Smart Home: 9 Tips for Starting or Upgrading Your Smart Home

[@naijapekin]

This is great advice, especially for the light bulbs. Smart light switches are a better way to automate your lights. Speaking of switches, you should look into Lutron Casetta switches, although more expensive than WiFi switches they (lutron) communicate using a different frequency. Remember that each wifi switch you add to your system is one more device on your WiFi network, now imagine have 20 of these light switches in your home. That's 20 extra devices. If you have gigabit internet connection then you shouldn't have any bandwidth issues but why have all those connections? Benefits of using the Lutron Caseta light switches 1. Different radio frequency means no interference with other devices 2. No neutral wire needed 3. Create scenes and much more using the Lutron system. 4. They have a dimmer built in, if you want that feature. (side note: get a dimmable bulb too) Hope this helps someone

[@suz567]

Nils, I'm 75 and I am sure I can follow your instructions and do some of this. I just had an electrician rewire my new 1957 house that needed updating to code but he didn't install smart outlets, switches and thermostat, which I really wanted. So with your help I will do it myself! I also want to put my TV wires behind the TV but it's a brick fireplace wall, so it may be a bit more challenging because if I can't drill through the brick to the garage (thank goodness not outside) then I'll run a channel under the mantel and then down the edge where the wall is plaster with an outlet near the floor. Perhaps pull a wire from there and connect it to the new outlet behind the TV? I think I should have an outlet with USB ports there as well. Thanks for doing all this, especially testing and providing a "where to buy" list with prices!

[@LRN2DIY]

That's awesome, Suz! I love that you're taking this on. If you have neutral wires, the light switches shouldn't be bad. The hidden TV wires will be made significantly easier by the fact that you can go through the garage but it can be tricky either way. The outlet with USBs is up to you. A lot of TVs these days have one or more USB ports on them that can be used for power but having that on the outlet means you don't have to worry about it, which is nice. Let me know if I can help with anything and good luck!

[@Evil_Chronic]

I have been buying T Teckin for my Smart Home products. They’re cheap (4 light bulbs for $36, 4 plugs with USB ports for $36, etc), work with Alexa, and have a minimalistic look to the app. I’m personally a fan of their Smart LED Light Strips, lined the underside of my bed with them, my desk, and my dressers with them.

[@scottsoward]

We’ve done most of these, haven’t got too much into that if this than that though. One thing that we have loved are the Amazon Alexis. We use them for surroundsound music in the house and for intercom. And we even have two auto Alexis in my car and my wife’s. Mostly for Amazon music, but also to broadcast announcements to all the alexas at home. My wife uses hers to send an announcement to have the kids come to the garage to help when she’s coming home with groceries.

[@pinkmagicali]

Maybe a video on tech tips for renters? Esp for those in apartments? I love my smart plug. I have one on a hair straightener and iron so I don’t worry if I’ve turned it off. I just turn it off with my phone and if I ask google to turn everything off it turns everything off including irons, lights etc. So good for peace of mind.

[@ecoomber]

I definitely thought these smart speaker things were lame until I saw one at a friend's place. Now I don't go a day without using it to deal with my lights and stuff. It's just so nice not to have to get out of bed to change the heat, or turn on the lights when you walk in with arms full of groceries. It's the best. I'll never go back. lol

[@mikechrn]

Love my wyze cams! Would love to see a more in depth on how you installed them with power over ethernet. Then I could have them on a UPC.

[@Dat1boi05]

Seriously the best video I've found on a smart home by far, my friends whole house is set and even he's learned a few things.

[@djAnakin]

Great video! You brought up some good points. One thing I would like to mention is with cheaper stuff, you're risking security. For example, I had cheap wifi bulbs installed ( can't remember the brand right now), and soon after it came out that their security was almost non-existant, and they were doing things like pinging home thousands of times a day, doing automatic updates with no opt-out. I have a pi-hole (network wide DNS-based ad/bad query blocking) and would just add the domains it was talking to to the blacklist, but pretty soon it got out of hand. I finally just ditched them for standard bulbs and reputable "smart" switches the lamps plugged into. Just one example, but something to think about.

