Home Automation With Alarm.com

      Many people treat alarm systems as an afterthought due to them not feeling the need for a security system. However with today's technology, systems provide more than simple security measures and can also provide quality of life features such as accessing smart home devices like door locks and thermostats, and cameras inside or outside that allow you to speak through them. For some who use alarm systems, security isn't even the biggest benefit, just an additive.

Automated Home Devices

      With Alarm.com's automation plan, the service opens up with the amount of features the average homeowner can take advantage of. From simple quality of life features all the way to integrating existing z-wave devices all to one interface.

      One of the most basic ways to get into smart home devices is a thermostat. One of the more common alarm.com products I see is the S40-T, a humidity sensor that once connected to your account, lets you monitor the conditions of that whatever room it's installed in. Combined with a thermostat such as the T2000, you can easily control the temperature of your house remotely with the tap of a button on your phone. 

      Some of the more common devices you see used by smart home users that are worth looking into are lights, kitchen appliances, voice assistants, routers and entertainment devices. All of which you can localize all to one app.

      Another device people find to make their lives easier is a z-wave door lock, these devices would allow you to skip the unlocking process and instead just punch in a code to open it. That coupled with a Doorbell Camera can make for a robust home entry setup capable of doing just about anything remotely. 

      The last idea I'd have to go along with a fully automated home is video devices with features such as two-way audio in order to be able to communicate remotely. All of this along with a video with analytics would allow you to do things such as detect when a person enters the driveway, speak to them through a camera, and remotely unlock the door to let them in. 

      Overall, I think home automation is one of the most underutilized features of alarm.com and is definitely worth looking into if your looking for a more quality of life oriented smart home.