Lowe’s to launch professional monitoring for Iris smart home systems
Mooresville-based Lowe’s said Monday it will start offering professional monitoring services for its do-it-yourself “smart home” system Iris.
Starting in the second quarter, renters or homeowners with Iris systems will be able to get emergency responders dispatched to their homes if there is an intruder or if smoke, carbon monoxide or panic alarms are set off, Lowe’s said in a statement Monday.
The launch of professional surveillance services for Iris is intended to advance the retailer’s position in both the smart home and the professional monitoring markets, Lowe’s said.
The monthly fee for the service is $19.99, and it includes the premium app service as well as cellular backup service in the event of a broadband or WiFi connectivity failure, the retailer said.
“Many of our customers have been interested in the added peace of mind of 24/7 protection with live professionals available to help if problems occur, but only if it was as affordable and flexible as Iris is today,” said Mick Koster, vice president and general manager of Iris Home Systems.
Lowe’s partnered with United Central Control, a central monitoring station, to launch the new service for Iris.
Current Iris devices that will be monitored include contact sensors, motion sensors, keypads, Utilitech glass break sensors, garage door controllers, First Alert smoke detectors and First Alert smoke/CO detectors. A minimum of two monitored security devices are required to help reduce false alarms, Lowe’s said, and a Lowe’s Iris smart hub must be installed to support the new monitoring service.
The home improvement retailer launched Iris in 2012. The smart home system allows customers to use a computer or mobile device to remotely control and monitor systems like thermostats, door locks, electricity consumption, cameras and motion sensors.
Katherine Peralta: 704-358-5079, @katieperalta
This story was originally published January 4, 2016 at 9:57 AM with the headline "Lowe’s to launch professional monitoring for Iris smart home systems."