Next-Generation WallyHome Wireless Sensor Network Helps Homeowners Avoid Serious Property Damage

The next generation WallyHome wireless sensor network provides homeowners with peace of mind through unprecedented access to monitoring and maintaining the health of their home. The revolutionary home sensing solution detects and alerts users to water leaks and changes in humidity and temperature. The new system includes updated capabilities for the hub and sensors, and introduces Rapid Response, an optional new subscription emergency repair service that connects users to a service professional who can be dispatched to quickly fix problems and help avoid serious property damage.

"Almost 40 percent* of all homeowners have reported damage due to water over their lifetime and property damage from water leaks is the second most common home insurance claim," said Ryan Ciovacco, President of Wally Labs and Connected Living for Sears Holdings Corporation. "Our goal with WallyHome is to solve real pain points for homeowners, such as leaks that cause serious water damage or a heating outage at 2 a.m. on a freezing night. WallyHome can help save our users money and provide greater peace of mind by catching problems early on and notifying owners before significant damage occurs. We go beyond simply alerting a customer to an issue. Our end-to-end solution will also connect you with a certified professional to fix the problem before it gets worse—24 hours a day."

The WallyHome system lets users know what's happening in real-time through text message, push and email notifications and phone calls. Users can monitor for the following through the upgraded sensor:

• Water leaks: Detect leaks to reduce the risk of costly water damage.
• Temperature changes:
  • Identify potential problems with heating and air conditioning systems to reduce the risk of frozen pipes and other hazards.
  • Continuously measures the temperature in multiple locations in the home, alerting users to extreme levels or changes in temperature.
• Humidity: Reduce the potential for unhealthy mold growth by monitoring humidity levels.
• Doors & windows: Avoid unknowingly leaving doors and windows open, making the home more secure and help reduce monthly energy bills.

"We've taken all of the features our members loved from the original product, and extended them to be compatible with the most popular connected home protocols," said Parag Garg, CTO of Wally Labs and Connected Living at Sears Holdings. "In the coming months, we'll be announcing some new features, partnerships, third party products and service integrations, as well as several new WallyHome branded products."

The WallyHome Rapid Response^TM partnership with ServiceLive's nearly 35,000 certified and screened professionals, makes it the first home monitoring system available with the ability to not only detect, but react to issues by quickly connecting owners with a service to dispatch the appropriate service professional to fix the problem. Quick action is the key to preventing or limiting property damage and the Rapid Response service delivers a professional to remedy issues within two hours, even if the homeowner is away. Rapid Response currently specializes in non-life threatening emergencies such as leaks, heating and cooling outages and frozen pipes. Areas of focus include refrigerators, dishwashers, ice makers, bathtubs, pipes, washing machines, water heaters, water softeners, HVAC, toilets and showers.

WallyHome is conducting partnership pilots with several home insurance and property management companies and is currently used in many commercial businesses ranging from restaurants and vineyards to data centers and farms.

Do-it-yourself installation of WallyHome is a snap and can be set up in minutes. Simply place the wireless sensors around the home, connect them to the network using the Wally app, and the system is set. WallyHome starter kits ($99.99) and sensors ($34.99) are available now at WallyHome.com and Sears.com. WallyHome works with iOS and Android** and is compatible with additional approved smart devices. The WallyHome sensors are rated for five years of battery life under normal usage and the second generation hub offers battery backup. For more information on Wally's offerings and services, a complete list of compatible products and to stay current on Wally news, such as the introduction of additional modules and monitoring devices, visit WallyHome.com.

*Source: WaterDamageDefense.com

**Internet connection required for access to your Wally account.