Our experience in the Smart House industry began in 1992. We know what works and why. You can trust our choice of products and features. In addition we know how best to enhance your lifestyle in the simplest and most cost effective manor.
Our choice of products may just well be one of our greatest assets. Our security hub is manufactured by one of the largest manufacturers of security products in the world. In addition our manufacturer has over 30 years or experience and millions of systems sold worldwide.
This answer separates us from the competition by a long distance. Unlike much of the competition who have no time in grade our product has 25+ years of product research and manufacturing experience backing it.
For sure! There is no need to ever upgrade after your initial installation. However one important thing to note is that your system is ready to grow when you are. Today you may event have a smart phone, but when you do you simply install the free app. In addition should you later decide that you want to add a new feature like water leak detection, you only need to purchase the water leak sensor and add it to your system.
Absolutely! Choosing our security system enables you to add more security features or other enhancements at any time in the future and the real good news is that our Hub is ready to grow when you are and at no additional upfront cost. You simply purchase the upgrades when you are ready.
No. Our system can use your internet connection for some features and also can use our Cell Radio to communicate. The cell radio is similar to a standard cell phone but is built in to our Hub. You must have a dependable internet signal and or cell signal at the location where the Hub will be located (prefferably both).
Our security sensors have over been used for over 30 years and number well into the millions of installs to date. Few manufacturers can make that claim. When picking a good platform for your security system you do not want a brand that is new to the market or one that has no proven history. Unlike some other newcomers to the market who have been hacked by a 16 year old and have poor anti-tamper technology, our sensors have years of proven industry leading engineering quality.
Poor engineering and cheaply made products designed to move products with the least amount of dollars invested are certainly a target. One example could be a manufacturer that used a wireless keypad to link to their hub without adequate encryption.
None Are. However unlike one brand that is using national TV adds to sell their products after being easily hacked, our Techhomepro hub uses many years of engineering excellence that is yet to be hacked.
Adding cameras is the only place where monthly costs could increase. For all other upgrades once you have purchased an upgrade we do not increase your monthly costs.
Yes. Unlike some of the competition our alarm sensors include tamper circuits that work against the criminal who thinks removing the batteries from wireless sensors can disable the alarm.
Should a thief break in and smash the hub with a hammer the alarm would go off and still dispatch the police. However, this is only possible if the alarm was armed and when dispatching services are active (purchased).
Yes. Adding your thermostat to your Away from home arming schedule and or adding it to a time and date schedule can have a payback.
Z-Wave is a radio frequency protocol that allows a wide variety of devices to communicate wirelessly with each other and our Hub. Z-wave has many years of product history with a very long list of manufacturers putting this technology into the products. Our system Hub comes ready to add Z-Wave devices in the future as upgrades.
Oh yes. It comes ready to link to the authorities for Burglary, Fire and / or Medical Dispatching. And it is also ready to alert you when certain events happen. For example texts and or emails can be sent when the alarm is activated or when someone arms or disarms and these are only a small portion of what can be done without upgrading anything. You can start use only the security system and upgrade to a fully connected home at any time in the future.
A connected home allows users the ability to tailor their normal day to day activities into a seamless blend of lifestyles’ enhancing features.
The heart of our Connected Home “Hub” includes a security system that can stand alone or link a variety of lifestyles enhancing events together. When the alarm is disarmed it can also send text notifications, turn on lights, adjust thermostats and unlock doors. Actually the extent of what can be done is more limited by your imagination than any other factor!
A notification is one of the most powerful features found in the connected home. You can be notified by text or email when alarm events occur, children come home from school, someone rang your doorbell and so many more events. Adding a new notification is easy to do using our free app.
Yes. Of course we recommend proven products and sell at competitive prices. But you can certainly expand your system by using parts from many sources. However our tech support will only be available on products purchased from us.
Not only does our Hub support a wide variety of features on the market today, it is also ready for other “Open Architecture” upgrades that will come in the future. From a variety of easy to use methods it is possible link previously unlinked subsystems together into convenient time saving events.
Your TechhomePro Hub comes ready to add these kind of upgrades. After purchasing the upgrade there is some setup required but this can be done normally in less than 5 minutes. The Hub already has a template of device locations that save you time but you can add devices at will also. The last step in aN upgrade is creating a “Schedule, Rule or Scene” that automates your new upgrade and sends you notifications of events.
Excellent Question. You can Self-Monitor your alarm system but that communication path is solely dependant on your internet services. Accordingly the dependabiltiy to alert you of an alarm related emergency is limited. In-addition many of the upgrade features of the system requires the installation of the cell radio that is also used to reach a UL approved Central Station Dispatcher.
Without a UL approved Central Station you are assuming a great deal of liability. We strongly advise agains self monitoring for this reason.
No! But you would always want to dispatch the Fire Department and an Ambulance. You would also want to dispatch Police in the event of a Burlgary Panic or Duress Situation. Even if you do not desire to dispatch the police on an alarm, they Central Station Dispatcher can still be used to contact you or a keyholder on your call list. Self-Monitoring at times when you are on vacation and away from home is not advised.
Yes as long as you choose dispatching and not Self-Monitoring. This discount can also apply for Fire which could result in 2 discounts annually available from your insurance company. We can aslo send proof of monitoring to your insurance company for you. Self Monitoring and notifactions only DO NOT qualify for insurance discounts.
Yes. And it can be used to link to most anything you have installed in your Techhompro system. However 3rd party products may require a different app. There is also a web browser interface.
Oh yes! This is one of the most powerful and popular features. And since our system is “Open Architecture” you can choose from several brands, models and colors. Open architecture also means that products not yet on the market can be added as they come along!
Yes. Like so many other powerful features that our Techhomepro hub supports you can setup notifications that alert you when any or all users unlock a door. You can also prohibit some users from unlocking doors at certain times of the day.
Yes. Cameras are among the most popular features with a rapidly expanding list of brands and models to choose from.
Ease of install is one factor to consider. But resolution and night vision are often places where its not always safe to trust the manufacturers specifications. You should also know how much “upload” bandwidth your internet service has. For installs with less than 1.5MB remote viewing may be limited. Only the models we offer have our approval and support.
Yes. Adding smart doorbells are possible upgrades as long as you actually have doorbell wiring. This upgrade does have a monthly cost increase for the cloud services.
No. The power of this device revolves around it’s ability allow remote viewing over the internet.
Yes. Many people want to know who disarmed (or armed) their alarm and when. Simply create a different code for each user and create a notifying event with your app.
Yes. After purchasing and installing the Garage Door interface You can create rules (scenes / events) that notify of this event and many others in your home. Of course your system remain connected to your internet services to receive notifications.
Using this “Latchkey” feature you can be notified that your child has returned home from school. This notification DOES NOT require the purchase of any upgrades. You simply create a rule to notify you when your childs disarm code is used.
Yes. This is a feature that you can add by simple creating a scene (event) to notify you that the door is open within certain hours even if your alarm is not armed. This is a good way to track children’s late night activities as well as monitoring the elderly. Our Hub comes ready to support this feature with no additional purchase necessary (as long as the door has a door switch installed).
Installing a wireless door switch would allow you to receive a notification of this event. You can also install a Z-wave door lock that can prevent users to enter when you are not home and or notify you when the code is used to open the door.
Installing a wireless door switch would allow you to receive a notification of this event. You can also install a Z-wave door lock that can prevent users to enter when you are not home and or notify you when the code is used to open the door.
Using the example that your child turns on a light, the light switching on can text you and or turn on your bedroom light. A Z-Wave chime can also be installed that will wake you up. Of course some Z-Wave lighting must be installed.
There are many methods to do this. A common method is to use the motion detector included in our basic package to text you when someone enters the hall during certain hours. You could also turn on any Z-Wave lights that you may have installed.
Oh Yes. Many people use this to turn on lights in closets and then time them off in a few minutes. This is an excellent way to add energy savings “OCCUPANCY SENSING” events. You can also do this with motion detectors.
When authorized users enter their disarm code you can set an event that disarms your security system, turns on the light in your areas of the house and also sets your thermostat to your favorite “At Home” level.
When authorized users Arms the security system to the AWAY mode you can set an event that arms your security system, turns off the lights and also sets back your thermostat to an energy savings level.
When authorized users Arms the security system to the NIGHT OR STAY mode you can set an event that arms your security system, turns off the lights and also sets back your thermostat to an energy savings level.
When authorized users Arms the security system to the AWAY mode AND ALSO triggers the Vacation Mode, you can set an event that arms your security system, turns off the lights and also sets back your thermostat to an energy savings level. AND… you can create a schedule that makes your house lights occasionally turn on & off as if you were still home.
With the addition of a wireless Driveway sensor you can be signaled when a car enters your driveway. You could also trigger any installed Z-Wave lighting and text you.
Using an optional outdoor motin detector you can receive a notification that someone has approached your pool during certain hours or if the alarm is in the Away mode.
Actually we can. We can light your path of travel through your home and also outside. You would create a scene that turns on these lights and then reverses the path of travel when you re-enter your home. Your Hub is ready for this event you only need to add the Z-Wave lights. You can also trigger similar events when certain doors are opened or motion is sensed.
When adding a water leak sensor as an upgrade you place the wireless sensor where a water leak could occur (under the sink, washer, water heater etc), and add a scene to notify you of the water leak.
Yes. While a water shut off valve may not be listed as a product for sale on our website it and many other Z-wave devices can be added. The installation would require a plumber (not suggested for the DIY’er) and also would require the creation of a scene to automate the shutoff valve.
Yes. Purchase the Temperature Sensor and place it in a dry outside location. The create a scene that notifies you when the temperature reaches freezing.
Our Techhomepro system will allow to put events into a calendar or time frame that matches your lifestyle. For example you may want to trigger a text message when your child comes home from school before you return home. To create this event you would setup a rule or scene that triggers when your childs alarm code is used during certain days of the week and time of the day. You can can add many other events like lighting or thermostats to a schedule
A scene is a term used for a event that is triggered by a nmuber of possible triggers. For disarming your alarm using your alarm code could also turn on the light in your bedroom.
A rule another term for a scene.
Yes! This is one of the MAJOR differences in our system than most of our competition. You can trigger a scene based on more that one trigger. The end result is that the limits of what can be done with our system is restricted more by your creativity than is by our systems processor!
Yes. Most installs of our 311 package can be installed in less than 30 minutes.
No. Our Quick Start guide is normally all that is needed. You will need to know how to add wireless devices to your Wi-Fi and a basic knowledge of where to locate our alarm sensors for the best protection scheme.
No. We ship the system pre-configured using information you supply when you order it. Should you order upgrades in the future you will find that the Web Browser or APP to be easy to use and uses English Language and does not use any programming language at all.
Yes. When placing an order we will send you a follow-up email with questions about how we should configure your purchase. For example we want to know the names of rooms and security zones. We then customize the system and include a quick start guide with installation instructions.
Yes. Even if your installed with screws instead of double side tape the system can relocated. You may need to test the Cell signal strength of the new area where the hub will be located. And you will also need to reconnect the Hub to your network or wife. If you are using z-wave devices you will also need to Re-Discover those.
Our system is certainly portable. However the wireless security sensors, Wi-Fi and Z-Wave devices range can be affected by relocating your Hub. We advice that you plan out your reloction and try to avoid large metal structures and large mirrors. Then test your system before finalizing the move.
No. Our Techhomepro 311 kit can be installed with sticky tape. However they can optionally be installed with screws instead.
Unlike many products on the market that support a limited number of upgrades or worse yet only allow upgrades that are purchased solely from the manufacturer, our Hub supports a very wide variety of brands and models. Open Architecture also allows us to be very flexible with new products entering the market in the future.
A smart phone or Tablet is NOT required. You can access most of the system features locally by adding our touchscreen. Once you add a smart phone or tablet you can then have remote access to you home’s features and also receive text or email notifications when events occur.
Yes. Occasionally some mechanical skill is required. You should also be careful when picking a dead bolt or lever style. In some door installs the distance between the holes for these types locks are too close together and could cause a mounting issue. This is often solved by choosing the other type lock (deadbolt instead of lever or vice-versa). In addition the autoamted bolt for the Z-Wave lock sometime needs the hole in the door casing to be drilled a little deeper.
Our quick start guides address most installation issues. However if you have additional questions call us. Our 311 kit can typically be installed in less than 30 minutes. Most upgrades take on minutes to mount and add to your system using the free APP or web browser. Also see our THERMOSTATS & DOOR LOCK questions.
Yes. As long as you have a monitored system with a dependable cell connection and with your permission we can remote in to help with troubleshooting some installation mistakes. This service is not available unless you are monitored and have a cell connection.
If purchased from us we can ship some items pre-configured. We also ship upgrades with their own quick start guides.
Yes for Dispatching and Remote Support. If you are only doing Self-Monitoring the must have a dependable internet signal. We strongly recommend having and maintaining both services.
No. But using the smart features & notifications does require a dependable internet connection. If you are just using your Techhomepro hub as a burglar alarm then you only need a dependable cell signal.
A “Cell Radio” is normally built into your HUB and the monthly cell service cost is included in our monthly cost to you. For installs without our built in cell radio, dispatching and many other important features may not exist.
Typically doors that open to the outside and a common area (hallway) mounted motion detector is all that is installed in a home. However each design should be custom to each home and each homeowners lifestyle. In addition knowing the techniques the bad guys use to pick and break into your home are vitally important factors to design around. Consider viewing our “How to” section for these answers.
Maybe. Our Wireless sensors have been manufactured for over 20 years and the wireless technology has reach a point to where it leads the industry. Still, there is a limit to how far a sensor can reach. If range is an issue you will most often know it during installation. And there are wireless range extenders that can be added as needed (try that with our competition’s sensors)! For most home sizes the range will be fine. If you have a rare range issue give us a call. We don’t list the wireless range extender on our site because it is to rarely needed.
There are a number of things to know to make your system effective and to reduce false alarms. Consider viewing our “How to” section for these answers.
Yes. However this could take a few years. When it does start to weaken our system can notify you before it totally dies. Once it dies, you will get a “Trouble” notification. We suggest you change your batteries on a schedule before they cause a trouble. However the good bad news is that doing this on an annual basis may bee too soon for some of the long life batteries.
Z-wave uses a “Leap Frog” approach to send the Z-Wave signal to through your home. The Z-Wave signal originates at the Hub then to the neaset Z-wave device which repeats it to the next nearest one. This Leap Frog repeating is done automatically for you. However removing a Z-Wave device or relocating one can affect your dependability. Lastly the distance between Z-Wave devices should be kept to 20 feet or so apart. Z-Wave repaters are availble as needed.
Yes. Z-Wave must leap from the wireless signal between devices or you must add Z-Wave repeaters which are available on our site. Unlike wireless security sensors that weaken over time, this signal stays pretty steady. It can be affected if you remove a Z-Wave device and or if you install something that blocks the signal (large mirrors on door etc).
No. Door Locks and Thermostats only “wake up” when a command is sent to them. This saves their batteries. Accordingly a nearby Z-Wave device must “Beam” to them and wake them up. This also means that Door Locks and Thermostats DO NOT repeat Z-Wave signals?
The easy answer it that if they are on our list of approved products then we have already tested them. Anything on our site has been tested and is compatible. When purchasing from another source make sure you can return an open box to them for a refund. Sadly with the number of open archicture products growing so fast we are unable to answer questions about products you purchase or may purchase from other sources.
Adding Z-Wave wall switches is certainly possible for DIY-ers with advanced electrical experience. However this should be done by a qualified and licensed Electrician. The safety of installing an in-wall Z-Wave light switch is the prime reason we offer plug in lamp and applicance models that can simply be plugged in.
Yes. Lamp modules allow you to plug in a lamp and also allows you to dim the same lamp (do not try to dim devices like clocks, radios etc). Appliance modules allow you to plug in devices like radios or non-dimmable lights. Z-Wave light bulbs and Z-Wave flood light bulbs allow to automated lights by simply changing the bulb.
Yes. We offer siren only models and models that have a siren and a strobe light combined.
Yes. Just be alert that while the world of Z-wave is growing almost daily, so is the list of untested and cheaply made products.
Many! Products on our Techhomepro website have been tested with our Hub but by no means does this limit the number of compatible products to only those on our website. The Techhomepro’s Hub is designed to be expandable. That does not mean that every Z-Wave product is suitable for use with our Hub.
With the exception of the some of the earliest Z-wave locks the answer is most any A-Wave locks on the market. However we have begun to see off-shore Z-wave locks hitting the market that may not be compatible or be poor quality. Be sure you can return and open-box purchase for credit.
For existing doors with both styles you can normally pick either style. However note that once an automated Z-Wave lock is installed, it normally becomes the only lock that will be locked when away from home. When you are home, both could be locked. There are mounting consideration to consider as well. You must know how much room is available between your two locks that that your lock choices will both have room to be mounted.
Several colors exist but one brands “Satin” or “Bronze” may not match your current brands colors. So, you may need to change out both locks with matching colors. If your door only has one lock then simply try to match the paint scheme and surrounding trim.
No. Residential grade doors are the most compatible style. However some residential grade of door locks do not use the standard hole patterns that is required by the Z-Wave lock. While this is rare, your should study your existing door hole spacing and patterns before ordering your Z-Wave lock.
The Techhomepro Hub supports Z-wave thermostats and some Wi-Fi models. With the list of Z-wave products growing almost daily, it is impossible to share that all products are compatible with our Hub. If in doubt select a thermostat from our list of tested products.
No. However not all smart thermostats on the market use open architecture. Many of the thermostats on the market may not be compatible with a full smart system like ours.
Mostly! There are some proprietary HVAC models that require a special thermostat that no automated version can replace. However this is rare. To be sure if your system will work with one of the many Wi-Fi or Z-Wave smart thermostats ask your HVAC installer this question: “Can I buy a programmable thermostat from a place like Lowes or Home Depot and replace the one I currently have?” If the answer is yes then your system is likely to be compatible with a wide vareity of Wi-Fi and/or Z-Wave thermostats.
Not Really! Many of the products on the market and especially those found in Big-Box stores will only work with their apps or cloud services. While they may be compatible with your HVAC system chances are you would need a different APP and cloud service for that purchase! If you want to stick with a choice that works with our system be careful not to pick a proprietary thermostat.
You do not need to use the cameras that are compatible with our apps. Other brands of cameras can be used. You would then need to use another app for your cameras. If using your cameras requires you to use a different app feel free to use them. Of course we would not be able to provide support for your cameras and camera triggered events like notifications would not be possible.
Maybe, but with some restrictions. Many of the cameras available on the web or at the Big-Box stores depend on their own proprietary App and related cloud services. Ours works the same way. This is because the camera must have a built in connection to the matching website so that our or any brand available can be seen remotely.
No. They require existing doorbell wiring to provide power to the Doorbell. They also require Wi-Fi to see the camera and speak to the person at the door remotely.
Only if the upgrade is on sale when you purchase. Most of our upgrades do not increase your monthly cost either.
Yes. If you are OK with using screws to mount devices.
Yes. This would require making holes in the wall. When selecting a wall mount installation choose a place where your Cell, Wi-Fi and Z-wave signals are adequate and also near to an electrical outlet for charging the batteries.
Yes. This would require making holes in the wall. When selecting a wall mount installation choose a place where your Wi-Fi signals are adequate and also near to an electrical outlet for charging the batteries.
Yes. Just be aware that you must have a dependable cell signal and or Wi-Fi signal at the location where you relocated the Hub to. If you also have Wi-Fi or Z-wave devices they too must be within range.
For most features most any internet bandwidth will work. However dependable uninterrupted service is very important. You should also include our cell radio in your system as a backup for the features with the highest priority. Installs with cameras do require a minimum of 1.5MB or more of bandwidth.
When installing a thermostat you must know what kind of HVAC system you currently have so that you can select the matching configuration for the one you are installing. For example is your current system a heat pump or furnace? Does it have a single stage of heating or a dual stage (emergency heat)?
Yes and No. The security system uses a built in cell radio to dispatch the authorities and would still work if your internet is down or changed. However all Wi-Fi services and Self-Monitoring would no longer work. Once service is restored you would need to re-connect the hub to your new Wi-Fi system before it would start working again.
Yes. In most occasions you can. However make sure that the holes installed in your existing door locks match the hole and mounting specifications for the lock you purchase. Know this before attempting the install. You may also want to be sure that you can use a dead bolt or a lever style. Some doors may require a little drilling.
Yes. Some Z-Wave locks may extend farther than your current door stop. The end result could be that opening the door could punch a hole into the dry-wall of a nearby wall. You can either add a longer door stop or install a rubber wall bumper to solve this issue.
Yes. We will send you an email with questions about how you want your system configured before we ship it.
You can upgrade at any time in the future. You can also add the latest technology as it is introduced. Our system is designed to be compatible with things not yet on the market.
Yes. Using the hub or browser you can add or edit scenes at will.
For most homes the wireless range is not an issue. However wireless radio frequencies like those on your security sensors, Wi-Fi and Z-wave devices DO NOT travel through all construction materials easily. Wall and door mirrors can completely block an RF signal. We suggest you test the wireless range before picking the final location of your HUB. Since the hub is portable you can often solve any range issues by moving it a few feet.
Yes. The system will automate the process if transferring your alarm user codes into your door locks.
Maybe. Our hub ships with some features that are likely to be sold later pre-configured. This does not always match how you will use the upgrade but does at the very least save you some setup time.
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