep your family safe and comfortable when that next winter storm hits and the electricity goes out.  Here are a dozen helpful tips to prepare for a winter power outage so you won’t be suffering for hours or days in a cold, dark house.

1.  Create a basic emergency supply kit 

The Ready.gov website recommends stocking up on important items before the power goes out, including a flashlight, batteries, cash and first aid supplies.  In addition to a conventional flashlight, get a hand-crank flashlight that works without batteries, like the super-bright ER310 by Midland that provides 130 lumens of light and has low, high and strobe modes, as well as an SOS beacon.

2.  Stock up on food and water

Stock the cupboard with non-perishable food and a couple of gallons of drinking water per person in case the power outage keeps everyone housebound for a few days. Keep a non-electric crank can opener in your kitchen drawer. Fill a few clean pails or the bathtub with tap water for washing and flushing toilets.

3.  Be sure your car is ready to go

Since most service stations use electricity to pump fuel, keep your car’s gas tank full at all times in case there’s a prolonged power outage.  A battery-powered portable jump starter like the one shown here by Stanley is a great investment in case your battery won’t turn because of cold temperatures and the power outage prevents you from using an electrical jump starter.

4.  Fill important prescriptions

A power outage can occur at any time, so don’t let important meds run low in the winter time. Consider switching to a local pharmacy that makes home deliveries or sign up with a mail order pharmacy so no one has to venture out in bad weather to pick up medications.

5.  Purchase a weather radio

When television is no longer an option for getting news, a battery-powered or hand-crank weather-alert radio is a must-have for automatic official, up-to-the-minute information on severe weather, local hazards and other emergencies.  A good choice is the Emergency Dynamo Crank Weather Radio by Midland that doubles as a flashlight.  It can be powered by a hand crank, solar panel, rechargeable Li-Ion battery or six AA alkaline batteries, so you’ll always be informed.

6.  Keep a battery-powered cell phone charger handy

If you’re like many Americans and no longer have landline phone service, you will need a way to charge your cell phone during a power outage.  A battery-powered cell phone charger like the 2,400 mAh PowerNow Buddy or the higher capacity 5,600 mAh PowerNow Grande (which can also charge a tablet) provide an easy way to charge cell phones when the electricity is down.  Both use a long-life lithium ion battery with nearly a year of shelf life.

7.  Install solar-powered floodlights for outdoor safety

It is incredible how dark your yard can be during a power outage!  Keep family and friends safe and scare away intruders by installing a few solar-powered floodlights around the perimeter of your house to light up walkways, driveways, garages and sheds.  These floodlights turn on when motion is detected at night. When charged in full sunlight, the light can activate up to 150 times when on for 60 seconds at a time.

8.  Set up special lighting for indoor safety

To keep everyone safe when the lights go out, plug in a rechargeable nightlight like the Datexx Sentina LED that turns on automatically during a power outage.  Use it to light up a main hallway or room.

9.  Unplug all TVs, computers and appliances during a power outage

There’s an added risk of power surges during an outage that can destroy your appliances.  When a blackout occurs, unplug everything except one light, so you’ll keep your electronics safe and know when the power has returned.

10.  Prevent basement floods

Electric sump pumps don’t pump during power outages and can lead to a messy flooded basement.  A battery-powered sump pump alarm will sound a loud warning if the water level in your sump pit rises to a dangerous level, so you can take preventive action before the pit overflows.

For protection when no one is home, the PumpAlarm Cellular Water Alarm sends text message alerts to your cell phone or mobile device when the water level in the pit gets too high. It also notifies you when there’s a power outage.

In addition to equipping your sump pump with an alarm, it’s a good idea to add a battery-powered backup system so your sump pump will continue to pump water during power outages.  Metropolitan Industries offers the high output Ion Storm Pro 2100DC Battery Backup System that pumps up to 2,100 gallons per hours as well as two complete flood control systems that include one or two heavy duty 1/3 HP sump pumps and a battery backup power pack powerful enough to pump for up to 20 hours.

