Home Security Blog

Hey DIYers! We're gearing up for another video recap. This time, we have three videos from Joe and a video from Dylan. Two of the videos feature the Honeywell Lyric Controller, while the other videos focus on Honeywell VISTA Alarm Systems. Let's check out what the team has been up to.

Power Cycling a VISTA Alarm System

Joe teaches users how to power cycle their Honeywell VISTA Alarm System. To power down the system, a user must disconnect both the plug-in transformer and the backup battery. The user can then reconnect the transformer and backup battery to restore power. The system will automatically power back on to complete the power cycle. Performing a power cycle can be useful for helping the system connect to an IP or cellular network and for troubleshooting various system errors.

Reset the Lyric's Master Code

Joe shows users how to reset the Master Code for a Honeywell Lyric Controller. This can be done in one of three ways. The code can be changed from the panel itself. It can also be changed from Total Connect 2.0. Finally, the code can be updated by the user's alarm monitoring company. Typically, a user will just complete this task from the panel itself. To do this, a user must access the user settings menu. This requires entering in the current Master Code. All system codes, other than the Installer Code, can be accessed from this menu.

Can WIFI be Primary and Cellular the Secondary Comm. Path on a Lyric?

Dylan talks about the communication paths that can be used with a Honeywell Lyric Controller. The system comes with a built-in WIFI card for connecting with a WIFI network. As a result, almost all Lyric Systems use WIFI as a primary communication path. A user can also add a separate cellular module to their Lyric System to have cellular communication as a backup. This is highly recommended, as cellular service will keep the system monitored when the WIFI is down or when the power is out.

Night Stay Mode on a VISTA Alarm System

Joe discusses the night stay mode feature for Honeywell VISTA Security Systems. This is a type of arming that is similar to regular arm stay. But in night stay, a user can pick certain motion sensors to be active whenever their system is armed in this mode. The motion sensors must have a Response Type of Interior Follower or Interior With Delay to be used in night stay. They must also be set up as a night stay zone. The feature can certainly be useful for larger properties.

A new home security camera is always an exciting purchase. Now you can view exactly what occurs inside your house when you are away. You can even pull up your Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com account to view a live feed of your camera. But wait, where are you going to install the device?

Even if you have the best security camera on the market, it won't matter at all if it is installed in a poor location. And while most alarm cameras are easy to install, it can still be very inconvenient to have to break out the tools and remount a camera if you find that its current location isn't the best. Therefore, it's helpful to get a camera's mounting location right the first time. Following some basic tips can help you ensure that you choose the optimal location for your camera.

Start by asking yourself some basic questions. What type of camera is it? If it's an outdoor camera, you will obviously have more options as to where you can place it. How large is its viewing angle? A camera with a larger viewing angle will be able to record across a larger area. How many cameras do you have? If you have multiple camera, you can probably have some set up for specific areas. But if you only have one camera for monitoring, then it should be placed in a location that really counts.

In any case, there are a few general tips to keep in mind regardless of where exactly a security camera is installed. Placing a camera high up is always a good idea, as it will provide a better view of the area. The camera's positioning angle will also play a big role on its overall scope and use. It is also very important to make sure that there are no obstructions in the way of the camera. After all, a camera is no good if there's a large object right in front of it! Some users also find that they prefer to install their cameras in areas that are difficult to access, as it make it less likely that an intruder will destroy the camera. But remember, this may make it more difficult to make adjustments to the camera if needed.

For a single camera set up, placing the camera in location where it can get a good overview of the property is usually a good idea. For outdoor cameras, many homeowners will install one near their front door. Most burglars will attempt to enter a home right through the front door, so placing a camera in this area will surely capture them in the recording. Additionally, an intruder will often have to walk past the the camera to access the back or the side of the house, so you may still record some activity even if the front door is not their ultimate point of entry. Furthermore, a font door camera will allow you to monitor any suspicious activity that may occur in front of your property. Most users ultimately find that monitoring the front door is an absolute must for home video surveillance.

But when a user has the luxury of a multiple-camera setup, where should they place their other cameras? Some users will add a second camera in their backyard. That way, their first camera will keep tabs on the activity in front of their house, while their second camera will monitor the rear. Additional cameras can then monitor the sides of the home and any accessible windows. Some users may also install cameras to cover areas that aren't necessarily seen by the other cameras. In order to maximize your investment, try and make each camera count so that it is recording an area that isn't seen by any others. You may also want cameras to monitor pool areas, guest homes and detached garages if applicable. Finally, try and choose areas that a potential intruder will be forced to pass if they want to access other areas of the property.

