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Thursday, November 30, 2017
5 Security Tips to Fend Off Holiday Hackers
Chances are, you or someone in your family received a laptop, tablet, or some other smart, Internet-connected device as a gift this holiday season.
Related: How to prepare your house for the Internet of Things
To help keep your family safe during the holidays, McAfee, a leading cybersecurity company, offers up the following tips:
- Think before you click:One of the easiest ways for cybercriminals to compromise your device is through a malicious link. Be skeptical if you receive a link or other solicitation that you are not expecting.
- Update your software:Whether it’s your PC, smartphone, digital assistant or even your drone, keep the software up to date. Manufacturers plug security holes with device updates so it’s important to always install the latest versions as soon as possible. Where applicable use up-to-date security software.
- Beware of shady public Wi-Fi hotspots: Cybercriminals often deploy fake Wi-Fi hotspots that appear to be legitimate, but give them visibility into your browsing habits. If you have to use public Wi-Fi, refrain from online shopping or banking. If you need to shop or bank on public Wi-Fi use a Virtual Private Network (VPN), like McAfee Safe Connect, to encrypt your network traffic. (With bank-grade Wi-Fi encryption, your personal data and online activities are kept private, even when you’re connected to a public Wi-Fi and/or an open network. You can protect your privacy by hiding your IP address. Your physical location and information such as banking account credentials and credit card info are secure while surfing online. McAfee Safe Connect allows you to connect through a virtual server at locations around the world to access your favorite content and geo-restricted apps and sites from anywhere.)
- Do your homework:Not all manufacturers take security seriously, especially when it comes to connected toys, so it’s important to research if there have been any reported security vulnerabilities before purchasing.
- Protect your home network: Secure all of your connected devices and your home Internet at its source with McAfee Secure Home Platform. This solution gives you insight into what devices are on your network, and protects all of your connected devices.
The post 5 Security Tips to Fend Off Holiday Hackers appeared first on Electronic House.
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10 Tips: Using Amazon Alexa with a Crestron Home Control System for Advanced Voice Control of Your Home.
From the editor: This article is based purely on the author’s experience integrating Amazon Alexa with Crestron. There are other brands of home control systems that offer similar voice control perks.
by Will Gilbert, Greg Michelier and Rock Scofield of Think Simple
One of the most exciting developments in home control is the alliance between Crestron and Amazon Alexa.
Now you can control any combination of home devices with a simple voice command. Just say “Alexa, good morning,” and your shades will open, your thermostat will adjust, your TV turn on and tune to the news, your coffee start brewing – or anything you want.
That’s on top of the thousands of possible uses of Alexa by herself, such as adding events to your calendar, shopping online, or helping you tune your guitar.
With Crestron linked to Alexa, you can trigger any combination of otherwise unconnected systems to work together to make your life easier. Say “Alexa, good night,” and you can lock the doors, turn on the alarm, turn off all the lights, and even put your music on a 30-minute off timer.
Your house can respond to the way you’re feeling as well. “Alexa, it’s too cold” can raise the thermostat. “Alexa, it’s too dark” can bring up the lighting levels.
You can expect Alexa to operate everything in your home, including your audio/video system, lights climate, shades and security, pool or hot tub. Other systems can do some of this, but we like Crestron with Alexa best for three reasons:
- It’s comprehensive. Anything Crestron can control, Alexa can control.
- It’s seamless. There’s no need to say, “Alexa, tell Crestron we are leaving.” Simply say, “Alexa, we are leaving,” and she’ll set the security system, temperature, lights and other systems to your preferred away mode.
- It’s easy for the integrator, and that’s good for you. Crestron has built the Alexa Voice Service into the Pyng Control Hub, as well as the SIMPL programming platform, making Alexa a simple, reliable, reasonably-priced add-on.
At Think Simple, we like Crestron/Alexa so much that we offer it with every new home system, and we now install it more than half the time.
Still, we’d like to help everyone get the most out of their voice-controlled homes. So we thought you’d enjoy these 10 insider tips:
- Install Alexa in every high-use area, or anywhere you’d rather not have to touch a control screen or your phone. In the kitchen, change the channel or turn up the lights when your hands are wet. In the bedroom, flip on a night light without fumbling in the dark. In the family room, stop hunting for the remote.
- Put your Echo or Echo-enabled devices in places that are convenient but out of the way: on your night stand, on a counter, or built into the ceiling.
