Featured Articles In Category
Home Controls 2024 Guide to Smart Home Hubs
Home Controls is here to help with its updated guide to find the right smart home hub for your home.
Add Z-Wave Functionality to Home Devices with FortrezZ MIMOlite
Using a Z-Wave controller is a great way to automate many of the functions in your home. It is also among the most popular. There are many devices from multiple manufacturers available that allow you to control lighting, temperature, security, IP cameras, door locks and notifications.
Z-Wave 700 and Z-Wave LR Expand the Capabilities of Future Smart Homes
Z-Wave 700 (aka Z-Wave Plus v2), and Z-Wave Long Range (Z-Wave LR) allow new Z-Wave compatible devices to benefit from greater transmission ranges, longer battery life, and other improved features.
Autoslide Automatic Sliding Door Systems Now Available
Home Controls now offers home automation and access control devices from Autoslide, the makers of their patented automated sliding door system.
Smart Home
Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a: What’s the Difference?
Wired connections provide a faster and more reliable connection than Wi-Fi. Ethernet cables have gone through various upgrades to keep up with faster and more commonly available data speeds. So the question is, what is the difference between Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat6a Ethernet cablesa?
What is a Central Vacuum System, and Why Would I Want One?
Imagine being able to vacuum your entire home without having to carry around a heavy and bulky vacuum unit. Let’s face it, cleaning your home can be an annoying chore as it is and having to deal with a standard, mobile vacuum unit doesn’t make it easier since they can be really loud all while leaving dirt and debris behind due to their weak motors. Then there’s the hassle of dealing with tangled cords that never seem to be long enough to cover the entire room.
Prevent Water Damage at Home with a Leak Detector
Water damage at home can be a big hassle to repair and extremely costly, especially if you’re unaware that it’s happening. When pipes burst due to old age or someone accidentally leaves the water running, such as in a clogged bathtub or sink, our reaction time is often slow, leaving the home vulnerable for flooding. In fact, water damage at home happens so frequently that it actually ranks as one of the top home insurance claims year in and year out.
How ABB Welcome Changed U.S. Home Intercoms & Security
When the ABB Welcome Door Entry System was introduced to the United States earlier this year, Home Controls and installers-in-the-know could already feel that U.S homeowners were in for a real treat. Now that months have passed, we know this feeling wasn’t just wishful thinking. ABB Welcome has changed the U.S. market for home intercoms and security.
Why Smart Thermostats are the Most Popular Smart Home Devices
Smart thermostats sell like hotcakes, and they are in fact the most popular “smart home” devices purchased by renovating homeowners. This is according to the recently released September 2016 Houzz study on smart home trends in the United States: “Among all the devices with smart capabilities installed by renovating homeowners, smart thermostats are the most popular, installed by 12% of renovating homeowners.”
SkylinkNet Now Works with IFTTT! Get 5 Starter Recipes
That’s right, the do-it-yourself SkylinkNet wireless alarm system just got a lot cooler — it now works with IFTTT. Anyone who has the SkylinkNet Internet Hub can automate connected devices using custom IFTTT recipes, so not only do you get expanded automation options for your Skylink devices, you can also integrate third-party devices into your system. Check out the video for a quick synopsis, or scroll down for more info.
NuTone’s New Central Vacuum Motor Series is PurePower
NuTone has released a major improvement to their collection of central vacuum systems with three new PurePower series motors. If you have been considering equipping your home with the convenience of a central vac, then one of these new motors should be on the top of your shopping list.
Chicken Coop Motor Is An Egg-cellent Product!
About a year ago, Add-a-Motor found a hidden market with literally millions of potential customers. They discovered that in the USA alone, there are tens of millions of chicken coops, and many millions more around the globe. Most are family owned with 10 to 20 chickens raised for fresh eggs and meat. Add-A-Motor also learned that chicken coop owners have the same problem - early every morning without fail. They must open the coop door to let their chickens out to feed. In the evening, when chickens automatically re-enter the coop, the door must be closed to protect them from predators and the elements. No matter the weather conditions or personal situation, these morning and evening chores can not be missed. For a busy family, it’s a challenge to keep up this routine 7 days a week, 365 days a year.