FREEZE-UP PREVENTION: AN UPDATE

02.12.09

First, a "thanks" to several readers for contacting me on last week’s column. I should have clarified some things, since it was written as a reaction to a homeowner who apparently was still using this (obsolete) device to check a heat-loss condition, and it failed.

The appropriate devices today are systems that actually call out when a problem occurs in a house. This often is part of a central alarm system installed in homes, or by a "user purchased" device that is installed by a qualified technician and uses pre-set telephone numbers that "it" will dial if a low/no heat condition is detected inside a home.

The central alarm devices may trigger "action" through a central monitoring station that will result in the monitoring person calling appropriate numbers to get the problem solved.

A user purchased/installed device will call numbers that the user can program into it, often including the homeowner's cell phone, "other home" number, and a "service" number of the oil company. Once alerted an appropriate "fix" can be implemented.

While nothing is failsafe, either of the above methods should get the alert to a live person 95+% of the time. I am not sure if there are significant reliability differences between the usually reliable AT+T company phone lines, as we have known it, and the new "package" options through Comcast, Optimum Online, etc. companies, but all this should be checked if you do want some kind of system installed, whether or not it is part of a central alarm program.

The ultimate fail safe solution? Still, a live personal house checker.

©2009 R. Leech features.