11.  Dress in layers to stay warm

Trapping air in between several layers will keep you warmer than wearing one heavy piece of clothing.  Start with a base layer that insulates well, followed by intermediate layers.

12.  Stock up on firewood, wood pellets or other alternative heat sources

Plan ahead for a non-electric way to heat your home during a power outage and make sure you have enough wood or fuel on hand.  Remember, however, that many alternate heat sources — including portable propane or kerosene heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves, opened kitchen ovens and gasoline generators located in a poorly vented place — can produce deadly carbon monoxide (CO) fumes.  Protect your family from odorless, invisible CO by providing adequate ventilation and installing a CO alarm with battery-backup that will continue to operate when there is a power outage.

The post A Dozen Ways to Prepare for the Next Winter Power Outage appeared first on DIYControls Blog.

Winter is a good time to upgrade your home and tackle those home improvement projects that you’ve been putting off.  If you only have a few hours to spend and a limited budget, here are five easy-to-install devices that cost under or around $200 yet provide a boatload of protection and convenience.

Upgrade Your Thermostat

Get energy savings and convenience with a remote controlled programmable thermostat

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save 5% to 15% a year on your heating bill by turning your thermostat back 10° to 15° for 8 hours.  Make that task easy by replacing your manual thermostat with a programmable thermostat that will lower the heat automatically when you go to bed or leave for work and raise it when you return.

Better still is a programmable thermostat that can be controlled remotely using your smartphone, like the Venstar ColorTouch, the high resolution digital thermostat with the touch screen display.  The attractive ColorTouch remote control thermostat now comes with built-in WiFi so you get the added convenience of being able to control and monitor the temperature in your house from anywhere using your smartphone.

Cost:  About $170 (plus $37 for built-in WiFi)

Upgrade Your Home’s Freeze Protection

Prevent costly and messy damage caused by frozen pipes with a freeze alarm

Furnace failures and power outages can happen at anytime, especially in the wintertime. If you want a way to get advance warning that the temperature in your home is dangerously low so you can remedy the situation before your pipes freeze, you need a freeze alarm.

The popular Freeze Flash Warning Light is an affordable solution for people who live in a community with friendly, reliable neighbors. Position it in a front-facing window and ask neighbors to contact you if they notice it flashing, which indicates that the indoor temperature has dropped below your setpoint.

Cost: About $80.

For homes located where there’s reliable Verizon cellular service, the MarCELL Cellular Connected is one of the most affordable cellular-based freeze alarms for monitoring temperature, humidity and power.  If there’s an emergency, it sends an instant phone call, text or email message to a mobile device or PC.

Cost:  Below $200.

Upgrade Your Washing Machine

Protect against catastrophic leaks with an automatic water shutoff valve

Washing machine leaks can be caused by a range of failures, including ruptured hoses, cracked fittings, aging parts and even using too much detergent.  Regardless of the cause, the resulting water damage can be catastrophic, especially if you’re not home!

An automatic water shutoff valve like the Watts IntelliFlow allows water to flow only when it senses that the washing machine is turned on. It automatically turns off the water supply when your machine is not operating and if the floor sensor detects water.  If there’s a leak on the floor, it also turns off the power to the washing machine in case the problem is a faulty discharge hose. The IntelliFlow is a great investment to protect your home against washing machine leaks, regardless of the cause.

Cost:  Under $200.

Upgrade Your Sump Pump

Receive alerts when your sump pump fails by adding a sump pump alarm

Electric sump pumps don’t pump during power outages and can lead to a messy, flooded basement.  A battery-powered sump pump alarm will sound a loud warning if the water level in your sump pit rises to a dangerous level so you can take preventive action before the pit overflows.  This inexpensive alarm is powered by a 9V alkaline battery and takes only minutes to set up.

Cost:  Around $15.

