Technology 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! We have a simple, yet effective tip for you today. The tip is to keep a second key fob device by your bed for easy access. This can be a great way to trigger a panic and scare off an intruder if you hear a break-in. You can also use this key fob as a backup for your main one.

Being woken up in the middle of the night due to a break-in can be a very scary feeling. Most users will arm their systems to stay mode at night so that an alarm will occur if someone tries to break-in. But maybe you forgot to arm your system, or maybe you want to activate a siren to try and scare off the intruder. In that case, having a key fob next to your bed can be very helpful.

Most key fobs have a designated panic button that you can use to activate an immediate intrusion alarm. By pressing and holding this button, you are telling your system that you are in danger and that help is needed immediately. It's a great resource to have in these rare, but extremely scary, situations. Just be aware that some panels may require you to specially enroll the panic zone. Additionally, some key fobs may require dual-button presses to activate panics.

Once you activate the panic button, your system will immediately go into alarm. This can involve triggering a siren to scare off any intruders. Alternatively, you could set up a silent alarm so that the police show up without the intruder knowing. However, a loud, audible alarm will be much more effective in scaring away an intruder. You might even set up on input for an audible alarm and another for a silent alarm. It's up to you.

But keeping a key fob next to your bed is more for than just having an option for triggering a panic in the middle of the night. It's also good to have a second key fob as a backup option in case you lose or misplace your first one. You can always grab the other key fob by your bed if you need to quickly grab a fob. You can also use it to set your system to arm stay from your bed if you forgot to do so while you were by your panel or keypad earlier.

Remember, a key fob isn't the only way to access your system remotely. You can always access your system from your Android or iOS device through Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com. Both of these platforms offer mobile apps allow you to arm and disarm your system from anywhere. Just keep in mind that you will need a monitoring plan to use TC2 or ADC. And of course, you can always dial 911 if you believe you are in a dangerous situation. But a key fob panic can still be useful in certain situations.

And if you just want a simple device for triggering panic alarms without having arming and disarming functions, we offer standalone panic buttons as well. These are convenient devices that you can activate if you hear something suspicious to trigger an immediate system alarm. You might also consider getting outdoor sirens that you can activate to try and scare away anyone lurking outside your home. And remember that if you have monitoring service, you can set up how your system responds during alarm events. This includes what action(s) the central station will take and when you receive text, email, and/or push notifications regarding any triggered panics.

If you do decide to get additional key fob devices or a panic button for your system, you will need to make sure they are compatible. Our team can help you with that. Remember that we offer free support for all our monitored customers. We can help you determine the perfect key fob option for your needs so that you can your family can feel safe at home. The best way to contact us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. We will check your email at our earliest convenience and reply back as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! We promised last week that new videos would be coming. Well we have four (4) new videos for you to enjoy. Jorge was the big winner this week with three (3) videos. And I actually contributed a rare video of my own. Let's take a look at the newest videos from our video team.

Pairing the Honeywell T6 Pro Thermostat with a Residio Lyric Controller

I show you how to pair a Honeywell T6 Pro Z-Wave Plus Thermostat with a Resideo Lyric Controller. By pairing the T6 Pro with your Lyric System, you will be able to adjust the temperature right from the Lyric Panel. You will also be able to control the T6 Pro from Total Connect 2.0 if you have a Silver Level monitoring plan or higher. TC2 will also allow you to create smart scenes to have the T6 Pro activate automatically with certain system events or on a predetermined schedule.

Turning Off the Siren on a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

Jorge explains how to disable a siren on a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System so that it does not sound when an intrusion alarm occurs. This is great for testing the system so that you do not activate a loud siren when you need to test various sensors. You might also do this if you want all burglary alarms to be silent. In order to disable the siren, you will need to enter system programming. Please note that alarms for life-safety events will still activate a siren.

Enrolling a VERSA-GE Sensor into a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

Jorge teaches users how to enroll a VERSA-GE Sensor with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System. The VERSA-GE is a wireless door and window contact sensor that operates at 319.5 MHz. As a result, the sensor will only work with the 319.5 MHz version of the IQ2+. This is the version that comes in a white and gold box. If you have a 345 MHz IQ2+ (silver and white box), you can use the VERSA-2GIG Sensor. If you have a 433 MHz IQ2+ (red and white box), you can use the VERSA-DSC Sensor.

