HomeSeer
Is This Your Business?1.0
1.0
Author: Kaitlyn Short
LAST UPDATED: March 14th, 2024
HomeSeer Home Automation introduced the first home automation software in 1999 and was the first company to integrate Z-Wave technology into its products. As a pioneer in the home automation industry, HomeSeer is one of the foremost providers in providing customers with a variety of products that communicate with most home automation protocols. The company offers customers a comprehensive inventory of home automation products, with over 400 items in its inventory that are compatible with most systems. Frequents shoppers can select to join the GreatHouse Home Club for an annual fee of $10, which entitles them to an additional 5-10% off purchases for one year. Customer support through HomeSeer is only free of charge for 30 days after a purchase, after which a fee for support is charged. Customers may elect to purchase a longer-term support contract or pay per incident.
Top Ranked Companies
The Good
- Internet-independent systems
- IFTT (if this, then that) channel
- Personalized assistance
- Comprehensive inventory
- Variety of home automation languages
Internet-Independent Systems
Most home automation systems are dependent on an internet connection in order to function. HomeSeer does not use the internet to control systems, so in the event of an internet outage, all products will continue to function. Additionally, personal information is never stored in the cloud, as is the case with other systems, and is not susceptible to hackers.IFTT (If This, Then That) Channel
Those with HomeSeer products can easily activate the IFFT channel so that they may create rules for their connected products, such as, "If the door sensor is activated, then the video camera begins to records and lights go on."Personalized Assistance
When new customers begin to build their system, they can receive help in selecting the components for their home automation needs. This is especially helpful, considering the cast inventory carried by HomeSeer, which can become quickly overwhelming to those beginning the process. For those wanting to build their system slowly or by scratch with some existing products, they can purchase the control software only, and add components as they choose.Comprehensive Inventory
HomeSeer Home Automation offers an impressive variety of different features and equipment options so users can build a system that is perfect for their home:- Lighting: Controls lighting based on time of day or occupancy
- Climate Control: Controls thermostat based on occupancy or schedule
- Security: Supports video camera monitoring, automated door locks, garage doors, and driveway sensors
- Water: Shuts down water when leaks are detected
- Energy: Monitors and controls energy usage
- Voice Control: Responds to voice commands
- Audio/Video: Works with entertainment options
- Mobile: Supports mobile devices and tablets
Variety of Home Automation Languages
HomeSeer software and drivers are also compatible with nearly every communications protocol, including Z-Wave, ZigBee, Insteon, X10, UPB, and more. HomeSeer also supports most home automation equipment brands, so whether users can update their current home automation system, or start from scratch. New hardware products are covered under a one-year warranty.The Bad
- Confusing for beginners
- Limited return policy
- No starter kit
- Pait support after 30 days
Confusing for Beginners
While HomeSeer has an extensive online inventory, the sheer volume of products can become quickly overwhelming for those just starting out with home automation. The tools to help customers build their systems are helpful, but once they go to the catalog, they may want to add more components, etc. The descriptions of products in the catalog are minimal. While most are easily understood by the category listing or product name, it would be helpful for more information in the listing itself. The FAQ section is written with more technical language for those who are more tech-savvy, and customers who are unfamiliar with the technical jargon surrounding home automation or communications protocols might come away with more questions than when they started.Limited Return Policy
Customers are encouraged to do plenty of research prior to purchasing products from HomeSeer as the company's return policy is only good for 30 days, and that on unopened products only. Defective equipment is covered for up to one year, however.No Starter Kit
HomeSeer sells all its products individually (i.e. no kits or packages), unlike many of their competitors. This practice and make the cost for a fully automated home system quite costly.Paid Support after 30 Days
Customers only receive free phone support for 30 days after a purchase. They may pay for incident-specific support after this time. This practice is very unique to the industry.The Bottom Line
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JJ Wright Kodak, TN
The notion that the hometroller does not need the internet or use the cloud was apparently false advertising, as the company has recently decided to disable the devices they sold everyone unless we pay them annual fees to cover their cloud storage costs.
8 months ago
