By Bud Dietrich, Houzz Not long ago a friend let us borrow her hybrid car so we could travel from Port Angeles, Washington, to Seattle. The car was amazingly energy efficient. A really cool feature was the dashboard display, which provided constant feedback on energy use and source. For example, when we were waiting at […]
Get the GuideELAN Home Automation System Manages 22,000-Square-Foot Calgary Home
When the two homeowners of a 22,000-square-foot home in Calgary began undertaking a complete renovation, they knew that they needed a smart home automation system to pull it all together, but they were at a loss as to where to turn. Their previous experience with a “finicky” and “unreliable” home automation solution had convinced them […]
Get the Guide6 New Stylish LED Fixtures: Bright Ideas From Eurolace 2017
By Leonora Sartori, Houzz From the editor: Now that lighting control systems are able to manage a variety of different light sources, including LED, versatility is the name of the game when selecting fixtures for your home. And today the styles run the gamut. No longer are you limited to only incandescent fixtures if you […]
Get the Guide11 Common Types of Security Cameras
Selecting a security camera is simple, right? If you want a camera that follows people as they move, you want a pan/tilt/zoom or PTZ camera. Otherwise you want a fixed camera. Right? Well, yes and no. PTZ and fixed cameras used to be the only types of surveillance cameras out there, but today it can […]
Get the GuideSpring Cleaning: 7 Home Tech Improvement Projects for Under $1,000
Now that spring has arrived and you’re ready to delve into spring cleaning, it’s the perfect time to add some innovative technology to your house to make it “smarter.” You probably lacked both the opportunity and the inclination to make upgrades to your residence during the dark, dismal winter season but those frigid months are […]
Get the GuideBest Toilets for Your Smart Home
By Mitchell Parker, Houzz Everyone poops. Let’s just get that out there in the open. Because it’s difficult to discuss toilets without first acknowledging what they’re used for. Toilets get rid of our waste so we can live in relatively sanitary societies. Adequate sewage systems and water treatment facilities that remove waste from our homes, […]
Get the GuideBest Burglary Deterrent: Surveillance Cameras, Smart Door Locks, Automated Lighting, and More
by Sean Jackson, MoneySavingPro Your home represents a place of sanctuary and security for you and your loved ones. At the same time, burglars view your home as an opportunity. The FBI reports a property crime occurs every 3.8 seconds, with home burglaries happening every 18.2 seconds. The frequency of these crimes is alarming, but […]
Get the GuideHow to Save Energy by Installing Smart, Energy-Efficient Appliances
article courtesy of Reliant, an NRG Company To have the most energy efficient home possible and save energy, you need to go beyond the proper use of appliances (e.g., turning them off, unplugging them, and regularly cleaning them). In some cases, the only way to see true energy gains is to replace outdated appliances. Older […]
Get the GuideHow to Build an Outdoor Theater in Your Own Backyard
As the weather starts to warm up, more and more people are taking their parties outside. Between football games, BBQ’s, and watching movies on warm summer nights, there are so many reasons to enjoy an awesome outdoor theater in your backyard. Here are some tips, tricks, and expert recommendations on building the best outdoor home […]
Get the GuideFree Cloud Storage: What to Expect
By Cathi Nelson, Houzz At one time or another, most of us have had an overflowing gallery of digital photos and needed a place to stash them. That is, until free cloud storage entered our lives. This type of storage allows users to remotely save, share and manage their data via the Internet. Related: How […]
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