[@user2C47]

Thousands per day? Mine call home for state changes thousands of times a minute!

[@MauiXoXo]

We have the RING security (all hard- wired). 2+ years now..still expanding. $100/yr for literally EVERYTHING. Cheaper than ADT.

[@jmauly652]

Re outdoor cams, take a look at Reolink. They have a wire-free cam with a solar panel and a wire-free can that uses cellular-data when no wifi is available. Much less espensive than Arlo.

[@Kelvin-cu5fm]

J Mauly agreed, i’m also waiting for them to make a video doorbell

[@tonymidmore7652]

Great video. One other great advantage of smart switches over smart lights is that anyone can turn it on and off from the wall. With the lights, everyone in the house has to know how to get Alexa to activate everything. Pain in the butt for all, especially guests.

[@lucianomendoza7158]

Thank you so much for the DIY security camera idea!!!!! I lost my system after a lightning strike and I haven't been able to justify spending the money to replace it when all the systems out there dont meet my needs. Your idea is gold thank you again!

[@techpappee]

Eufy doesn't require a monthly subscription for their services. I own their 2k video doorbell which comes with the security base station (encrypted local storage). They have a full range of smart devices, all can be added to the base station as well as Google/Amazon. Their cheapest indoor camera is currently $39 (2k, night vision, motion detection, 2 way audio etc), outdoor is $99 *but* it's weather resistant, wireless with 180 (or less) rechargeable battery. You do pay a little more upfront through Eufy but there is no monthly subscription required (they do offer it of course) and no wiring (optional). Honestly the quality of their products is also worth that little extra IMO. You get what you pay for, more or less.

[@stevepowsinger733]

Tech Pappee I just wish they had 4K video. I noticed an over saturation problem. But it may be the best for me still.

[@seralaltidor370]

AT 5:37, I knew I saw mavic pro batteries charging. It was confirmed at 11:02. Great video

[@LRN2DIY]

Haha! Yup, guilty as charged. I have since moved to the Mavic 2 - great machines!

[@seralaltidor370]

LRN2DIY nice. I’m enjoying my mavic pro and mavic mini for now.

[@mrs.collinspalroom1991]

Great video!!! Thank you for sharing!

[@cyberemon]

This is an excellent video for smart home tips. I very rarely comment and subscribe and this channel just got into my subscription list. Great Job!

[@hildalopez1252]

Love this video. I wished I found you a month ago... all good, learning and upgrading from home to smart home 😉

[@awesomeacton]

Love the door closing stick! No arduino or raspberry pi required

[@STRaphelCatholicChurch]

Great Job! I am Techie just starting to get into Smart Home? You did a great job, thank you.Subscribed and will Share! Good luck on growing your subscriber base

[@BaronOfHell666]

The blink solar panels works with wyze cams also. Anyone that doesn't want to running the power cables through their house can do solar instead if the spot they want gets enough sun.

[@Rufio6814]

Subscribed because of the table build but this video was golden. Thanks a lot.

[@andreamurrell3121]

my suggestion is also using Blink wireless cameras. batteries good for 2 years and use wifi. they have indoor and outdoor cameras and no cloud feel. good for 1 year.

[@keithrose6931]

Ive used them for a year so far and have worked perfectly.

[@willdwyer6782]

Tanner are smart switches that do not require a neutral wire connection. Some of the products in the Lutron caseta lineup don't need a neutral.

[@tvbox6955]

Can you please do a video about the best smart home setup for an elderly parent? If so, please cover how the son can monitor cameras and such remotely. Thanks.

