The Piano Diary

AgathaSquirrel

Aargh - I hate random, unplanned expenses.

We don’t have an alarm, although there is an old one so it perhaps looks like we do. We’ve talked about it but our neighbours’ alarm goes off randomly all the time and it feels like it’s more bother than it’s worth. I think if there were ever a spate of break ins in the area I would think differently but for the moment it’s one of the many things on our to do list that we haven’t reached yet.

glass_half_full

AgathaSquirrel said:

Aargh - I hate random, unplanned expenses.

We don’t have an alarm, although there is an old one so it perhaps looks like we do. We’ve talked about it but our neighbours’ alarm goes off randomly all the time and it feels like it’s more bother than it’s worth. I think if there were ever a spate of break ins in the area I would think differently but for the moment it’s one of the many things on our to do list that we haven’t reached yet.

Yes, its a real pain! Although I suppose I could have anticipated it since it was playing up the last time I had it serviced a while ago. I notice that on my insurance policy it says "Basic DIY alarm" so perhaps if I contact them after it has been upgraded I might get a small reduction. I think I only really kept it going because it was already in the house when we moved in. 

savingholmes

I think a lot of people go down the camera doorbell and camera security sys route rather than an alarm. AM's Eufy brand doesn't require a contract. 

AgathaSquirrel

That’s a good point. We do have a camera doorbell (I hate it but I concede that’s a benefit). We also have some solar powered lights at the side and back that get triggered by movement and could be a deterrent.

glass_half_full

Ouch! Total cost came to £960. For that I got a complete system upgrade plus annual contract etc. It is quite good that I can now control it remotely with an app. Will get to test it this weekend as we are away and DS will return. But all in all it is a necessary evil. We have got external lights. If I didn't have a system already I would definitely consider the camera route. Just about able to pay it without using CC but savings now depleted and will need rebuilding.

AgathaSquirrel

My neighbour now has an app and that has really helped. Before that we had to phone one of the daughters to come round and reset if it went off when they’re away.

savingholmes

Ouch. But sounds like it gives you peace of mind

glass_half_full

Dear diary and all,

So just after we had left the house in a taxi I go to set my new remote alarm using the app. Discover that system has gone off line 5 mins before we left the house. I think to myself that perhaps the electricity has gone off and thus taken down the router. This is because we have an RCD fuse in the garage which intermittently operates for no clear reason and takes out some downstairs sockets. I can't return to the house as we have a train to catch. I call FIL later who lives locally and he goes up to the house but he is a bit confused when I speak to him on the phone about whether the RCD switch should be up or down. Anyway on our return to the house it turns out that the electricity had gone off and unfortunately we lost the contents of the fridge and freezer whilst away. I have an electrician coming out on Friday to look at the RCD box. OH had a conversation with a neighbour and they have had the same thing, in the end needed to replace the fuse box. It seems checking on line this would be £450-£800. On the positive side, we had a wonderful couple of days away and it was so restful.

DS has returned from his travels. He seems to have had a fantastic time away and met lots of people. His car is overdue its MOT so will need booking in for that. Fingers crossed that there are no major problems.