- Keep it simple. Used with Crestron, Alexa can control a remarkable range of devices, but you can’t really have a conversation with her – she is limited to certain commands said in a certain way. While it’s easy to say, “Alexa, turn on the lights,” don’t expect to say, “Alexa, turn on that red lamp over there next to the couch.”
- For that reason, we like to use Alexa to control the presets we set up with Crestron. “Alexa, we are home,” or “Alexa, party mode.” For most people, “Alexa, turn off the TV in 15 minutes” is the most complicated command they will want to give.
- Keep your setup simple as well. For example, you can run Alexa’s voice through your home audio system, but it’s quicker, easier and just as nice to save your audio system for music and use the Echo device for her voice.
- We like to use Sonos speakers with our Alexa installations, simply because Sonos works so very closely with Crestron and Amazon.
- Ask your integrator about the Sonos One smart speaker. It has Alexa built in, so you don’t need an Echo device. It has automatic equalization as well, so it sets up fast and sounds great.
- When you start using Alexa, it can help to put a cheat sheet with several commands next to the device, just to get you acclimated to the technology. (We normally provide one for Think Simple clients.) Of course, if you get stuck, you can always just ask, “Alexa, what can I say?”
- Creat a profile for your voice (under “Your Voice” in the Alexa app). Alexa works well out of the box, but by doing this step she will be able to call you by name and personalize your experience.
- Don’t forget to try out some of the third-party applications (or “skills”) that can do all sorts of things in addition to controlling your home. They’re a lot of fun and very helpful.
One more thought. Alexa will be a great addition to your home, but she keeps getting smarter, adding features, and improving her understanding and accuracy.
Think Simple is an integrator of high-end residential systems with offices in Fort Lauderdale, Nassau and New York. Visit them at thinksimple.com.
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SVS 4000 Series Subwoofers Offer Significant Gains Over Models They Replace
SVS has launched a new subwoofer line to replace their venerable 13-Ultra Series: the 4000 Series, which imports much of the technology from their flagship 16-Ultra line and mates it with the 13-Ultra designs. The result is an improvement in every way over the 13-Ultra subwoofers, especially in the realm of control and signal processing. What is better is that this substantial improvement comes at little to no price increase. Read our preview of the SVS 4000 Series subwoofers to see what SVS has done to make a worthy successor to the now-classic 13-Ultra subwoofers.
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Wednesday, November 29, 2017
How to Have a Smart Home for Less Than $1,000
Enjoying the benefits and convenience that a smart home can provide no longer has to be a big expenditure of time or money. These days, you can simply order the devices you want, or buy them right off the shelf, and install them yourself. If the install it yourself part sounds intimidating, there’s always the option of hiring a low cost service or installation company like Best Buy’s Geek Squad or an Amazon professional to do that for you. First, round up the products you want to comprise your smart home. Here’s a look at six of the most essential products:
Smart Lights – Philips Hue, for example, is a personal wireless lighting system that lets you easily control your light and create the right mood for every moment. Prices vary depending on the type of Hue product you select. Check out the Philips website here.
Smart Garage Door Opener – lets you remotely control access to your garage from your smartphone. You can receive reminders on your phone when you’ve left the door open. A smart garage door opener also allows you to manage who can access your garage and set rules for automatic opening and closing. The Aladdin Connect is a popular model and is available at Amazon, Home Depot and Lowe’s.
The post How to Have a Smart Home for Less Than $1,000 appeared first on Electronic House.
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IoT Devices: Are You Prepared for Accept the Risk?
Don’t let your happy holidays become unhappy hackidays. Check out the findings of McAfee’s survey to better protect yourself and your IoT (Internet of Things) devices from falling prey to hacking predators. IoT devices range from laptops and tablets to toys, so be sure you’re well prepared.
McAfee‘s November 14th announcement, which reported the results of its third annual “Most Hackable Holiday Gifts” list, can help consumers identify potential security risks associated with popular gifts this holiday season. The laptops, tablets and smartphones category leads the list, followed by drones, digital assistants, connected toys, and connected appliances. In addition, McAfee, one of the world’s leading independent cybersecurity companies, conducted a survey to identify the habits and behaviors of consumers as they get ready for the holiday shopping season.
Their findings show that most consumers agree that security is a necessity for laptops, tablets, and smartphones (69%). However, only 22 percent believe connected toys require security, 29 percent believe drones should be protected, and 56 percent think that digital assistants need to be secured.
