Anyone know of an option I could use at a vacation home to where I could just pay for service on months I would use it and then turn off the rest of the year? Would be great to be able to pay for a month here and there but idle the rest of the time. Does a plan with that option even exist somewhere?
Failing that, if you don't mind a slight drop in reliability/speeds, you could always use a mobile hotspot that you'd only pay for when in use. They'll allow you to add/remove to your existing mobile account without any additional charges.
I had planned on going the on/off route until I figured it's advantageous to have always-on internet to monitor the place with cameras and a home automation system (keep an eye on anything leaking, temps, etc.).
Failing that, if you don't mind a slight drop in reliability/speeds, you could always use a mobile hotspot that you'd only pay for when in use. They'll allow you to add/remove to your existing mobile account without any additional charges.
I had planned on going the on/off route until I figured it's advantageous to have always-on internet to monitor the place with cameras and a home automation system (keep an eye on anything leaking, temps, etc.).
I wonder if you simply bought the equipment outright if most would allow you to suspend/reinstate service anytime?
Also I hadn't thought of the possibility of maybe a home automation aspect. That gives me something else to also consider before decide which way to go, Thanks.
I found it helpful to have some of the automation equipment there. I have water leakage, temperature and motion sensors there, along with a few cameras. I don't go for months on end and it's a good 2 hours away, so I get some peace of mind knowing I can take a quick look around the house and property and know everything's locked up tight, there's oil in the tank and the temp is where it needs to be.
If you don't mind me asking what company did you buy the sensors from, and have you been happy?
I remember about a year ago someone posting about some company where you could buy ala-cart style different sensors and set them up yourself rather than signing with a service. That appeals to me more than using a security company. Is yours anything like that?
If you don't mind me asking what company did you buy the sensors from, and have you been happy?
I remember about a year ago someone posting about some company where you could buy ala-cart style different sensors and set them up yourself rather than signing with a service. That appeals to me more than using a security company. Is yours anything like that?
Mine is exactly like that. I have been doing this for years in all the homes/RE I own, so I use a somewhat older/more complicated system since I'm used to setting it up, the Micasaverde Vera system:
https://www.amazon.com/Vera-Control-VeraPlus-US-Smart-Controller/dp/B01BX9P89Y
The system is compatible with the ZWave home automation protocol, so any sensors labeled ZWave should work with it. Amazon has a whole selection, so do Lowes/HD, etc.
You don't need to pay for central monitoring, although the feature exists if you should decide to add it. By adding some window/door sensors where needed, as well as a few temp sensors and water leak detectors, the system is easily configured to send you an e-mail or text message alert when something happens (custom configurable, so you decide whether a door opening, or a temp falling below a certain cutoff). The system is also capable of turning on and off lights and outlets when you add switches/outlets to the mix.
Makes having a seasonal home a lot easier, that's for damn sure. Plenty of peace of mind, in particular when temps fall below freezing. Convenience, too - I have thermostats that are zwave compatible and can turn the temp up or down when we're visiting. I'm normally at 81 when we're not there, if I decide to take a ride out I can take the thermostat down to 72 when we leave our house, and it'll be cool by the time we get there.
Samsung also has a similar system (SmartThings), and Lowes makes it's own branded system as well (Iris). I haven't used those two extensively although I've done some work with both platforms. One downside I'm not crazy about there is the inability of the systems to run in a standalone mode should the Internet be cut off.
Not sure if I mis-understood your question but, most cell phones have a feature where you can use them as a "hot spot" access to the internet. Not sure what it would do to your bill though.
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Ahh okay ... Good luck!