But what about indoor cameras? There are certainly a few good places that come to mind. Having cameras monitor any main entrances is always smart, since they will be virtually guaranteed to capture anyone who enters the home. It is also wise to place cameras in large central areas that will see activity in many different areas of the home. Some users also place cameras in hallways, as intruders will probably need to pass through them in order to access other areas. If you have a home with multiple stories, it is usually a good idea to have a camera on each level for maximum coverage. And finally, if you have any particularly valuable items, such as a safe, you may want to have a camera monitoring that area directly.

Remember to check any camera after you have installed it to make sure that it is covering a useful area. You may still need to adjust its angle, or maybe its mounting location wasn't very effective after all. Make any adjustments or changes if needed. Pretty soon your home will be nicely monitored, and you and your family will enjoy great peace of mind with your new home security cameras!

Hi DIYers! Today, we're taking a look at the ADC-V722W, which is one of the most exciting security cameras currently on the market. This Alarm.com Camera is perfect for any user who has a security system connected with Alarm.com and also wants to achieve a robust outdoor recording setup.

What impresses us most with the ADC-V722W is its unrivaled versatility. It is robust enough to be used by medium to large businesses, yet also affordable enough for the average home security user. We've seen this camera set up in settings ranging from large corporate complexes to an elderly couple's front porch. This truly is the perfect outdoor camera for almost any situation.

Obviously, if you plan on using the camera strictly indoors, there are better ADC Cameras to choose from, such as the ADC-V522IR. But for outdoor settings, the ADC-V722W is the undisputed champ for Alarm.com Cameras. Our team has been repeatedly impressed by the crystal clear nature of the recordings produced by this camera. Just taking a quick look at its specifications shows the robust nature of this top-of-the-line video capture device.

Breaking down the numbers, the V722W has an IR night vision range of 40 feet, an 88 degree viewing angle, and a full 1080p recording quality. It has an IP66 rating, making it dust-tight and waterproof. The camera is fully prepared to survive nearly any harsh weather that nature can dish out. One of our techs actually has the ADC-V722W at his home, and he forgot to take it down during Hurricane Irma. But the camera was rock steady throughout the Florida hurricane, and it weathered the storm just fine.

DIY users will appreciate the fact that the ADC-V722W is very easy to install. The mounting plate can be secured using very basic tools, and the camera fits very nicely. And the camera connects to 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz WIFI to communicate wirelessly and minimize any wiring. Nearly any user will be able to set up the device at virtually no hassle or inconvenience whatsoever. Once the camera has been set up, it can be viewed almost anywhere using the Alarm.com Mobile App.

The ADC-V722W Outdoor 1080p Camera is available on the Alarm Grid website right now. Purchase yours today!

When people think of security cameras, they often imagine that they are complex and expensive pieces of equipment that require an intricate setup. But that is not the case. The latest security cameras for alarm systems are actually very easy to use, affordable and incredibly simple.

When looking for security camera for an apartment, there are a few things to consider. Most apartment residents are not able to drill holes in their walls. So having an easy-to-use camera that can be placed on a desk or table is usually ideal. It is also important that the camera has good night vision so that it can capture clear video even the lighting isn't the best. Finally, most apartment residents won't need to spend the extra money on a camera suitable for outdoor use. Instead, an indoor camera will work just fine. In summary, the requirements are a free-standing camera with night vision that works best in an indoor environment.

So with that in mind, there are a few different camera models we can recommend. The decision of which camera to get typically comes down to whether a user has access to Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com. Total Connect 2.0 is used with Honeywell Systems, and Alarm.com is used with systems from other manufacturers, such as 2GIG and Qolsys. The service that they connect with will ultimately determine which camera they use. Keep in mind that most security systems do not allow users to view the feed of their cameras right from the panel. Instead, this must be done from the interactive service platform. Simply put, if a user has Total Connect, they will need a Total Connect Camera. And if they have Alarm.com, they will need an Alarm.com Camera.

