Best door bell kits according to redditors

High School Spanish

• Dry erase pockets. Absolutely my #1. I use a white sheet of paper in them to make it a mini white board, or you can slide in a worksheet and they can write on it and then erase it - fewer copies! We use these all the time to play games, practice verb conjugations and other grammar, etc. I have enough for everyone to get their own, or sometimes they work in partners or groups.
  
• Cotton make-up remover rounds. These make great erasers for the mini whiteboards.
  
• Organizer drawers. Great for however the heck you want to organize 100000 things.
  
• Multi-color Jenga sets. You can make the different blocks represent different types of challenges - I like to use the 6 colors to match the 6 personal pronouns r 6 tenses of whatever. If you pull that color block, you have to make a sentence in the corresponding form for whatever we're practicing.
  
• I put a supply box in the middle of each table (groups of 4) with pens, pencils, erasers, white=out, highlighters, paper clips, scissors, and glue. That way they don't have to ask me for things. Things don't disappear as often as you'd think - more often I find stuff the kids leave behind and throw it in.
  
• Index cards. Great for millions of things.
  
• Giant foam dice.
  
• Essential oil diffuser. Kids are smelly.
  
• Hand sanitizer and Clorox wipes. Kids are gross.
  
• My first year, I had kids make final project posters explaining concepts (present tense, preterite/imperfect, ser/estar, etc.) as review. Now I can hang them up in the classroom. They're way more artistic than I am and it's a free source of classroom decor/resources.
  
• Flyswatters - for the flyswatter game. (Look it up if you don't know it - this could be used in any subject!)
  
• A variety of balls in different sizes - a beach ball (with the 6 pronouns on it), light-up balls, etc.
  
• Play-Doh - can be used as sculpting pictionary and the kids love it.
  
• Playing cards.
  
• An electronic doorbell. This one gets weird looks from the kids, but it's great. You plug it in wherever, and if you need kids to STFU or stop what they're doing, rather than try to make yourself heard, you just hit the button and the tone goes off.
  
• Anything that helps you color code. I had a different color folder for each section and I put all their work in there so I never had to spend time searching - I could tell at a glance.
  
• Binder clips of all sizes.
  
• An emergency kit - mine had bandaids, Advil, make-up remover wipes, a lint roller, contact solution, cough drops, floss, a toothbrush and toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, etc. I avoided a lot of kids going to the nurse for band-aids and cough drops, and the rest was for me. I kept it all in a box behind my desk.
  
• A clicker/pointer for my computer/projector.
  
  ​
  
  I think that's it... I had other stuff for decoration but those are the functional things!

I've had my eye on this RCA one for $130. I use Blue Iris and found it to be one of the only capable.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077KW2T1H/?coliid=IWGRFRY9IMBNY&colid=1M6F43O373L11&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

​

Use this
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FY9K2P7

A zwave door sensor would be the first thing i think of
https://www.amazon.com/Ecolink-Intelligent-Technology-Operated-DWZWAVE2-ECO/dp/B00HPIYJWU

https://www.amazon.com/SadoTech-Wireless-Doorbell-Operating-Batteries/dp/B00FR4YQYK/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_60_bs_t_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=5VY1WHDRWPQM7YFXJKJP

This will do it, its also sold by another brand which sells it directly. Ill see if I can find it

https://www.amazon.com/Uniden-U-Bell-Doorbell-faceplates-DB1/dp/B075V9ZKTY

You would have to pair it with something like Blue Iris to do local recording I believe

EDIT: here is another rebrand - https://www.amazon.com/RCA-Doorbell-Security-Detection-Android/dp/B077KW2T1H

Here’s a link to the tool needed to unlock cover

3 in1 Screwdriver for Ring Video Doorbell,Video Doorbell 2,Video Doorbell Pro and Video Doorbell Elite https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T5RHXHW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_YLXpDbM7AJG6P

Same. I've got the one below and it works great.

https://www.amazon.com/SadoTech-Wireless-Doorbell-Operating-Batteries/dp/B00FR4YQYK/ref=sr_1_4?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1485453103&sr=1-4&keywords=wireless+doorbell

This RCA doorbell works with Blue Iris:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077KW2T1H/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_uuo4BbSE0NA1C

Get a new doorbell? Put a sign next to it saying "ring this doorbell, not this one"

https://www.amazon.com/SadoTech-Wireless-Doorbell-Operating-Batteries/dp/B00FR4YQYK/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=doorbell&qid=1550561283&s=gateway&sr=8-3

Keep the receiver near you. I don't know how customizable this one I randomly found is. Might be able to find one with a volume.

