Having a vacation home helps you get an escape from the hustle and bustle of work life. But it can also be challenging to maintain when you’re far away in your own home. The best way to monitor your vacation home is by having a complete monitoring system.
Keep reading as we go over the best remote vacation home monitoring systems you should consider. These gadgets will help you keep track of the overall condition of your little home away from home!
Comparison Table of The 7 Best Remote Vacation Home Monitoring Systems
What Home Monitoring Sensors Do I Need?
The home monitoring sensors you need will depend on the location of your home, the sensitivity of your rooms, and potential scenarios that might occur while away. For example, getting a temperature and humidity sensor will be best if you have something like a wine cellar.
If your home is prone to intense rainfall, a weather station will give you weather forecasts from the dashboard. You also don’t need a flood sensor if your vacation house is in the mountains.
Examine what your property needs before spending money on the first monitoring sensor you see. You are most likely to need one with WiFi connectivity. Since you only come to your vacation home once a year, monitoring using your smartphone is essential.
Different kinds of sensors usually have this feature. Video recordings from CCTV, humidity readings, and water leak information are just a tap away if you have the right apps.
Here are some possible sensors you might need for your home:
- Temperature and humidity sensors to diagnose HVAC equipment failure.
- Contact sensors to alert you regarding potential theft or intrusion.
- Cameras that offer motion detection notifications.
- Water leak sensors for leaking pipes.
- Freezer alarms to determine your freezer’s temperature.
- Smoke detectors to notify you in case of a fire.
- Power loss sensors are equipped with cellular backup.
Should I Get a More Expensive Home Monitoring Device?
The best remote vacation home monitoring systems don’t have to cost an arm and leg. But they come with a price. Some cheap versions give monthly subscription fees, which cost more than high-end products with a one-time payment.
TempStick is not a high-end device, but it can give you more than your money’s worth. The accurate temperature and humidity range make it a great purchase. It can also last a long time while offering unlimited storage.
Can I Turn Off Home Monitoring Devices When I’m Around?
Yes. You can turn off your home monitoring devices when you’re in your vacation home. But it’s better to keep them in continuous power to stay informed about your home conditions. After all, you won’t be able to monitor everything in your house at once.
Common home-monitoring sensors allow you to adjust the alarm modes. For example, it may completely turn off if you’re at home. Or it may just focus on specific alarms and sensors.
What to Look for When Buying a Remote Vacation Home Monitoring Device
Having a vacation house is all fun and games until you have to come back periodically to check for maintenance.
Ease of Use
The best home monitoring system should be easy to install. Compact sensors like cameras, doorbells, and thermometers should stand upright or be mounted on walls.
Smartphone applications should also be easy to use. Easily adjust the safe levels, notification settings, and prerecorded messages anytime you want.
Purpose
There are many types of remote vacation home monitoring devices.
Do you need a surveillance camera? Perhaps you need a weather station to check your property during colder months. Or you want a hygrometer to address humidity issues in your wine cellar.
Different houses have varying needs. Consider what kind of home monitoring system you need to prioritize. Choose the devices you will need for a long time, such as a temperature and humidity gauge, CCTV, and water leak sensors.
WiFi Connectivity or Cellular Connection
WiFi connectivity is a major feature you need to consider for remote self-monitoring options. There’s no other way to receive notifications about motion, sounds, weather conditions, and more without it.
This feature lets you monitor your vacation house wherever you are. As long as you have a smartphone and a mobile app downloaded, you’ll get real-time readings. Adjustments are just easy to access!
But cellular temperature monitoring systems are also a great option if your vacation house doesn’t offer a WiFi connection. Only a few devices provide this kind of connectivity, specifically temperature sensors.
They send you emails or text messages if the values reach an unsafe level. However, cellular connectivity requires monthly subscription fees.
Expandability
Your current monitoring devices in your vacation house may be enough for now, but you might need more later. For example, you might plan to add more cameras outdoors.
Why waste more money buying a new camera and downloading a new app? Buy monitoring systems that you can expand with new and different sensors. This way, it will be easier to monitor the entire home.
IFTTT
IFTTT lets you use data from one data to prompt or trigger another. For example, if the thermometer tells you that your room is too cold, your AC system may automatically adjust the temperature. If you have a sprinkler system, it can shut off if it senses rain.
Professional Monitoring
Professional monitoring allows you to monitor complex weather variables in your area. This feature is optional but very helpful in locations that are inclined to extreme weather conditions. It’s also great for predicting emergencies before they become disasters.
A weather system is an example of a device that lets you professionally monitor your home. Here are the must-have sensors for your weather station:
- Thermometer – for outdoor temperature.
- Hygrometer – measures the relative humidity.
- Barometer – measures the atmospheric pressure.
- Rain gauge – measures the amounts of rainfall.
- Anemometer – checks the wind speed.
- Wind vane – provides information on the wind direction.
Professional monitoring can also mean a device with a professional call center. This call center offers emergency services for your vacation home even if you’re away.
