Marketing Posts

Hi DIYers! We are happy to announce that we are offering a sale on the iGSMV4G and the iGSMV4G-TC2 effective immediately. The iGSMV4G can be purchased for $50. The iGSMV4G-TC2 is available for $60. These are AT&T 4G Cellular Communicators that allow VISTA Panels to connect with AlarmNet360.

Earlier this year, AT&T announced the sunset of their 3G and 4G networks. By February 2022, it will no longer be possible to use an AT&T 3G/4G with your alarm system. You must upgrade to an LTE communicator by then. Additionally, AlarmNet will no longer allow activations for AT&T 3G Communicators and AT&T 4G Communicators starting Wednesday June 26th, 2019.

We still have some iGSMV4G and iGSMV4G-TC2 products in stock. We want to get rid of them before they become unusable. This is a perfect opportunity to get your Resideo VISTA System online for a very low price. With these communicators, you can access Total Connect 2.0 and use all of the available features. Please note that you will need a Gold Plan or higher to activate a cellular communicator with Alarm Grid. Also, we cannot offer overnight orders for these products.

If you do get one of these communicators, you must activate the module before June 26th. After that date, it will be impossible to activate the cellular portion of the communicator. Additionally, if you deactivate the communicator or discontinue service for any reason, you will not be able to reactivate this unit for cellular service after June 26th. You will still be able to use the communicator for Internet Communication only after this date.

Resideo has stated that more recently manufactured modules will be able to be activated for up to 180 days after June 26th. However, we cannot guarantee that a new iGSMV4G will be able to be activated after that date. For your own planning, you should not expect an AT&T 3G or 4G communicator to be activated after June 26th.

The Honeywell iGSMV4G is a dual-path AlarmNet Communicator for Resideo VISTA Series Systems. It uses AT&T 4G and hardwired ethernet to connect with the AlarmNet Servers and provide access to Total Connect 2.0. This module will provide fast and reliable connectivity until February 2022. The cellular portion of the module will no longer work after February 2022. At that time, you will want to upgrade to a newer LTE communicator. We are offering the iGSMV4G for $50.

The Honeywell iGSMV4G-TC2 is a bundled kit that includes the iGSMV4G module, as well as the necessary PROM Chip upgrades for the VISTA-15P and VISTA-20P Alarm Systems. You should purchase this kit if your 15P or 20P System is running a firmware version of at least 2.0, but less than 9.12. Any 15P or 20P system running less than version 9.12 will not be able to be used with Total Connect 2.0. We are offering this kit for $60.

If you aren't sure what firmware version your system is running, you can check the current PROM Chip. This is a small black chip located in the middle of the system. This FAQ can teach you how to replace an old PROM Chip if needed.

Here is an example of a PROM Chip for a VISTA-20PSIA System. This is basically a VISTA-20P System with some added features put in place to prevent false alarms. Note that this system is running v10.23, which is high enough to use TC2.

If you want to future-proof your VISTA System with an LTE communicator, then we can certainly help you with that as well. We currently offer the Honeywell LTE-XA (AT&T LTE), the Honeywell LTE-XV (Verizon LTE) and the Honeywell LTE-IV (dual-path Verizon LTE and IP ethernet). All of these communicators will extend the life of your VISTA System well into the very distant future.

Keep in mind that a VISTA-15P or VISTA-20P System will need to be running at least firmware version 9.12 to support Total Connect 2.0. A VISTA-21iP must be running at least version 3.13 to support TC2. We offer PROM Chip upgrades for VISTA-21iP Systems here. We do not offer bundled kits for VISTA-21iP PROM Chips. The PROM Chips included in the iGSMV4G-TC2 Kit are for 15P and 20P Systems only.

Remember, we cannot offer overnight orders for either the iGSMV4G or the iGSMV4G-TC2. You must activate these communicators before June 26th. They can remain active until February 2022. After that, you must upgrade to an LTE communicator or use IP only communication. If you have any questions about this sale or these communicators, please contact us at support@alarmgrid.com. We look forward to hearing from you.

