7 Best Remote Vacation Home Monitoring Systems

Remote vacation home monitoring systems ensure security, protect assets, offer peace of mind, and enable swift response to emergencies, enhancing property safety and investment protection.

Investing in the right remote vacation home monitoring systems isn’t just a great way to improve your peace of mind. It’s also a crucial strategy for protecting one of your most valuable assets. After all, when your vacation home is left unattended for a while, there are a handful of things can go wrong. 

As leaders in remote water monitoring technology, the bluebot team knows how valuable the right tools can be to ensuring your vacation home stays in perfect condition.

Today’s intuitive devices can help you track everything from power performance to temperature and home security, no matter where you are. That means a better experience for your guests and more reassurance for you. 

Today, we’re taking a closer look at some of the best smart home monitoring solutions you can consider to protect and enhance your vacation home. 

Let’s dive in.

Best Remote Vacation Home Monitoring Systems

Use: Water Monitoring

Do you know how much water your guests actually use when they rent your home? Without the ability to keep track of water usage, you put yourself at risk of some nasty billing surprises. Water monitoring tools help you stay on top of one of your property’s most valuable resources.

Product Description

The bluebot water monitoring system is an easy-to-use and efficient solution for monitoring water usage. Offering universal compatibility with the majority of water systems, our 24/7 remote monitoring tool gives you a complete overview of your water supply, around the clock.

Whether you’re a homeowner or property manager, you can use bluebot to stay informed about unusual water events and act rapidly when needed. Plus, bluebot makes it simpler to pinpoint potential water waste, so you can save on your water bills.

Simplicity

Unlike some water monitoring devices, bluebot is extremely easy to use. The device simply clamps onto your water pipes and starts delivering feedback immediately. There’s no need to invest in professional installation, and you can instantly track and manage everything from our intuitive smartphone app.

Cost

The bluebot smart water meter is available for $539 with no installation fees.

Reviews

Users are continuously impressed with the bluebot smart water meter and reviews repeatedly mention how easy it is to install and the high level of accuracy. It’s highly recommended as a solution for monitoring water usage and to detect leaks.

Read bluebot reviews here

Use: Thermostat / Temperature Monitoring

Your thermostat controls up to 60% of your energy bill, but it’s difficult to know how your thermostat is working when you’re away from your vacation home. A smart device like this can help vacation rental owners control temperatures from a distance and reduce energy costs.

Product Description

One of the most popular temperature monitoring tools on the market, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat is an all-in-one solution for tracking and optimizing thermostat usage. The straightforward tool has saved billions of kWh of energy in homes around the world already. 

The Nest learns your habits and programs temperature changes according to your needs. It can even switch your heating off when people aren’t actually in your home, helping you to save energy.

Simplicity

Though Nest Learning thermostats are relatively easy to install, Google does recommend having a professional set your system up for you. A “Nest Pro” can ensure your system is installed in the right location and that your Heat Link is working effectively.

Cost

The Nest Learning Thermostat costs approximately $300 when purchased directly from Google. However, cheaper options may be available elsewhere online.

Reviews

Customers report they are generally happy with their Nest smart thermostats. They mention that the device is easy to install and set up and has significantly improved their home’s comfort and their energy bills. Users are also pleased with the app and how well it integrates with Alexa.

Read Nest Learning Thermostat reviews here

Use: Security System

Worried about keeping your property safe and secure when you’re not around? The right smart lock could give you the peace of mind you need. Automated touchscreen deadbolt systems can connect to your smart home system and even allow you to unlock and lock your door remotely.

Product Description

Compatible with Alexa, the Schlage Z-Wave touchscreen deadbolt makes it easy to protect your home from a distance. You can lock and unlock your door via your smartphone, and rely on Ansi Grad 1 durability and protection for your property. The system even comes with three different alert modes. 

You can set up instant notifications to ensure you’re informed when someone tries to tamper with your lock, enters your house, or attempts to force entry. There’s also a memory for up to 30 different access codes, so you can set up different numbers for each visitor.

Simplicity

Though a little more complex to install than some alternatives, the Schlage Z-Wave is a relatively straightforward tool, with an intuitive app. Plus, there’s an adjustable through bolt on the handle sets, so you can adjust your solution to fit a variety of pre-existing holes.

Cost

Pricing for the Z-Wave deadbolt starts at $469.90 and includes a built-in alarm system.

Reviews

Users love this product and the support from Schlage. Reviews mention how great it looks and feels and improves the quality of life. They love the ability to give out access codes and that it’s easy to change them at any time.

Read Schlage Z-Wave Deadbolt reviews here

Use: Video Doorbell

Combining your smart water meter, thermostat, and deadbolt with a video doorbell is a great way to upgrade your remote vacation home monitoring strategy. These innovative doorbells combine an HD security camera with powerful apps to help you interact with every guest.

Product Description

The Ring video doorbell is one of the most popular smart device options on the market. It makes it easy to monitor who’s visiting your home, leaving parcels on your doorstep and more. The product comes with 1080p video and two-way talk, so you can chat with your visitors. 

Plus, the Ring video doorbell can be powered by either a built-in rechargeable battery or a connection to your existing doorbell wires. You can customize your notifications, so you don’t get movement alerts all the time. Plus, you can track everything from your smartphone.

Simplicity

Extremely easy to install, the Ring video doorbell simply connects to the front of your door without the need for any complex wiring. The app is highly intuitive too, giving vacation rental hosts complete control over when they receive notifications and alerts. You can even connect to a Ring Protect plan and record videos or review what you’ve missed for up to 180 days.

Cost

The price for your Ring video doorbell will depend on which design you choose, but options start at around $135.

