Get connected and keep your home safe with these simple-to-use home-security gadgets. (Photo by Danielle Occhiogrosso)

These high-tech devices provide solutions to our readers’ common home-security problems. Read on to learn about some of our favorite new home-security gadgets.

Interactive Locks

Problem: “I have last-minute guests, but no time to make extra keys!”

Solution: Unlock the door digitally or share a virtual key without leaving the office using an app-enabled lock.

Lab Lowdown: Security may be the No. 1 reason people begin digitally connecting their homes, and locks allow you to be in control anywhere, anytime. Plus, you’ll never get stuck outside again! Work the device remotely from your phone or use your smartphone, passcode or regular key to open the door. Some models can be added over existing bolts, while others replace them.

GH Lab Pick Winner: August Smart Lock Apple Home App Enabled ($229). August’s model topped our Lab tests thanks to a straightforward app, easy setup and a quiet motor. It works with the Apple Home App to unlock doors with Siri. If you have other Apple Home App products, create commands like “I’m Home” to open doors and turn on lights. Purchase the compatible August Doorbell Cam ($199) to unlock even more features.

Remote Cameras

Problem: “My elderly mother lives alone, and I worry about her falling.”

Solution: Add cameras inside and outside to give you — and your mom — peace of mind.

Lab lowdown: Aging parents don’t have to be tech whizzes to feel safer at home, and there are everyday benefits to having cameras, too — it could mean fewer trips up and down the stairs (they can check on the dog or see if lights are off from a phone). If there’s ever an emergency, you’ll be able to see what happened.

GH Lab Pick Winner: Nest Cam Indoor, ($199). Check on things with Nest Cam. Like most smart cameras, this model has an online dashboard that lets you stream live video or watch it right on the app. Our Engineering Lab is super-excited about the new outdoor model, which can stand up to rain, wind and snow.

Connected Doorbells

Problem: “Packages keep vanishing from my doorstep!”

Solution: With a motion-detecting connected doorbell with cameras, speakers and microphones, you can see right on your phone when someone’s at the door.

Lab Lowdown: Some use your doorbell’s power supply and are as easy to set up as swapping in a smart bulb for a regular one; others need a battery, so installation can be tricky. But they’re all great when you’re home alone — just check the app to see who is at the door.

GH Top-Tested: Easy Add-On Ring ($199): Great for homes without a doorbell, Ring can work on an internal battery (lasting six to 12 months); in our Lab tests it was a breeze to install. With a fish-eye lens (offering a 180-degree view) and its two-way audio, you’ll be able to see and hear almost everything.

Thinking Thermostats

Problem: “I hate wasting money heating my house while I’m out.”

Solution: Set your smart thermostat to turn off when you go out and turn on when you come back, or automate it to turn down the temperature while you sleep.

Lab Lowdown: People who use smart thermostats can save more than 10 percent on energy bills, and data suggests that programmable thermostats can save you about $180 a year. These devices also let you adjust the heat from your smartphone, and some can learn (and adapt to) your habits.

 ON ANOTHER MATTER …

Which Is Better? Fall Food Face-Off

While all these treats are delicious, some have more nutritional value than others. Below, your best picks for leaf-peeping season.

Subhed: Candied Sweet Potatoes vs. Sweet Potato Pie

Better: Candied Potatoes

A helping has more of the veggies than a slice of pie – and more vitamins, minerals and fiber. (But count it as a sweet, not a side!)

Subhed: Cranberry Muffin vs. Cranberry Scone

Better: Muffin

While often higher in sugar, muffins still have less saturated fat and total calories than buttery scones.

Subhed: Pumpkin Spice Latte vs. Pumpkin-Flavored Coffee

Better: Pumpkin Coffee

When the flavor is added to the beans, there’s no sugar or creamy calories. Be sure to check labels for “0 g sugar,” and skip flavored syrups.

TABLE

Money Saver: Smart Plugs

Use smart plugs to turn almost any gadget or appliance you own — from your flat iron to your toaster — into a smart device. These are a great, inexpensive way to make your home smarter. They are easy to set up and super-simple to use.

GH Lab Pick: Belkin WeMo Switch ($40): Just connect, then turn the device on and off and see how much energy it’s using in the plug’s app.

Recalls Alert

The following products and vehicles were recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Unless otherwise indicated, discontinue use of the products immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information about the products, call the manufacturer or CPSC’s toll-free hotline, (800) 638-2772. Only some cars or trucks recalled are affected. Contact a dealer for your model to see if it is included in the recall. The dealer will tell you what to do.

PRODUCT/VEHICLE

PROBLEM

Bungee chairs, sold exclusively at Big 5 Sporting Goods stores nationwide from May 2016 through July 2016 for about $30.

The chair rivets can break while in use, posing a fall hazard to the consumer. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bungee chairs and return them to any Big 5 Sporting Goods store for a full refund. Consumers can contact Nanjing Kekang Outdoor Products toll-free at (866) 283-4412 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or online at www.big5sportinggoods.com. Click on “Product Recall” at the bottom of the homepage for more information.

Chrysler 2016 Ram 3500 trucks

The transfer case may have been manufactured with a misshapen main output shaft, creating voids that may cause a shaft fracture. If the main output shaft fractures, the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the driver may be unable to place the vehicle in Park, increasing the risk of a vehicle rollaway. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transfer case for free. The recall began on Aug. 11, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is S48.