For protection when no one is home, the PumpAlarm Cellular Water Alarm sends text message alerts to your cell phone or mobile device when the water level in the pit gets too high. It also notifies you when there’s a power outage.

Cost:  Around $200.

Upgrade Your Fire and CO Protection

Get anytime, anywhere notifications if your home’s smoke or CO alarm is activated

Additional Ways to Upgrade Your Home

For more winter weekend projects and ways to upgrade your home, check out these articles on the diycontrols.com blog:

Easy DIY Projects to Winterize Your Home

5 Easy Home Improvement Projects for a Snowy Day

It’s Not Too Late to Winterize Your Home

The post 5 Easy & Affordable Ways to Upgrade Your Home appeared first on DIYControls Blog.

It’s not easy keeping up with the onslaught of new devices these days, so we’re offering this short list of family-friendly tech products designed to protect your brood.  Whether your flock includes little ones, teens, grandparents or pets, each of these safety tech products are best sellers because of their unique features, easy set up, easy operation and affordable price.  We all want to keep our families safe, but no one wants to be labeled a Mother Hen.  These tech products will help you protect your loved ones in a caring, but discreet, way.

Water Safety

Wearable Pool Alarm for Kids and Pets — Families love the portable Safety Turtle 2.0 Child Immersion Pool Alarm System for protecting young children and pets around open water. Safety Turtle 2.0 is a “personal immersion” system that uses water-activated wristbands and pet collar tags that trigger a loud alarm when submerged in water.

Portable — Use at home or bring it with you when you travel or swim in a friend’s pool

Expandable — One base supports unlimited child wristbands or pet collar attachments

Plug ‘n play setup  — Requires no programming or wiring

Pool Safety

“Always Watching” Pool Surveillance Camera — If you’ve always wished for a way to see your backyard pool when you’re inside the house or away from home, the Pool WatchDog™ Swimming Pool Safety Camera™ is the answer.  Pool WatchDog is a motion-activated outdoor surveillance camera with night vision, so it’s watching and alerting 24/7.  As soon as a child, trespasser or animal enters the pool area, you’ll receive an email or text message alert on your smartphone or tablet.

See the action from anywhere — View steaming live video on your smartphone or tablet

Easy to use and set up — Wireless camera is WiFi-enabled (can also be hard wired to your router)

No hidden costs — No monthly service fees; iPhone and Android app is free; requires no extra equipment

Baby and Child Safety

View from Anywhere Digital Video Baby Monitor — Whether you’re in the next room or miles away at work, a digital video baby monitor like the WiFi-enabled Motorola Blink1 Wi-Fi Video Baby Monitor lets you look in on little ones via your smartphone, tablet or computer.  The Blink1 also allows two-way communication, so parents can talk to baby and listen in while they’re sleeping, playing or in distress.  Use your video baby monitor for supervising bigger kids or checking up on pets or seniors who live alone.

Follow baby’s movement — Has a pan/tilt/zoom camera that you control using your smartphone

See or record the action — Delivers live video and audio to your compatible iOS or Android device up to 540′ away

Infrared night vision — Watch what’s going on in baby’s room without turning on lights

Teen Driver Safety

GPS Tracking Device Delivers Peace-of-Mind — Parents everywhere worry when their new teen drivers are behind the wheel, so many moms and dads use the built-in location tracking feature on their kids’ smartphone to check up on their whereabouts.  But but if your teens are outsmarting you by “forgetting” to bring their phone or turning it off,  you can outsmart them by hiding a KJB iTrail Solo GPS Tracker in their vehicle!  The iTrail Solo lets parents view teen’s activity and car location in real time so they’ll know if their kids have arrived safely or traveled outside their “safe zone.”

