In this weekly column, hosts Brandon Doyle, Doyle Real Estate Team with RE/MAX Results, and Colton Pratt, project manager, walk through smart-home products and showcase their capabilities while reviewing pros and cons.
Aeotec offers a variety of Z-Wave compatible products including wireless controllers, switches, dimmers, lights, window and door sensors, sirens, plugs and water sensors.
Z-Wave wireless is similar to Wi-Fi, but it takes up less power, is more secure and has less interference. The devices can work with their Z-Stick USB Z-Wave hub as well as other popular home automation hubs such as Samsung SmartThings, Hubitat and Vera. They were kind enough to provide us with a door and window sensor, multisensor, LED bulb, Siren and a Smart Switch for testing purposes.
The window and door sensor is very similar to one manufactured by FIBARO, we did have some difficulty connecting to hubs as this is the newest version and drivers weren’t available.
The multisensor can be powered via USB, it detects motion, temperature, light, humidity, vibration and UV. This is great for controlling various devices in the room all from one sensor.
The LED bulb last 25,000 hours, which will help you save money, and it’s also dimmable and can change colors when connected with your favorite Z-Wave hub
Aeotec Siren 6 is a Z-Wave indoor siren that does a variety of different sounds when paired with a hub and some sensors. It could be used as part of a security system or even as a chime for your doorbell.
The plug allows you to wirelessly control whatever you plug into it via automations, schedule or with your favorite voice assistant. It also measures how much energy your device is using in real time.
Brandon Doyle is a Realtor at Doyle Real Estate Team — Re/Max Results in Minneapolis and co-author of Mindset, Methods & Metrics – Winning as a Modern Real Estate Agent. You can follow him on Twitter.