Hi DIYers! We have some fun news for you today. Alarm Grid will soon begin offering tiny and cute Alarm Grid Stickers. These are great for putting on your refrigerator, on your laptop or computer or just placing around the house. You will love the upcoming Alarm Grid Little Stickers!

As you may know, Alarm Grid already offers window stickers for indoor use and weatherproof outdoor stickers. Our swag lineup also includes the Famous Alarm Grid Yard Signs. These are great for showing the world that your home or business is monitored with Alarm Grid. But we received word from many customers that they wanted something smaller and easier to put everywhere. That is why we decided to offer little stickers as well.

Each mini sticker has a strong adhesive backside or frontside that should last indefinitely when properly applied. These stickers are high-quality enough to survive the elements when used outside. This makes them perfect for placing on mailboxes, windows, vehicles and more. We will offer our stickers in packs of one (1), five (5) and ten (10). Each sticker is in the shape of an octagon - that's eight (8) sides - and features the Famous Alarm Grid Blue. You also get our logo, phone number and website for quick reference.

The message "Protected By Alarm Grid" is synonymous with top-quality alarm monitoring service. Any intruder who sees this sticker will know not to mess with your home or business!

And just how small are the Alarm Grid Little Stickers? Well we figured it was best to just show you. We found a penny around the office and used it for size-comparison. Check it out:

Now you're probably wondering when you can get your hands on these adorable stickers. We're sure that you want to share them with your friends, family and colleagues. We understand. Unfortunately, you have to wait. But we promise the stickers will be available soon, and we will very quickly let you know when you can buy them.

For now, the best thing you can do is email support@alarmgrid.com. Let our alarm system support technicians and security planners know that you want your Alarm Grid Little Stickers. We are rushing to get them up as soon as possible, but it doesn't hurt to remind us of the sheer urgency in making these stickers available to you, the Alarm Grid Nation. We promise that these stickers will be worth the wait!

Update: And just like that our mini stickers are now available! We have mini indoor window stickers with an adhesive front:

• Alarm Grid Mini Indoor Sticker, Single
• Alarm Grid Mini Indoor Stickers, 5-Pack
• Alarm Grid Mini indoor Stickers, 10-Pack

And we also have mini outdoor stickers with an adhesive back:

• Alarm Grid Mini Outdoor Sticker, Single
• Alarm Grid Mini Outdoor Stickers, 5-Pack
• Alarm Grid Mini Outdoor Stickers, 10-Pack

Hi DIYers! We have spooky good news for everyone today. We are proud to announce the unveiling of the brand-new Alarm Grid SiXTH Sensor. This is the world's first ever security system sensor that activates upon detecting any paranormal or spiritual activity. It is a must-have for all users!

As you may know, there are the five "standard" senses that we use on a daily basis. These are of course sight, smell, taste, hearing and touch. But what you might not know is that there is paranormal activity lurking among us. You cannot detect such occurrences through normal means. You need a "sixth" sense to detect any paranormal, spiritual or otherworldly activity that may be cursing you and the people in your presence. That is why we created the all-new SiXTH Sensor.

We took inspiration from Honeywell's SiX Sensor Lineup in creating the Alarm Grid SiXTH Sensor. Just like the existing SiX Sensors, the SiXTH Sensor offers 128-bit AES encryption to thwart any real-life hacking attempts. We also added Advanced Spirit Stopping encryption to stop any hacking attempts initiated from the otherworld. You can count on the SiXTH Sensor to function perfectly both in our present world and the dimensions beyond our normal reach. Please be aware that you can only see the Advanced Spirit Stopping encryption through the use of various psychonautic substances that are neither sold nor endorsed by Alarm Grid. But trust us - it's there!

