Programmable Thermostats Posts

Hi DIYers! We know how important it can be to beat the summer heat with a new smart thermostat. That is why we are presenting you with our very own best smart thermostats of 2019. These devices all make fantastic additions to any growing smart home, and they are perfect for daily use.

A smart thermostat is great because you can program it to save huge amounts of money on your energy bills, while still keeping your home nice and cool when needed. You can integrate these devices with excellent platforms like Alarm.com, Total Connect 2.0, and even Apple HomeKIt. Just be aware that platform compatibility will vary between different devices. Make sure you purchase a smart thermostat that is compatible with the network you want to use.

With that out of the way, let's take a look at the best thermostats of 2019:

Honeywell T6 Pro Smart Thermostat

Resideo really outdid themselves with the Honeywell T6 Pro Smart Programmable Thermostat. This is the only thermostat on this list that comes in two (2) distinct flavors. These are a Z-Wave Plus version and an Apple HomeKit version. Regardless of which version you choose, you get a neat and clean UI that even new users will feel comfortable using. A unique aspect of this thermostat is that the Z-Wave Plus model does not require a C-wire for power. Instead, the device can run reliably on battery power alone. However, the HomeKit version requires the C-wire connection for WIFI communication. And although the Z-Wave Plus version was built for use with Total Connect 2.0, you can still use it with other networks like Alarm.com and Samsung SmartThings. Just know that it was designed with TC2 in mind.

Best for: Total Connect 2.0 users, Apple HomeKit users.

Alarm.com ADC-T3000 Smart Thermostat

Created specifically for Alarm.com users, the ADC-T3000 offers all the advanced features you would expect out of a robust and powerful smart thermostat. This is a Z-Wave Plus Thermostat which integrates perfectly with any Alarm.com Security System. Although you can technically use this device with other smart platforms like Total Connect 2.0 or Samsung SmartThings, it works best when used with Alarm.com. With the ADC-T3000, you can take advantage of great features like Alarm.com Geofencing, external temperature detection, humidity sensing, smart programming, and more.

Best for: Alarm.com users.

iDevices Smart WIFI Thermostat

The iDevices Smart WIFI Thermostat, also known as the iDevices IDEV0005AND4, was built for users who want a reliable and affordable smart thermostat, but don't necessarily want to integrate it with their alarm control panel. While its WIFI connectivity will not allow you to use the thermostat with Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com, this product is great for those who use smart, voice control platforms like Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home. The iDevices Smart WIFI Thermostat boasts an easy-to-use color-coded touchscreen, along with push-button controls. It fits in nicely with any decor, and no external hub is needed to use the thermostat. You can also use the convenient iDevices Connected App on iOS and Android devices to easily control the smart thermostat from anywhere.

Best for: Apple HomeKit users, Amazon Alexa users, Google Home users.

Carrier Côr Smart WIFI Thermostat

Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa users looking for a premium smart thermostat can get great results out of the Carrier Côr Smart WIFI Thermostat. Although this thermostat is unable to integrate with alarm panels, it is still loaded with features that make it one of the best smart thermostats available. The typical homeowner saves 20% on their heating and cooling costs with this Energy Star Certified Thermostat. End users also appreciate the local 4-day weather forecast that is conveniently displayed on the main screen. Other features include Ideal Humidity System Management, Hybrid Heat Management, Ideal Away, and Intelligent Comfort to help the thermostat control the temperature more accurately. This thermostat features a 7-day programming schedule and auto-adjusting between heating and cooling.

Best for: Apple HomeKit users, Amazon Alexa users.

Need Help Choosing a Smart Thermostat?

If you are having trouble deciding on the perfect smart thermostat for your home or business, please reach out to us! Our team is happy to discuss the pros and cons of each thermostat so that you can make the best purchasing decision for your needs. Remember, the best way to reach us is to always email support@alarmgrid.com. We will check your email at our earliest convenience and respond back as soon as possible. You may also call our planning department during our regular business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F at (888) 818-7728. We look forward to helping you beat the heat with a brand-new smart thermostat from Alarm Grid!