[@kennethhagar309]

I have been struggling with incorporating smart home electronics into my remodeling project. This video has summarized, simplified, and made sense out of all my efforts over a number of months! Thank you sincerely. Do you have any guidance to offer on the optimum arrangement of smart home lighting control offering dimming control both at the wall switches and via smart home commands for LED bulbs and especially for integrated LED flush ceiling fixtures? Also, I would dearly like to be able to incorporate variable temperature lighting (mood lighting?) into the plan, without going to fully color-capable smart bulbs? I am looking forward to more great smart home videos from you.

[@tobythornton3819]

Kenneth Hagar it’s a bit late but Phillips hey let you get a remote to control your lights you can get a pack of to white lights that change temperatures and brightness you can also get a light switch with it that lets you do everything from the switch and you can get all this for around $60

[@geor5435]

The most useful channel since ive bought a home.

[@hunterstepp8514]

Great video! I too would love to see an in depth video on how you installed your outdoor Wyze system.

[@iAmMrExcited]

You can use the WAIT option in Alexa if you want to delay execution of a task within a routine instead of having it say something just to create delays for the next task :)

[@LRN2DIY]

You can but, if I recall correctly, the only options are to have it wait a number of minutes, not seconds. I just have it announce something somewhere else and that gets me a nice short time between commands.

[@iAmMrExcited]

@@LRN2DIY it has seconds as an option but with intervals of 5 sec for each :)

[@whortle]

Thank you. This was very “real life” informative.

[@blackhawkthepirate]

That shirt had me 😂 right from the start haha

[@CCCC-tq8yo]

Why

[@dlgreen659]

What motor did you use for that automatic door closer? I need to build that, maybe do a video on how it's built?

[@zxcvbnmmasdfghjkl]

Looks like a stepper motor...what’s the module? Esp8266?

[@bridge297]

Great information, thanks for doing the reviews.

[@CarlosCostaCarvalho]

Congratz! Best video about these items so far!

[@richard9827]

Your link to the smart garage door opener goes to a smart plug. Interested in your recommendation for garage door opener

[@loveshak3389]

Tony I believe he meant the Chamberlain Smart garage hub which has actually gone down in price.www.amazon.com/Smart-Garage-Opener-Chamberlain-MYQ-G0301/dp/B075H7Z5L8

[@33elvis]

Great info! Did you ever try the Kasa wifi switches?

[@animated000]

For outdoor cams you can get wyze outdoor camera cases. Cheap alternative

[@joearnold6787]

Great video for those of us that are not that technology smart. Tha is for including the links to everything. Great job.

[@Unknownunknown0802]

Are you able to do a instructional video on the door closer?? Would love to DIY it

[@TommSlickTV]

Yea! You said you would! What happened? Ran out of time?

[@-doughnuthole-]

Great video! I subscribed!

[@Azzbo77]

I liked the video as you talk sense and have a British flag cushion.

Great advices and reviews. Thanks 👍🏼

[@oriiion8]

Fantastic video. You covered allot. Is there anything out in the market to turn on and off a, in wall 220v AC. Because of the voltage and plug type it's been challenging to find something that works. For now been using a stool to turn switch on, there's got to be something out there, anyone?

[@LRN2DIY]

What about something like this? Super pricey but maybe it'd work? amzn.to/2TSBBA2

[@crrathan]

could you provide more details on door closer pls ?

[@texaslinux]

There were some data security concerns with Wyze and their use of ThroughTek a couple of years ago regarding data / packets being sent to China among other places. It was announced today that Wyze left millions of customer records sitting unprotected for weeks. ".....user data relating to Wi-Fi service set identifiers, device information, body metrics, and Alexa integration tokens could be at risk. Additionally, the databases stored email addresses".

[@techpappee]

That's why I use Eufy. Encrypted local data, nothing to steal (unless a break in 😉)

[@pratahsinnetamby]

Thanks for the great video. Just a couple of questions. 1. Is it correct that if you simply have a smart switch (rather than bulbs) then you lose the ability to have multi-colours? 2. Any suggestions for 3 gang smart light switches with dimmers? Your assistance is much appreciated.

