Technology Posts

If you don't already have a security system, you may be wondering "well why do I need one?" If your goal is to provide the best possible protection for your home, then having a security system is very important. The benefits of a home security system make the investment worthwhile.

An alarm system is the best way to know what happens in your home while you are away. A modern security system can send alerts right to your phone whenever something occurs in your house. This could include a door being open, someone walking into a particular room, or something being broken. This is possible using an interactive service like Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com. All a user needs is a system, the right sensors, and an alarm monitoring plan. A user can also install security cameras that will integrate with their system and provide them with a live look at their property at any time.

Most people who sign-up for alarm monitoring have their systems connected with a central station. If an alarm even ever occurs, the alert will be sent to a 24/7 monitoring station. The station can then request emergency dispatch to be sent out to the home. This can provide great peace of mind for end users in knowing that even if they aren't able to respond to an alarm event, a trusted and qualified operator at a central station will on their behalf. Again, this can be very important for people who are often away from their homes. Keep in mind that if a robbery occurs while you're away and you don't have a security system, there is very little that can be done.

But alarm systems are for more than just security purposes. A user can also integrate smoke and heat detectors into their setup as well. If a fire ever occurs, they can receive automatic fire dispatch, assuming that their system is set up with a central station. And this can even save a user's life if a fire occurs in their building while they are sleeping. There are also other life-safety and environmental sensors that monitor a home for other conditions as well. Some examples of hazards that an alarm system can monitor for include flooding, unusually low or high temperatures, and an outbreak of lethal carbon monoxide gas.

An alarm system can also be useful if a user wants to get started with home automation. Many panels double as Z-Wave controllers for operating smart home devices. These can include lights, locks, thermostats and more. A user can control these devices from their security panel or remotely using an interactive service like Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com. They can even have their devices respond automatically based on a set schedule or with predetermined system events. Not only is this very cool to show-off to others, it can also be extremely helpful for saving money on energy bills. So any user who wants to get the most out of the devices in their home can benefit significantly from an alarm system.

There are many reasons to get a security system and to sign-up for monitoring. There truly is no other way to protect yourself, your home and your loved ones. And an alarm system will provide a few other nice perks as well. All of this means that having a security system is very important for almost anyone. Alarm Grid can provide you top-quality monitoring services at a competitive price and no longterm contract. We feature the best customer support in the industry, and our central station partner Criticom is second-to-none. Protect your home with a brand-new security system and a monitoring plan from Alarm Grid today!

Hi DIYers! Are you ready for another Alarm Grid video recap? Our support technicians Joe, Jorge and Dylan have all been keeping busy making great new videos for our viewers. We've got some tremendous content this time around to help DIY users get the very most out of their security systems.

This is a particularly special video recap for our team, as we have just reached the 10,000 subscriber mark on YouTube. It's pretty incredible that 10,000 viewers love security systems enough to subscribe to our YouTube Channel to receive notifications about new videos. We would like to thank all of our YouTube Subscribers and monitored Alarm Grid customers for their continued support!

Security Cameras Compatible with LYNX Touch Security Systems

Joe discusses the security camera options available for use with a Honeywell LYNX Touch System. As long as the system is set up with Total Connect 2.0, any Total Connect Camera can be used. These cameras include both the legacy Honeywell IP Cameras and the newer HD Lyric Cameras. All cameras can be viewed and managed from the Total Connect 2.0 platform. But keep in mind that an alarm monitoring plan that includes video surveillance is needed to use these cameras.

Wholesale Home Alarm Monitoring w Alarm Grid

Dylan talks about wholesale alarm monitoring for home security systems. Wholesale monitoring refers to a situation where a person has multiple locations set up with a single monitoring account. This can be useful if a person has multiple residences, such as both a primary home and a summer home. By having multiple systems on the same account, a user can access all their systems from the same Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com account. These services have a locations tab for this specific purpose.

Changing the User Code on Partition 2 In a Honeywell VISTA Alarm System

Jorge goes through the process for changing a user code that has been set up with Partition Number 2 on a Honeywell VISTA Security System. Having multiple partitions on an alarm system allows the zones for one partition to remain armed while the zones on other partitions are disarmed. User codes that are designed to be used with Partition 2 exclusively are assigned code numbers 33 and up. Any code that is going to be used with Partition 2 should be assigned a user slot of 33 or higher.

Dual Path Monitoring on a Lyric

Dylan discusses how the Honeywell Lyric Controller can use a dual-path communication setup for alarm monitoring. This involves using WIFI as the primary communication path and cellular communication as the backup. This will provide the ultra-fast speeds of WIFI, along with the outstanding reliability of cellular. The system comes WIFI-ready with a built-in WIFI communicator. But a separate cellular radio will need to be added for cellular communication. We recommend using the Honeywell LYRICLTE-A Cellular communicator for this purpose.

Programming a 5816 Sensor

Jorge shows users how to program a Honeywell 5816 Door and Window Contact with various security panels. The Honeywell 5816 is actually Honeywell's best-selling security sensor of all-time. It is a relatively simple door and window contact that operates using a built-in reed switch and an included magnet. The sensor can also be used as a wireless transmitter for a single normally closed wired security device. The 5816 operates at 345 MHz, and it will learn-in with any compatible alarm system.

Difference Between Alpha-Numeric Programming Keypads and Fixed-English Keypads

Joe discusses the differences between Alphanumeric Keypads and Fixed-English Keypads. Both keypads can be used for performing basic panel functions, such as arming and disarming. But only an Alphanumeric Keypad should be used for deep level programming functions. This is because an Alphanumeric keypad will display actual English text and real programming information. A Fixed-English Keypad will only display numbers. If a user tries to perform programming functions on a Fixed-English Keypad, they will be operating blindly throughout the entire process, and they could easily mess up the panel settings.

