Lowes Home Alarm System Review

 

By George Harding

Our homes today have so much good stuff in them that protection is important. We have our smart phones, high definition TVs, other electronic devices, computers, laptops, tablets and so on. Most of us have insurance coverage to protect against loss of these items, but it’s certainly better to avoid having them stolen than to go through the hassle of filing insurance claims. Enter a home alarm system.

In the past, alarm systems were hard-wired, a perfect system requiring attic and wall installations, and a monthly fee for maintenance. The system usually includes 24/365 monitoring of the account by an off-site service. When an alarm is raised, the service calls to see if the alarm was triggered accidentally, or if illegal entry is involved. 

Ultimately, police may be called to investigate.

The Lowes system is completely wireless, requires very little installation, is either free or has a nominal monthly fee. There is no off-site service involving a person, rather an alarm triggers notice to you by email. An advantage over wired systems is that you can look at your home by smart phone to see if anything is amiss, and you can control the system from your smart phone, tablet or computer.

I received the Lowes Smart Kit alarm system, called Iris. It includes the following devices: Hub, Keypad, Motion Sensor, Door/Window sensor, Smart Plug, Smart Thermostat, Range Extender and Video Camera. Actually the video camera is an extra-cost item not included in the Kit, but I received it along with the Kit.

The setup procedure involves first setting up an account. You must provide the usual contact information, the most important of which is your email address. Nearly all the communications are done through email, although you can also use the Iris web site for control and notification.

Part of the account setup is providing credit card information, although nothing will be charged is you select the free service. Otherwise, you will be charged about $10 monthly after the free period of two months.

Once your account is setup, you begin by installing the Smart Hub. It requires a connection to your WiFi router, and a power connection. When these are connected, the Hub communicates with the Iris web site to pair the Hub with the service. The router and power connection are permanent.

Next you pair any of the additional devices to the Hub. It is recommended that you initially do the pairing near the router, but once paired, you can place the device where it can best be used. The Keypad requires 6 batteries (supplied) and when paired should be placed near your normal exit/entry door. It has a keypad that you use to enter your code number, and On, Off and Partial buttons. When you leave your home, you press the On button and exit. When you reenter, you key in your code number and press Off.

The Video Camera can be places anywhere that gives you the view you want to see when you check by smart phone, tablet or computer. It is paired by use of a connection to your router and wall plug power, but once paired, it is a stand-alone device. It can be mounted on a wall, ceiling or anyplace you desire. It comes with mounting hardware.

The Smart Plug can be used to turn lights or other powered item on or off on a schedule of your choosing.

The Motion Sensor can be placed so as to detect movement in the part of your home it sees. You control what happens when it detects motion through the Hub. You can trigger an email message and/or start the Video Camera.

The Door/Window sensor will detect opening a door or window to which it is attached. Again, when an event is sensed, the Hub can be controlled to send an alert by email and/or start the video camera.

The Lowes Smart Kit contains everything you need to set up an efficient, easy to setup and use home security system.

Lowes’ Home Alarm System              
www.lowes.com/iris             
Price of Smart Kit $299, additional devices available at extra cost or may be added at any time.