Alerting feature — Sends a text message alert when teens arrive or leave your customized geo-fence zone

Long-life rechargeable battery — Lasts up to 14 days on a single charge

Many other uses — Great for charting walks or hikes on Google Maps™

Pet Safety

Wire-Free WiFi Dog Fence — Wireless dog fences are the latest innovation in pet safety.  Wireless systems, like the Wire-Free Wi-Fi Dog Fence by Perimeter Technologies, use a base station that transmits a radio signal that forms an invisible circular boundary.  Set up is easy because there are no wires to bury. The radio signal is picked up by a receiver collar worn by the dog.  If she gets too close to the boundary, the collar emits a warning tone. If she crosses the boundary, she receives a static correction.

Pets learn quickly — Most pets learn how the system works after just a couple of weeks of training

Great for large yards — Covers up to 2-1/2 acres

Safer than conventional fencing — Dogs can’t jump over or tunnel under the Wire-Free Dog Fence

Senior Safety

Voice-Controlled “Reminder” Clock – Here’s a unique tech product that provides seniors with an easy way to remember medications, appointments, bill payments, tasks, etc. — without having to touch any buttons! The “Reminder Rosie” digital clock records messages in the user’s own voice and has large, easy-to-read LED numbers. Plugs into any wall outlet and has backup batteries to retain reminders, time and alarm settings during power outages.

Personal and familiar — Reminder Rosie records and stores up to 25 reminder messages in the user’s own voice

Simple to use — Automatically announces reminders at scheduled times with no buttons to press

Continuous operation, even during blackouts — Battery backup retains reminders, alarm, time and date

Additional Tech Products for Family Safety

If you don’t see anything here that fits your family’s needs, take a look at these categories on the diycontrols.com website:  Home Safety; Outdoor Safety; Pet Water Safety; and Independent Living Aids.

The post Best Tech Products to Keep Your Family Safe appeared first on DIYControls Blog.

If you are currently using the AGM GSM Cellular Alarm Module by Risco (formerly Rokonet) to provide a cellular connection for a security system or other device that requires a dial tone, please read this important announcement.  As of December 31, 2016, AT&T shut down its 2G network.  This means that 2G equipment using the AT&T cellular network, including the Risco AGM GSM Alarm Module (model # RP200GSXMUSB), will no longer communicate.  Although manufacturer Risco will not be offering a direct replacement for this product, however, AGM GSM Alarm Module owners do have a number of remedial or replacement options which are discussed below.

Switch to Another Cellular Provider

You can continue to use your AGM GSM Alarm Module by replacing its AT&T 2G SIM card with a 2G SIM card from a cellular provider that still offers 2G service, such as T-Mobile. T-Mobile has indicated that they intend to keep their 2G network operating through 2020. Check with your local T-Mobile provider for coverage details.

Purchase an Alternative Cellular Terminal

Replacing your AGM GSM Alarm Module with another type of cellular terminal is another option.  This will allow you to continue using the security system, freeze alarm or whatever equipment you have connected to your AGM GSM Module.  (A cellular terminal — which is what your AGM GSM Alarm Module is considered — is a piece of telecommunications equipment that provides instant connectivity to a cellular network and a dial tone.)

The Janus POTSwap is one popular cellular terminal.  It is available as CDMA-compatible for use on the Verizon Wireless network or as GSM-compatible for use on the AT&T network. For an overview of which cellular terminals and cellular service provider compatibility, go to this chart.

Upgrade to an All-in-One System

There are many affordable all-in-one remote monitoring devices available today that incorporate a communications module so you don’t need a separate cellular terminal or dialer (a device that provides a dial tone either via a landline connection or Internet).  These all-in-one systems can be used to monitor for high and low temperature, humidity levels, power outages or water leaks.

If you used your AGM GSM Alarm Module to remotely monitor these conditions in your home or business, you can replace your current setup with a single piece of equipment, such as the MarCELL Cellular Connected Monitoring System.   It works wherever there’s reliable Verizon cellular service and monitors temperature, humidity and power.  If there’s an emergency, it sends an instant phone call, text or email message to your mobile device or PC.

To monitor water levels in a sump pump pit, water leaks and temperature extremes, the PumpAlarm Cellular Water Alarm comes packaged with everything you need to monitor water in two areas and power at one electrical outlet. For other all-in-one monitoring solutions, check out our High/Low Temperature Alarms category.