For Total Connect users, there are two viable options available. These are the Lyric C1 and the Lyric C2 Cameras. The Lyric C2 is a little more robust than the Lyric C1, but both are outstanding cameras for use in an apartment. The Lyric C1 features 720p recording quality, a 135 degree viewing angle and an IR night vision range of 16.5 feet. It can be mounted on a desk or a table for easy access. This is the perfect camera for any TC2 user who wants a basic recording option for their apartment.

As for the Lyric C2, it offers a superior, high-definition 1080p recording quality. And some users will prefer its rounder design. Its IR night vision range is also double that of the Lyric C2, coming in at an impressive 33 feet. Both the Lyric C1 and C2 can be easily integrated with a user's Total Connect account by having the camera scan a QR code that is produced by the Total Connect Mobile App. From there, the user can connect the camera to their local WIFI network. This makes both devices excellent for DIY users who are setting up their own system. A user should choose the C2 over the C1 if they require a more-advanced camera with greater recording capabilities.

Meanwhile, Alarm.com users will have to use a different set of cameras. For apartment residents, we definitely recommend the Alarm.com ADC-V522IR. This is the best ADC-compatible that can rest comfortably on a desk or table. The device features a 1080p recording quality, an IR night vision range of 15 feet, and a 113 degree viewing angle. The camera connects to a 2.4 GHz or a 5 GHz WIFI network, and it can be learned-in with Alarm.com through a simple pairing process. Once a user has set the camera up, they can view its live feed from Alarm.com at any time. Overall, it is the perfect camera for any Alarm.com user who lives an apartment.

Good day DIYers! We have another update on pricing for Qolsys products. We have once again lowered the prices for various Qolsys Sensors and alarm systems. We love Qolsys, and their hardware is always excellent. The price changes are outlined in the table below:

Honeywell has now made it possible for users to integrate a Chamberlain MyQ Garage Door Controller with Total Connect 2.0. A user can now access their Total Connect 2.0 account to operate their Chamberlain Controller. The garage door controller must be integrated with TC2 for this to work.

The integration process is completed through Total Connect 2.0. Before you can set up your garage door controller, you must have the feature enabled by your alarm monitoring company. Alarm Grid customers should contact us by sending an email to support@alarmgrid.com to have the feature enabled. Please note that you must have a Silver, Gold or Platinum Level Monitoring Plan (full or self, with automation) to receive Chamberlain support. Alarm Grid will not approve the feature for Self-Bronze customers.

For a complete guide to setting up a Chamberlain MyQ Garage Door Controller with Total Connect 2.0, please see this document. The steps outlined below provide a brief overview of the set up process.

Once your Total Connect 2.0 account is approved for Chamberlain Service, you can proceed with integrating your garage door controller with TC2. Start by downloading the MyQ App to your iOS or Android device. The app is available for free download in both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

Next, connect your MyQ garage motor to your local WIFI network. Some motors have an integrated gateway, while others require a separate internet gateway, like the 828LM. Once the motor is connected to internet, you can use the MyQ app to setup a MyQ account. You will use that login to integrate garage door control between MyQ and Total Connect 2.0.

The actual integration process is completed through Total Connect 2.0 Mobile App and the MyQ App. Start by opening Total Connect 2.0, and access the "Automation" section. Then press the "Manage Devices" button. Choose "Chamberlain/LiftMaster". Then choose "Setup New Garage Door" if your garage door controller is not yet set up with the MyQ App. Or choose "Add Existing Garage Door" if you have already set up your Chamberlain MyQ Controller with the MyQ App.

The screenshots below show the iOS version of the app, but the Android version is very similar:

If you choose "Setup New Garage Door", the MyQ App will open so that you can complete the MyQ Setup process. Otherwise, the process for integrating with TC2 will continue as normal. You may need to provide your MyQ login information to continue. Choose the garage door controller you want to use, and click "Save".

A warning message will appear to let you know that you are updating the list of garage doors that can be controlled from the app. This is normal, and you can press "OK" to continue. The update should go through successfully. Press "OK" to continue. You will then see the newly added garage door opener on your automation screen.

If you ever need to remove a Chamberlain MyQ Garage Door, please review pages 5 & 6 of the the set up guide that is linked above. If you have any questions or trouble, please send us an email for further support.

Update: We have discovered that Honeywell L5100 Systems running a firmware version of at least 5.00838, but less than 5.05000 (5.15000 in Canada) can also support the newer Honeywell L5100-WIFI units with the MAC prefix of B82CA0. Please see this update post for more information.