Hi DIYers! It sure is hot out! We're right in the stretch of summer, and we know that you are looking for ways to stay cool. You can beat the heat with a new smart thermostat from Alarm Grid. These devices are easy to install, and they let you control your home's temperature remotely.

With a smart thermostat, you can ensure that your home stays cool when you need it, while also keeping energy costs to a minimum. The key is having your smart thermostat keep your HVAC system running while you are home, while having it not expend as much energy while you are away working or on vacation.

You can check your smart thermostat from anywhere using an app on your phone and make sure your home is at the temperature you need. When you are on your way back to the house, you can set your thermostat to cool so that your house is nice and comfortable by the time you get back. Or if you aren't going to be home for awhile, you can turn the temperature up so that you aren't wasting energy. It's all in your control - anywhere, anytime.

Here are four of the best smart thermostats of 2019:

Honeywell T6 Pro

The Honeywell T6 Pro has been one of our favorite smart thermostats for awhile. It comes in two models - a Z-Wave Plus model and a WIFI model for use with Apple HomeKit. The Z-Wave Plus model is notable, as no C-Wire is needed to setup the device. The Z-Wave version can run consistently on three (3) AA batteries. This is perfect for DIY users who don't want to mess with high-voltage wiring, as you only need to connect the device to the HVAC system in place of the old thermostat. Please note that the WIFI model does require C-Wire power. The Z-Wave Plus model was designed for use with Resideo Systems and Total Connect 2.0, but you can really use it reliably with any Z-Wave hub. It is ENERGY STAR® certified.

Alarm.com ADC-T3000

The Alarm.com ADC-T3000 is still brand-new to our site, but it has already become one of our favorite smart thermostats. This device supports Z-Wave Plus technology for extended wireless range and battery life. It was built to connect with alarm control panels that use the Alarm.com interactive platform, but you can really use it with any Z-Wave controller. This thermostat is known for its sleek, straightforward design and excellent simplicity that makes it perfect for new users. It is also ENERGY STAR® certified to ensure that you can keep your home cool, while also preventing the energy bills from racking up. The device relies on the C-Wire from the HVAC system for primary power, while two (2) AAA batteries provide backup power. It works with nearly any conventional 24V HVAC system.

iDevices Smart WIFI Thermostat

The iDevices IDEV0005AND4 Smart WIFI Thermostat is the lowest-priced smart thermostat on our list. It is perfect for users who want to get smart functionality for their home's HVAC system at a low price. The device is designed for use with Apple HomeKit, which is great for iOS users who want ultimate control from their iPhones. In addition to Siri voice control through HomeKit, the iDevices Smart WIFI Thermostat also supports voice commands through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Remote access is also possible through the iDevices Connected App on both iOS and Android devices. The thermostat has a sleek, slim profile when installed on the wall. It uses 24VAC from the HVAC system, and the C-Wire is required. It does not have a backup battery.

Carrier Côr Smart WIFI Thermostat

Last on our list is the Carrier Côr Smart WIFI Thermostat. This is a high-end thermostat that comes at a higher price tag than the other smart thermostats on our list. But it offers some great results. The Carrier Côr is HomeKit-compatible, meaning that it can be used with Siri voice commands on iOS devices. It can also be used with Amazon Alexa once you enable the Carrier Côr Thermostat Alexa Skill. The thermostat provides detailed energy reports, and it is ENERGY STAR® certified to help users better-manage their energy expenses. It also offers useful features like Humidity System Management, Hybrid Heat Management, Ideal Away Settings, and Intelligent Comfort. Users will also appreciate the 7-day programming schedule for added convenience. The thermostat uses HVAC system power. It does not have a backup power source.

If you have any questions about these smart thermostats, please reach out to us. The best way to contact us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. You can also call us at (888) 818-7728 during our regular business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We will help you find the perfect smart thermostat to keep your home cool and comfortable this summer. Our entire team looks forward to hearing from you.