“We continue to see connected devices high on holiday wish lists, but it’s clear consumers don’t always understand the importance of protecting devices at every point of connection and within products themselves,” says Gary Davis, chief consumer security evangelist at McAfee. “In many cases, consumers are simply unaware that their devices need to be protected or how to protect them. This lack of awareness and action can be exploited by cybercriminals to break into devices and steal personal information.”
Almost all consumers (91%) claim that they know it is important to keep their online identity and devices safe, but only 53 percent take the necessary steps to implement protection. Sixteen percent assume that the manufacturer has built security into the product, and another 22 percent know they need to put security precautions in place but don’t know how.
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Google Project Sunroof is Like Zillow for Your Solar Panels
It’s usually the biggest question facing any homeowner looking to possibly add solar panels to their roof: Will solar panels be effective on my house? Google’s Project Sunroof aims to answer that burning question. The mega-company has created an online tool to help homeowners make the move into solar by providing you with a wealth of information about installing solar on your home.
Think of Project Sunroof like a Zillow for your solar panels. It takes data from Google Earth or Googlemaps to predict the amount of sunlight time as well as any obstructions that may prevent your solar panels from achieving their maximum performance and value. Visually, the website displays which side of the roof would work best for photovoltaic panel placement using a simple and effective white-to-yellow-to-purple color gradient. White depicts the brightest portion of your roof (usually the southern facing portion) while purple shows areas of shade.
In addition to offering a pleasing and simple visual presentation, Project Sunroof presents all the information a potential solar buyer would want. After you input into Sunroof your home address, the web tool immediately spits out information on how many solar hours a system could generate in one year, as well as the estimated square footage available for solar panels and an estimated net energy savings for your home over the next 20 years. If you scroll down you can see an estimated reduction in your carbon footprint starting with your carbon tonnage. It is represented in icons showing the number of cars taken off the road and the number of tree seedlings grown during a 10-year span. The final row shows installation estimates with upfront costs and savings in both the short term and long term.
In the end, Google Project Sunroof is a great tool for you as a homeowner to gauge and examine all your options. Similar to the process of buying a car, it is important to always know what you’re getting into from all angles. This website gives you that perspective and offers realistic expectations on the kind of savings you might enjoy.
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On-wall Speakers from Klipsch are Slim and Pair Great With Flat TVs
Not everyone enjoys the look of traditional floor standing speakers, nor do they enjoy the floor space they take up. Yet, they are noted as being the best style to use if you want the best sound quality possible.
Klipsch has designed an innovative on-wall speaker that solves this problem. Their Reference Premiere Designer On-Wall speakers produce top-quality sound in a more fashionable design. These speakers’ slim form factor will pair nicely with a wall mounted flat panel television. According to Michael Buratto, Klipsch’s product manager, “We created Klipsch Reference Premiere Designer On-Wall speakers to bring the dynamics, detail, and power of our critically acclaimed Reference Premiere box speakers in slim on-wall solution – for attractive, elegant and décor-friendly performance.”
According to Klipsch press release, “This series incorporates the legendary acoustics, premium materials, and advanced technology as the award-winning Reference Premiere home theater speakers. Exclusive Tractrix® Horn technology improves high-frequency response and extension, while enhancing imaging and dynamics.” Throw in a titanium tweeter and Klipsch’s Cerametallic
Pricing
RP-440D-SB $699.00
RP-640D $499.00
RP-240D $299.00
RP-140D $199.00
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Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Should You Cover Your Speakers With Grilles?
By Kevin Gallucci
To be frank, this is a topic that has no right or wrong answer, but there are a lot of different opinions about the best configuration. Views differ from one manufacturer to the next and from one consumer to the next, as well. Before I offer an argument one way or another, let’s take a moment to consider what a speaker grille does.
At a fundamental level, the speaker grille protects the drivers from accidental damage or from young little poky fingers. The latter example comes from a personal experience when my very young niece was enticed by one of my speakers’ tweeters, and decided to stick her cute little finger into it. If you have young children, feisty pets, or a clumsy uncle who stops by a lot, I would highly recommend leaving the grilles on your speaker unless you want to have an unplanned repair.