Siren Timeout on the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus

Jorge discusses the siren timeout feature on the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. This feature will have any siren programmed with the IQ Panel 2 Plus automatically stop sounding after a set period of time, even if the alarm is not properly cleared. This will prevent the siren from sounding indefinitely and annoying everyone in the area. This feature may also be referred to as a "bell timeout" period. The standard set siren timeout period is usually around four (4) minutes.

Hi DIYers and future DIYers! If you've spent any time on our site, you have likely come across Total Connect 2.0 (TC2). Maybe you know all about it. Maybe you know nothing about it. But did you know that you can "Test Drive" TC2 to check out the platform? Today, we're gonna show you how.

For the uninitiated, Total Connect 2.0 is an interactive service platform designed exclusively for use with Resideo Alarm Systems. You can access this platform using a web browser or by using the Total Connect 2.0 Mobile App on an Android or iOS device. From there, you must login to your TC2 account using your username and password. Make sure to keep this information a secret. After logging in, you can control your system in a number of different ways.

TC2 allows users to do all sorts of different actions. You can access TC2 to arm and disarm your system, bypass sensors, view the live feed for Total Connect 2.0 IP Cameras, control Z-Wave smart home devices, and more. What's great about this service is that you can quickly and conveniently access the platform from almost anywhere. As long as you have your smartphone, you can get on TC2 and control your system from across the street or across the world.

But maybe you want to see how great TC2 is for yourself? With the Total Connect 2.0 Test Drive feature, you certainly can. You don't need to sign-up for anything, and the feature is completely free to use. All you have to do, is go to the Total Connect 2.0 website or mobile app, and click the Test Drive button. Please note that the button will appear slightly different depending on whether you are using the website or mobile app.

After clicking the Test Drive button, you will be taken to an identical representation of the TC2 platform. You can then check out all of its features and see exactly how the platform looks and responds. This will show you first-hand exactly what the platform can do you for you. This way, you can make an informed decision as to whether or not TC2 is right for you.

If you decide that TC2 is for you, then getting started with the service is easy. You will need to obtain a Resideo Alarm System with an AlarmNet Communicator. You will then need to get an alarm monitoring plan from Alarm Grid. You will choose a time slot to activate your system. Make sure to follow these tips to make your activation as easy as possible. One of our trained activators will call you at the scheduled time to activate your system. After that, you will receive an email to set up a Total Connect 2.0 account.

If you want to learn more about Total Connect 2.0 or our monitoring service, please reach out to us! The best way to contact us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. We will check your email as soon as possible and reply back at our earliest convenience. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! We are happy to announce that we have some new long-range motion sensor options available on our website. These long-range motions are good for long, narrow areas such as hallways. You now have more options in choosing the perfect motion sensor for your home or business.

The first new product we would like to discuss may seem relatively minor, but it actually opens up a whole new world of possibilities for motion detection. We are now pleased to offer the Optex FL-60N Long-Range Lens. This convenient device replaces the stock lens for an Optex WNX-40 Series Motion Sensor. Once the lens is added, the motion sensor will enjoy a long-range coverage area of 60 feet by 6 feet. It's very easy to swap out the old lens, and the process can be completed by any DIY user.

Alarm Grid offers four (4) different Optex WNX-40 Series Motion Detectors. We have an option available for nearly every wireless alarm panel that we carry. If you don't have one of these sensors yet, make sure you choose the correct model when purchasing. You need to make sure that the frequency the sensor uses for wireless communication is compatible with your security system.

The following motion sensors from our website are compatible with the Optex FL-60N:

• Optex WNX-402G (433 MHz for 2GIG Systems)
• Optex WNX-40DS (345 MHz for DSC Systems)
• Optex WNX-40HW (345 MHz for Honeywell Systems)
• Optex WNX-40IX (319.5 MHz for Interlogix Systems)

In addition to the Optex FL-60N Long-Range Lens, we now offer the complete Honeywell DT900-Series lineup of hardwired, long-range DUAL TEC motion sensors. Before, we only offered the Honeywell DT906. Now we offer the DT900, DT901, and DT907 long-range motion sensors as well. These are all hardwired motion sensors that connect directly with a hardwired alarm panel or a compatible wired to wireless converter. The motion sensor use these wired connections for both power and data transmissions.