The latest technical notification from Honeywell says that the manufacturer is making changes to their L5100-WIFI Module for the Honeywell LYNX Touch Systems. New L5100-WIFI devices have a MAC prefix of B8:2C:A0. Modules with this MAC prefix will require the panel to be on at least 8.00.183.

The L5100-WIFI allows a Honeywell LYNX Touch Panel to connect with a WIFI network. This will allow the panel to receive IP monitoring service and connect with the Total Connect 2.0 interactive platform. Overall, it is one of the most important upgrades that can be made for a LYNX Touch System.

Older L5100-WIFI modules used a MAC prefix of 00D02D. These modules can be used with a LYNX Touch System right out of the box, with no firmware update being needed. This is not the case with the newer L5100-WIFI modules that have the B8:2C:A0 MAC Prefix. The new L5100-WIFI modules can be identified by having the following label on the outside of their boxes:

In order to use one of these newer L5100-WIFI devices, the LYNX Touch System will need to be running Revision 8.00.183 or higher. Only the Honeywell L5200, Honeywell L5210 and Honeywell L7000 will support this revision upgrade. The L5200 must have the firmware update pushed down to the panel over-the-air by Resideo. The L5210 and L7000 Systems can use the firmware updater tool to complete the update.

Update: As of October 2019, the L5200 can also use the LYNX Touch Firmware Updater Tool. Please see this blog post for more information.

Any L5210 or L7000 System that was purchased after February 2018 will already have Revision 8.00.183 installed. These systems will readily support the newest L5100-WIFI modules. The LYNX Touch Systems that have Revision 8.00.183 pre-installed can be identified by having the following serial number:

If you have an older LYNX Touch System or if you are unable to get Revision 8.00.183 on your L5210 or L7000, then you will still be able to use an older L5100-WIFI with the 00D02D MAC prefix to get the system online. Keep in mind though that any newly manufactured L5100-WIFI module will not have the older prefix. Alarm Grid will stop selling the older L5100-WIFI modules once we run out of our current stock.

But if you do manage to find an older L5100-WIFI module with the 00D02D prefix, then you will be able to use it with your system. Alarm Grid will activate any compatible L5100-WIFI Module, whether it was purchased from us or somewhere else. Also remember that you will not need to purchase a new L5100-WIFI module or upgrade your panel's firmware revision if you already have a functioning WIFI module set up with the system.

Another option is to upgrade to the Honeywell Lyric Controller. The Lyric comes with a compatible WIFI card already built-in. This makes it extremely easy to connect to a WIFI network. The Lyric also readily supports Z-Wave home automation devices, and it is fully compatible with Apple HomeKit. A user will be able to bring over all their existing sensors to the Lyric Controller, so making the upgrade is very easy.

As you may know, Honeywell recently enabled partition support for their Total Connect 2.0 interactive service. We've heard reports of some users having trouble getting started with this service. Fortunately, this is an easy fix, and partition support can be enabled with just a few steps.

Before getting started, make sure you have a compatible Honeywell VISTA Alarm System that supports multiple partitions. Also you must have at least one zone configured on a secondary partition. If your alarm system does not provide support for partitioning, then the option for enabling the partition feature will not show up on Total Connect.

Once you have confirmed that your alarm system supports partitions, you can proceed with enabling the feature on Total Connect 2.0. The process will work for new system users, as well as those who opted to enable the partition feature later. After it has been completed, you will be able to control system partitions from TC2 at any time.

When enabling partition support, you must be using the web browser version of Total Connect 2.0. It is not possible to enable partition support using the iOS or Android Mobile App versions of TC2. Once the feature is enabled, you can use the mobile app to control multiple partitions. But the initial set up must be done from the web browser version at TotalConnect2.com.

After you have logged into your Total Connect 2.0 account, click the "Locations" tab on the left. Then the blue "Sync Panel" button at the top. This will sync your panel with Total Connect 2.0. Wait a few moments for the syncing process to complete, and verify "Zone Sync Success" within the Events tab on the left. Then logout of your TC2 account, and log back in. Then, once again, click the locations tab. The following pop-up should appear:

Click the blue "Configure Now" button. Total Connect 2.0 will then walk you through the remainder of the process for enabling partition support. If you have any questions about this process or if you need further assistance, please send an email to support@alarmgrid.com, and one of our technical specialists will reply shortly.

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.