Upgrade to a 3G Dialer

A 3G dialer is another option for replacing your AGM GSM Alarm Module.  (3G is the “third generation of wireless mobile telecommunications technology and was introduced in 2008.)

Sensaphone offers a couple of dialers with a 3G cellular modem built in and several input/output options — Sensaphone Cell682 and Sensaphone Sentinel Monitoring System with Cellular Modem.  These dialers are best if you need dry contacts for the sensors or equipment you are currently using with your AGM GSM Alarm Module, or if you want to add or change to analog sensors such as temperature, humidity etc.

Questions?

We hope that this article is helpful.  If you have additional questions on which course of action to take to upgrade or replace your AGM GSM Alarm Module, please feel free to contact us for recommendations specific to your current application.

The post Important Update for AGM GSM Alarm Module Owners! appeared first on DIYControls Blog.

A freeze alarm is one of the most convenient and effective ways to monitor temperature extremes in an unoccupied home.  Freeze alarms can also be used in other types of buildings where temperature-sensitive materials, plants or animals are kept, such as unheated garages, barns or sheds.  Here’s how to choose the best freeze alarm for your outdoor building based on the power supply and communications methods available at your site and the conditions you want to monitor for (in addition to temperature).

No Electricity? 

Option #1:  Wireless Sensors

If your outdoor building doesn’t have electricity, you can use a freeze alarm with wireless sensors, such as the Metropolitan Ion Cellular Gateway.  This freeze alarm has a wireless temperature sensor that operates 250 to 300 feet non-line-of-sight from the gateway (base unit).  Set up the gateway inside your home or office and install the wireless temperature sensor in your garage, barn or shed.  If the distance between your house and the outbuilding exceeds 300 feet, simply add a wireless range extender.

The Metropolitan Ion Gateway communicates via a cellular connection, so it’s perfect for locations without Internet or landline phone service.  When there’s a temperature emergency, it sends a text message or email alert to your smartphone.

Option #2:  Solar-Powered

A solar-powered freeze alarm like the weatherproof Temperature@lert Cellular Solar Temperature Monitor System is is ideal for remote locations and outdoor operations that lack electricity, such as barns and orchards.  After the sun goes down or on a cloudy day, its extended-life lithium ion battery delivers up to 4 weeks of continuous service.

The Temperature@lert Cellular Solar Temperature Monitor System operates on the GSM wireless network and sends phone call, text message or email alerts.  You can add plug-and-play optional sensors to monitor things like soil moisture, wind speed and tank level.

Got Good Internet?

Garages, barns or sheds that are within range of your existing Internet infrastructure can use a freeze alarm that communicates via the Internet.  Most  Internet freeze alarms give you the option of a wired or wireless connection.  Cost savings is one of the biggest advantages of an Internet freeze alarm.  Since you are using your current Internet network, you won’t have the extra expense of a cellular or landline phone connection.

Wi-Fi or Wired Connection

The Temperature@lert Wi-Fi Edition is a stand-alone freeze alarm that communicates via a wireless Wi-Fi connection or a an Ethernet cable.  It’s easy to install, easy to use and comes ready to monitor for high and low temperatures.  Alerts are sent as email or text messages to an unlimited number of smartphones or computers (text service fee required).  Remote programming is possible by logging in.

Need Advanced Monitoring?

If you need advanced remote monitoring and control of a commercial operation in an outdoor building where telephone or Ethernet lines are not available or too expensive, the Sensaphone Cell682 is the answer.  This freeze alarm has 14 total inputs — 8 dry contact and 6 analog (4-20mA) connections — plus 2 relay outputs.

Users can access information and perform programming changes through a web portal from any web-enabled device.  In the event of an alarm, the Cell682 notifies up to 24 people by any combination of voice phone call, e-mail, or text message.  The Cell682 is AC powered and includes a 12-hour backup battery.  For additional information on the Cell682, take a look at this video.

