Lifestyle Smart Home

Iris Vs. Nest Thermostats: What Are The Major Differences?

About 90% of all households in the United States have a heating and air conditioning system, which makes it one of the most popular—and essential—pieces of home equipment. That makes thermostats a hot commodity, too, as they play an important role in making sure your HVAC system runs properly.

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Samsung TV Volume Stuck On 100? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

A loud blast from your Samsung TV is enough to send you through the roof. If the volume’s stuck on 100, how are you supposed to comfortably catch up on Virgin River?

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Can You Use Multiple Fire Sticks In One House? (Find Out Now!)

Many people do not want to use cable anymore because of all the streaming options available to them. If you have decided to use an Amazon Fire Stick to do your streaming, you may have some questions. One question is whether you can use multiple Fire Sticks in one house.

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Samsung TV Black Screen of Death? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

There is little argument that Samsung Smart TVs are some of the most popular on the market. The reliability and quality of these TVs are unquestioned. However, like any appliance, Samsung TVs are subject to their share of problems and issues. One of the most often asked about problems is the black screen of death.

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Is It Possible To Record A Nest Cam Locally? (Find Out Now!)

Home security has advanced significantly in the last several years now that it is affordable and accessible. Companies such as Google Nest and Ring allow you to add a layer of security to your home without spending a fortune. So, is it possible to record a Nest cam locally?

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Nest Thermostat Not Cooling? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Nest is one of the most trusted smart thermostat brands in the world, and it’s a reliable one at that. That’s why people tend to freak out when they notice their Nest thermostat not cooling. Could it be a busted Nest or something worse? Oh, it all depends on what your diagnostic reveals.

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Vizio TV Retrieving Data Then No Signal? (We Have a Fix!)

One of the trademarks that have enabled the success of Vizio and their televisions is an exceptional user experience. So, of course, when that whenever-we-want wherever-we-want right-now service is anything but, we panic. Don’t. In most cases, if a  Vizio TV has connection or signal issues it isn’t an end of the world problem.

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Ring Doorbell Not Connecting To Wi-Fi? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

A Ring doorbell acts as both a doorbell and a security device for homes and business properties. It allows you to see who is at the door and speak to them, too. You can accomplish all of this and more even when you’re away from home all through the Ring app. However, to make all this happen, your device must be connected to a secure Wi-Fi network.

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Kasa "Device Unreachable" Alert? (We Have a Fix!)

Kasa is a brand that is hellbent on making smart homes easier to access than ever, and it’s a system that works with most major hubs. Unfortunately, it still has its kinks it occasionally deals with. One of the more common annoyances that we tend to see is an alert saying that there’s a “device unreachable” in your system. What gives?

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Hulu Keeps Skipping Forward: 5 Ways to Fix It

Nothing can be quite as frustrating as trying to watch a show and it keeps skipping forward. Unfortunately for Hulu users, this can be a common issue. There are a handful of different reasons for why this happens, and we’re here to talk about them all. So, why does Hulu keep skipping forward, and what can you do to stop it from being an issue in the future?

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Cox Panoramic WiFi Blinking Green Light: 10 Ways to Fix

It’s not unusual to experience issues with your WiFi, which is why it’s important to know how to fix the problems as quickly as possible. One of the common issues you may run into is your Cox Panoramic modem blinking a different color. In this article, we’ll be talking about what to do if a Cox Panoramic WiFi green blinking light.

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Is Your Ecobee Auxiliary Heat Running Too Long?

Heater season is upon us! If you have an Ecobee thermostat, you may notice an alert pop up after running the heater for a few weeks: “Aux heat running too long.” It should be noted that “Aux” stands for auxiliary, a secondary heating system. Once the temperature outside reaches a certain low point, your compressor switches over to auxiliary heat.

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Is A Ring Doorbell Waterproof? (Find Out Now!)

The Ring Video Doorbell is made to be mounted outside of a home, typically underneath eaves or under a porch where it will be subjected to some weather but not the full force of soaking rain or driving winds. It is also assumed that it will not be regularly sprayed by landscaping irrigation sprinklers or doused by splashing pool water.

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Is Your Vivint Thermostat Not Working? (We Have a Fix!)

