Environmental sensors are added to DIY wireless home security systems to provide added protection to your home, unlike like safety devices like smoke, heat, and Carbon Monoxide sensors that also protect your family and pets.Whereas entry sensors and motion sensors are a key part of an alarm system for detecting an intrusion, environmental sensors are to do with an early warning system to help prevent home disaster. Primarily they are used to detect water/flood damage as well as over temperature and under temperature (freezing) conditions. Monitoring whether self or central station is essential since generally these environmental problems crop up when no one is home, especially in vacation homes. These sensors are typically active all the time regardless of the state of the security system (stay, away or off). This is achieved by adding them to their own zones so the notification and alarm sounding can be customized to fit the circumstances.

Types Of Sensors

Freeze Detector – When temperature drops below a certain temperature (40 degrees F) it can notify you so you can take action to prevent freezing pipes – great for vacation homes as well as your main residence.  Some sensors can also alarm on high temperatures as well (above 90 degrees). Water Sensor – Detects small deposits of water. You stand if up on the floor of the room and when just small amount of water touches the sensor it sends out an alarm. It can help in preventing flooding and mold infestations. It is great for basements, laundries, water heaters, attics or anywhere you have water pipes.

Adding Sensors To Your System

Environmental sensors don’t have to be included day 1 since they can be added at any time. You can add them to monitored and unmonitored systems though without monitoring they are not very effective.  You can get both wired versions of these sensors as well as wireless. Environmental sensors are often seen as “accessories” rather than core to your  home security system. They can provide a higher level of safety for your home when integrated with the system rather than standalone. There is less set up involved and less items to monitor. You can be notified anywhere in the world you have coverage and deal with the issue before it gets big, as opposed to coming home to find out there has been a flood you could have stopped when it was small problem.