FreezeAlarm cuts risk of frozen pipes

FreezeAlarm cutsrisk of frozen pipes
FreezeAlarm helps reduce the risk of frozen pipes in a vacation home or other unoccupied building.
The device monitors the temperature in the building and phones an alert when a problem is detected.
The basic model calls one phone number of your choice when the temperature drops below 45 degrees.
Higher-priced models can call more than one number, alert you to a prolonged power outage or a low backup battery, and allow you to call in to check the temperature or raise the thermostat setting before you arrive.
FreezeAlarm is made by Control Products Inc. of Chanhassen, Minn., which also makes remote security and water alarms.
The product can be ordered online at www.automationhomeproducts.com or by phone at (800) 947-9098. It is available at some Home Depot and Ace Hardware stores.
Prices start about $100.
Cold-air return gratecan be located
Q. My mother's home is over 100 years old. Because of the age of the house and the size of the cold-air returns (from the original coal furnace), she is having a difficult time finding a grate to cover the cold-air return in her living room. She needs a grate that's 58 inches by 173/4 inches. Can you help?
A. Unless you can find an antique grille big enough to fit, you'll probably need to use two or three grilles to cover that large opening. Two sources that sell large reproduction covers are Reggio Register Co. in Ayer, Mass. (www.reggioregister.com or [978] 772-3493) and Muff's Antique Restoration Hardware in Orange, Calif. (www.muffshardware.com or [714] 997-0243).
Salvage stores are a good source of old items, but of course, their supplies are limited. One business, Robinson's Antiques in Lake Odessa, Mich. (www.robinsonsantiques.com or [616] 374-7750), has a good array of antique register and cold-air return covers for sale on its Web site.
It's also possible to have a cover custom-made, although the cost might be high. Companies that make wood grilles include New England Wholesale Hardwoods ([800] 343-6394 or www.floorings.com), Cape Cod Air Grille ([800] 547-2705 or www.ccairgrilles.com) and All American Wood Register ([815] 728-8888 or www.allamericanwood.com).