Grilles also act as dust covers to help keep the drivers clean. This isn’t an issue if you’re willing to regularly clean your drivers, but grilles do help reduce dust and grime from reaching the drivers. In addition, speaker grilles, in some cases, can offer a cleaner look than exposed drivers, thus making them more décor-friendly to your living area.
The important question, though, is whether speaker grilles impact sound quality. In the past, I know Canadian speaker manufacturer, Paradigm, has recommended keeping the grilles on because they were designed to sound their best with the grilles. On the other hand, Danish manufacturer, Dynaudio, has recommended leaving the grilles off to achieve the best sound quality. Both manufacturers are greatly respected in the realm of high-end speakers, and both do a lot of R&D, so I would say you can’t say either is right or wrong. I think it ultimately comes down to your preference.
I’ve heard a lot of speakers over the years, and my preference is to leave the grilles off (as long as my nieces aren’t around!). I believe it helps me to achieve the most revealing sound from my speakers. To be fair, though, that’s the kind of sound I’m looking for, but that’s one of the great things about audio. Every person is affected differently by sound, and you should always follow what sounds best to your ears. No two ears are exactly alike, and thankfully, no two sets of speakers are alike, so try it both ways – grilles on and grilles off – and decide for yourself how you prefer to hear your music and movies.
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Audio Research Tube Amp: Gateway to Audio Nirvana?
If you’re new to high performance audio, there is a very big question you will eventually ask yourself, “To Tube or not to Tube.” The majority of amplifiers available are solid-state, which rely on transistors to amplify the signal, but there is an unexplainable mystique to a tube amplifier. If you’re considering a tube amp, Audio Research is one of the leading manufacturers of tube audio products. The company recently launched the “SE” version of its acclaimed VT80. The VT80SE is Audio Research’s latest and greatest, and it takes their entry-level tube amplifier to a new sonic level.
Its performance is unparalleled and its 3,000 hour average life allows years of uninterrupted listening.” Now, for the first time, this higher-performing tube is in their entry-level model instead of just their top end. It’s like an airline deciding that lay flat seats are so incredible; they are going to introduce them to economy class passengers too. Okay, well maybe not to that extreme, but you get the idea. In other words, these tubes are too good not to share with the rest of the line.
Tube amplifiers used to require bias if you changed out the tubes, but the VT80SE is able to auto-bias, so if you feel like changing from KT150s to KT120s, you have the ability to do so without any manual adjustments. The VT80SE can automatically adjust and accommodate either type of tube, so you can tailor the sound you want from the amplifier. If you’ve been considering making the switch to a tube amplifier, wondering what all the fuss is about, you should take the VT80SE for a spin and see if tubes are your gateway to audio nirvana.
Pricing: $8,900 Optional Tube Cage $500
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Monday, November 27, 2017
10 Best Cyber Monday Smart Home Deals on Amazon
Cyber Monday is in full swing, and Amazon offers a wealth of smart home devices. You’ll find a huge assortment of everything you need to more efficiently manage your home’s lights, appliances, garage doors, thermostats, and more. Here are 10 of the best deals you’ll find today on Amazon.
Wemo Mini Smart Plug, Wi-Fi Enabled, Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
Was 34.99; Now $24.97
Philips Hue White Smart Bulb Starter Kit (4 A19 Bulbs and 1 Bridge, Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant)
What you can do with it: From an app on your smartphone you can create schedules for the Philips Hue light bulbs to follow. For example, you can have them turn on in the morning and off at night. The Hue bulbs are LED and Energy Star rated, so you’ll also be able to save electricity. This base system can be expanded to include accessories like the Hue Tap or Hue Motion Sensor; or synch the lights with a Nest thermostat or SmartThings home automation system.
Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation, Stainless Steel, Works with Amazon Alexa
What you can do with it: The Nest thermostat has always been smart, but this latest iteration lets you use your voice to adjust the thermostat settings. Designed to work with Amazon Alexa, the Nest thermostat listens for commands like, “Alexa, set my temperature to 72 degrees” and responds accordingly. Like all generations of Nest thermostats, this model learns the temperatures you like and programs itself in about a week. It includes a feature called Farsight: When the Nest thermostat spots you from across the room, it lights up to show you the time, temperature, or weather.
