The face of your home automation system is the app that controls everything. Whether you're using it on your desktop computer, laptop, or smartphone, your Z-Wave app is what connects you to all the Z-Wave devices in your home. It's how you set up your network, add or delete widgets, create scenes, control your devices, get notifications from your devices, and even how you check things like security cameras. Your smart home control app is arguably the most critical component of your home automation system, so you need to pick the best one. This can be hard, though, when every Z-Wave devic ..read more

Are you looking for the cheapest z-wave devices? Let's face it, home automation is kind of like science fiction. I mean, you can quickly tap a button on your smartphone to access your home cameras while you're not there or close your garage if you forgot to. It's pretty amazing! Your home can even learn your habits and adjust itself for your comfort. That's pretty sci-fi if you ask me, and like modern art or furniture, it may also seem like something that would cost a lot of money. Surprisingly though, that's not the case! Smart homes used to be something only the ultra-rich co ..read more

Home automation is a phrase often used to describe complete control of a home. And for most people, that's exactly what they're looking to accomplish when setting up a Z-Wave network. The challenge with a new setup, is sorting through hundreds of products and reviews to find the best Z-Wave devices. Fortunately, you don't have to do that. In this article, you'll find some of the best Z-Wave devices on the market as well as suggestions on how to most effectively utilize each device. Quick Nav Z-Wave Controller Z-Wave Thermostat Z-Wave Lock Z-Wave Flood Sensor Z-Wave Dimmers &a ..read more

So you’ve created your smart home with a bunch of beautiful products like a Z-Wave hub, a wifi thermostat, doom sensors, wifi security cameras, door locks, the works! Then, you go on vacation and use your smartphone to monitor your smart house. One day, you’re looking at the cameras, and you see water everywhere! Even with all your smart gadgets, a pipe burst, and your basement floods, causing thousands of water damage! Sounds terrifying, right? Well, you can prevent this nightmare by getting a Z-Wave water valve that will connect with your home automation system. That way, yo ..read more

Looking for a z-wave Robot Vacuum?  I was too. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but there are currently (Feb 2019) no Z-Wave enabled robot vacuums on the market that I can find. Sorry.  BUT There are of course tons of great options for robot vacs out there, our list is here, but there are other great lists and roundups too.  However, if you still really need the z-wave connectivity for your robot vac, you could make it happen with a little DIY circuitry.  Check out this post over at z-uno, they add an arduino based controller that allows communication between a roomba a ..read more

While there are many guides on which Z-Wave hub is best and how to set up specific devices, it's rather difficult to find one that outlines exactly how to setup Z-Wave smart homes with limited prior knowledge. That's why we created this article to help you turn your dumb home into a smart home even if you haven't so much as heard of Z-Wave before. With a Z-Wave home automation system, you can control thermostats, security systems, door locks, irrigation, lights, fans, and even electrical outlets. Basically, everything in your home can be controlled if you want it to ..read more

Keep tabs on your oil tank! I think we can all agree going into your basement to check your heating oil gauge is no fun at all. Thankfully that's no longer your only option, and this article will outline how to avoid ever doing that again.  We are going to be covering a smart oil gauge manufactured by Connected Consumer  Fuels that will keep an eye on your heating oil for you.  Here is the reality for heating oil users: The tank is not in a convenient spot in your home  You have to keep an eye on the fuel level to keep your house warm You want to be able to do it while yo ..read more

What to look for in a robotic vacuum cleaner When you’re looking to buy a robotic vacuum cleaner, it's important to look the following attributes: Battery Life How it cleans various surfaces How it handles obstacles How well it operates without human help In addition to that, you'll also want to look at customer reviews to make sure the product lives up to the manufacturer's promises. Sound like a lot? Well don’t worry, we’re experts when it comes to robot vacuums, so all you need to do is read on to learn which is the best robot vacuum for your home! You can read our detailed comparison of ..read more

Ready to Create the Smart Home of your Dreams? The "Kitchen of Tomorrow," as promoted to 1950s housewives on film reels sponsored by GM, is all but here. The home automation touted in Epcot's House of Innoventions is no longer just an advertisement for Whirlpool. The Smart Home is here, and you can have it. Here are 10 ways you can make your home a smart home today.  1. Turn on the Lights Let someone or something else get the lights for you. Light switches and light bulbs have leveled up.  There are timed lighting systems that will set your home's ambiance automatically. Or you can ..read more

Looking for a z-wave Robot Vacuum? I was too.I hate to be the bearer of bad news but there are currently (Feb 2019) no Z-Wave enabled robot vacuums on the market that I can find. Sorry. BUTThere are of course tons of great options for robot vacs out there, our list is here, but there are other great lists and roundups too. However, if you still really need the z-wave connectivity for your robot vac, you could make it happen with a little DIY circuitry. Check out this post over at z-uno, they add an arduino based controller that allows communication between a roomba and a z-wave network. Pretty ..read more