Depends on the sensors. I moved into a house that had an ADT system with the embedded door sensors in all the exterior doors. I used the ecolink door sensors to add the z wave functionality to those sensors. https://www.amazon.com/Ecolink-Intelligent-Technology-Operated-DWZWAVE2-ECO/dp/B00HPIYJWU

They have a dry contact which I used to connect the already installed door sensor wiring to. I removed the wiring from the ADT panel and installed the ecolink sensors next to the panel where the hardwired door sensors were run to.

If your home has wireless sensors on the doors then you will have to look at the protocols that it uses and supports.

Its a common design pattern:

https://www.amazon.com/Wisenet-SmartCam-Recognition-Hard-Wiring-Required/dp/B0771JVG63

https://www.zionssecurity.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/2504-2018-0354236609296253453.jpg

https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9hTaEfAqGiavFsIgaGeplFanvzA=/0x0:2048x1713/1200x800/filters:focal(861x694:1187x1020)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61792643/doorbell2.0.jpg

To me the simplysafe (last image) looks pretty much like a white skin of the nest hello.

There are a lot of options out there for basic home automation. None are particularly cheap, but also not outrageously expensive. As a thought, if I were going to set this up in my place, using what I have in place:


SmartThings Hub

z-wave compatible outlet

z-wave compatible door sensor


Have the outlet turn on every time the door sensor closes and turn off when it opens.

As an alternative, you could use a motion sensor in the room, but some people may find that a bit creepy.

You can definitely get outlets and various sensors cheaper in other places, such as monoprice.

I use this one

I can't hear people knock on my door so I got a doorbell. I got 2 fobs with programmable tunes - one at the door for a quick "I'm here" and a longer tune for the fob by my desk to give the kids a countdown to shutup town.


LPT: don't raise your voice. Let the bell remind them to zip it, wait for quiet, then start talking.

Edit: almost forgot, it has adjustable volume. Be aware of students on the spectrum, the noise may bother them, so I have mine plugged into the ceiling.

You can buy adjustable angle mounts for Ring: https://www.amazon.com/ADJUSTABLE-Doorbell-Released-Homono-Adjustment/dp/B07457B842/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1511302791&sr=8-5&keywords=ring+doorbell+angle+mount

I believe Ring also sells their own angle mounts as well.

A doorchain is for the appearance of security, anyway. You don't even need to kick them in, a sharp shove will break most of them.

As for the bell issue, assuming you don't get evicted, have you considered something like this? (There are plenty of others if you care about styling, but I think this was the cheapest).

I haven't installed it yet, but when I dove in too deep about a year ago I got one of these:

https://www.amazon.com/Ecolink-Intelligent-Technology-Operated-DWZWAVE2-ECO/dp/B00HPIYJWU

​

There are probably cheaper options, but this one has pins to connect a physical switch, which I've just attached to a standard doorbell:

https://i.imgur.com/76KJuk7.jpg

​

I remember setup in HASS being tricky because the states are reversed for what you'd want from a chime. I sent notifications to my phone with pushbullet with a doorbell chime as the notification sound. There's some annoying lag occasionally getting the notification, but there might be better methods now.

​

The normal wireless doorbell (not motion detecting) I found one on sale even cheaper for less than $20 than actually has an even farther range (500+ feet) with 4.7/5 stars that has a great design with multiple colors here.

The motion detecting doorbell can be found here for just around $20 and has 4/5 stars with a 500+ feet range. You can choose between an "LED motion sensor doorbell", a "PIR motion sensing doorbell" (both have 50 different alert sounds) or a "recordable voice alert motion sensor doorbell" which will say whatever programmed voice you have in there (or normal alarm sound) when motion is detected. All of them list the TONS of different features each one can be used for other than just a motion sensor doorbell and are all customizable. They are all on the same page you just click on the one you want. Quite amazing for the price.

Not sure what one you were referring to so I just left both in my post.