Samsung SmartThings Smart Home Hub
Was $99.99; Now $49
What you can do with it: The Samsung SmartThings Smart Home Hub is able to connect with and control a variety of smart home devices without any new wiring necessary. Compatible devices include light switches, speakers, door locks, thermostats, security sensors, and more. All of these devices can follow schedules programmed into the Smart Home Hub, or they can be controlled via voice through Amazon Alexa.
ecobee4 Alexa-Enabled Thermostat with Sensor, Works with Amazon Alexa
Was $249; Now $199
What you can do with it: The ecobee4 thermostat can be controlled by voice directly because it has Amazon Alexa built-in. You can also ask it to read the news and report the temperature—it can hear you from across the room. The ecobee4 monitors readings from room sensors in other areas of th4 home, so that there are no hot or cold spots in your house. It works with Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, IFTTT and more, which means its settings can be coordinated with other devices.
August Smart Lock 2nd Generation – Dark Gray, Works with Amazon Alexa
Was $229.99; Now $149
What you can do with it: You can ditch your traditional house keys and lock and unlock a door with your smartphone instead—it locks the door as you leave and unlocks it as you approach. The August Smart Lock installs on the inside of your door in minutes; you keep the door’s existing deadbolt. You can use the August smartphone app to grant and restrict access to visitors and you can use your voice to lock the door using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
SYLVANIA Smart+ LED Landscape Lighting Set, Gardenspots – Mini RGB Outdoor Kit with Removable Stakes, Adjustable RGB Color Changing, Includes 9 Lights, 73699 (Formerly LIGHTIFY), Works with Amazon Alexa
Was $69.99; Now $54.99
What you can do with it: This set of nine landscape lights can be positioned in a variety of different ways to illuminate any outdoor settings. The lights are color changing and dimmable via a mobile app on your smartphone or tablet. You can create special lighting scenes for your backyard, and change the look on a whim. You will need to add a compatible smart home hub.
littleBits Electronics Smart Home Kit
Was $249.99; Now $163.45
What you can do with it: Designed for budding smart home DIYer’s, this kit includes everything you need to make internet-connected devices right out of the box. You can design your own smart home product and automate them with IFTTT to connect to web services like Facebook, Gmail and Twitter, or hardware like Nest and Phillips Hue.
Chamberlain WD962KEV Garage Door Opener, ¾ HPS, Battery Backup When Power Goes Out, Ultra-Quiet Belt Drive Operation, MyQ Smartphone Control Enabled (Internet Gateway Sold Separately), Includes 2-3 Button Remotes, Keyless Entry Keypad, Multi-Function Wall Control Panel
Was $238; Now $217.99
What you can do with it: You can gain more control over your garage door with a companion smart phone app. After this smart garage door opener has been installed, you can open and close the door remotely or set a schedule for it to follow.
DreamSpa All Chrome Water Temperature Controlled Color Changing 5-Setting LED Shower-Head; Color of LED lights changes automatically according to water temperature
What you can do with it: The DreamSpa lets you take a shower under the glow of your favorite color. The color of the integrated light on the showerhead changes with the temperature of the water. Five settings include Power Rain, Pulsating Massage, Hydro-Mist, Economy Rain and Water-Saving Pause.
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Legacy Audio Valor Loudspeaker Overview & Demo
Legacy's latest flagship product, the Valor, is a speaker that pushes the state-of-the-art in high-fidelity further than ever before as a 2,750 watt, 11-driver behemoth that is packed with the latest advances in audio engineering. The sound from the Valor is tightly controlled so interference from room acoustics is greatly reduced, and imaging from the original signal is preserved with greater clarity. The methods used by Legacy to reconstruct the original stereo image go well beyond traditional room correction equalization. Read our preview and watch our YouTube Video of the Legacy Valor to find out more.
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Thursday, November 23, 2017
2017 Audioholics Christmas Gift Guide
As is our annual tradition, we have put together our 2017 Audioholics AV electronics Christmas gift guide of relatively affordable audio gear and accessories that can really enhance your enjoyment of your favorite music and/or movies. Whether you're shopping for a new AV receiver, media streaming device, speakers, or even a smart balance board, we've got you covered. Pay extra attention to the limited time special pricing on some of the products on this list. We hope you enjoy and have a very Merry Christmas!
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Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Looking for Convenient Control of Your Outdoor Lights?
Power management company Eaton introduces the All-Pro MS180BT sensor, a Bluetooth-enabled motion sensor that lets users control their outdoor security lighting from the convenience of a mobile app. The sensor is compatible with any LED or incandescent security lighting product that uses a standard ½-inch threading connection.
