Gadgets for the Smart Home: System detects CO leaks, unlocked doors, broken windows and more

The Lowe's Iris smart home system is a complete system that reaches into most every area of your home.

Among the features are unlocked door alerts, security cameras, carbon monoxide leak detection, broken window alerts and even alerts when mail is delivered.

To start you'll need the second-generation Iris Smart Hub ($59.99), which runs through your existing internet router. Devices run through the hub to work with the user-friendly Iris app (Apple and Google Play).

Among the many choices, I tested the window sensors ($22.99), garage door opener ($99) and the irrigation (sprinklers) system ($129).

Everything worked flawlessly right from the start; I never had so much fun opening and closing my garage.

You can choose contract or money-free plans along with paying for more alerts and options.

According to the Iris website, the Basic Plan is free and allows you to control your devices from your Iris app. The Premium Plan ($9.99 monthly with no contract) provides advanced ways to monitor and control your home, from creating rules across devices to automating events. Professional monitored monthly plans ($19.99) are available.

If you are a first-generation Iris hub user, contact customer support to get the second-generation system. The new app has a better interface with many more features.

Migration from the original system is seamless. It takes just a few minutes with step by step instructions. Your devices won't have to be upgraded.

www.irisbylowes.com prices vary on accessories, bundles are available

The August Smart Lock lets you open your front door's deadbolt with your smartphone in just a few seconds.

When I first heard about the lock system, I liked that you don't have to remove your entire lock system. Instead it replaces the inside deadbolt latch, known as a retrofit product.

It's a little bigger than your existing lock but it has more features, so the size didn't bother me.

I've changed locks and doorknobs many times, only to end up frustrated, which was not the case with the August lock.

The hardest part was aligning it with the existing hardware and that wasn't too bad.

You'll need the free/password protected (with two-layer encryption) August app (Android and iOS) and a financial-level digital security protected account where you can name your locks. That's handy, especially if you have more than one.

Your account keeps a 24/7 activity log of when the lock is locked or unlocked. The lock is Apple HomeKit-enabled and the lock/unlock features can be accessed from an Apple Watch.

In no way is using the lock faster than using a key. With the keyless entry it takes a few seconds to get your phone out, start the app and make a Bluetooth connection.

The lock can be controlled via Wi-Fi by adding the August Connect plug, which connects to a wall power outlet within 30 feet of the lock. The app walks you through the simple setup with your existing Wi-Fi.

Four AA batteries to power the lock are included; you'll be notified by the August app when they need replacing.

http://august.com $199.99 for the lock (silver, gray, red or champagne), $79 for the Connect plug

The Elgato Eve Weather is a wireless weather station used to track weather at your home; the data can then be viewed remotely on your Apple iOS device.

This includes temperature, air pressure and humidity.

Two replaceable AA batteries power the sensor, and it connects to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth.

It has an IPX3 water resistance rating, so I hung it on my back fence. It can get wet but not submerged in water. Remember when finding a spot for it, you must be within Bluetooth range to read the data.

Eve is about the size of a squared hockey puck and is Apple HomeKit compatible.

http://www.elgato.com/eve/eve-weather $49.95

Gregg Ellman, gadget guru, can be reached at greggellman@mac.com. Follow him on Twitter: greggellman.

This story was originally published April 27, 2016 at 4:41 PM with the headline "Gadgets for the Smart Home: System detects CO leaks, unlocked doors, broken windows and more ."