Some of the window/door sensors allow you to connect a pair of wires which in this case would allow you to connect alarm wire to the sensor and trigger the z-wave part by pressing the doorbell button connected to the other end of the wire.
I used this one: https://amzn.com/B00HPIYJWU

Once you can send a z-wave command via the doorbell button then you can make it do a number of things. I trigger an MP3 using this z-wave doorbell: https://amzn.com/B0182XG27Q (note that bad reviews are related the the useless wireless button, the actual device is really useful as you can add many other sounds and trigger them with any number of z-wave devices) as well as flash the strobe on a couple of these: https://amzn.com/B00MNYSEKY. Other people have it flash lights, play sounds from their Sonos speakers etc.
This all is assuming you have some sort of HA hub as well.

You can buy a new one on amazon: https://amzn.com/B000I1AST4

I did it with this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008Q5CTBE

The con is that I had to disable my doorbell's chime box. Maybe there's a way around this but I didn't care enough to try. The pro is now I can spam a doorbell.mp3 to all google home devices in the house (I couldn't hear the doorbell in the basement) and I send a notification to my phone.

Go control didn't go out of business, it's just that the combo packs are a great deal for the consumer, so they aren't really available anymore. You have to buy the pieces separately.

I use the go control siren and it's great.

I also use these door and window sensors which work great and are cheaper: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HPIYJWU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I tried one of these RCA (generic really, lots of rebranded versions available) doorbells and it kind of worked.

I didn't want a closed ecosystem camera becaues i wanted it to integrate with my Blue Iris camera software, and this did...almost. Using the included and free cloud app, it worked fairly well. But the video stream that i was able to pull to Blue Iris was only about 1 frame every few seconds. it was just unusable.

But it ran off the standard doorbell power so installation was a breeze, it just wasn't for me.

If this is a Ring doorbell, I have a solution for you.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076KRKV8Y/ref=psdc_6291370011_t1_B07BTCXY8Z

Same thing happened to me. A knocker wouldn't work very well since it's not very loud. I just get one of those wireless door bell and it works great. Something like this

I know the transformer in my door bell needs to be replaced. I just can't figure out where it is. There's a wire going up to probably the attic or the middle of the wall somewhere but not sure where the damn thing is

I have this RCA Doorbell (which I think might actually be a Hikvision clone) and it works great. Getting the login creds was a little tricky. I finally found in an obscure forum post (on page 37!!) that the username is ‘admin’ and the password is a 5 digit number found under the cover + ‘admin’. After I got that sorted it pulled right up via ONVIF. It’s actually faster to look at the live view on DS Cam than it is to use the app that RCA made.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CWLZWHP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_IXPNBb0ZVQBZS is the one I have. I use the Smart Life app as the central management. You can use it and other automation apps to have it set off a siren if you have one, etc. I'd also recommend a Ring or Nest camera to go nearby.

Best of luck in getting this sorted out.

But there is! You just need this and this. The pressure mat is just two wires that connect to the terminals in the door sensor. I'm running ST and the default DH works fine, but I switched to a custom for a better visual aspect. It basically reverses the open/close and reports as Empty and Stepped On instead. Not sure why the mat is so much right now. When I bought mine a year ago they were only $23.

I have to say that they do work very we. Initially I got one for the dog, but after annoyance set in I picked up another and put them outside under my "welcome" mats. Sensor is inside. Now I get a notification any time someone comes to my door, whether they knock or not.

Here is what the mats look like with the custom DH.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076KRKV8Y/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_i_Q-tQCbKM8ZAVX

1. https://www.amazon.com/Ecolink-Intelligent-Technology-Z-Wave-DWZWAVE2-ECO/dp/B00HPIYJWU/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1479555866&sr=1-1&keywords=zwave+window+sensor
   
   
2. https://www.amazon.com/Everspring-Z-Wave-Water-Flood-Sensor/dp/B006TG9W4Y/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1479555890&sr=1-1&keywords=water+leak+zwave
   
   
3. Same sensor as one, just seal it with silicone
   
   
4. It's natively supported by ST.
   
   
5. Personal opinion, throwing it out before it gets the best of you.

Ecolink Intelligent Technology Z-Wave Easy Install, Battery Operated, White & Brown (DWZWAVE2-ECO) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HPIYJWU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_wGXvybTMAV6VJ is what I have for a door sensor. But you'll just have to keep looking for something a bit cheaper.