Now, you might be wondering how exactly the SiXTH Sensor works. Well we are happy to explain! The sensor pairs with a wireless zone on your alarm panel much like any "present world" sensor. But you will notice a few things new. You will set the Device Type as "Paranormal Detector". The Response Type should be set to "Bruce Willis". This is a brand-new Response Type designed exclusively for use with our SiXTH Sensor. You will only get this option upon setting the Device Type, so make sure to set the options accordingly. After you save your changes, your SiXTH Sensor will be ready to go!

If your SiXTH Sensor detects any paranormal or spiritual activity that should not be present in our present world, a silent spiritual alarm will be sent to your system. Within moments, the central station will get to work sending out a response. But you can't stop spirits, ghouls and curses with police officers, firefighters or emergency medical personnel. Oh no, you need something better. Instead, you can expect Bruce Willis (not that Bruce Willis) to show up at your home or business to rid the area of any paranormal activity.

Bruce Willis (not that Bruce Willis) will come equipped with sage and various incantations to cleanse the premises and protect the spirituality of yourself and those around you. While Bruce Willis (not that Bruce Willis) might appear to be in an uncomfortable or unusual state as he performs the necessary exorcism, we can assure you that this is perfectly normal. Additionally, you can expect a call from the central station to make sure that Bruce Willis (not that Bruce Willis) arrived safely and without real-life incident. Please note that Bruce Willis (not that Bruce Willis) does not come with cab fare, and you may be responsible for ensuring his departure. Alarm Grid cannot assist with this issue, and it is up to you to make the appropriate arrangements.

Alarm Grid has already tested the SiXTH Sensor with the Honeywell Lyric Controller with great success! We easily enrolled the device to the system, and we intentionally released a safe, but other-dimensional, spirit into our headquarters. We made sure to do this at night to protect the majority of our technicians and staff members. One brave soul working the late shift was around to see the SiXTH Sensor in action. Needless to say, our expectations were more than met.

The Alarm Grid SiXTH Sensor will be coming soon, sometime within your existence. We will make sure to keep you posted about any news related to the SiXTH Sensor as it becomes available. Thanks for being an Alarm Grid customer, and we hope that you have a happy April!

Hi DIYers! Did you know that one of the best perks of owning a home security system is receiving a large discount in your homeowner's insurance? In many cases, an alarm system will pay for itself and save you money in the long-run! This goes beyond most security aspects and considerations.

We hear of customers all the time who live in extremely safe areas, and the likelihood of them ever needing to use their security system is quite low. It's fair to wonder why these customers even bother to get security systems in the first place. Well the answer is that these individuals are likely saving substantial money in their homeowner's insurance.

Most insurance companies will offer their customers a premium discount of 5% to 10% for simply owning an active alarm system. Some companies even offer discounts as high as 20% in certain areas. The actual rate of the discount is dependent upon many different factors, and it's usually best to check with your insurance company to find out exactly how much you can save.

With Alarm Grid central station monitoring plans costing as little as $15 per month, sometimes it's a no-brainer to get monitoring service. Just think about it. You will be adding a new layer of security to your home, and you will have protective measures put in place in case an emergency ever does occur. Better safe than sorry!

At the same time, you will actually be saving money just for having this equipment installed and activated. There really is no reason for you to not have an alarm system if you plan on maintaining an active homeowner's insurance policy!

The types of discounts offered from insurance companies typically varies by location. The only general rule is that the customer must have central station monitoring with automatic dispatch, as opposed to self-monitoring. We have heard of customers receiving discounts for the following types of monitoring:

• Intrusion
• Fire
• Freeze
• Flood
• Carbon Monoxide

Receiving a Certificate of Alarm (CoA) that you can pass on to your insurance provider to receive a discount is very easy. Just activate a system with Alarm Grid. We will run tests to make sure your system is successfully sending signals to a central station. From there, you can download the certificate and send it online to your insurance provider. More information can be found here.