Related: How to use motion sensors outdoor for home security
The easy-to-use app allows the iOS or Android device to connect directly to the fixture with a range of up to 60 feet. Without the need for a gateway, hub, or even a Wi-Fi connection, installation is simple and fixture response time is fast. In addition, the app allows professionals to complete installation and commissioning without accessing the end user’s smart device.
The sensor features a 180-degree detection area and is compatible with most Eaton outdoor light-emitting diode security lights, as well as other compatible security floodlight fixtures. The product is available in white or bronze.
In a recent post from streetdirectory.com, the various benefits of outdoor motion sensor security lights were highlighted:
- If you are away from your home it will be protected because the lights come on bright all over your yard and anywhere they are pointed. You can feel safer knowing everyone can be seen. It is proven fact that homes with motion sensors have less crime than those that do not.2. There are many outdoor sensor security lights available. You can go online and look for the perfect one for your home. There are wireless and hardwired options.
Motion lights are convenient for the family. When you come home and it is dark inside your home the motion lights will come on. If your hands are full you will be able to see to open the door. If your kids get dropped off after school, or playing sports, they can see to get into the garage, or to put their key into the door.4. Motion lights can clear your lawn of rabbits, and skunks because the pest do not like light. When it is dark outside it will scare them and they will leave the yard. If you have problems with raccoons in the trash you will not have this problem anymore because they will be scared and run off.5. Security lights save money. You do not have to have your lights on all day or night. They will come on only when there is someone in your yard. So you will save on bulbs and also you will see it is more useful for your home.6. Outdoor motion sensor security lights help your neighbors watch your house. If you go on vacation they can see if the light goes on in your yard, so they can go check out the house.
The post Looking for Convenient Control of Your Outdoor Lights? appeared first on Electronic House.
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Are Your Home Security Cameras Protected from Unwanted Eyes?
Sure, home security cameras give added peace of mind, but the reality is, an unsecured camera puts you at risk. Apolonio Garcia, CEO of Cincinnati, Ohio-based HealthGuard IT Security, states that home security cameras that you watch on your smartphone are vulnerable to hackers.
“With an unsecured video camera, someone half a world away can watch whatever you are doing in your home, such as grabbing a beer out of your fridge, or even worse,” Garcia said in an interview with WCPO Channel 9 in Cincinnati. He added that thieves can target it locally by hacking into your Wi-Fi signal if you live in an apartment building or via the cloud if your camera system sends a live image to your smartphone.
“It’s very easy for someone on the Internet to discover a device, and then exploit that device,” Garcia pointed out. “Theoretically, I could click on a web link and try to connect to your web server.” Garcia says hackers can watch your family, or use your camera’s IP address as part of a hacking attack, in something called a “denial of service” attack.
In order to protect yourself and your family, Garcia recommends the following:
- Change security system passwords: Never use the default setting, which is typically set as 1-2-3-4).
- Choose “encryption” if your security camera system has that option as it uploads video to the cloud.
- Update your Wi-Fi router, by going to sites like linksys.com or belkin.com and looking for “firmware update.”
- Update your security camera’s hard drive if it has one, by going directly to the manufacturer’s website and searching for updates.
- Make sure you are changing default passwords, and make sure you are keeping that camera updated, patched and getting security updates.
- And, while you may think you’re looking out for your child by putting a camera in their bedroom to ensure they’re sleeping safely, Garcia, along with other security experts, advise against it. There’s too much chance someone else may end up looking in on them, too.
The post Are Your Home Security Cameras Protected from Unwanted Eyes? appeared first on Electronic House.
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Reinventing Old-Fashioned Home Heat Pump Technology
“For the loser now will be later to win, or the times they are a-changin’” said Bob Dylan. And he might have been thinking of air source heat pumps when he penned those famous lyrics. Indeed, with the constant advancement in new technology, sometimes it’s worth reexamining old technology – like air source heat pumps — and its potential benefits in today’s smart homes in conjunction with smart thermostats.
Air source heat pumps work much the same way your fridge works but generate heat instead of cold. Though this cheaper form of heat is extremely cost efficient during warmer months, it has an extreme drop off in efficiency during colder winter months… often having to rely on outside sources to make up the heat difference. Indeed, the technology was considered a liability when in used in colder climates. But that is about to change.