If you're wondering how these four DT900-Series motion sensors differ, it is actually quite simple. Both the DT906 and the DT907 have the same selectable detection ranges. You can choose between a coverage area of 200 feet by 15 feet, or 120 feet by 10 feet. However, only the DT906 has an anti-masking feature. The DT907 does not. Meanwhile, with the DT900 and the DT901, you can choose between a coverage area of either 90 feet by 70 feet, or 50 feet by 40 feet. But in this case, the DT900 has anti-masking, while the DT901 lacks this feature. Other than that, these are mostly the same sensors.

If you have any questions about these new long-range motion sensor options, or if you want to find out if a long-range motion sensor is right for you, please reach out to us. The best way to contact us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. Our team will check your email as soon as possible and reply back as soon as we can. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you find the perfect motion sensor for your needs.

Hi DIYers! Today, we're taking a look at one of our newest and most exciting products, the August Video Doorbell Cam Pro. This is smart video doorbell camera that is easy to use in nearly any home. It supports integrations with some of the most versatile and robust smart home platforms.

We hear all the time of end users looking for an effective video doorbell camera that they can add to their homes. They want a device that is easy to use and setup and offers all of the excellent features that they expect out of a modern smart home device. The August Video Doorbell Cam Pro checks all of these boxes, making it the perfect addition for anyone looking to unlock the great potential of a video doorbell camera.

To unlock the full potential of the August Video Doorbell Cam Pro, you will definitely want to get started with the August Home App. This is a free app for Android and iOS devices that lets you view the live feed of your doorbell cam from anywhere. The app can also send push notifications right to your phone whenever the device detects motion or when someone rings the doorbell. This is perfect for knowing about any activity that occurs in front of your home.

There are many awesome features that make the August Video Doorbell Cam Pro an excellent doorbell camera for all types of users. The device offers 1080p HD video, and an integrated flood light lets the camera capture video in the darkest of settings. Real-time motion alerts ensure that you are alerted to any activity in front of your home, This includes package thieves and suspicious loiterers. The device also integrates with your August Smart Lock Pro, as well as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT.

The August Video Doorbell Cam Pro is very easy to install, making it perfect for DIY users. To get started, you just need to cut power to your existing hardwired doorbell at the breaker, and disconnect your existing doorbell. Then wire the August Video Doorbell Cam Pro in its place. Apply power to the device at the breaker, and complete the setup process using the August Home App. This will involve connecting the device to your local WIFI network and associating it with your August account.

If you don't have a hardwired doorbell set up with your home, you might consider using the August View Wire-Free HD Video Doorbell instead. This device offers similar functionality as the August HD Video Doorbell Cam Pro, but it doesn't integrate with a hardwired setup. Both devices can be purchased right from the Alarm Grid website. If you have any questions about either doorbell camera, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! Today we're looking at three (3) smart home devices that can make a great addition to nearly any home. Half the fun of owning an alarm system is getting into the exciting world of home automation. These devices are all easy to use, and they are all available from Alarm Grid.

August Smart Lock Pro

The August Smart Lock Pro is very unique in being one of the few Z-Wave Plus Smart Locks that is also compatible with Apple HomeKit. It also works with great voice-based platforms like Google Home and Amazon Alexa, and it can be used for automatic Bluetooth unlocking. All of this makes the August Smart Lock Pro extremely versatile. It is a great choice no matter what interactive platform you are building around. The lock comes Z-Wave Plus ready right out of the box. You can also pair it with an August Connect WIFI Bridge for enhanced remote access. You can still use the lock with HomeKit without the Connect Bridge, but it will need to be within Bluetooth range of the HomeKit Hub (Apple iPad, Apple TV Gen 4 or higher, or Apple HomePod). Overall, this is a fantastic smart lock for your home and great for many scenarios.

Check out all of our fantastic smart locks here.

