Catch up on future home stories in 5 minutes.

An expired or untested alarm is the first problem to solve; app features come after age, battery, placement, and certification.

Device compatibility is getting easier to explain, but interoperability still does not settle the household rules around guests, renters, backups, or who can open the door.

A zero-dollar or subsidized thermostat is still only useful if it fits the heating system and the household routine.

Best local source for the reality that noise is part of urban life and that borough rules vary.