The Vivint Smart Thermostat plays an important role in the brand’s home security lineup. It uses sensors to determine when you’re home or away. With that information, it adjusts the temperature in your house. But what happens when your digital thermostat stops working?

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Is Your Roku Light Blinking? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Ah, a Roku device- your one-stop-shop for all things streaming. If your Roku light starts blinking, that throws a pretty big wrench in your Saturday night plans (that may or may not have included leaving the couch).

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Vizio TV Stuck On Wide Mode? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Unlike old TVs with one aspect ratio available, Vizio TVs offer you several options for viewing programs at the best aspect ratio. Most times, your Vizio TV adjusts the display’s aspect ratio for the best with the program you watch. However, you may experience your Vizio TV getting stuck in the Wide Mode aspect ratio.

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5 Ways To Solve Red Globe On Verizon Router

Verizon is a great service provider, but that doesn’t mean you’ll always be free of problems when it comes to their internet. There are many things that can happen when you have hardware or wireless service involved, which is why there are indicator lights on the router and modem. But what if there is a red globe on your Verizon router? How do you fix it?

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Xfinity Cable Box Keeps Rebooting? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Don’t blame the haunts of Halloween, the ghosts of Christmas past, or the specters of past residents when your Xfinity  cable box inexplicably reboots. That isn’t to say that those couldn’t be causes, or that the haunt of a former prankster or an agitated poltergeist couldn’t be the culprit. It might just be best to start with more earthly or grounded reasons – speaking literally and figuratively.

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Samsung TV Red Light Blinking 6 Times? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

When the red LED light on your Samsung TV blinks 6 times, and the TV doesn’t come on, you are pretty sure that there is trouble in paradise. Some other brands of TVs have extensive error code systems. Not so Samsung, so if your Samsung TV blinks the red LED 6 times, you only get a general idea of what is wrong.

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Vizio TV Making High Pitched Noise? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Many satisfied Vizio TV users are willing to tell you how much they love their TVs. However, you will also hear some stories about problems. Often these complaints detail high-pitched sounds coming from inside the Vizio TV.

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Ring Video Doorbell Has Buzzing Sound? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

The Ring Video Doorbell is a wildly popular doorbell option because it combines home security with front-door alerting. However, when it starts a random buzz after only weeks or months of use, it becomes quite an unparalleled annoyance. This buzz can be in the outdoor unit itself, which is not as bad, or it can be in the home’s doorbell chime which is unbearable.

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Home Security Tips: Living Alone For The First Time

You only get to live alone for the first time once, and it’s important to make the most of it. But moving into your own place can also feel a bit daunting. There is all the stuff you need to buy, and a home aesthetic to think about.

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Ecobee Is Blowing Cold Air Instead Of Hot? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

For as smart as they are, smart thermostats occasionally do some silly things. Ecobee users noticed their thermostats sometimes blew cold air instead of hot air. When you’re expecting heat on a chilly day, cold air is most unwelcome. So, why does this happen?

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White-Rodgers Thermostat Not Responding? (We Have a Fix!)

White-Rodgers is a company that’s pretty well known for being reliable, especially when it comes to its selection of thermostats. Though they generally work well, there are always times when things don’t go as planned. If you notice your thermostat acting unresponsive, you might have a problem on your hand. But, what’s going on?

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Do Smart Plugs Save Energy?

Countless homeowners have done everything that they can to transform their houses into smart homes. It’s easy to overlook certain simple devices that make it easier to go about your day as a homeowner, such as smart plugs. So, do smart plugs save energy?

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Altice One WiFi Not Working: 8 Things to Check & Fix

It’s no secret that we need reliable internet in this day and age. This fact makes it all the more frustrating when your WiFi unexpectedly stops working. If you have an Altice One router that is not working, you’re in the right place to learn about how to troubleshoot issues with WiFi connectivity.

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Why Is My Router Blinking Red? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

A router blinking red is a common symptom of many different problems. Knowing what this means can help you get it back up and running ASAP!

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How To Reduce Glare On A Ring Doorbell (Do These 5 Things!)

Ring doorbells are one of the most popular ways to keep a digital eye on your home, but they have one major issue: glare. Glare from sunlight can make it hard for your doorbell’s camera to do its job. In fact, it can even obscure an entrant’s face. That’s pretty bad for security. How can you reduce that glare?

