Alarm.com ADC-T2000 Posts

With a new year comes reduced pricing on many of our great existing products. We have just dropped the prices on 73 of our existing offerings. You can certainly find something great to upgrade your existing system or use with a new installation. Let's check out these awesome products!

Before we go through and list each and every reduced price product, we figured we'd go through and talk about some of the ones that excite us the most. After all, sorting through a list of 73 products is pretty daunting. Our initial "best-of" list may help you find exactly what you're looking for. These products are great if you have an existing system, or if you are building a new system and want to add some cool accessories.

These products are presented in alphabetical order:

Alarm.com ADC-V723 Outdoor Camera

The ADC-V723 is the current flagship outdoor security camera for use with the Alarm.com platform. This simple, yet powerful camera makes the perfect addition to any home or small business. It can capture video at up to 1080p quality, and it makes use of High Dynamic Range (HDR) to improve image depth and luminosity.

Alarm.com T2000 Smart Z-Wave Thermostat

If you are still looking for a smart Z-Wave thermostat, then the ADC-T2000 is an outstanding entry-level option. It conveniently wires in place of your existing thermostat to give you smart control over your HVAC system. It can pair nicely with both the Alarm.com and Total Connect 2.0 platforms. You just need a compatible Z-Wave hub to get started.

DSC PG9312 Outdoor Door/Window Sensor

The DSC PG9312 is the premier outdoor contact sensor for any user with a PowerG-compatible security system. It offers a maximum magnet spacing gap of 1.75", which gives you more flexibility in choosing a location for the sensor and magnet. Like all PowerG Sensors, it offers a wireless range of up to 2 km away from the panel, as well as 128-bit AES encryption.

DSC PG9914 Motion Sensor

Anyone with a PowerG Security System looking to add a basic indoor motion sensor should turn to the DSC PG9914. This is a simple, yet effective motion sensor that is great for use in nearly any home or business. It offers a modest coverage area of 39 feet, and the sensor provides pet immunity for small animals weighing up to 85 lbs.

Encore FireFighter FF345 Smoke/CO Listening Module

The Encore FireFighter FF345 is perfect if you have existing high-voltage smoke detectors that you want to integrate into a 345 MHz wireless system. The module can detect both the Temporal 3 sound of an activated smoke detector and the Temporal 4 sound of an activated CO detector. And if your high-voltage devices are one-go-all-go, then a single FF345 can takeover your entire network.

Honeywell 5822T Garage Door Tilt Sensor

Also for 345 MHz system users, the Honeywell 5822T allows your system to monitor your garage door to see if it's opened or closed. This wireless sensor works great for security and automation purposes alike. You might even create a special smart scene that activates as soon as the 5822T detects that you garage door has been opened!

Honeywell IPCAM-WIC1 Indoor Camera

The Honeywell IPCAM-WIC1 Indoor Camera is for anyone with an existing Total Connect 2.0 Video Monitoring service plan that they want to expand upon. This is a simple and straightforward camera that captures video at up to 720p quality. It can be easily rested on a desk or table, and no hard-mounting is required.

Qolsys IQ DW MINI-S Door/Window Sensor

The Qolsys IQ DW MINI-S can be used by anyone with a 319.5 MHz wireless system, including the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus w/ Legacy Interlogix & Qolsys Daughtercard. This is a straightforward door and window contact sensor that makes a nice addition to any compatible system. Its small and compact design allows for a tidy installation.

Please see our complete list of reduced price products in the table below, organized by product type:

If you have any questions about these products or any of the other products on our site, including product compatibilities, please reach out to us. You may also contact us if you want to learn more about our monitoring services. The best way to reach us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. Or you may call us at (888) 818-7728. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to helping you find the perfect product for your needs!

Hi DIYers. We made sure to check out the Alarm.com booth at ISC West 2019. The announcements we were most excited about were the SONOS integration with the Alarm.com app and the upcoming ADC T3000 Thermostat. Both will fit in very nicely with the smart home platform offered from Alarm.com.

Alarm.com users will soon be able to integrate their SONOS Speakers with their programmed Alarm.com smart scenes. Users will have the ability to select which audio playlist will play when the scene is triggered. This feature will be great for users who want to put a specific playlist into action when they disarm their system to trigger a scene. The Alarm.com Mobile App will also allow users to play and pause the playlist and adjust the volume as needed. Users with multiple SONOS Speakers can even choose which device(s) will play audio. And with the SIRI shortcuts feature for scene control, it will also be possible to activate a SONOS Speaker using spoken voice commands.

The ADC T3000 Thermostat will essentially replace the ADC T2000 Thermostat. This upcoming Z-Wave thermostat will utilize Z-Wave Plus technology for enhanced signal range. The back of the device offers more space for wiring, and the improved terminals allow installers to make connections more easily. A built-in level helps ensure that the end result is neat and tidy. The UI is very simple, but it also appears modern and sleek. It should fit in very nicely with almost any existing decor. Alarm.com also helped make the device easier to understand, as the words "Heat" and "Cool" are actively displayed based on the current action. Many programming options and settings are available, and the device integrates beautifully with the Alarm.com App.

Thank you for making Alarm Grid your source for ISC West 2019 news! Keep checking our blog for the latest updates.

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.

Note: There has been a major update involving this issue. Please refer to this post for more information.

Alarm.com has announced that they will be discontinuing support for certain Z-Wave thermostats. The affected devices include the 2GIG CT-100, the 2GIG CT-30 and the GE TSTAT-300. For Alarm.com accounts created after May 20, 2018, it will not be possible to control these Z-Wave thermostats.

The reason that support for these thermostats is being discontinued is because they do not comply with the higher communication standards necessary for supporting the most advanced Z-Wave thermostat features. These advanced features, which include certain HVAC safeguards, provide convenience and comfort for both end users and product dealers. Therefore, ending support for these older models is necessary for providing the best possible support for newer equipment.

For new Alarm.com users looking to get started with Z-Wave home automation, we recommend using the ADC-T2000 Smart Thermostat. This advanced and highly capable device supports remote operation through the Alarm.com Mobile App, and it can be easily integrated into most Z-Wave networks. Other modern Z-Wave thermostats will also work. Feel free to verify thermostat compatibility with our support team in advance to avoid any issues.

Please note that these service discontinuations only affect new accounts. For older Alarm.com accounts that already support the aforementioned devices, no changes will be necessary. These accounts will be grandfathered in, and the devices will still be supported.