Smart Home?

I want to revisit a security system/cameras on my two family house and I’d like to upgrade my thermostat. These are both things that I know can be connected to apps and be managed remotely, but I’m wondering if there are any systems that cover both, and maybe more that I’m not thinking of? Are there professionals/companies who can come help me evaluate options, pick one, and install? Thanks.

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in General Discussion 7 years and 5 months ago

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Guest User | 7 years and 5 months ago

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The website https://thebestdoorbell.com/ which I trust a lot seems to think the SadoTech Model CXR and the Honeywell are the two best wireless doorbells

Lurker | 7 years and 5 months ago

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There are tons of competing smart home platforms, though nicely many smart devices are cross compatible. Nest, which is owned by Google, has a good ecosystem—you can get aNest-branded thermostat, indoor and outdoor cameras, smoke detector— but be warned with cameras you end up jumping on a monthly subscription, and Nest cameras have a high price premium. Ecobee makes a better thermostat, it’s widely compatible wiht lots of platform, and also comes with a remote sensor you put in your cold room that needs extra heat and it balances the heating to account for that room.
Overall though, smart thermostats only make sense at all if you have forced air and/or central air/air conditioning. They really don’t offer value or energy savings if you have steam or radiant (hydronic) heating. You can get a programmable thermostat for $35 that is equally useful and save $150.
Right now a lot of DIY smart home stuff is more fuss than it’s worth–unless you’re a gadget hound you might be selective about individual items rather than a whole home system.

keepo | 7 years and 5 months ago

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Check out Cooldigz @ https://www.cooldigz.com/. Some friends have used their services for a basic smart home upgrade and then hired them again for more work and recommend them highly. I have had preliminary discussions about possible projects and found the owners to be knowledgeable and accessible without being pushy.

namahs | 7 years and 5 months ago

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The 2 main players for smart thermostat are Nest (google) and Ecobee. As far as in security system, there is a ton.. so if you want to keep it in one seamless single ecosystem.. It would be the Nest system. I believe there will be a monthly cost for the cloud storage backup. We are also looking into the same thing. For me, its really because I want the Nest doorbell. Good Luck

mozeeatupu | 7 years and 5 months ago

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Pick whatever smart connected devices you want to use and connect them to a Samsung Smart Things hub and control them all thru a phone app

randolph | 7 years and 5 months ago

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nest makes a security system that integrates with their thermostats

https://nest.com/alarm-system/overview/