If you would like to learn more about Alarm Grid monitoring service, we invite you to check our alarm monitoring page. This page is also a great spot to sign-up for new service. If you would like to talk with us first, you can always email support@alarmgrid.com or call us at (888) 818-7728 during our normal business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to working with you and helping you save money on your homeowner's insurance!

Hi DIYers! We're thrilled to announce that the Honeywell SiXCOMBO is finally here, just in time for the holidays! This Honeywell SiX Series Sensor offers support for smoke, heat and CO detection all in one convenient device. Additionally, new Honeywell 5800C2W Kits are also available!

With support for smoke, heat and CO sensing, the Honeywell SiXCOMBO is the first-ever encrypted combination life-safety sensor available for the Honeywell Lyric Alarm System. The device includes a built-in photoelectric smoke detector, a heat sensor that activates at temperatures of 135°F or higher, an IR sensor that measures ambient light and flame signatures, and a carbon monoxide sensor that responds to dangerous levels of CO gas. These four integrated sensors all work together to ensure that your home or business stays protected against fires and CO outbreaks at all times.

Users will also appreciate the One-Go-All-Go feature of the Honeywell SiXCOMBO. If the device activates for a fire or CO alarm, any additional SiXCOMBO devices that are also programmed with the system will also activate. This One-Go-All-Go feature affects Honeywell SiXSMOKE devices as well, so all your SiX Series life-safety devices will respond to the emergency. Each sensor includes an 85 dB sounder, which is plenty loud enough to alert anyone in the building.

The Honeywell SiXCOMBO is very easy to program with the Honeywell SiX Programming feature. This option is found within Installer-level programming. Once you have accessed the feature, you can power the SiXCOMBO on by removing its battery tab to have it auto-enrolled with the system. This can also be done by pressing and holding one of its test buttons until it auto-enrolls. The sensor will take up three zones on the system - one for smoke detection, one for heat detection, and one for CO detection.

In addition to the Honeywell SiXCOMBO, we are also glad to announce that Honeywell 5800C2W Kits are now available. We have two kits available - one of a Lyric Controller and 5800C2W Combo and another with just the 5800C2W and accessories. Both kits include enough LT-Cables for wiring and an UltraTech 1240 Backup Battery. Each 5800C2W is capable of supporting 9 hardwired sensors, so keep that in mind when system planning.

These kits are perfect for anyone upgrading from an older hardwired system who wants to continue to use their existing hardwired sensors. If the user needs a new system, the Lyric 5800C2W Combo Kit is a great option. As you know, the Lyric is HomeKit compatible for use with HomeKit Smart Scenes and Siri voice commands. Meanwhile, the 5800C2W itself will work with any alarm system that accepts 345 MHz sensors. This includes the Honeywell LYNX Touch Panels, the 2GIG GC2 and GC3 Systems and the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus with Honeywell Legacy Daughtercard.

Finally, we'd also like to briefly announce our office hours for the upcoming holidays. As usual, our office will be closed this weekend, which is Saturday December 22nd and Sunday December 23rd. Our office will then remain closed Monday December 24th and Tuesday December 25th in observance of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day respectively. We will resume our normal business hours of 9am to 8pm EST on Wednesday December 26th. If you have any questions or concerns during this four-day period, we strongly encourage you to email us at support@alarmgrid.com, and we will do our very best to get back with you after we return from holiday on Wednesday the 26th. Once we return, you can also reach us by phone at (888) 818-7728 during our normal business hours. We also have online chat support available on our website.

Please also note that we will be closing our office early at 6pm on Monday December 31st in observance of New Year's Eve. We will remain closed on Tuesday January 1st in observance of New Year's Day. We will resume our normal business hours of 9am to 8pm EST on Wednesday January 2nd. Again, if you need to contact us while we are away, your best option is to use the email listed above. We would like to wish all of you a very happy and safe holiday season, and we invite you to keep checking our blog in the following days for more information.

Alarm Grid is proud to announce that Arlo Security Cameras are now available on our site! These are versatile and easy-to-use security cameras that provide exceptional performance for virtually any residential application. It has never been easier to set up video surveillance for your home!