Pairing the 2GIG SP2 Keypad with the 2GIG GC3

Joe shows users how to pair the 2GIG SP2 Keypad with the 2GIG GC3 Alarm System. The 2GIG SP2 is a wireless touchscreen keypad designed exclusively for use with the GC3. The keypad provides a great secondary access point for a GC3 System. Many users will install one of these keypads by their back door or their garage door so that they can conveniently arm and disarm their system from one of these locations. However, programming functions cannot be performed using the SP2, and they must be completed from the GC3 Panel, or from the more advanced SP1 Keypad.

Wiring a Trigger on a Lyric Alarm System

Dylan discusses how a trigger cannot be wired to a Honeywell Lyric Controller. The Lyric has two built-in hardwired inputs that can only support wired contacts. There is no voltage trigger available on the Lyric Controller. A trigger is an output that a system can activate under certain conditions. It can sometimes be used to activate a relay to power another device, such as a siren. Triggers are more commonly used with wired panels than wireless systems. If a user does want to use an external siren with the Lyric Controller, we usually recommend using the Honeywell SiXSIREN.

Hi DIYers! Today we're talking about Z-Wave mesh networks. A Z-Wave mesh network is essentially a collection of Z-Wave smart home devices that work together to create a stronger wireless connection amongst themselves. The more devices that are used, the stronger the mesh network will be.

Before understanding a Z-Wave mesh network, it's important to understand the basic functions of Z-Wave devices. A Z-Wave device is a wireless appliance that can be controlled remotely using an interactive service, such as Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com. It can also be setup to activate automatically based on a set schedule or with predetermined system events on an alarm system. Some popular types of Z-Wave devices include lights, locks and thermostats.

As the name implies, a Z-Wave device will communicate using wireless Z-Wave technology. Z-Wave signals operate at 908.42 MHz, which prevents it from interfering with any higher-frequency WIFI signals and the lower-frequency used with most security sensors. Z-Wave devices have a range of about 328 feet between devices in open air. But this range can be greatly reduced because of the presence of walls, large metal objects and other obstacles. However, this is not the end-all range for Z-Wave.

In a mesh network, Z-Wave devices act as repeaters for one another. A Z-Wave device will send its communication signal to other Z-Wave devices, and these devices will send out the signal again to reach Z-Wave devices that are further away. This will continue until the signal reaches its ultimate destination, the Z-Wave hub, or controller.

Every time a Z-Wave device sends its signal to another Z-Wave device in the mesh network, it is referred to as a "hop". Up to four hops can be used with any given Z-Wave signal. By using hops, the communication range for a Z-Wave device can be greatly increased. The estimated maximum range away from the central hub for Z-Wave devices that are utilizing four distinct hops is up to 600 feet!

And of course, Z-Wave signals can be sent in multiple directions. So if you have a Z-Wave hub in the center, you can have signal hops going in opposite directions to have a complete Z-Wave mesh network that is up to 1,200 feet in diameter. That's almost a quarter of a mile! And since the signals are constantly being repeated off of different Z-Wave devices, the more devices you add, the stronger your mesh network will be.

But that's just for standard Z-Wave. There's a newer technology known as Z-Wave Plus that is very similar to traditional Z-Wave, but with a further range. A Z-Wave Plus device can communicate with another Z-Wave Plus device or a Z-Wave Plus controller from up to 550 feet away in open air. Just imagine how far your Z-Wave mesh network can extend with Z-Wave Plus! It's also worth mentioning that a Z-Wave Plus controller can support traditional Z-Wave devices as well. So you won't have to worry about backwards compatibility not being an issue.

A Z-Wave controller is designed to provide support for a maximum of 232 different Z-Wave smart home devices. Each time you add a new device, your Z-Wave network will become that much stronger. If a device goes down for any reason, the other Z-Wave devices can pick up the slack and ensure that signals are still reliably sent out across the network. So if you want the strongest and most reliable mesh network, simply add more Z-Wave devices to your setup.

Z-Wave devices of all kinds are available on the Alarm Grid website. Get some for your smart home automation setup now! Pretty soon you'll have a mesh network of unparalleled strength!

Hi DIYers! Did you know that you can control Z-Wave smart home devices right from your Android or iOS device by using Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com? In fact, this is how most users control their smart home devices, because it is super convenient. Let's take a closer look at this feature.

One of the biggest benefits of smart home devices is their ability to be controlled remotely. Whether you're across the street or across the globe, you can have Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com send a command to your system to operate your Z-Wave devices. This is possible both for individual Z-Wave devices, such as door locks, thermostats and lights, as well as entire scenes.

The process for controlling Z-Wave devices is very easy across both platforms, but the steps do differ slightly. If you are using Total Connect 2.0, simply click the "Automation" tab from the main screen. You will then be able to control any individual home automation devices, as well as any programmed scenes. Remember, Total Connect is used exclusively with Honeywell Systems.

If have a system from a different manufacturer, like 2GIG or Qolsys, then you most likely have access to the Alarm.com service. Once you login to your Alarm.com account, you should see menu from the main screen for controlling various scenes. You can also press the menu button at the top to control individual smart home devices by type. We definitely recommend setting up some smart scenes for easy access!

If you don't already have a monitoring plan that includes home automation control, now is a great time to get started. Please check out our monitoring page for more information. All of our Silver, Gold and Platinum level plans (full and self) include this functionality. We hope that you'll enjoy using home automation to make your life easier just as much as we do!

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.

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.

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.