Durability
Some home monitoring systems have outdoor options. And this is where durability becomes vital. These sensors should work 24/7, whether it’s raining or snowing outside. They should continue giving quick updates even if in direct sunlight.
Low-quality plastic sensors usually don’t last a long time. Get a well-built monitoring device that can withstand different elements.
Battery Life
You won’t get to visit your vacation house regularly, so long battery life is essential. Use lithium batteries for outdoor devices so they can withstand harsh conditions. But alkaline batteries for indoor devices like water leak sensors are enough for a leak-free house.
Another tip for extended battery life is to get motion-activated cameras. They only work once a sound or motion triggers the unit.
Built-in rechargeable batteries are also functional for constant power to your monitoring system. Or get solar panels for your weather station so that the battery never runs low. Also a great choice for RV monitoring systems.
Cost
Your vacation home is an investment. All your premium furniture pieces may go to waste if you don’t have a way to monitor them.
Expensive home equipment may be gone in no time if there are no wireless cameras to check for intruders.
Make sure you allot a specific budget for different types of monitoring systems. You don’t have to break the bank, though. With products like TempStick, you’ll save more money on monthly storage and notification fees.
Top 7 Remote Vacation Home Monitoring Systems Review
Here’s a detailed list of the best gadgets to help you monitor your vacation house. Check out what we like and don’t like about each product!
1. TempStick WiFi Remote Temperature Humidity Sensor
The TempStick is the best choice for an accurate temperature and humidity sensor. This compact device can monitor your vacation house 24/7. You’ll receive texts or emails when the conditions reach a dangerous level without the need for monthly subscriptions.
This remote sensor by Ideal Sciences operates through WiFi to give you correct temperatures and humidity readings. You can also prevent freezing pipes and heat damage even if you’re away from your vacation home.
Access the smartphone application, read the graphs, and take the necessary actions for your property. Place it in your cigar humidor, freezer, pantry, and other temperature and humidity-sensitive areas.
The WiFi thermometer and hygrometer have an impressive battery life of about one year on 2 AA batteries. You can also store and access an unlimited amount of data on their servers without fees.
Overall, TempStick is for anyone who needs a reliable remote digital thermometer and hygrometer. We’ve done a full review of the TempStick if you’d like to read up on it. It features an entirely wireless connection, a free subscription, and a user-friendly application. However, the device does not have an LCD screen for the readings.
PROS
- Accurate readings.
- Completely wireless connection.
- Free subscription and unlimited data history.
- User-friendly mobile application.
- Long battery life.
CONS
- Expensive.
- No LCD screen.
- Does not support 2.4 GHz WiFi.
2. MarCELL Cellular Monitoring System
Wyze is relatively new to the world of home monitoring. However, the brand has quickly made a name for itself because of its advanced features. This device wirelessly connects to your WiFi for motion notifications.
The motion sensors provide improved motion detection on a budget as they record videos of your room. Two Wyze Contact Sensors are in the package with IFTTT support. This feature alerts you if you leave something, opened or closed.
Place the contact sensors on your safes, trash cans, jars, liquor cabinets, and other necessary objects. You’ll know directly from your smartphone if you left it open or not.
Aside from motion and contact, you’ll also get sound-triggered recordings. You can check the video recordings stored on the server for any unusual sounds in your vacation home.
Wyze doesn’t offer temperature and humidity readings, so you need separate sensors like TempStick for your home comfort levels. You also can’t directly integrate it with smart home devices and IFTTT.
PROS
- Ideal for remote vacation homes with no WiFi connection.
- Accurate temperature and humidity readings.
- Protects homes from water leaks through Spucks.
- Has a 48-hour backup battery.
CONS
- Expensive subscription fees.
- Slow refresh rate.
3. Wyze Cam V2 1080P Indoor Smart Home Camera
Wyze is relatively new to the world of home monitoring. However, the brand has quickly made a name for itself because of its advanced features. This device wirelessly connects to your WiFi for motion notifications.
The motion sensors provide improved motion detection on a budget as they record videos of your room. Two Wyze Contact Sensors are in the package with IFTTT support. This feature alerts you if you leave something, opened or closed.
Place the contact sensors on your safes, trash cans, jars, liquor cabinets, and other necessary objects. You’ll know directly from your smartphone if you left it open or not.
Aside from motion and contact, you’ll also get sound-triggered recordings. You can check the video recordings stored on the server for any unusual sounds in your vacation home.
Wyze doesn’t offer temperature and humidity readings, so you need separate sensors like TempStick for your home comfort levels. You also can’t directly integrate it with smart home devices and IFTTT.
PROS
- Inexpensive motion-activated HD camera.
- Sharp 1080 video.
- Sound-triggered recordings.
- Free cloud storage.
CONS
- IFTTT is not built-in.
- No temperature and humidity sensor.
4. Wyze Camera Outdoor Starter Bundle
Wyze V3 Outdoor Camera is another excellent choice for vacation homes because of its advanced motion detector. It’s the brand’s latest product that now claims to withstand harsh weather conditions. It’s ideal for outdoor monitoring so you can mount it on your gate.