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Braeburn Thermostat Not Working? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Braeburn has produced reliable and user-friendly thermostats since 2001. They are easy to use, energy-efficient, and highly affordable. With that said, they can sometimes act up and stop working effectively or at all.

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Roku TV Keeps Disconnecting From WiFi? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Roku TV lets you access an international library of streaming content. It’s generally convenient and easy to use, but it can be frustrating when your Roku TV keeps disconnecting from WiFi.

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Google Home Routines Not Working? (We Have a Fix!)

If you have a Google Assistant, you can utilize routines to make your day-to-day life easier. In fact, 72% of people who own voice-activated technology say that it is an integral part of their daily routine.

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Samsung TV Turning Off Every 5 Seconds (Proven Fix!)

Does your Samsung TV keep turning off every 5 seconds? How frustrating! Samsung is a brand well-known for supplying a long list of different smart devices. Their high-quality displays make them a popular choice for smart TVs, but high-quality is only useful if you can  actually watch it.

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Prime Video Not Working On Roku? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Prime Video not working on your Roku device can be earth-shattering. I mean, how are you supposed to watch the latest season of Billions?

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Can You Put A Router In A Cabinet? (Find Out Now!)

If you’re like me, your wi-fi is your life. You want to make sure that your router gives the best signal possible. Unfortunately, routers don’t exactly look stylish. They can be a major eyesore. That’s why people often try to make them easy to hide. Cabinets are a common method, but is this really the best possible method?

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Why Is My Honeywell Thermostat Display Blank? (Find Out Now!)

 It doesn’t take long to tell a difference in the temperature of your home. Maybe you noticed your home wasn’t as comfortable as usual and discovered a blank display screen. If this is the case, you’ll want to diagnose the problem quickly.

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Honeywell Thermostat RTH230B Not Working? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

The Honeywell RTH230B is easy to use, and it works reliably most of the time. Thermostats of any kind can quit working optimally or at all at the most inconvenient times, and they can be tricky to troubleshoot. So, what does it mean when your Honeywell RTH230B isn’t working, and what should you do?

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Alexa Not Discovering Hue Lights? (We Have a Fix!)

Alexa is one of the most popular smart home hub services in the world, with thousands upon thousands of different products being made for use with it. Hue is one of the most popular smart light series in the world, and of course, it’s designed by Philips. Having owned Hue bulbs, I can tell you that they can be pretty hard to pair with Alexa.

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Nest Thermostat Battery Keeps Draining? (We Have a Fix!)

Having a Google Nest thermostat can help you live comfortably and conveniently from season to season. However, as is the case with most technology, you’re likely to run into technical issues along the way. One of these issues involves the battery inside your thermostat.

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6 Best Alternatives To Blue Iris Security Software

Having a smart home means that you’re going to need to find software that helps manage your safety and security. Blue Iris is one of the top home security camera software kits out there, and it lets you see all the things that go on in your home. Every feature comes at a fee, though, and those fees add up. Did you ever wonder what the most popular alternatives to Blue Iris are?

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Vizio TV Brightness Fades In and Out? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Those who have  Vizio TVs love their televisions. And there is a good reason for that because Vizio has become recognized as a leader in TV technology. Just ask the thousands upon thousands of satisfied Vizio customers, and they will tell you, from the screen quality to the interactive technologies, that these are wonderful TVs.

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How To Reset Your ADT Alarm After Power Outage (Do This!)

Home security systems like ADT are designed to help homeowners and renters feel safe and protected against dangers of the outside world. When you lose power for one reason or another it is important to reset the system to ensure your ADT system works continuously.

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Vizio TV Keeps Turning Off After a Few Seconds? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

There’s nothing worse than when your Vizio TV keeps turning off after a few seconds in the middle of Monday Night Football. It’s time to get to the bottom of this before you lose your cool.

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Can You Use A Ring Doorbell In An Apartment? (Find Out Now!)

When I used to be in my twenties, I lived in really sketchy neighborhoods. One was an apartment building that had doors on the inside of the building. It was a time before Ring doorbells. Since then, I’ve wondered whether or not people there installed them inside the building. Is it even possible?

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Google Home "Something Went Wrong" Error? (We Have a Fix!)

