Our updated smart home has been sponsored by our partner, Lowe’s.
With five kids, our house has a constant revolving door: kids coming and going, different combinations of kids at home without parents for periods of time, and always a desire to make sure everyone is safe and secure. With that goal in mind, we recently added items from the Iris by Lowe’s system to create a smart and secure home that will continue to grow as we add more devices.
I’ve been considering adding a home security system for a while but I’ve been hung up on the high start-up cost, the long-term contract, and the invasive installation. When I found out about Iris by Lowe’s, it sounded like the ideal system. And now, not only can you add compatible products to make your home smarter but professional security monitoring is also available for only $14.95 a month, the best value among smart home security systems.
I started out with a Smart Hub, a Wi-Fi Smart Switch, and a Security Pack that includes a smart keypad, a motion sensor and contact sensors.
Getting started was as easy as installing an app on my smart phone. Once the app was installed, I added the Smart Hub, following the instructions to hook it up to my router. While I’m somewhat tech savvy, I don’t love tackling new techy things and I loved the ease with which the app walked me through the steps, literally step by step. Iris has easy set up and use along with the customer service and support that you expect from Lowe’s.
I set up the keypad, added it through the app, and went online to set up the monitoring. Within the next twenty-four hours I got to see how that monitoring works! I accidentally hit the panic button, setting off an alarm, and my cell phone rang instantly to tell me the panic alarm had been set off! I was so impressed. Even more impressed that I remembered my new password and managed to turn the alarm off {wink}!
In addition to the keypad, I placed a motion sensor in a strategic location …
… and attached a contact sensor to the front door …
… then added them both to my favorites list for easy access.
Setting up those features got my mind reeling, thinking about all the ways I can use the Iris products to create a custom system for our family. In addition to the security features, I love the convenience features that can be added to the system as well.
The sensors might be my favorite! I plan to add contact sensors to the door leading from the garage to the house so I know when it’s left open before the dog gets out and runs away. I can add a motion sensor to the stairway so I know when the kids are sneaking downstairs to grab a snack after bedtime {ahem}. And I can place a contact sensor on the lid of the deep freeze or use it to check the temperature of the freezer so I know we haven’t been hit with a power outage or a lid-left-open scenario during a popsicle run. All of the information will be at my fingertips, right on my smart phone.
I plan to add a few other things as well, just in time for summer break. I’m going to plug the TV and maybe some other electronics into Smart Plugs so I can easily limit screen time even if I’m not home.
And I’d like to add a few more Wi-Fi Smart Switches to lights throughout the house so we can shut down bedroom lights when they’re not in use and save a little money on our electric bill.
I’m already using a Smart Switch on a light in the front of our house. I hate nothing more than coming home to a dark house but that tends to happen a lot more in the summer since we’re out all day and into the evening, making the most out of summer break.
Now I can turn the light on and off with my smart phone, meaning we never have to walk into a dark house … and our home will look lived in even if it’s not. Instant ambiance can be created right through a smart phone, creating an inviting, warm atmosphere.
I’m excited about the possibilities of the Iris system and plan to explore more and more over the months ahead as Iris continues to add the best smart devices to its catalogue of compatible products that create a tailored experience. You can create your smart home at your own pace and Iris now works with over a hundred smart devices including sensors, switches, plugs, keypads, locks, thermostats, bulbs, alarms, detectors, garage openers, heaters, vents, and more!
Use the code MYIRISSECURITY {in all caps} to receive 10% off Iris starter packs and smart hubs. Check out the products available under this promotion. Offer valid 5/30 – 6/29.
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Iris by Lowe’s.
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