August 7, 2022 If you’re considering installing solar panels on your home, you’ll likely have a lot of questions like I did. Many potential buyers wonder if solar is worth it or will solar panels eventually pay for themselves. The answer to both questions looks to be yes. …

July 31, 2022 Debbie and I have received a lot of great comments the past couple weeks on ways to beat the scorching summer heat we’re experiencing right now with smart home technology. If you missed them, catch up on my posts about smart thermostats and smart ceiling fans to…

July 24, 2022 This summer has brought record heat to many parts of the US (and Europe for that matter). It has put a strain on power grids nationwide and produced sky-high electricity bills from running our air conditioners to keep our homes comfortable. As a follow up to last…

July 17, 2022 As the dog days of summer set in and you’re spending more time indoors to beat the heat, many of you may be like me — dreading that electric bill that’s coming. Staying cool during the heat of summer can get expensive, just like staying warm in…

July 10, 2022 With all the incredible digital content out there to download or stream it’s no wonder people are looking to bring the cinematic experience home. Unless you have a spare $572,217 laying around for Samsung’s 146" The Wall Lux UHD Bundle, you may be looking for alternatives. One…

July 3, 2022 As we celebrate one of the biggest birthdays of the year this long weekend, it seems appropriate to also recognize another significant birthday. Happy Birthday WiFi! It’s been a quarter-century since the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) introduced the 802.11 WiFi standard. Since 1997, wireless…

June 26, 2022 I’ve been addressing a lot of the pros and cons lately around wired and wireless networks to support your smart home. As I’ve been reviewing my wiring plans it occurred to me that audio wiring is part of that overall plan, with integrated smart devices. …

June 19, 2022 Now that we’ve covered in a recent post where (and where not) to put your Wifi routers and mesh gear, questions have been raised about the balance between performance and aesthetics. Equipment like this is generally designed to be efficient, not elegant looking. I run into this…

June 12, 2022 I did some business travel in Ohio this past week and had the opportunity to grab lunch with a long-time friend and colleague. I was a bit surprised when the conversation turned to smart home and Jim’s enthusiasm regarding the technology he’s adopted at home. I was…