Smart Lock Replacement and Vacation Home Integration Tips

I recently decided to upgrade my smart lock after experiencing some connectivity issues with my Schlage model. It was time to explore new options that would seamlessly integrate with my existing Hubitat ecosystem and Alexa controls. I wanted something reliable, aesthetically pleasing for my front door, and compatible with my current setup. After some research, I found a few promising options that I’d like to share with the community. One of the key features I was looking for was consistent Z-Wave connectivity, as I rely heavily on this protocol for my smart home setup. I also wanted a lock that could be controlled directly through Alexa, either natively or via Hubitat. After narrowing down the options, I settled on the Schlage Connect Smart Lock. It ticks all the boxes: sleek design, robust security features, and excellent compatibility with both Z-Wave and Alexa. However, I encountered a small hiccup when setting up the lock at my vacation home. I already have a Hubitat hub registered with my email at my primary residence, and I wasn’t sure how to register a second hub at my vacation property without creating a new account. After some digging, I discovered that Hubitat allows multiple hubs under a single account, provided you enable Remote Administration and Backup on both devices. This was a relief, as it meant I could manage both hubs from the same login. For anyone else looking to integrate a new smart lock or set up a second hub at a vacation home, here are a few tips: - Check Compatibility First: Ensure your chosen lock supports your preferred protocols (e.g., Z-Wave, Zigbee) and integrates well with your existing smart home platform. - Plan for Remote Management: If you’re using multiple hubs, make sure to enable remote features during setup to simplify management. - Test Thoroughly: Spend some time testing all functionalities, especially if you’re integrating with multiple platforms like Alexa or Google Home. This experience has been both challenging and rewarding. It’s amazing how far smart home technology has come, and I’m excited to continue exploring new ways to enhance my living spaces. If anyone has tips or experiences to share about smart lock installations or multi-hub setups, I’d love to hear them!