Google Home is one of the most popular, most efficient smart home hubs out there…Until it’s not. It can be great unless it doesn’t work. A common glitch we often hear with it is the concern-raising “Something went wrong” error. This seems alarming, but in most cases, it’s not something to get too freaked out about.

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Cox Internet Keeps Going Out? Do This!

When your internet goes out, you may have a problem that you can fix from the comfort of your home. Cox internet is often very dependable, but like most companies, minor difficulties can occur. So, what do you do when Cox internet keeps going out on you?

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Schlage Smart Lock Not Working? (Fix It Without a Locksmith)

When you install a smart lock, you expect it to work. I mean, they’re supposed to be the leader in security. This is doubly true if you got a smart lock from a company like Schlage. Schlage has been a major mainstay in the home security field for ages. So, how do you fix a Schlage smart lock that isn’t working?

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Samsung TV Home Button Not Working? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

One of the great features of Samsung TVs s the HOME button on the Samsung remote control. Pressing this button allows you to your favorite entertainment channels, useful TV features, and much more from this option. However, when the HOME button on your Samsung remote quits working, you can reach frustration quickly.

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Sony TV Blinking Red Light 6 Times? (Possible Causes and Fixes)

The Sony TV blinking a red light 6 times is usually an indication of error. While there are many possible causes and fixes, some require the user to be more technically inclined than others.

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Xfinity US/DS Light Blinking? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Here’s the thing- there are several reasons why your US/DS Xfinity modem light could be blinking. Before you throw it out of the window, attempt to fix it yourself. Are you up for the challenge?

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Nest Vs. Honeywell Smart Thermostats: Which One is Better?

With an average rating of 4.5 stars, both Nest and Honeywell Smart Thermostats perform well in the eyes of customers. However, they have their differences.

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Vizio AirPlay Not Working (10 Things to Check & Fix)

When it works perfectly, AirPlay allows users to stream content from Apple devices to other multimedia devices. If you have a Vizio TV, you can display audio, video, photos, and anything else from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop directly to the TV. Unfortunately, technology rarely seems to work perfectly. That’s why we’re going to talk about what to do when Vizio AirPlay is not working.

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Thermostat Flashing "Cool On" But Not Working? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Troubleshooting a thermostat can be tricky between all of the messages and error codes that they display. Many homeowners have scratched their heads the words “cool on” flash on the display yet the thermostat won’t work. So, what does this message mean, and what can you do to fix it?

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6 Ways To Fix Wemo Switches That Are Blinking Orange

There are modern, smart equivalents to almost any household device, and that includes light switches. Wemo switches are smart light switches that are infinitely useful, that is unless it is blinking orange. So, what are the best ways to fix Wemo switches that are blinking orange?

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Is Hulu Activate Not Working? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

POV: You just sat down to veg out on a Friday night, and unfortunately, Hulu activate isn’t working. What can you do to fix it?

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Nest Thermostat Keeps Restarting? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

The invention of smart thermostats like Nest has made home life more comfortable and convenient. You can enjoy power-saving settings, quick performance, and an easy user interface. So, what are you supposed to do when your Nest thermostat keeps restarting?

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Nest Thermostat Not Heating? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Nest thermostats are great for people who want to have a little extra efficiency. They keep your home warm and nicely climate controlled. However, things don’t always work the way they should. There are going to be times when your Nest thermostat won’t heat up your home. What gives, anyway?

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Wired Connection Slower Than WiFi? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Wired connection is slowly becoming a thing of the past, although it is still semi-popular for its reliable speed. Why all of a sudden isn’t it delivering the results you’ve come to expect? Here’s what to do when your wired connection is slower than WiFi.

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No Menu Button on Vizio Remote? (Here's How to Access Settings)

If you have recently bought a Vizio smart TV and have taken a look at the remote, you have probably noticed something a little strange right off the bat: there is no menu button on a Vizio remote.

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SimpliSafe Keypad Out Of Range? (We Have a Fix!)

SimpliSafe has a line of home security products that are meant to keep you protected whether you are home or not. One of their products is a  digital keypad that can be used on any of the doors in on your home.

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ASUS Router B/G Protection (Here's What You Need To Know)

Chances are if you have a newer ASUS router, you’ve probably never heard of B/G protection. Regardless, can it be advantageous to turn the setting on?

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