Honeywell T6 Pro Z-Wave Thermostat

The Honeywell T6 Pro is arguably our favorite Z-Wave thermostat right now. Its biggest selling point is its ability to connect to an HVAC system and remain powered on without common power from a C-wire. This is excellent for DIY installers, as it prevents them from having to work with high voltage wiring. The Honeywell T6 Pro Z-Wave version is certified Z-Wave Plus for extended wireless range and improved battery life. There is also a HomeKit-compatible T6 Pro that uses WIFI instead of Z-Wave Plus. However, most Alarm Grid customers get the Z-Wave Plus model so that they can control the thermostat through the same interactive service platform used with their security systems. Although the T6 Pro was designed with Total Connect 2.0 in mind, it will work just fine with Alarm.com and associated systems.

Check out all our smart thermostats here.

Lutron Caseta P-BDG-PKG1W Starter Kit

Lutron Caseta is a great option if you are looking to establish a smart lighting network for your home or business. In order to get started, you will need a Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge to serve as the central hub for the setup. The kit linked above include the smart bridge, along with an in-wall dimmer switch and a Pico Remote for controlling the device from up to 60 feet away in open air. Other great starter kits from Lutron include the P-BDG-PKG2P with a lamp dimmer module, and the P-BDG-PKG2W with dual in-wall dimmer switches. A great aspect of Lutron Caseta devices is that you can build a network of lights without having to run traveler wires to connect load-bearing light switches to a master switch. Instead, all communication occurs wirelessly through the Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge. Lutron integrates with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home with ease. This makes this smart lighting network perfect for many different smart home setups.

Check out all of our smart lighting options here.

Build Your Smart Home!

Alarm Grid is here to help you build your ideal smart home. Whether you're looking for locks, thermostats, or lights, we have what you need to help you get started. Remember, we offer free support for all Alarm Grid monitored customers. You can build your smart home network around one of our security systems and make your life more convenient than ever. Alarm Grid customers should email us at support@alarmgrid.com with any questions. And if you haven't joined Alarm Grid quite yet, you can get started by clicking the orange Alarm Monitoring button at the top of this page. We look forward to helping you design the perfect smart home.

Hi DIYers! We are here to announce today that we have some new products available on our site. Our new offerings include the DSC Iotega Alarm System, several new Z-Wave Plus in-wall light switches, and even some hand tools that you can use to install your security system and sensors!

First we will talk about the DSC Iotega System. The Iotega is one of the newest alarm systems from DSC. This is one of the few systems on the market with Apple HomeKit support. It is the only system that can support both HomeKit and PowerG Sensors. These wireless sensors are great, as they offer an astounding range of up to 2km in open air (4km with wireless repeater) and 128-bit AES encryption for added wireless protection.

Alarm Grid already sells the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus with PowerG support, which is one of our most favorite systems. We also sell the HomeKit-ready Resideo Lyric Alarm System, an exceptional system in its own right. But if you want to use both PowerG Sensors and Apple HomeKit, then you are stuck with the DSC Iotega.

The Iotega has a major drawback in that it does not support local programming. This makes the panel a poor choice for DIY users, as they cannot complete their own programming. But if you need a HomeKit-compatible system with PowerG support, the Iotega fulfills that niche. The system is also compatible with the Alarm.com interactive platform for remote access, Z-Wave Plus control and more. Please note that cellular monitoring service is require to use Alarm.com.

In addition to the DSC Iotega With Built-In Verizon LTE Communicator, we also now sell an Iotega 3-1 System Kit (System w/ Three (3) Door and Window Contacts & One (1) Motion Sensor), an Iotega Touchscreen Keypad and a desk mount for the touchscreen keypad.

Next for our new product releases are a plethora of new in-wall Z-Wave Plus smart lighting switches from Go!Control and GE. These products are great for any homeowner who wants to take smart control over their lights for remote operation and smart scene functionality. Go!Control and GE both offer some fantastic smart lighting devices, and we are excited to add these products to our growing lineup.

Perhaps the smart lighting device we are most excited about is the Go!Control WT00Z5-1 Z-Wave 3-Way Smart Switch. This in-wall switch controls lighting loads already connected with a load-bearing switch or dimmer. The module can connect with up to five (5) load-bearing switches for 7-way operation. Fewer load-bearing devices can be used if that is all that is needed for the setup.

