How do you winterize your vacant STRs with this cold front?

[Paul Sandhu]

Temp is going to below zero for a few days here. I've got unoccupied properties with the utilities on. How do you prepare for when it gets this cold?

Leave the heat on and sinks dripping?
Turn off the water at the meter and leave the sinks open with the heat on?
Something else?

[Michael Baum]

Hey @Nancy Bachety, I have been using the iHome iSS-50 monitor. It is a simple device that measures motion, temperature, light, sound and humidity. We use it just straight up with the free app, but it can be connected to various home control systems and you can set alerts with those.

I like it because it is simple, WiFi and plugs in. No subscription required. I use it to verify temps in the house vs the thermostat. The sound sensor is simple and just says if there is sound present, not how loud, but it let's me know when someone is in the house.

They can be had pretty cheaply as well.

https://www.ihomeaudio.com/iSS...