What is a temperature sensor and why do I need one?

Posted May 16th, 2023 by SimpliSafe

What is a temperature sensor and why do I need one?

Cameras, video doorbells and other safety measures are synonymous with home security. But have you ever wondered how a temperature sensor can help protect your home?

We wouldn’t blame you if your answer was no. However, your mind may change when we dive into how a temperature sensor can help protect your home, your loved ones and your precious possessions. 

If you’re looking for ways to reinforce your home’s security, read on to find out what temperature sensors are, how they work and the benefits of having them in your home.

What is a temperature sensor?

Temperature sensors are small devices used to detect temperature changes within a space. Whilst they’re often used in workplaces and industrial environments, they also have practical uses within homes, particularly if you live in an area prone to harsher weather conditions. They can also be used to detect changes in temperature as a result of damaged or burst pipes in unused loft spaces, garages, water tanks, and basements. 

How does a temperature sensor work?

On a temperature sensor you can set high and low perimiters. When the temperature gets either too hot or too cold it triggers the alarm and you will receive a notification, and in SimpliSafe’s case, it will sound the Base Station’s siren. When coupled with a professionally monitored system, the monitoring centre will text or call to alert you of the incident, even when you aren’t home.

Temperature Sensors work best when placed near a thermostat, or in an area where your home could be vulnerable, such as exposed plumbing that could be prone to freezing or pipes bursting. Preventing frozen pipes may sound like an arduous task, but our blog posts on this topic explains everything you need to know.

If you’re renting or looking to buy a property, it’s worth working through a list of safety questions for your landlord or agent to ensure they’re transparent for any vulnerabilities in your home that could do with the reinforcement of a temperature sensor.

Why install a temperature sensor at home?

Now that we know what temperature sensors are and how they work, let’s see how they can benefit your home once installed along with other home security gadgets.

1. They can detect changes early

Temperature sensors can help you detect changes in your home before disaster strikes. By monitoring temperature fluctuations, you can identify the issue and take necessary steps to fix the issue before costly repairs occur, for example, stop your home from flooding if pipes burst - which water sensors help with too.

2. They can help protect your loved ones

If you have pets and expensive possessions, you’ll want to keep them protected, particularly if you’re out of the house and need to be notified early of a sudden temperature change. Temperature sensors not only prompt you to get home to try to fix the issue, but it will help keep you pets and belongings safes too.

3. You can get regular readings

One of the benefits of SimpliSafe’s Temperature Sensor is that they can give you a reading every hour. They only require one CR-2032 Lithium 3V battery which lasts up to 5 years and will work within the lower and upper limits of temperatures you set for your home.

4. They help maintain optimal temperatures

Is your house a little chillier than usual? You can change the temperature threshold of each individual sensor in the device setting on the Keypad menu - which is important if you’re placing them in specific areas of your home too.

Ready to install a Temperature Sensor? Shop SimpliSafe or contact us to find out more about our home security systems. Couple your temperature sensor with one of our other products, or integrate it into a bespoke security system specifically for your home.