Arlo Cameras are unique for their ability to operate 100% wire-free. They receive power from removable batteries. Depending on the camera model, the batteries can be rechargeable for easy use. The cameras can remain powered for several months at a time with a single charge. However, this duration varies significantly based on overall usage. For communication, the cameras send wireless signals to a central base station. This module serves as a central hub for the setup, and it allows the cameras to connect with a local WIFI network.

The cameras will activate for recording whenever motion or sound is detected. The user can configure the settings for the cameras so that they only activate when they need them to. For example, a user might set up a GeoFence so that their camera only records while they are away from home. All recordings are stored on the Arlo App, which is free to download for Android and iOS devices. The app will store recordings for up to 7 days. All of the Arlo Cameras we offer are water and UV resistant, making them great for outdoor use.

One of the best options is to pair an Arlo Camera setup with a home security system and an Alarm Grid monitoring plan. This way, you can receive notifications from Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com and then check your Arlo Camera to see exactly what happened. The cameras are also compatible with various smart home platforms like Amazon Alexa, IFTTT, Stringify and Samsung SmartThings (select models only).

At this time, we are proud to offer the following Arlo Camera models:

• Arlo HD Camera
• Arlo Pro Camera
• Arlo Pro 2 Camera

Note that the Arlo HD Camera is a certified refurbished model. Alarm Grid is not offering a new model of the Arlo HD at this time. A four-pack of refurbished Arlo HD Cameras is also available. Meanwhile, the Pro and Pro 2 Cameras are both new models. There are no refurbished versions available for either of these cameras.

The Arlo HD uses four replaceable lithium CR123A batteries, while the pro models use rechargeable batteries. Both the Pro and Pro 2 come with a single rechargeable battery. Additional rechargeable batteries can be purchased through the following link:

• Arlo Rechargeable Battery for Pro and Pro 2

Remember that the Arlo HD, Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2 all require an Arlo Base Station for basic operation. The cameras communicate wirelessly with this module, and it connects to the internet on their behalf. The base station uses a hardwired ethernet connection to communicate with your home's WIFI router. Without a base station, you will not be able to use any of the Arlo Camera models mentioned above. One Arlo Base Station can support up to five Arlo Cameras. This module also allows for local video storage by inserting a USB flash drive.

Alarm Grid offers both a new Arlo Base Station model and refurbished Arlo Base Station model:

• Arlo Base Station New
• Arlo Base Station Refurbished

Arlo Cameras are also known for their flexible mounting options. Each camera comes with a magnetic mount for basic installation. Users can also purchase any of the following separate mounting options.

• Arlo Outdoor Knob Mount
• Arlo Table & Ceiling Mount
• Arlo Indoor Wall Mounts 4-Pack
• Arlo Outdoor Mount
• Arlo Quadpod Mount

Finally, we are also proud to offer the following optional Arlo Camera accessories:

Arlo Dual Battery Charging Station

Arlo Solar Panel Charger

Arlo Camera Skins for Pro and Pro 2

Arlo Indoor Power Adapter Replacement

If you have any questions about Arlo products, please do not hesitate to reach out to us! You may email us anytime at support@alarmgrid.com, or call us at (888) 818-7728 from 9am to 8pm Monday thru Friday. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! Today we're taking a look at a classic Honeywell 5800 Series Sensor. The Honeywell 5820L Wireless Slim Line Door and Window Sensor is known for being one of the easiest to use and effective contacts around. Its slim profile makes it ideal for use with sliding doors and windows.

The 5820L provides the same function as virtually any wireless door and window sensor. But its long, thin profile makes it perfect for certain applications. The way that the sensor works is fairly standard. The sensor has an integrated reed switch, and it is installed alongside a separate magnet that comes included. When the door or window is opened, the magnet will separate from the sensor and cause the internal reed switch to activate. The sensor will then send an alert to the alarm system. As a 345 MHz sensor, the 5820L will work with most wireless Honeywell and 2GIG Panels. It will also work with the new Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus with 345 MHz daughtercard.

