When considering home security, what comes to mind? You probably envision smart cameras, high-tech door locks, entry lights, and alarms to scare off intruders. Yet there’s more to home safety than just keeping the bad guys out. A lot more. Modern home security systems have evolved over the years to protect you not only from human threats but from other kinds of harmful “intruders.” Water leaks, gas exposure, and potential fire hazards are just as dangerous to your property and family’s safety. Enter environmental sensors for home safety.
Environmental sensors can detect the first signs of smoke, alert you to small leaks before they become a flood or leave standing water that will attract mold or damage your floors and even walls. This added layer of security provides important protection that traditional systems typically miss.
Let’s look at how environmental sensors for home safety work and how you can integrate them into your home.
What Are Environmental Sensors for Home Safety?
Environmental sensors are devices designed to detect specific changes within your home and then alert you if there are any potential hazards. Unlike the traditional measures found in security systems that focus on keeping intruders out, environmental sensors monitor the status of the home. Common environmental sensors include:
- Smoke/fire sensors to detect smoke or rapid increases in temperature that could indicate a fire in the home.
- Flood/water sensors can be placed in areas that are prone to water leaks, such as near basement walls where moisture can accumulate or near appliances, such as water heaters, dishwashers, or washing machines, that could flood your home if they fail.
- Carbon monoxide (CO) or gas sensors to detect harmful and invisible gases like CO that can be deadly if not detected in time. Some sensors may be set up to detect natural gas or propane leaks as well.
- Temperature and humidity sensors can help detect temperature drops, which could indicate the risk of frozen pipes, or humidity changes that could encourage the growth of mold.
These sensors can help detect issues before they become problems and damage your home or risk your family’s safety. They’re working in the background to constantly monitor for specific environmental threats, and if one is detected, they can sound an alarm or send an alert to your phone or control panel. By giving you an early warning, you’ll have time to respond before the situation escalates, giving you precious time to get your family to safety and address the issue.
For example, imagine you’re sleeping in the dead of night. When you fell asleep, it was lightly raining, but the storm picked up significantly. Now, water is leaking into your basement. A water sensor could detect the moisture and immediately notify you so you can take steps to prevent more water from coming in. Then, you can mop up the water before it leads to severe damage to your floors or walls.
Which Environmental Sensors Do You Need for Your Home?
All homes are different, and the hazards you may need to protect against could depend on your location and home structure. For instance, if you live in a flood-prone area, such as one with heavy rainfall, adding flood sensors to your basement, bathrooms, or any areas where water leaks are likely to occur could save you thousands of dollars of damage.
On the other hand, if you live in an area that’s known for dry weather or wildfires, smoke detectors with advanced capabilities (such as those that detect heat as well as smoke) may be a smart choice.
If you have a home with fuel-burning appliances like stoves, water heaters, or fireplaces, you should invest in carbon monoxide sensors immediately. And, homes located in industrial areas, or if someone in your family has asthma or another lung condition, could benefit from air quality monitoring.
Sensors can then be connected to a smart home hub for centralized control and monitoring. They can also be set to send alerts to your phone, even if you’re away.
Another consideration is the power source. For instance, some systems have battery-operated sensors, which may continue working even during a power outage. Others have hardwired sensors that may be more reliable but may need a backup power supply.
Some systems also allow you to customize your settings, so you aren’t dealing with false alarms any time you turn up the heat or if it starts to drizzle outside.
Where and How to Install Environmental Sensors for Home Security
How effective your sensors are can depend a great deal on where they’re installed. Fire and smoke sensors should be located on every level of your home, ideally in hallways, near bedrooms, and in living areas, especially in the kitchen. However, you’ll want to avoid placing them too close to cooking areas or fireplaces to prevent false alarms.
Flood and water sensors work best when set in low-lying areas where water tends to pool. That can include basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. But it also includes near major appliances like water heaters, washing machines, and even refrigerators that have water and ice dispensers.
If you rely on fuel like natural gas, propane, or wood burning to heat your home, carbon monoxide and gas sensors are vital. These should be placed near sleeping areas on every level of the house. In addition, place them near fuel-burning appliances like your furnace or water heater. Since the CO mixes evenly in the air, it’s most helpful to place sensors at head height rather than on the floor or the ceiling.
Finally, temperature and humidity sensors are best placed in attics, basements, or other areas in the home where the climate varies to help detect frozen pipes or mold risks before they become a serious and costly problem.
Most sensors are designed to be super simple to set up. For example, they may come with adhesive backs, so you can quickly install them. Do, however, make sure you follow the instructions for proper setup and connect them to your home security system.
You’ll also want to ensure you test the sensors regularly and ensure they’re properly maintained. Schedule routine (ideally monthly) checks to ensure they’re all functioning properly, and replace batteries if needed.
Enjoy Greater Peace of Mind with Environmental Sensors
Environmental sensors are an essential yet often overlooked part of a complete home safety system. Yes, cameras and alarms are excellent for helping keep intruders out, but your home system can also protect against other potential threats—from fire to flood to poor air quality. Knowing your home is monitored for a variety of dangers offers unmatched peace of mind.
Home Alarms CA has earned a reputation for reliability and trust. Check out our packages and call now for a free quote at 1-855-518-4458 and talk with an expert about a customized package to ensure your home is protected not only from outside intruders but also from environmental risks. With Home Alarm CA’s comprehensive approach to security, you can rest easy knowing skilled professionals are working behind the scenes to help protect you, your home, and your loved ones.