Home Automation - Some cool things I've installed this year
I provide monitoring and repair services to a number of properties for folks - so automation capabilities have become a big deal. Depending on any one customers budget and interest - I install security, lighting, HVAC, irrigation & water mgmt, pool and garage devices. The goal typically is to A) provide some visibility into the general state of home and B) control key functions that can save the property owner money. Here is what I've been installing recently and my experiences with them. Security Typically for me a two vendor solution - Arlo for cameras and Nest for Smoke Alarms, Door Bell and Security system. I chose Arlo over Nest for cameras primarily due to the battery support with Arlo allowing placement just about anywhere. While Nest cameras are very good - their reliance on a physical power connection really limits your deployment options. With Arlo the cameras are good, its easy to set up and the cost is reasonable. I often buy base + camera bundles fr