But what makes the Go!Control WT00Z5-1 unique is that it eliminates the need for a traveler wire. Instead, the module uses Z-Wave Plus technology to send all communication signals. All you need to do for setup is connect the 120VAC line and a neutral wire. This is great for DIY installers who may not feel comfortable running a traveler wire.

Other Z-Wave Plus devices now available from Alarm Grid include:

• Go!Control WD500Z5-1 Z-Wave Wall Dimmer Switch
• GoControl WS15Z5-1 Z-Wave Smart Light Switch
• Go!Control PS15EMZ5-1 Z-Wave Plug-in Appliance Module
• Go!Control PD300EMZ5-1 Z-Wave Plug-In, 300W Dimmer Module
• GE 28170 Z-Wave Plug-In Smart Dimmer
• GE 28172 Z-Wave Plug-In Smart Switch
• GE 14318 Z-Wave In-Wall Smart Switch
• GE 14294 Z-Wave In-Wall Smart Dimmer
• GE 14287 Z-Wave In-Wall Smart Fan Control
• GE 12723 Z-Wave In-Wall Add-On 3-Way Switch

Unfortunately, we don't have any pictures of the new Z-Wave Plus devices quite yet. But we hope to have them on the site in the near future.

Finally, we have a few hand tools that can help new users install their systems and sensors. These new offerings include the a wire stripper tool, a digital multimeter, a 6-in-1 screwdriver, and 13-piece screwdriver set. Not only are these tools great for setting up your system, they are also perfect for using around the house or around the shop in general. They are all high quality tools that make an excellent addition to any tool set.

• Jonard Wire Stripper Tool
• Pro'sKit Digital Multimeter
• Platinum Tools 6-in-1 Screwdriver
• Platinum Tools 13-Piece Mini Screwdriver Set

We hope that our new and existing customers can put these latest Alarm Grid products to good use. If you have any questions about these new products, please send an email to support@alarmgrid.com. We look forward to hearing from you and discussing these new products!

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.

Hi DIYers! If you have an Alarm.com 3G Cellular Communicator, the time to activate it is NOW. This is your very last chance. If you do not get your Alarm.com 3G Communicator activated by the end of Friday, June 28th, you will be unable to do so. The deadline to activate is almost here.

The actual cutoff date for Alarm.com 3G activations is Sunday, June 30th. However, Alarm Grid does not perform activations on the weekends. If you want to activate your Alarm.com 3G Communicator for use with Alarm Grid monitoring services, you must do so by the end of this Friday. Our team will get your communicator up and running for alarm monitoring service so that you can use Alarm.com.

By activating an Alarm.com Cellular Communicator and signing up for cellular alarm monitoring service, you can start using your system with the Alarm.com platform. Alarm.com allows you to arm and disarm your system, check current system status, control Z-Wave smart home devices, view the live feed for Alarm.com IP Cameras, and more. You can access this great service using the convenient Alarm.com Mobile App on your Android or iOS device.

An activated 3G communicator will provide consistent and reliable monitoring service until the 3G networks are shut down. AT&T is planning to shutdown their 3G network in February 2022, and Verizon is expected to shutdown their 3G CDMA network around this time as well. Remember, if you deactivate a 3G communicator after the cutoff date for any reason, you will not be able to reactivate it. Trying to reactivate a communicator is considered the same as an initial activation.

If you miss the deadline for activating an Alarm.com 3G Communicator, you will still be able to activate an LTE communicator for use with Alarm.com. Cellular service providers have stated that they plan to keep their LTE networks activated well into the very distant future. Getting an LTE communicator is the best way to provide long-term monitoring service for your panel.

At this point, a 3G communicator is only a temporary solution. Additionally, an LTE communicator will provide faster connection speeds than a 3G communicator. The difference isn't huge for monitoring itself, but LTE can make a big difference when it comes to home automation. Anyone looking to keep their system running for many years to come should make the jump to LTE as soon as possible.

If you need to activate an Alarm.com 3G Communicator, please reach out to us immediately. You may email us at support@alarmgrid.com, or call us at (888) 818-7728. Remember our office hours are 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to hearing from you.