Great news DIYers! The Total Connect 2.0 Service used with Honeywell and Resideo Alarm Panels now supports If This, Then That, otherwise known as IFTTT. This is huge for TC2, as a plethora of new integrations and features are now possible! TC2 users can visit this page to get started.

As you may know, Total Connect 2.0 is an interactive service platform used with Resideo Alarm Systems. The service can be used with any compatible panel that has an AlarmNet Cellular or IP Communicator installed and activated. Once a user has a Total Connect 2.0 account, they can access the platform through the Total Connect 2.0 website or through a mobile app on their Android or iOS device.

Accessing TC2 allows an end user to perform various system functions. These functions include Arming and Disarming their system, checking current system status, controlling connected Z-Wave smart home devices, viewing connected Resideo IP Cameras and more. The end user will need an active monitoring plan that includes access to the TC2 platform. Users who are not currently monitored should check out our monitoring page for more information about alarm monitoring service.

It was already possible to use Total Connect 2.0 to trigger security system and Z-Wave actions based around certain predetermined events and time schedules. But IFTTT support adds a world of new possibilities. Thanks to IFTTT, end users can now quickly and easily integrate peripherals like Lutron Smart Lights, Sonos Speakers, Phillips Hue Lights, Roomba devices, Rachio Sprinklers, MyQ Garage Doors, Somfy Blinds and more.

IFTTT works by using Triggers and Actions. Basically when a certain "Trigger" occurs, an "Action" will follow. Currently, IFTTT only allows TC2 "Triggers" caused by changing the arming status of your system, or an alarm event on your system. We are hopeful that IFTTT will allow specific sensor triggers sometime in the future. Additionally, IFTTT can be used to create Triggers based on date & time or a predetermined schedule. The Action that follows a Trigger could be something like telling your Sonos Sound System to start playing music, your Lutron Lights to all turn off, or your Rachio Sprinkler System to start watering the grass.

What's great about IFTTT is that it is ultra-customizable and offers nearly any possible combination of connected devices and responses. You can have multiple Actions corresponding to the same Trigger, or multiple Triggers to cause the same Action. And despite being extremely intricate in terms of possible combinations, creating individual commands in IFTTT is actually quite easy. We are sure that end users will love this new integration and the ease of use that it provides.

We expect to release new content in the near future to help users get started with IFTTT for TC2. This will likely include all-new FAQs and videos designed to walk users through the process of creating new Triggers and Actions for use with their Resideo Alarm Systems and their connected smart devices. Stay tuned for more content coming soon!

For now, if you want to learn more about IFTTT and how it can be used with TC2, the best way is to reach out to us. We recommend sending an email to support@alarmgrid.com with your question or concern. We will check your email at our earliest convenience and respond back as quickly as possible. If you prefer to call us, you can do so at (888) 818-7728 during our normal business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you learn all about IFTTT.

We have learned that Version 5.8.5 of the Total Connect 2.0 Mobile App for iOS has a bug that affects WIFI thermostats. The update leaves users unable to control their WIFI thermostats with the mobile app. However, iOS users can still control their WIFI thermostats through the TC2 website.

Many users have found that upon updating to the latest version of Total Connect 2.0, they have been left unable to operate their WIFI thermostats through the app. This includes any Honeywell Lyric Round Thermostats and any WIFI thermostat that pairs with TC2 through a Total Connect Comfort, Honeywell Home or Redlink integration.

Please note that the bug only affects the iOS version of the Total Connect 2.0 Mobile App. Android users are not affected. Additionally, Z-Wave Thermostats are also unaffected. If you are currently running iOS Mobile App Version 5.8.5, then you can still use the TC2 website to control your WIFI thermostat. You should be able to access the website using the standard web browser on your iPhone or iPad.