What separates the 5820L from other 345 MHz contacts is its slim profile. This makes it exceptional for use with sliding doors and windows where a smaller sensor is needed. Even better is that the sensor is extremely easy to install by mounting it with double-sided foam tape. This means that no drilling or nails are needed to securely mount the sensor. And since the device uses a single AAA battery with an average battery life of 10 years, keeping the 5820L powered is a breeze. The one downside to the sensor is that it features are relatively short wireless range of about 150 feet. But a user can effectively double this range to 300 feet with the use of a Honeywell 5800RP Wireless Repeater.

The Honeywell 5820L is available for purchase from Alarm Grid now. Protect your sliding doors and windows with this versatile sensor!

Hi DIYers! Today we are extremely pleased to announce that the brand-new Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Security Systems are here! Three different versions of the system are currently available on the Alarm Grid website. This is truly very exciting news, as we are sure you will love these systems.

With the IQ Panel 2 Plus, Qolsys has raised the bar for wireless all-in-one Alarm Systems. These are definitely some of the most robust and powerful panels we have ever offered from Alarm Grid. Currently, there are three versions of the system available:

• Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus with PowerG & S-Line + Legacy Interlogix/GE and Verizon LTE
• Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus with PowerG & S-Line + Legacy Interlogix/GE and AT&T LTE
• Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus with PowerG & Legacy Honeywell + 2GIG and AT&T LTE

All of the IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems provide support for the top-of-the-line PowerG Wireless Sensors. These sensors operate at 915 MHz, and they can be used from up to 2,000 feet away from the IQ Panel 2 Plus in open air. This will allow users to setup their sensors from virtually anywhere on the property, regardless of where their alarm system is located. The sensors are also protected by 128-bit AES encryption, making them nearly impossible to be hacked or taken over by others. These are definitely some of the most versatile and secure alarm sensors that we have ever encountered.

In addition to PowerG, each IQ Panel 2 Plus System will provide support for a sensor lineup at a lower wireless frequency. There are three different "flavors" that a user can choose from. These are support for 319 MHz Qolsys Sensors and Interlogix/GE Sensors, 345 MHz Honeywell 5800 Series Sensors and 2GIG Sensors, and 433 MHz legacy DSC Sensors. The 319 MHz and 345 MHz options are already available, and the 433 MHz option should be available soon. Also note that a Verizon LTE version of the 345 MHz sensor option should also be arriving in the near future.

Every IQ Panel 2 Plus System comes with a built-in WIFI card and an LTE cellular communicator. This will provide an immediate dual-path communication setup for the system. The only thing that an end user will need is an appropriate alarm monitoring plan. If either path ever goes down, the IQ Panel 2 Plus will still be able to use the other communication path and remain monitored. Both AT&T and Verizon LTE options for cellular monitoring are available.

The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus has also made great strides in video surveillance. Users can view the live feed for their Alarm.com Security Cameras right from the panel itself. And Qolsys worked to better-integrate the system with the SkyBell Doorbell Cameras. Now, a users can answer their SkyBell doorbell from their panel. They can even have a live conversation with the person at their door from their IQ Panel 2 Plus! This is also possible for any ADC Camera that supports two-way voice.

The IQ Panel 2 Plus also supports a plethora of other features. These include Bluetooth disarming, an integrated glass break detector, a built-in 5MP camera, an integrated Z-Wave Plus Controller and an easy-to-use setup wizard for getting started with the system. All of this makes the IQ Panel 2 Plus one of the best systems we have ever had the pleasure of using.

The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus is available from Alarm Grid now. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at support@alarmgrid.com, or call us at 888-818-7728 from 9am to 8pm EST Monday through Friday. We hope that you will enjoy this system as much as we do, and we look forward to hearing from you!

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.

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.