News & Information https://www.aartech.ca/blog Fri, 01 May 2026 1:53:03 +0000 Fri, 01 May 2026 1:53:03 +0000 Home safety should be the top priority for homeowners and new code changes need to be considered.  Traditionally, smoke detectors have been the focus, but they've also evolved to include carbon monoxide detection, smart alarms and strobes.  Today's best smoke detectors offer multi-threat detection and may include smartphone connectivity, voice ... https://www.aartech.ca/blog/post/2026/03/18/best-smoke-detectors-canada 2026/03/18/ Wed, 18 Mar 2026 10:15:00 +0000 Since the announcement that NEST Protect smoke detectors are no longer being manufacturered, and the First Alert SC5 is the suggested replacement, we've been crushed by demand!   We know it's hard to be patient when an expired device is beeping or at end of life. Good news!  The First Alert SC5 ... https://www.aartech.ca/blog/post/2025/08/05/first-alert-sc5-nest-replacement-shipping 2025/08/05/ Tue, 05 Aug 2025 11:30:00 +0000 Aartech Canada has brought the Insteon Trade-Up Program to Canada!  Recently Insteon USA announced a trade-up program for USA customers but it wasn't logistically feasible to run it cross border.  As a long time Insteon distributor and reseller, we wanted to make sure Canadians had the same opportunity so we ... https://www.aartech.ca/blog/post/2025/03/23/insteon-trade-up-program-canada 2025/03/23/ Sun, 23 Mar 2025 9:18:00 +0000 We're thrilled to announce that we are now a full line distributor for Zooz ZWave smart home devices.  Zooz offers a leading edge selection of ZWave enabled sensors, switches, dimmers, relays and more.  Their ZWave line is based primarily on ZWave 800 and ZWave 700 series chips, and most support ... https://www.aartech.ca/blog/post/2025/01/12/have-you-heard-the-news-were-carrying-zooz 2025/01/12/ Sun, 12 Jan 2025 9:46:00 +0000 The Canadian government has implemented a GST/HST tax break on a narrow range of products between Dec 14th, 2024 to February 15th, 2025.  However Aartech Canada does not sell any of the product categories listed so as a result we will continue to charge GST/HST as appropriate.  More information can ... https://www.aartech.ca/blog/post/2024/12/15/gst-hst-tax-break 2024/12/15/ Sun, 15 Dec 2024 9:46:00 +0000 During the the Canada Post strike, and most likely for a short time afterward, we are using UPS, Purolator, Fedex and other alternate carriers to deliver products across Canada.  As a result we cannot ship to PO boxes as those are only served by Canada Post.  Some far north locations ... https://www.aartech.ca/blog/post/2024/12/15/canada-post-strike 2024/12/15/ Sun, 15 Dec 2024 9:41:00 +0000 As a Canadian homeowner, ensuring the safety and security of your property is high on your list of priorities.  There are many options for home security systems.  Originally known for their video doorbell, Ring offers a user friendly home alarm system that’s become a popular choice for many Canadians.  Here ... https://www.aartech.ca/blog/post/2024/07/31/5-reasons-why-ring-alarm-is-the-smart-choice-for-canadian-homeowners 2024/07/31/ Wed, 31 Jul 2024 9:21:00 +0000 Wildfires are becoming increasingly common, with hundreds of wildfires burning in provinces across Canada each year.  They are starting earlier, burning longer and in some cases they smoulder year round.  In addition to the obvious danger fires pose to people and properties, the smoke from wild fires ranges from annoying to ... https://www.aartech.ca/blog/post/2024/07/12/ultimate-guide-to-air-purifiers-for-wildfire-smoke 2024/07/12/ Fri, 12 Jul 2024 3:08:00 +0000 An alarm system can provide substantial peace of mind by protecting your property, family or staff.  But what happens if the siren is blaring and you can’t seem to turn it off.  If you’re a burglar reading this, run away!  If you’re the alarm owner, read on, we’re here to ... https://www.aartech.ca/blog/post/2024/06/29/troubleshooting-tips-what-to-do-when-your-alarm-system-wont-turn-off 2024/06/29/ Sat, 29 Jun 2024 7:49:00 +0000 Your home is your castle, so you want to protect your investment and enjoy peace of mind.  Choosing the right security solution for your home can be overwhelming but don’t worry, this guide will answer the most frequently asked questions about home alarms in Canada. HOME ALARM FAQs There are several factors you’ll need ... https://www.aartech.ca/blog/post/2024/06/23/faqs-answered-everything-you-need-to-know-about-home-alarm-systems 2024/06/23/ Sun, 23 Jun 2024 5:40:00 +0000 Security cameras are increasingly common place as home and business owners look to protect themselves from criminal activity, personal or business liability issues.  Before you install a security camera you may want to check to see if what you’re installing is legal or against the law.  It’s important to understand ... https://www.aartech.ca/blog/post/2024/06/09/know-the-law-is-it-legal-to-install-and-record-security-cameras-and-video-doorbells-in-canada 2024/06/09/ Sun, 09 Jun 2024 6:08:00 +0000   Do you own a LeakSmart automatic water shut off system?  If so you likely noticed the LeakSmart web site is no longer available and LeakSmart app and hub are no longer working.    