Working alongside researchers from the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE), manufacturers have developed a more efficient heating system that can match up with winter weather of the Northern Midwest and the New England areas. They achieved this improved efficiency by using a system that uses two different compressors. The first one operates per usual during normal weather conditions, while a second compressor kicks in automatically when the temperature drops to a certain point where the first unit’s performance is affected.
The benefactors of this new advancement are cold-weather homeowners, who can now use the technology as an inexpensive alternative to heat their homes. A study by the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnership found that when replacing a heating system, owners had a savings of $450 when replacing an electric heater and $900 when replacing an oil heater. Field tested in Ohio and Alaska the two available units — mild and cold — have proven more than capable to meet demand.
And it is just in time for winter. Home heating is the largest energy expense for most U.S. homeowners and accounts for nearly 30 percent of energy used in the nation’s residential buildings, according to the DoE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Millions of homeowners in colder regions of the country do not have natural gas available, leaving furnaces to be fueled with heating oil, propane, or electricity. So if you are looking to replace your heating unit and save some money on your heating bill, consider an investment in a new air source heat pump.
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Solar Power vs. Wind Power Showdown: Which Is Better?
With consumers adopting greener lifestyles, there is a major showdown brewing between the two top renewable energy sources: wind power and solar power. Setting aside the aesthetic factors, how do the two technologies stack up against each other?
In 2015, 19 percent of large-scale utility power was derived from wind, while just 6 percent came from solar power. That trend has continued with a heavy investment in wind power by utilities in areas where steady and strong winds are consistent. But what about in a single-family residence in an urban environment? Is wind power viable?
A recent report, the Lazard Levelized Cost of Energy Analysis, looks at the cost of various types of energy with multiple comparison factors. The report sets cost ranges per kilowatt hour for each sector type of energy creation, including residential solar and residential wind (or microturbine). The results are rather startling.
The report reveals the unsubsidized monthly cost of rooftop solar panels to fall between $187 and $319 per month. Meanwhile, microturbine wind power has an unsubsidized monthly cost of just $59 to $89, a savings of 68 percent to 72 percent. The projections assume the homeowner has taken on a 60 percent debt with an 8 percent interest for the installation. Even when subsidies are taken into consideration, solar power still comes in at a range of $145 to $240 per month.
And although wind power does require consistent wind, the technology beats solar from a total cost perspective in every region of the United States. The average capital investment by a homeowner for solar is $10,000, while wind is just $1,200. (Remember, assuming that 60 percent of the cost is being financed.)
In conclusion wind power is both cheaper and more efficient compared to solar, in a perfect environment, but it all comes down your individual home. Wind turbines need a tall open environment with a steady strong wind source. Some communities have restrictions on pole heights that would be prohibitive for wind turbine installation and microturbine roof installation. In contrast, solar power just needs an unobstructed roof and access to the sun which is almost universal to most homes. It also has a longer lifetime. So if it is viable in your area, wind power could be an amazing option.
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4 Basics Rules of Home Lighting Design
Even though lighting design can greatly improve a home’s appeal, it is a seldom done. Every room in a home can benefit from a thoughtful lighting design, but as with any art form, it can be a challenge to tackle on your own. Here are the four basic elements of lighting design for anyone interested in taking their home’s ambiance to next level.
- Use Lights in Layers — The first and maybe the most important step in planning out the lighting is to create a good layered effect. You can do this by combining well-placed overhead lights with sconces to plan out where your table and floor lamps should be placed.
Check out the amazing lighting effects in this award-winning home
- Color Temperature — Color temperature can be a simple way to emphasize the functionality of a room, and it is a cheap fix to change the feeling of your room. For example you should use cool lights in the kitchen and warmer lights in the bedroom. You can determine the color temperature of the light based on where it falls on the Kelvin scale, warm lights fall between 2700k and 3500k and cool lights are found between 5000k and 6500k.
- Type of Light Distribution — This is all about giving a room different lighting effects. Light distribution is usually divided into direct or indirect, or diffused or emitting. By creating a variety of light distribution, you can avoid the mono-tints of a single uniform light source that you might find at a doctor’s office or in school classroom.
- Lighting Effects — This category is all about task lighting, accent lighting, cove lighting décor lighting and so on. Lighting effects identify the features of the room and bring out the best important parts of the room. So if you have a nice cabinet or mantle piece to which you want to draw attention, small accent lights would do the trick.
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