You can go with something like this, which has terminals under the cover for you to wire external sensors to. I had embedded contact sensors in my exterior doors from an old (previous owner's) home security system. I just took the existing wiring, stripped the jacket back, used a multimeter to test resistance and verify the hardwired sensors still worked (installer had used 4-wire on one of the runs, even though only 2 were used, so I also had to verify which wires), and wired it into the sensor.

Here's a video I found of the terminals for external sensors.

Now I have a sleek z-wave door sensor install, with the wireless sensors tucked out of sight. Hopefully that helps!

Why not just buy a doorbell chime? Like what stores use when a customer walks in the door so they know to come out of the back? https://www.amazon.com/Operating-Adjustable-Indicators-Receiver-Magnetic/dp/B07HSLB3BL/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=door+chime&qid=1564768575&s=gateway&sr=8-4

I looked for this about a year ago and never found anything reliable. Ended up using several ecolink door sensors which have a dry contact port if you open them up. Works pretty reliably fortunately.

https://www.amazon.com/Ecolink-Z-Wave-Window-Sensor-DWZWAVE2-ECO/dp/B00HPIYJWU

Should be noted that I combined many of the individual sensors in to zones, like all the upstairs windows are 1 zone, all downstairs windows... Doors are individual.

I'm in the same boat. According to this guy, it doesn't look like it fits quite right.

https://www.reddit.com/r/ringdoorbell/comments/6qsi0j/video_doorbell_2_wedge_kit/

I found this one on Amazon that says it's compatible with the 2, but I'm not sold on the slide mechanism it uses and am looking for other possible options.

https://www.amazon.com/ADJUSTABLE-Doorbell-Original-Homono-Adjustment/dp/B076KRKV8Y

Edit: I called their support line, and they seemed confused that there wasn't a corner wedge in the box, and are sending me a wedge for free. Yay. But looking at the box, there clearly isn't space for a wedge. This is some newer "Ring 2 + Chime" box deal from Costco, and I'm pretty sure whoever designed it decided to just not include the wedges. I found an unboxing video online so you can compare what the standard Ring 2 box looks like compared to this:

https://imgur.com/a/XE9i0

This box wasn't very well thought out. There is a little bag of screws underneath the battery, and a little bag of screws underneath the Ring, but no screws were put in the blue hardware box that has plenty of free space.

Something like this should work. Similar or the same to what was installed at my house.

Broan BK125LWH NuTone Chime Kit (2 Lighted Push-Buttons, 1 Transformer) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VH5ILI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_Gp-0AbH2VDCZN

https://www.amazon.com/Heath-Zenith-Wireless-Molded-SL-6151/dp/B000I1AST4

Door bell. Model numbers match

You aren't installing a Ring doorbell by chance, are you?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079C27V2H/ref=asc_df_B079C27V2H5432641/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076KRKV8Y/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1

Edit: Gosh I'm a derp today. Nest. I see that.
Edit: Maybe switch to a Ring?

I'd put a motion sensing buzzer in there or something. I have no idea how effective that would be but it's worth a shot.

Edit: There's this: http://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Motion-Sensor-remote-controls/dp/B002B96XWW


A some search results came up with DIY buzzer circuits built for cats, so if you wanted to DIY it there's plenty of info online.

Thanks! Did he 3d print himself or did he buy it somewhere?

I'm thinking to try this https://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-Doorbell-POPMAS-Adjustment-Mounting/dp/B077YBH3LD/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=vinyl+ring+2&qid=1562869301&s=gateway&sr=8-1

But the freaking vinyl side is angled and the door bell would slightly face up...

https://www.amazon.com/AI-cluster-Doorbell-Compatible-Assistant-Bussiness/dp/B07CWLZWHP

No hub needed.