LeakSmart Out of Business and App Not Working It appears that the manufacturer or parent company Waxman has discontinued the brand ... https://www.aartech.ca/blog/post/2024/05/23/leaksmart-closed-stopped-working-out-of-business 2024/05/23/ Thu, 23 May 2024 10:29:00 +0000 While email is a vital personal and business tool, in the past several years, SPAM emails and email phishing attacks have been on the rise, causing major problems for both recipients and senders alike. In fact, some sources have pegged SPAM and phishing emails to account for almost half of ... https://www.aartech.ca/blog/post/2024/01/19/what-you-should-know-about-dmarc 2024/01/19/ Fri, 19 Jan 2024 4:27:00 +0000 Chamberlain Group Blocks MyQ Access and Home Assistant Chamberlain Group announced that they will no longer allow (unauthorized) third party integrations to use their MyQ API service.  In fact they are now actively blocking these requests.  Reading between the lines, this is a block on any "unauthorized access", otherwise known as ... https://www.aartech.ca/blog/post/2023/12/28/chamberlain-blocks-myq-access-and-home-assistant-how-to-integrate 2023/12/28/ Thu, 28 Dec 2023 1:37:00 +0000 The holiday season is in full swing, and finding gifts for stocking stuffers can become more stressful as the deadline approaches. However, Aartech has your back! Our experts have put together a stocking stuffer gift guide for tech lovers to remove the stress and make gift shopping fun again!     iEast Audiocast For ... https://www.aartech.ca/blog/post/2023/12/14/aartech-guide-to-stocking-stuffers-2023 2023/12/14/ Thu, 14 Dec 2023 4:32:00 +0000 It's gift-giving season! It's the time of year when everyone is looking for the best gifts for their loved ones. Every year, we put together a gift guide to help navigate gift ideas for tech lovers, or even people just getting into the tech world! Happy holidays, from the Aartech family to ... https://www.aartech.ca/blog/post/2023/11/14/aartech-holiday-gift-guide-2023 2023/11/14/ Tue, 14 Nov 2023 6:18:00 +0000 Adding a video doorbell to your home security ecosystem is a great way to achieve ease of mind and gain extra insight into what is happening at home. They are a great addition that you can use whether you have an existing alarm system or not. Video doorbells can allow ... https://www.aartech.ca/blog/post/2023/10/31/picking-the-best-video-doorbell-for-your-home 2023/10/31/ Tue, 31 Oct 2023 4:29:00 +0000 In today's ever-evolving world, the need to stay future-proof is becoming more and more critical as the years go by. As time passes, we're seeing more hybrid and fully electric vehicles hitting the roads. The electric vehicle trend has been growing and evolving over many years, becoming more accessible to ... https://www.aartech.ca/blog/post/2023/09/20/ev-chargers-at-aartech 2023/09/20/ Wed, 20 Sep 2023 2:27:00 +0000 As of June 20, changes are being made to the Yale brand.  Yale's parent company, ASSA ABLOY, is making some changes to the Yale branded product portfolio in the US and Canada. Over the next few months, ASSA ABLOY will rebrand the Yale name and logo under the name "Arrow", a ... https://www.aartech.ca/blog/post/2023/06/23/important-update-yale-brand 2023/06/23/ Fri, 23 Jun 2023 4:14:00 +0000 Water damage - two words that can strike fear into every homeowner's heart. Water damage and flooding can cost homeowners thousands of dollars to repair and can be a massive pain to fix.  Whether you're worried about frozen pipes, leaky appliances, melting snow, or a wet rain-drenched warm season, there are ... https://www.aartech.ca/blog/post/2023/05/12/guide-to-smart-flood-prevention-detection 2023/05/12/ Fri, 12 May 2023 9:43:00 +0000 Flooding and water damage are among the most expensive issues a Homeowner can experience. Aside from costing a small fortune, water damage can also be a pain to fix. This is why prevention, detection and fast action are crucial to reducing destruction and keeping costs low. For prevention tips, check out ... https://www.aartech.ca/blog/post/2023/05/12/flood-water-damage-prevention-smart-device-guide 2023/05/12/ Fri, 12 May 2023 3:48:00 +0000 We've been having trouble keeping Insteon in stock as demand was outpacing our stocking orders.  As of writing all the key items are back in stock. The original Insteon dimmers, switches and keypads have been the most popular sellers.  Insteon makes some of the best scene lighting products, able to ... https://www.aartech.ca/blog/post/2023/03/11/insteon-update-march-2023 2023/03/11/ Sat, 11 Mar 2023 2:30:00 +0000 Insteon is arguably one of the best, fastest, most reliable smart home technologies available.  Now under new ownership since last summer, the new Insteon team is doing an impressive job of communicating their vision, making stock available, improving existing products and even announcing new products.  The new CEO Ken Fairbanks ... https://www.aartech.ca/blog/post/2023/02/19/insteon-is-back-update-february-2023 2023/02/19/ Sun, 19 Feb 2023 2:37:00 +0000 INTRODUCING SHELLY...customizable automation for any smart home, made easy. Shelly is a trusted brand, selling 1 million devices in 4 months at its initial launch, and we're happy it's the latest brand we can offer you as an authorized Shelly distributor. ABOUT SHELLY The Shelly brand launched in 2017 and offers a ... https://www.aartech.ca/blog/post/2023/02/08/introducingshelly 2023/02/08/ Wed, 08 Feb 2023 11:15:00 +0000 Shelly offers a full line of IoT devices based on IP, WiFi and Bluetooth technologies that work with a variety of systems, including HomeKit, Smart Assistant, and supports voice assistants. It also supports advanced protocols like MQTT, allowing for flexibility where needed. Shelly provides robust, flexible solutions for smart home automation, ... https://www.aartech.ca/blog/post/2023/02/08/shelly-product-guide 2023/02/08/ Wed, 08 Feb 2023 1:44:00 +0000