We expect that Resideo will release an update to fix this bug in the near future. But it may take some time before this happens. Until then, Alarm Grid monitored customers should reach out to support@alarmgrid.com with any questions. Alarm Grid will provide an update when we learn that the bug has been fixed.

Very recently, we made a post highlighting the best smart thermostats on the market today. We made it clear that smart thermostats offer huge convenience, and they can help users save money on energy bills. But just how much can a household save by using a smart thermostat? Let's find out.

The idea behind a smart thermostat is that it will allow a home's HVAC system to run only when it is needed. The HVAC system is typically the largest contributor to one's energy bill. With a traditional analogue thermostat, a user has to choose between running the HVAC system all the time (expensive) or coming home to house where the HVAC system hasn't been running all day (uncomfortable). This can be somewhat mitigated using a standard programmable thermostat set on pre-determined schedule. However, a user will still be unable to adjust their HVAC system while they are away.

A smart thermostat offers major convenience, since it allows for the HVAC System to respond automatically with certain events. For example, a smart thermostat can be "taught" to turn off the HVAC system when a user presumedly leaves their house because they set their security system to arm away. That way, the HVAC system turns off at exactly the right moment. If you ever plan on leaving your home at different times of the day, a standard programmable thermostat won't be able to achieve this same level of automatic precision.

But the real money saving ability of a smart thermostat comes from the ability to control the HVAC system remotely. This is done by accessing an interactive service platform, such as Alarm.com or Total Connect 2.0. When this setup is done using an alarm system, the command will go from the interactive servers servers to the control panel (through WIFI or cellular communication), then to the smart thermostat (usually through WIFI or Z-Wave), and finally to the HVAC system (through a wired connection). Since most interactive services have their own mobile apps, this type of control and access can be achieved from virtually anywhere in the world.

So say you're away from home, and you're running late. Instead of arriving home at your expected time, it will now be several hours or even the next day until you get back. But oh no, your home's heating and cooling system is still running! If you don't shut it off, the energy bills are going to rack up! In this situation, just pull out your smart phone, access your interactive service account, and tell your smart thermostat to shut off the HVAC system. Just like that, you have saved money. And if you want your house to be comfortable when you arrive, access your account a little bit before you come home and activate your thermostat. It's that easy.

So how much can you really save on your energy bills with a smart thermostat? Well it depends. Obviously, the savings will be largest if you had a traditional thermostat that had the HVAC system running 24/7. Once you adjust to a programmable thermostat, assuming you use it as designed, you will save money in energy costs every time you leave the home and have the HVAC system stop running. But if you had an analogue or programmable thermostat that you adjusted meticulously, or if you almost never leave your home and always run your HVAC system, the savings won't be as large.

As for actual numbers, various studies have found that a typical smart thermostat will save users on average about 10% on heating costs and 15% on cooling costs. This translates to a savings of about $130 per year, or slightly more than $10 per month. But keep in mind, these savings will be larger in certain cases. We've heard of many users saving more than $200 per year in energy costs by using a smart thermostat. For these users, a smart thermostat essentially pays for itself in just a year's time.

The best option is to consider your energy-using habits and determine whether or not a smart thermostat is a good investment for your household. Either way, it will certainly be more convenient and offer more features than a traditional thermostat. And if you're wondering which smart thermostat we recommend, we gotta say we're pretty big fans of the new Honeywell T6 Z-Wave Thermostat.

Ah, the thermostat. The unsung champion that keeps your home or office a bearable place to reside during the scorching summer months. You have probably relied on one of these devices for all of your life. It goes without saying that the thermostat is, and always will be, super awesome.

But what you might not know is that the latest thermostats are more feature-rich and more technologically advanced than ever before. At Alarm Grid, we don't mess with the primitive, boring thermostats of yesteryear. We have something more exciting. Ladies and gentlemen, prepare to meet the smart thermostat.

