Smart lighting enables households and users to remotely control cooling, heating, lighting and appliances, minimizing unnecessary light and energy use. This ability saves energy and provides a level of comfort and convenience. What is good about a smart bulb? Philips … Continue reading →

An appliance becomes a smart appliance when it is connected to a central system and able to be programmed or controlled remotely or operate autonomously, based on input from sensors detecting things like temperature, light levels, or activity. What are … Continue reading →

Lightbulb cameras are just another variation of a hidden/ camouflaged camera. They are actually a combination of a real lightbulb with a security camera usually hidden in the base, between the power source and the bulb itself. How do you … Continue reading →

1966: ECHO IV Though never commercially sold, ECHO IV was the world’s first home automation system. Invented by Jim Sutherland, the “Electronic Computing Home Operator” (hence, ECHO) could store recipes, relay messages, control a home’s temperature, churn out a grocery … Continue reading →

1a : a small knob or disk secured to an article (as of clothing) and used as a fastener by passing it through a buttonhole or loop. b : a usually circular metal or plastic badge bearing a stamped design … Continue reading →

Most new Smart TVs are Wi-Fi-enabled, meaning they have a wireless adapter built-in. Connecting to the web takes just a few minutes – but this option works best when your TV is in the same room as the router. How … Continue reading →

For most tariffs, it’s not compulsory to submit a meter reading. But it’s worth doing, as it means you’ll end up with a more accurate bill.In most cases, if you don’t provide a meter reading, your supplier will estimate your … Continue reading →

It monitors energy use, it’s simple to use, you can add up to 30 compatible smart devices to it — and all at a very accessible price. Can you plug multiple things into a smart plug? Know the power that … Continue reading →

Raise the thermostat heat settings slowly. The thermostat should emit a clicking sound and the furnace should also make a sound. If the furnace does not make a sound, the thermostat is not sending a signal and needs to be … Continue reading →

A wireless room thermostat is a digital thermostat that connects to the internet and allows you to control it remotely. You can do this using an app on your smart device, tablet, computer or smartphone. How does a wireless room … Continue reading →

Here are 10 Consumer Report-approved tips: Keep your blinds closed. Invest in blackout curtains. Be smart about your doors. Hack a fan instead of turning on the air-conditioning. Set your ceiling fans to rotate counter-clockwise. Focus on the temperature in … Continue reading →

Air conditioning maintenance is important to keep it running well. You can spray water on your AC condenser. Some people may doubt the safety of this task, but it is a safe and recommended service. Can I spray my AC … Continue reading →

For most of us, the cheapest heating system is going to be mains gas fuelled. If you’re living off the grid, LPG is the most cost effective heating option. If you take full advantage of Economy 7 electricity tariffs, you … Continue reading →

A plumber can work on your heating system and bathrooms with tasks including changing radiators, fitting thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs), and fitting towel rails. They can complete repairs to pipework, taps, toilets, showers, gutters, water tanks, radiators, and more. Do … Continue reading →

What causes this? One explanation may be convection currents, or the lack of them. The room’s thermostat is likely to be positioned roughly midway between floor and ceiling. On a 20°C day in the summer, the temperature in the room … Continue reading →