Wyze offers smart home integrations through video-enabled Alexa and Google Assistant devices at an affordable price. Use voice controls to switch between home to away modes. You can also perform other voice commands like “Show me the outside camera.”
The Alexa feature also notifies you when the camera picks up a person or any movement. The intelligent motion detection of this product makes it ideal for people with vacation homes. But you first need to change the settings on the Smart Integration tab of Wyze.
Another significant feature of this outdoor camera is the 1080p night vision. Wyze has it, along with the seamless two-way talk. You can use it as an intercom if someone’s knocking on your door and you like to speak.
Overall, it’s one of the cheapest home security cameras you should have for your home.
PROS
- Sharp 1080p with night vision capabilities.
- One of the cheapest smart home monitoring systems.
- Easy DIY installation.
- Motion and sound detection.
- Water-proof and outdoor-friendly.
CONS
- No backup batteries.
- Limited smart home integration.
- No AI service.
- Prone to package theft because it’s too lightweight.
5. Ambient Weather WS-2000 Smart Weather Station
Ambient Weather’s personal weather station network is complete with all the weather sensors you need for your vacation home. You can monitor your home’s temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, rain, wind direction and speed, UV, and solar radiation.
This weather station is an excellent option for professional monitoring to get accurate weather predictions. The readings from Ambient Weather will also help you take the necessary precautions before the snow, rainfall, and more.
Although this smart weather station is not as compact as TempStick, it has smart home features like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. WS-2000 lets you connect the unit to the network and ask for weather reports.
Remotely monitor your vacation home with Ambient Weather’s smartphone application for iOS and Android. The Ambient Weather Dashboard lets you stream live data to the internet, including graphs and charts.
PROS
- All-in-one weather station.
- Smart home features.
- Solar-powered.
- WiFi connectivity.
CONS
- Not compact.
- Hard to install.
- No battery backup.
- Only works on 2.4 GHz WiFi.
6. Moen 900-001 Flo Smart Water Shutoff
Many people overlook the importance of water conservation as part of home security. We also need to monitor if the pipes and tubes are getting damaged. Fortunately, Moen Smart Water Shutoff can protect your home from water leaks.
If you already have sensors for motion, temperature, electricity, and weather, it’s time to get the 900-001 Flo. This device will complete your home security system because it acts like smart plumbing.
The automatic water shutoff can alert you regarding anomalies in your water pressure. There’s no need for visits to your vacation home from time to time anymore. Just open the smartphone application, and it will provide maintenance alerts and daily tests.
You can monitor even behind the walls in your foundation. It’s easy to install because all the tools you need are in the complete package. You don’t need a smart hub to set up Alexa and Google Assistant.
You can also avoid the overuse of water because you’ll be able to track how much water you’re consuming. It’s a smart device that will reduce the cost of water lines.
PROS
- Easy to install.
- Unique home security device for water leaks.
- Real-time alerts through Flo by Moen app.
CONS
- Expensive.
- Additional service like LIVE Smart Water Assistant requires fees.
7. Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell
Wired cameras on the doorbell are another common home monitoring sensor. Switch your current doorbell with Arlo so you can see who’s knocking on your door before opening it. You’ll get HD with HDR quality footage on your smartphone, whether it’s morning or night.
The impressive doorbell cameras are equipped with motion detection capabilities. You’ll see what prompted a motion before your doorbell rings. This feature called the Arlo Foresight, captures video recordings right on time to help you feel secure in your vacation home.
No matter the weather or your location, the doorbell camera will operate through your phone. Open the Smartphone app to monitor your doorway. Aside from motion monitoring, you can also hear and speak to visitors or play prerecorded messages.
Setting up this smart home sensor is a breeze. First, install your power kit to the doorbell’s chime. Connect your doorbell wires from the wall to your device, and follow the instructions on the Arlo app,
Arlo Wired Doorbell is a cheaper investment than the Arlo Pro 3 Wire-Free Security Camera. However, after three months of trial, you need to subscribe to the Arlo Secure plan to keep enjoying the smart home features.
PROS
- Provides smart alerts for visitors.
- 2-way audio and pre-recorded messages.
- Works with Alexa.
CONS
- Monthly subscription fees.
- Glitches and pauses in the videos.
- Slow load time.
In Conclusion
There’s no more excuse for not having a home monitoring system with all these technological advancements. The best remote home monitoring system will keep you at ease knowing that your vacation house is safe even if you’re not around.
TempStick is a fantastic device that will get you started with remote monitoring, with MarCELL as a runner-up. While Marcell is ideal for cellular connectivity in far-flung areas, TempStick provides more reliable readings with WiFi.
Both devices provide accurate temperature and humidity readings. However, TempStick offers unlimited storage and a mobile application without monthly subscription fees. Once you have TempStick, you can expand into cameras, weather stations, and water leak sensors.
Home security keeps your vacation house safe. But a home monitoring system like TempStick helps you stay on top. You’ll be able to get real-time information about your property wherever you are! And for more great tips like this, check out our guide to the best indoor hygrometers.
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