Simply put, a smart thermostat is any thermostat that ties in with home automation. Just like a traditional programmable thermostat, a smart thermostat can be set up so that it adjusts the temperature based on a set schedule. But what separates a smart thermostat is that it can be operated remotely and that it can be included with various smart scenes. And if you have a smart assistant like Apple HomeKit, Google Home or Amazon Alexa, you can control your smart thermostat using voice commands.

So for example, let's say you're out and about, but your plans changed, and now you're going to be home earlier than expected. You can login to your interactive services account (e.g. Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com) and adjust your thermostat so that your house will be comfortably cooled or heated by the time you arrive home. Or let's say you realized you're going to be home later than expected. Simply login to your interactive service account and tell your smart thermostat to hold off on heating or cooling. That way, you can conserve energy and save money on your power bill.

The other reason to get a smart thermostat is to tie it in with your smart home setup. A smart home setup that uses home automation allows users to establish a pre-determined set of actions that will be performed based on a schedule or with certain events. These sets of pre-determined response actions are referred to as smart scenes, and the actions or events that trigger them are called rules. And it isn't just thermostats that can be included in smart scenes. A smart scene can include things like lights, door locks and garage door controllers as well.

But how would you use rules and scenes with your thermostat? Well let's say you set your security system to arm away when you go to leave for the day. You can have a smart scene and a rule put in place to turn off all your Z-Wave lights and have your smart thermostat to stop cooling the house once you arm your system. That way, you are immediately saving money on your energy bills without even lifting a finger. Sure, you could manually do this with a traditional programmable thermostat, but with a smart thermostat, it is much more convenient and simple.

So now that you know why smart thermostats are great, which one should you get? Well if you want the short answer, we recommend the new T6 Z-Wave Thermostat from Honeywell. But there a couple of others that aren't far behind. Let's take a look at three outstanding smart thermostats, including the amazing T6.

Honeywell T6 Z-Wave Thermostat

Okay, we're going to be honest here. The Honeywell T6 Z-Wave Thermostat is the best device on this list. That's not to knock the other two thermostats we're presenting here. But we firmly believe the Honeywell T6 is the best smart thermostat on the market today. Unless you're dying to know more about some other thermostats that are currently available, you can save yourself the reading and purchase the Honeywell T6 from Alarm Grid right now.

There is one major reason that the Honeywell T6 is currently the best thermostat available. Unlike nearly every other thermostat, the T6 does not require common power from a C-wire. Instead, it is a rare example of a high-quality and efficient smart thermostat that can operate on battery power. This makes it arguably the easiest thermostats to install for a DIY user. Traditionally, DIYers have been apprehensive about installing a thermostat since it usually required working with power wires. But the T6 just needs to be connected with the HVAC system to get up and running.

As far as the end user experience goes, the T6 offers a nice, clean interface that is a joy to use on a daily basis. The options are easy to understand, and new users won't feel overwhelmed or confused by the simple layout. And don't let the name fool you; the Honeywell T6 isn't restricted to use with Honeywell Alarm Systems. This is a non-proprietary thermostat that can be used with any alarm system that has a Z-Wave controller. This includes systems like the 2GIG GC3 and the Qolsys IQ Panel 2. Also, it can be accessed from both the Total Connect 2.0 and the Alarm.com interactive service platforms.

Hands down, this the best smart thermostat available today. Get one.

Alarm.com ADC-T2000

The ADC-T2000 was designed with Alarm.com in mind. This is the interactive service platform used with that is used with many different alarm system manufacturers, including 2GIG and Qolsys. So if you have an alarm system from one of these manufacturers, it may feel comforting to know that your smart thermostat is essentially "on the same team" so to speak. It is truly designed by Alarm.com, for Alarm.com.

There are few other reasons why one might select the ADC-T2000. For one, it features push-buttons and a light-up temperature display rather than an LCD screen. Some users might prefer this. Personally, we believe the touchscreen of the T6 is the superior option, but we know that some users prefer to keep it as simple as possible. With just three main buttons (up, down and menu) it doesn't get much easier than the ADC-T2000.