Price History

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You will probably need to get in touch with Qolsys support. The Qolsys panel is not primarily a Z-wave Panel, so you should expect many Z-wave devices to not act as they should out of the box. Even the panels that are specifically mainly Z-wave ( Smart Things, Vera, etc.) often show these types of issues. The only controller i have found that is reliable on nearly every device has been by HomeSeer. However, the HomeSeer panel is not very user friendly and can be quite difficult to set up. As well as some of their hubs are quite expensive due to their premium nature.

it also may be possible that the older version of the sensor will work as it sends a different set of messages. (DWZWAVE2-ECO)

https://www.amazon.com/Ecolink-Intelligent-Technology-Operated-DWZWAVE2-ECO/dp/B00HPIYJWU/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=ecolink+door+window&qid=1564714876&s=gateway&sr=8-3

however, these sensors are no longer manufactured, so they are a bit more expensive.

this?

star trek door bell

I would have thought to just use a Window/Door sensor...but this looks much easier.

http://www.amazon.com/Ecolink-Z-Wave-Window-Sensor-DWZWAVE2-ECO/dp/B00HPIYJWU/

Broan BK125LWH NuTone Chime Kit (2 Lighted Push-Buttons, 1 Transformer) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VH5ILI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_NKI-Ab9AZX1QM

I would test the 2 wires when the door is closed and see if you get continuity, and when the door is open if it is broken. You can use these Ecolink, or Schlage ones that have a contact terminal in them and have Z-wave door sensors. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HPIYJWU

I think your most elegant solution would be to use this door sensor. It has 2 contacts inside that can be hooked up to preexisting wiring (aka already installed door sensor). I think one contact wired to each side of the contacts of the doorbell would work. When the button is pressed, it completes the circuit. You could also get creative and mount this back by the chime, just figure out which wires to hook it up to.

So a bit more information. I took some time to check all my wires and they all look good from what I can tell.

A few notes: Our ring is pretty warm to the touch. I don't know if that's normal.

Anytime I check the device health, for voltage it's always green. I've never seen it be anything else.

Our condo is at least 30 years old and I would guess the doorbell wiring is about the same.

When we got the ring, I ended up getting a new Doorbell chime, this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VH5ILI/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and even though it came with a transformer, I didn't use it. I had forgotten that til this morning when I was checking thing. The existing one was rated with enough power so I left it. But more than that, I didn't know how to replace the old one due to its location. (See photo below.) The transformer is located in our hot water heater, just outside the front door.

I'm now wondering if I need to somehow install the new transformer after all. The question is how?

Imgur

Thanks for any help.

I just ordered this (my first burning man 2018 purchase!)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FR4YQYK

We'll see how it goes

Security: Look at it this way, How often are you opening windows, and forgetting to close and relock them? A contact sensor only works at the point of contact. IE, If the window is broken into (The glass is broken), the contact sensor will still show closed.

There goes the security argument out the window.

As far as automation, sure, sensors on windows would be a plus, but if you're doing something just checking if ANY window is open, You might try a hardwired solution and wire it to one sensor. You can get hardwired contacts for somewhere around 3 USD a pop. Combine that with one Ecolink door and window sensor (That has a hardwire port on it) and you'd be good to go.

Homeassistant supports Alarm Decoder and Envisalink (Two solutions I used just for this purpose) as well as a couple of others, but if youve already got a hardwired solution, That'd be your way to go.

For what you are trying to achieve, z-wave and/or zigbee will do you best. The first thing you are going to need is a smart hub that has z-wave and/or zigbee radios. I use Samsung SmartThings, and it's decent and has both radios. There are other options on the market, but I think SmartThings is probably the most popular one on the market.

I can link you some products that I have in my house that work great with my SmartThings hub, and will work with various other hubs on the market.

Fan Control (speed only, not light)

Motion sensor (You can normally find these for $30 or less)

Door/window sensor

Dimmer switch

Garage door opener

Plug in outlet

Here is what I bought.

The Wisenet Smartcam D1 doorbell has an ONVIF video feed which allows you to connect to a local NVR to view and store video.

So this works in addition to the cloud based app for doorbell press notifications, motion, two way talk, etc.

I could not find it documented but I ultimately figured out to the username and password to connect to the ONVIF feed.

username: admin

password: <the password for the camera>

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FR4YQYK

Like this that allows you to connect external wires, so you can connect the original switch to it.

This is the one I got👍🏼

Silicone Skin Case Cover Compatible for Ring Video Doorbell (1st Generation) - Disguise Your Door Bell with Sun Glare, UV & Weather Protection - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VGN7CVG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_v1wPDb6A9F574

AI-cluster WiFi Door and Windows Sensor Magnets Smart Phone APP Control Doorbell Compatible with Alexa Google Assistant IFTTT,Wireless Security Alarm Door Open Chime for Home Bussiness Burglar Alert https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CWLZWHP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_XFV9BbT6A5VCE
The interesting thing is the app recognizes the sensors and I am able to create the routines, they just never work.