Reviews

Customers are impressed with how easy it is to set up the Ring Video Doorbell and how well it works. Many users seamlessly pair it with other cameras and devices and are pleased with how they all work together as part of a home security solution.

Read Ring Video Doorbell reviews here

Use: Outdoor Camera System

Successful remote vacation home monitoring relies on your ability to review what’s happening around your home, as well as inside it. An outdoor camera system ensures you can quickly pinpoint any suspicious activity and alert the authorities if your property is in danger.

Product Description

The Blink Outdoor camera system is a fully wireless and weather-resistant security camera with up to 2 years of battery life. The cellular monitoring system comes with built-in motion detection and can alert you whenever someone approaches your property. 

The solution is built to withstand the elements, with excellent waterproofing. You can use the device to store video clips and photos in the cloud, through the Blink subscription plan. What’s more, this pack comes with six cameras in total, ensuring you can track the entire area around your vacation rental.

Simplicity

The Blink Outdoor camera was designed with simplicity in mind. Anyone can install the system themselves without having to pay for professional support. There’s no wiring required, and you can connect everything to your smart device in minutes.

Cost

The Blink Outdoor 6-camera system costs approximately $479.98. Options for fewer or more cameras are available. Blink subscription fees are not included.

Reviews

Users report that Blink cameras are easy to set up and customize through the app. Reviews mention that the video is clear and detailed, and motion detection settings can be set per camera. They are also pleased with how it’s a budget-friendly way to remotely monitor vacation homes or the homes of elderly relatives.

Read Blink Outdoor camera reviews here

Use: Power Loss Detector

A loss of power can be disastrous for any rental homeowner. Not only does it have a negative impact on guest experience, but it can lead to countless issues around your property too. A power loss detector gives you a convenient alarm system you can use to track power outages anywhere.

Product Description

The MarCELL Cellular temperature, humidity, and power monitor is a multi-functional device. Ready to use wherever there’s a cellular signal, the solution makes it easy to track temperature and humidity levels, power outages, and more, with instant alerts straight to your email or phone. 

The intuitive app included with the plug-and-play system ensures homeowners can track their readings anytime, anywhere. Plus, there are tools for monitoring historic data and triggering instant updates on environmental conditions.

Simplicity

The intuitive power loss detector from MarCELL is easy to install in just a couple of minutes. Once the device is registered and connected to Verizon’s or AT&T’s 4G network, you can simply plug it into any standard wall outlet to start recording information immediately. The easy-to-use app also provides an intuitive dashboard for sorting through all of your readings.

Cost

The MarCELL cellular temperature and power monitoring system is available for a price of around $223. Subscription plans start at $8.25 per month for data storage.

Reviews

Reviewers love the accuracy and cellular capability of the MarCELL Multisensor, especially for vacation homes that may not have internet access. They state that setup is easy, and in addition to monitoring houses, users monitor RVs and remote cottages. Many users report the sensor has saved them from frozen pipes by alerting them when temperatures have dropped or has saved their pets by monitoring heat levels in RVs when electricity has gone out.

Read MarCELL cellular reviews here

Use: Smart Lighting

When combined with an alarm system, a smart lighting solution can help deter criminals and minimize the risk of burglaries and break-ins. Using motion sensor technology and home automation tools, these devices can help you protect and secure your home.

Product Description

The Ring Floodlight Cam Pro combines a plug-in adapter with a floodlight-based camera system. The solution includes a 1080p HD security camera, with motion-activated flood lights, two-way talk, and a built-in 110DB security siren.

This powerful device can be combined with a Ring Protect plan if you want to record all of your videos for up to 180 days. It also comes with Birds Eye View to provide accurate insights into what’s happening around your property and intelligent noise reduction.

Simplicity

With the Ring Floodlight Cam Pro, no professional installation is required. Just plug the solution into the outside of your home and connect to your Wi-Fi for round-the-clock peace of mind. The system comes with a 20-foot power cable, to ensure you can preserve your connection.

Cost

Pricing for the Ring Floodlight Cam Pro starts at $269.98 for one device, or $449.99 for 2.

Reviews

Customers give glowing reviews to the Ring Floodlight Cam, citing the easy installation and setup, exceptional performance, and advanced technology of this security camera. They are impressed with the clear and detailed picture and the ability to customize the motion sensor zone separately from the area the camera records.

Read Ring Floodlight Cam Pro reviews here

Mastering Remote Vacation Home Monitoring

Remote vacation home monitoring is crucial for keeping your property and assets protected. As wonderful as having your own vacation home is, keeping track of its safety can be complicated. Fortunately, the most innovative smart sensors and monitoring tools are here to help. 

The products above will help you to defend your home in a range of unique ways, whether you’re wondering how to stop a water leak and reduce waste, or you want to monitor suspicious activity around your property. 

Start upgrading your home with smart solutions today by purchasing a bluebot smart water meter for your vacation home.

FAQs

The best devices for monitoring a vacation home remotely will depend on what kind of information you want to track. Options range from smart water monitoring tools, to intelligent thermostats, lighting systems, security cameras, and even power outage alarms.

Remote monitoring systems make it easy to track important data about your vacation property from wherever you are. They can deliver instant alerts to your smartphone, using intelligent sensors and technology to keep you informed and protected.

A vacation home security system should come with all the features you need to monitor your property effectively. Consider investing in motion sensor-activated lights and cameras, smart thermostats, and intelligent water monitoring tools.

Most modern smart home monitoring solutions come with useful apps you can use to track instant alerts and notifications wherever you are. Some solutions even allow you to communicate with other people from a distance, or watch live-stream videos.

Yes, the best remote home monitoring solutions ensure you can access real-time alerts on your smartphone, via text, call, or even email. You can even customize your notifications based on your specific needs.