Iāll wrap up my outdoor lighting series tomorrow, but this morning I have a few thoughts related to 9/11 that I wanted to process. The other day I was listening to a podcast where the hosts were discussing the impact of major world events. One suggested that 9/11, coupled with the growth of the Internet, […]
Reflections on 9/11 Read More Ā»
For affordable and versatile outdoor lighting set ups, weāll divide those into two categories a) smart and b) automated/remote controllable. Today weāll look at smart options. Why it matters: For maximum flexibility and integration going forward, youāll want to stick with smart options. š¼ļøĀ The big picture: āSmartā lights, plugs, etc. are connected to the Internet.
š”Ā Let there be lights! Part 3 Read More Ā»
Todayās focus is on the Philips Hue premium lighting system. Why it matters: If youāre willing to make the investment, Philips offers the largest eco system of lighting products with superb light quality and multiple options for easy automation. You can start small and grow your system over time. š¼ļøĀ The big picture: Adding smart outdoor
š”Ā Let there be lights! Part 2 Read More Ā»
Today Iām starting a short series on outdoor lighting. The outdoor decorating season has begun ā¦ whether you find that exciting or annoying. š Why it matters: Outdoor lighting is about more than decoration and beauty. Outdoor lights increase your homeās safety and security. š¼ļøĀ The big picture: With so many low voltage and low wattage
š”Ā Let there be lights! Part 1 Read More Ā»
A crazy little moment on our walk the other day led to an Apple Watch fall detection alert on Danielleās watch. Sheās ok after being clotheslined by our dog who was lunging at a German Shepherd who was apparently looking at him wrong. š¤¦āāļø Why it matters: Falls are a big deal, especially as we
šāĀ Apple Watch fall detection Read More Ā»
Thanks to my friends at HOMR.io, I got to focus on the things I wanted to do on Labor Day. Instead of battling my pool to get it ready for our family gathering, I worked on the yard and smoked some ribs! š āļøĀ How it works: HOMRās 24/7 concierge team manages the vendor relationships Iāve
šĀ Labor Day success story Read More Ā»
Setting aside a day to honor those “who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold.ā ā Peter J. McGuire, General Secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners History hasnāt solved whether carpenter Peter McGuire or machinist Matthew Maguire is the rightful author of Labor Day as a holiday, but
šŖĀ All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity Read More Ā»
When I wrote about water heaters yesterday, I wasnāt aware of the proposal by the Department of Energy for new Energy Efficiency Standards. Why it matters: The new rules are eliminating an important category of tankless hot water heaters, the more affordable non-condensing version. But itās not too late to make your voice heard. šĀ Skip
šĀ Water heater wars Read More Ā»
Hot water is one of those luxuries that you never fully appreciate until you travel to places without it! Yes, even in the summer. š š„ The bottom line: Federal tax credits and utility rebates make the best options even more affordable. š¬ Zoom in: Two great options are tankless natural gas and electric heat
š„šæĀ Are you in hot water? Read More Ā»
Letās conclude this series with the most important question for backup power. What do you want? Why it matters: The best backup solution for you depends on ā¦ you. š¼ļøĀ The big picture: You can have backup for everything from one or two essential loads (refrigerator, internet, medical device) to your whole home. That can last
šĀ ERCOT, Oncor & you: Part 5 Read More Ā»