More Freeze Alarm Choices

The post Freeze Alarm Solutions for Outdoor Buildings appeared first on DIYControls Blog.

Here’s some good news for small business owners:  Today’s DIY monitoring systems and security systems provide the same high-quality protection that you get with a professional installation at a fraction of the cost.  Although many DIY monitoring and security systems are designed primarily for home use, most of these systems work equally well for protecting a small office, warehouse or manufacturing facility whether you rent or own.  These DIY monitoring systems and DIY security devices will help you protect your assets without the added expense of monthly service fees and monitoring contracts.

Monitor and Control Temperature from Anywhere

With a remote controlled thermostat, you can adjust the temperature in your office or store from virtually anywhere via a landline phone, smartphone or computer (based on the model you choose).  Benefits include:

• Pre-cool or pre-heat the office before employees arrive to reduce monthly energy bills;
• Use it as a freeze (or heat) alarm to receive alerts if the temperature in your building reaches a dangerous high or low due to a furnace failure or power outage;
• Add sensors to monitor other critical conditions, including humidity, water leaks, motion and sump pump failures.

Recommended Model:  BAYweb Internet Thermostat Professional – A full-featured Internet thermostat that can do double-duty as a security system.  Comes with a new smartphone app for Apple or Android devices.  Sends email and text message alerts.  Affordably priced with no recurring service fees.

Automate Your Office with Z-Wave

Have you heard of Z-Wave?  Z-Wave is a wireless communications protocol designed for home and office automation systems. All Z-Wave sensors and modules communicate wirelessly and are battery-powered, so installation is fast, easy and non-invasive.  Another perk:  All Z-wave controllers and sensors are compatible, regardless of manufacturer, so you can mix and match components from the thousands of Z-Wave supported devices.  Design your own Z-Wave office automation system so you can:

• View cameras, operate door locks, control thermostats and lights from your mobile device;
• Know when employees come and go, get smoke alarm notifications, and more;
• Control everything using the unit’s controller or remotely from your smartphone, tablet or computer using the mobile app.

Recommended Model:    VeraEdge – The very powerful but easy-to-use VeraEdge provides small businesses with one-app control for up to 220 automation and security Z-Wave devices (sold separately). One intuitive app keeps you informed and in control at all times, wherever you go. Compatible with 1,200+ devices from most major brands and operates on Z-Wave Plus and Wi-Fi wireless connections.  Priced at under $100!

Save Big with a DIY Security System

The most popular DIY security systems are wireless and communicate via radio signals, making them easy to install and easy to expand.  And because most sensors are battery-powered, there are no wires to run or holes to drill.  A customizable DIY security system costs just hundreds of dollars without the extra expense of monthly monitoring fees.  Other benefits include:

• Choose a system based on how you want to be alerted:  by phone call or email and push notifications;
• Add sensors and cameras as needed, including door/window sensors, motion detectors, water leak sensors, and video surveillance cameras;
• Some DIY systems provide the option of using a central monitoring service, in addition to receiving alerts directly.

Recommended Model:  The WisDom Wireless is recognized as one of the most complete DIY security systems available today for the do-it-yourselfer. It features an autodialer that will call up to four phone numbers in the event of an emergency.  Get started with a WisDom Wireless kit that includes a main control panel and a variety of sensors.

Other DIY Monitoring Systems

The DIY monitoring systems shown above give you the power of remote thermostat control, remote z-wave automation and the protection of a 24/7 security system.  If you are looking for a more sophisticated way to monitor valuable equipment or supplies, take a look at a cloud-based remote monitoring system that communicates via an Internet or cellular connection and allows you to remotely monitor critical conditions like temperature, humidity or leaks through the cloud.  We recommend the Sensaphone Sentinel or xProxy Link. Event logs are also stored in the cloud for easy access and programming settings can be changed on the go using the system’s mobile app.

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