I believe this is the one I got: Adjustable Angle Wall mount for Ring 1, 2, and Nest Wi-Fi Enabled Video Doorbell, 30-55 Degree Adjustable Corner Kit Angle Adapter (Doorbell NOT Included) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FS8S142/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_tQ81Bb1K1KS67

Just sayin

https://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-Doorbell-Adjustment-Mounting-Included/dp/B076KRKV8Y

Idk - probably break even in terms of time of materials + design + print

"1 12V batteries required."

https://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-Doorbell-POPMAS-Adjustment-Mounting/dp/B077YBH3LD/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=popmas&qid=1550581207&s=gateway&sr=8-1

I used an angle wedge from Amazon. Results : https://twitter.com/azureandchill/status/1056890093938663425?s=21

Adjustable (30 to 50 Degree) Angle Mount for Ring Video Doorbell Pro (Released in 2016), Homono Angle Adjustment Adapter/Mounting Plate/Bracket/Wedge https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07457B842/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_zNR8S3DtBXRPa

I went with this one that works for both ring and hello.

There’s another that’s hello specific, but I was concerned that design would leave the wires exposed.

I have the exact same setup and for $8 I got this swivel mount and it works great. It also helps with the night vision since the brick was causing issues:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07457B842

Here is what it looks like on my door:
https://i.imgur.com/6m8YSwQ.jpg

https://www.amazon.com/24vac-Transformer-Compatible-Doorbell-Thermostat/dp/B07RHR8SSN/ref=asc_df_B07RHR8SSN/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=366430786295&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10644769063055007281&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=200524&hvtargid=pla-807605513701&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=75985294733&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=366430786295&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10644769063055007281&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=200524&hvtargid=pla-807605513701

EcoLink Door sensor on Amazon for $29 works great. You add it as a Z-Wave sensor and it works fast and consistently.

Ecolink Intelligent Technology Z-Wave Door & Window Sensor, White & Brown (DWZWAVE2-ECO) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HPIYJWU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ufrnyb2JP9NZN

If the issue persists, may I offer the advice of a motion detector of a sort? Will definitely help so you don’t have to actively wait for the little one to come crawling out for food/water. Good luck, thanks for the update!

I was able to connect my hardwired smoke detectors to my SmartThings system with a BRK RM4 Relay. I installed it in the junction box behind the detector in my basement. When the alarm sounds it will open its switch. By connecting this switch to the auxiliary contact terminals on a door sensor mounted nearby, my HA system knows that the alarms are sounding. This should also work with any other hub that supports a zwave door switch (read: all of them.)

Here's the magic:
BRK RM4 Smoke Alarm Accessory Relay https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0039PF21U/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_-HVLwb9C5KFTY

And the door switch I'm using:
Ecolink Z-Wave Door/Window Sensor (DWZWAVE2-ECO) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HPIYJWU/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_qKVLwbPRVRM5Y

So the main level has every door pre-wired and all windows that open on the main level pre-wired as well. Pre-wired door photos.

I assume you were talking about these Ecolink sensors? Just curious why go for a z-wave sensor and also hardwire it? Is this for redundancy?

I came across these that mount flush inside the door and I think would be hardwired the same way as the Ecolink sensor (GPIOs on a rPi in my case)? That way they're completely invisible and a lot less expensive to outfit every door and window. I don't know if these would work well for the front door that has the pre-wire on the hinge side of the door (depending on how far apart they need to get), but they should work for the other door that has the wires on the deadbolt side?

Again, super new to this, so I may be missing something. I really appreciate the help!

You'd need window and door sensors, like these, a hub to interpret (I recommend hass.io or SmartThings) and an IFTTT recipe to interact with your thermostat.

You'd be better off asking this question in /r/HomeAutomation.

AI-Cluster WiFi Door and Windows Sensor Magnets Smart Phone Controlled Doorbell Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, Wireless Security Alarm, Door Open Chime for Home Or Business Alert https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CWLZWHP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_SvC4DbXNDBZ1F