A monitor device is configured to monitor a system, such as a utility system and/or appliance. The monitor device includes sensor(s) that measure characteristic(s) of the system, and data storage that stores parameter data that is provided from a remote service. The parameter data includes thresholds, signatures, and/or other information that describes a typical operational state of the system. The monitor device includes software that executes locally to compare current sensor data to the parameter data and determine whether the current operational state of the system is within the bounds of the typical state as defined by the parameter data. In instances where the current state is atypical, indicating a possible problem with the system, a notification can be sent describing the anomaly. The monitor device can also perform other action(s) to correct the problem or mitigate possible damage, and can operate autonomously if a network connection is unavailable.