The other highlight of the ADC-T2000 is that it can be used with the Alarm.com ADC-S2000. This is a wireless temperature sensor that can send temperature readings to the ADC-T2000. This can be useful for very large properties where the temperature in one area of the building might not be the same as another. So in theory, this add-on can help you control the temperature in a very large building more accurately.

With all that in mind, if you have an ADC-compatible alarm system or you want to use a secondary temperature sensor with your smart thermostat, then the ADC-T2000 might be for you.

Honeywell Lyric Round WIFI Thermostat

The Lyric Round is the only smart thermostat on this list that doesn't use Z-Wave. Instead, this thermostat communicates using 2.4 GHz WIFI. It is exclusively compatible with the Honeywell Lyric Controller. But remember, the Lyric Controller already includes a built-in Z-Wave controller, so it could easily use the (superior) Honeywell T6 Thermostat instead. So why choose the Lyric Round? That is a very fair question.

We see users turn to the Lyric Round for one main reason. It is for the rare instance where a user wants to use WIFI communication instead of Z-Wave. Most users who have a home automation setup will have a strong mesh network of Z-Wave devices that will help support their Z-Wave smart thermostat. And even if a user has no other Z-Wave devices, the range for Z-Wave devices is still acceptable for most homes. But at the end of the day, WIFI is a more robust signal that a standalone (key word, standalone) Z-Wave signal.

If you have a larger property and a weak or nonexistent Z-Wave mesh network, you may ultimately be better off using the Lyric Round. The smart thermostat will send reliable and consistent WIFI signals to your Honeywell Lyric Controller. Also, you will be able to access and control your Lyric Round right from Total Connect 2.0. But keep in mind, you can only use the Lyric Round if you have a Honeywell Lyric Controller Security System.

Alarm Grid is now offering the T6 Z-Wave Thermostat from Honeywell. This intuitive device is excellent for controlling the HVAC system inside any home or business. It provides support for complete heating and cooling control, and it is very easy to set up compared to other thermostats.

The Honeywell T6 uses Z-Wave Plus technology for communicating with an alarm system. It was previously known as the Lyric T6 Pro Z-Wave Thermostat, but Honeywell changed the name to simply T6 in order to avoid confusion with the Lyric lineup. The device will work with any alarm system that supports Z-Wave devices, including the Honeywell Lyric Controller. Although it is manufactured by Honeywell, the T6 will work with other brands of systems that support Z-Wave as well. Depending on the system that is used, the T6 can controlled from Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com.

One thing that makes the T6 great is its ability to be used without a common power from a C-wire. Instead, the thermostat can operate effectively on battery power alone. But if a C-wire is used (which is usually 24VAC from the HVAC equipment), then the thermostat will allow other Z-Wave devices to operate through it as their wireless signals travel back to the Z-Wave controller. But this feature cannot be performed if the T6 is running on strictly battery power.

We have already tested the T6 Thermostat with the Lyric Controller to great success. Our team is particularly impressed with the device's ease of setup and its overall clean user interface. Z-Wave plus capabilities allow it to function extremely reliably on a Z-Wave network, making it a very dependable device. It also provides excellent flexibility with its ability to be used with a C-wire. All of this makes the T6 our new favorite Z-Wave thermostat. You can purchase yours on the Alarm Grid site right now!

It's not compatible with the L5100, and as far as we know there are no immediate plans to make it compatible, but the technology is pretty awesome! The new WIFI Smart Thermostat that Honeywell is, reportedly, releasing in October takes interactivity to a whole new level, allowing users to actually talk to the device.

While it is the first consumer device that Honeywell will be releasing with such a capability, if it is successful, we're sure that the tech will begin seeping its way into some of Honeywell's popular security systems, ZWAVE thermostats and the like.'

CNET did a little video, and we thought it would be a great little introduction to the future. Hope you think it's as neat as we did, and let us know what you think in the comments below: