{"id":10860,"date":"2020-01-24T17:37:43","date_gmt":"2020-01-24T22:37:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/?p=10860"},"modified":"2023-12-01T10:14:56","modified_gmt":"2023-12-01T15:14:56","slug":"5-easy-ways-to-upgrade-your-home-this-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/5-easy-ways-to-upgrade-your-home-this-winter\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Easy Ways to Upgrade Your Home This Winter"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Winter&#8217;s cold, damp weather makes this a great time of year to tackle those indoor DIY projects you&#8217;ve been putting off. Even if you only have a few hours to spend, here are five easy ways to upgrade the safety and security of your home. On a limited budget? Many of these devices cost $200 or less while providing plenty of protection and convenience.<\/p>\n<h3><strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-9861-smartthings-hub.aspx');\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-9861-smartthings-hub.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright\" title=\"The Samsung SmartThings Hub connects wirelessly to hundreds of compatible smart devices and is compatible with both Zigbee and Z-Wave products.\" src=\"https:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/images\/Product\/medium\/9861.jpg\" alt=\"SmartThings Hub\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" \/><\/a>Upgrade Your Smart Home Tech<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Home automation lets you control countless functions in your home with the press of a button from regulating the temperature and locking your doors to programming your lighting and monitoring security cameras. Designed to be the heart of your smart home, the <strong>Samsung SmartThings Hub<\/strong> connects wirelessly to hundreds of compatible smart devices and is compatible with both Zigbee and Z-Wave products. You can monitor, manage and secure your home using the free smartphone app, Google assistant, or Alexa. <strong>Cost: 89.99<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Here are just a few of the devices you can connect to upgrade your home:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The <strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8341-evolve-lom-15-z-wave-receptacle.aspx');\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8341-evolve-lom-15-z-wave-receptacle.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Evolve LOM-15 Z-Wave Receptacle<\/a><\/strong> provides ON\/OFF control to any light connected to one of the two outlets. <strong>Cost: $39.99<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8336-evolve-lpm-15-z-wave-appliance-module.aspx');\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8336-evolve-lpm-15-z-wave-appliance-module.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Evolve&#8217;s LPM -15 Z-Wave Appliance Module<\/a> <\/strong>is a plug-in module that lets you connect and control lamps and other appliances. <strong>Cost: $54.99<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>A variety of lighting, language and temperature options allow you to customize the programmable <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-9602-venstar-t3700-explorer-residential-digital-thermostat-2h1c-with-wifi-or-zwave-capability.aspx.');\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-9602-venstar-t3700-explorer-residential-digital-thermostat-2h1c-with-wifi-or-zwave-capability.aspx.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Venstar T3700 Explorer Residential Digital Thermostat 2H\/1C with WiFi or ZWave Capability<\/strong><\/a>. Cost: <strong>About $100<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Using <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-https:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-9713-dome-z-wave-water-valve-shut-off.aspx7916-watercop-z-wave-emergency-water-shutoff-valve.aspx');\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-https:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-9713-dome-z-wave-water-valve-shut-off.aspx7916-watercop-z-wave-emergency-water-shutoff-valve.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Watercop&#8217;s Z-Wave Emergency Water Shutoff Valve<\/strong><\/a> in a Z-Wave home automation network, along with the Z-Wave water alarm sensor, is one of the best ways to protect your home from water damage caused by leaking pipes or failing appliances. <strong>Cost: $415 to $479.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong style=\"font-size: 1.6em;\">Upgrade Your Security System<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-9647-arlo-security-system-1-wire-free-hd-camera-indooroutdoor-night-vision.aspx');\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-9647-arlo-security-system-1-wire-free-hd-camera-indooroutdoor-night-vision.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright\" title=\"Get 24\/7 peace of mind with the Arlo Security System, a 100% wireless security system that comes with an Internet hub and one camera.\" src=\"https:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/images\/Product\/large\/9647.jpg\" alt=\"Close this window\" width=\"218\" height=\"218\" \/><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Protection against intruders and burglars is a top priority for every homeowner. With the <strong>Arlo Security System<\/strong>, there are no cords, no wires and no worries! This 100% wireless security system comes with an Internet hub and one camera and is compatible with the <strong>Samsung<\/strong> <strong>SmartThings<\/strong> home automation system. <strong>Cost: $259.99<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Arlo&#8217;s <strong style=\"font-size: 14px;\">Pro Wire-Free HD Camera <\/strong>is weatherproof and has infrared night vision, a 130-degree viewing angle and an 8X digital zoom. Consider adding a second camera to your system for comprehensive 24\/7 coverage wherever you need it, indoors or out. <strong>Cost: $354 to $599.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>For added safety, combining the <strong>Arlo Audio Doorbell <\/strong>with your Arlo security system or camera lets you see who is at your door and speak with visitors remotely from your phone or tablet. <strong style=\"font-size: 14px;\">Cost: $79.99 (doorbell only)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong style=\"font-size: 1.6em;\">Upgrade Your Thermostat<a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-9602-venstar-t3700-explorer-residential-digital-thermostat-2h1c-with-wifi-or-zwave-capability.aspx.');\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-9602-venstar-t3700-explorer-residential-digital-thermostat-2h1c-with-wifi-or-zwave-capability.aspx.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright\" title=\"With the Venstar T3700 Explorer Residential Digital Thermostat, you can choose how you want to connect: WiFi or Z-Wave.\" src=\"https:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/images\/Product\/medium\/9602.jpg\" alt=\"Venstar T3700 Explorer Residential Digital Thermostat 2H\/1C with WiFi or ZWave Capability\" width=\"133\" height=\"133\" \/><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>According to the <strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/energy.gov\/energysaver\/articles\/thermostats');\"  href=\"http:\/\/energy.gov\/energysaver\/articles\/thermostats\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">U.S. Department of Energy<\/a><\/strong>, you can save 5% to 15% a year on your heating bill by turning your thermostat back 10\u00c2\u00b0 to 15\u00c2\u00b0 for 8 hours. Replacing your manual thermostat with a <strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-280-programmable-thermostats.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-280-programmable-thermostats.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">programmable thermostat<\/a><\/strong> that will help minimize energy consumption by lowering the heat automatically when you&#8217;re at work or sleeping.<\/p>\n<p>The <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-9602-venstar-t3700-explorer-residential-digital-thermostat-2h1c-with-wifi-or-zwave-capability.aspx.');\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-9602-venstar-t3700-explorer-residential-digital-thermostat-2h1c-with-wifi-or-zwave-capability.aspx.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Venstar T3700 Explorer Residential Digital Thermostat 2H\/1C with WiFi or ZWave Capability<\/strong><\/a> can be set for seven day, single day, or five-and-two day programming. Smart home enthusiasts can choose how they want to connect: WiFi or Z-Wave. Once connected, you can tap into your thermostat from inside or outside the house to control your comfort and save money on energy use. <strong>Cost: About $100<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Upgrade Your Freeze Protection<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Power outages and heating system failures are the key causes of frozen pipes. A <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/t-freeze-alarms-comparison-chart.aspx');\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/t-freeze-alarms-comparison-chart.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>freeze alarm<\/strong><\/a> is one of the best ways to get advance warning and protect your home from costly damage caused by leaking or burst pipes. The popular <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-6020-freezealarm-diahttps:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-187-temperature-alarms.aspxler-pro-fa-800e.aspx');\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-6020-freezealarm-diahttps:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-187-temperature-alarms.aspxler-pro-fa-800e.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>FreezeAlarm Dialer Pro<\/strong><\/a> has become the gold standard in freeze protection products. It automatically calls up to three phone numbers using a landline phone connection when the temperature rises above or falls below a set-point that you determine. <strong>Cost: $119.99<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-6874-tempalarm-dialer-pro-fa-900e.aspx');\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-6874-tempalarm-dialer-pro-fa-900e.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright\" title=\"The advanced TempAlarm Dialer Pro (replaces the Deluxe FreezeAlarm) features a telephone thermostat control to remotely turn up the heat or air conditioning with a phone call.\" src=\"https:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/images\/Product\/medium\/6874.jpg\" alt=\"TempAlarm Dialer Pro (FA-900E)\" width=\"161\" height=\"161\" \/><\/a><\/h3>\n<p>The advanced <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.cohttps:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-187-temperature-alarms.aspxm\/p-6874-tempalarm-dialer-pro-fa-900e.aspx');\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.diycontrols.cohttps:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-187-temperature-alarms.aspxm\/p-6874-tempalarm-dialer-pro-fa-900e.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>TempAlarm Dialer Pro<\/strong><\/a> (replaces the Deluxe FreezeAlarm) features a telephone thermostat control to remotely turn up the heat or air conditioning with a phone call. Add optional sensors (purchased separately) and it will also alert you to water leaks, floods or intruders. <strong>Cost: $124.99<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>For homes with reliable Verizon or AT&amp;T cellular service, the <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-9423-the-marcell-cellular-connected-monitoring-system.aspx');\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-9423-the-marcell-cellular-connected-monitoring-system.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>MarCELL Cellular Connected Monitoring System<\/strong><\/a> is one of the most affordable cellular-based freeze alarms for monitoring temperature, humidity and power. If there&#8217;s an emergency, it sends an instant phone call, text or email message to a mobile device or PC. <strong>Cost: Around $200.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-6445-watercop-classic-sergeant-basic-package-wckblf.aspx');\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-6445-watercop-classic-sergeant-basic-package-wckblf.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright\" title=\"The Watercop Classic Sergeant Kit is an affordable, all-in-one sensor-based system that automatically closes off access from your water supply when it detects leaks.\" src=\"https:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/images\/Product\/large\/6445.jpg\" alt=\"Close this window\" width=\"264\" height=\"264\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Upgrade Your Automatic Water Shutoff System<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>If you&#8217;ve ever had a water leak turn into a giant catastrophe, you&#8217;ve probably learned the hard way that installing an <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-502-automatic-water-shut-off-valves.aspx?application=whole-house');\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-502-automatic-water-shut-off-valves.aspx?application=whole-house\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>automatic water main shutoff system<\/strong><\/a> (aka, a whole house water shutoff valve) is one of the best ways to protect your property and valuables against water damage. The basic <strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-6445-watercop-classic-sergeant-basic-package-wckblf.aspx');\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-6445-watercop-classic-sergeant-basic-package-wckblf.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Watercop Classic Sergeant Kit <\/a><\/strong>is an affordable, all-in-one <strong>sensor-based system<\/strong> with a wireless radio transmitter that detects moisture and automatically closes off access from the main water supply. The system&#8217;s control valve and flood sensors are designed to be used indoors in locations protected from the elements. Check with your insurance carrier to see if they offer a discount for customers who connect the WaterCop to their home security system. <strong>Cost: $538 to $835.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><strong>More Ways to Upgrade &amp; Save<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>For more winter weekend DIY projects and ways to upgrade your home, check out these articles on the <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>diycontrols.com <\/strong><\/a>blog:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/easy-diy-projects-to-winterize-your-home\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Easy DIY Projects to Winterize Your Home<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/what-to-consider-when-choosing-a-freeze-alarm\/\"><strong>What to Consider When Choosing a Freeze Alarm<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u00c2\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"http:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/5-easy-home-improvement-projects-for-a-snowy-day\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>5 Easy Home Improvement Projects for a Snowy Day<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"entry-title\">\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Winter&#8217;s cold, damp weather makes this a great time of year to tackle those indoor DIY projects you&#8217;ve been putting off. Even if you only have a few hours to spend, here are five easy ways to upgrade the safety and security of your home.&hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/5-easy-ways-to-upgrade-your-home-this-winter\/\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":10938,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[32,10,9,189,6],"tags":[450,17,685,11,158,841,614],"class_list":["post-10860","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-flood-intervention","category-freeze-alarms-heat-alarms","category-home-monitoring-security","category-independent-living-aid","category-internet-thermostats","tag-automatic-water-shut-off-valves","tag-cellular-freeze-alarms","tag-featured","tag-freeze-alarms-2","tag-programmable-thermostats","tag-remote-controlled-thermostats","tag-watercop","clearfix"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10860","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10860"}],"version-history":[{"count":48,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10860\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11285,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10860\/revisions\/11285"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10938"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10860"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10860"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10860"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}