[@dariojara4372]

Question. With all your smart WI-FI appliances you have. Plus your WI-FI devices, do you use just one internet company? Or do you have a separate internet company just for you smart home appliances?? I don't have all the WI-FI appliances you have but it seems the internet slows down its speed

[@accessibleglobetv6995]

Really really clear and informative. Thank you!

[@Capt-Cran]

Glad to have found your channel - what great information - thank you very much!!

[@carpingtaz2455]

Just FYI I have the arlo cams and you do have an option to power them via cable and you get 7 days free recording.

[@troydavis1064]

Nice video and great advice. I also have three Wyze cams outside under the eave for almost a year and they work great!

[@stevepowsinger733]

Troy Davis my Wyze cam would not connect to WiFi and I have dual band.

[@jensm4638]

Well done. I love your smart house. I am using Sonoff and Google Home at mine.

[@BaTanGubat]

Do you have a video on the door closer

[@stowesuz]

Can I tell Alexa to dim my ceiling lights? Do I need different wiring or switches for that?

[@oPlains]

I'd like to know that too but I'm guessing that If it's a smart bulb it shouldn't need anything

[@martinjames27]

I have a panel with 3 and 4 switches respectively, how can I change them all into smart switches with dimming ability??

[@geoffcapon5003]

Blink xt2 camera's are good, I've had my up nearly a year and the batteries are still going strong. As with routines I have a really good routine set up so that when I say alexa goodnight my TV lights, living room lights and living room lamp switch off, it also sets the thermostat to 18c. Turns off kitchen light, kitchen cupboard lights off then waits 20 minutes then turns off downstairs toilet light then turns off bathroom light. I also have linked devices so that I have a temperature sensor when it reaches 27c it turns on a smart plug that turns a fan on. When the temperature drops to 23c it turns the fan off.

[@pedrobisono747]

The out door bulb. When you leave the switch does it use power as a result of leaving it on?

[@astralcanada2061]

Hi, is there a video on inexpensive LED lights to buy for a rental condo?

[@CarlGolden]

I like the video. I like the Wyze cameras. Can you give us any information on how you put them outdoors? how do you protect them? Thanks

[@amandabomb8766]

Awesome video! Question about switches. Which do you recommend for a dimmer, and what about a double switch that controls a ceiling light, ceiling fan unit?

[@ridin_low193]

I’m new to this smarting out my home. So is IFTtT the same concept as SmartThings? They both controls your smart accessories? I’m new and would like to make the right choice on which one to start out with. I only have RING cameras and door bell so far but will be getting more like lights, thermostat, and much more.

[@LRN2DIY]

Hi Diego, the two apps serve different purposes but they're related. SmartThings is for controlling your devices via simple on/off controls - it's like a digital hub but doesn't really handle logic. That's where IFTTT comes in - it allows you to add what they call "recipes" for making things happen. If there is motion on my Ring doorbell, turn on the porch lights, for example.

[@Nate-qc8kb]

I have a house full of Wyze cams. i REALLY wish they were POE + Data! Having them all Wifi only is a real drawback. But hey... $20.

[@pleasantcrew]

After this most recent IFTTT price hike, are you still using it?

[@grantos8276]

Ok here is another really good outdoor camera blink XT2 with free cloud storage with amazon smarts also

[@2HAMMERS1]

the little Wyze Cam is now double the cost at 39.95$Cdn each

[@Alphasig336]

I love smart switches own 17 are awesome but two thing your said are wrong. They aren’t going to last longer than a bulb, they will last years (mostly). My C by GE have had a few fail, their wifi. I have concerns with cheap poorly made burning peoples homes down. They also have power limits that require calculations on power limit. Especially if you don’t swap out incandescent bulbs. CBYGE for example will only support 400W. 8-60W bulbs is 480W. The switch will either trip or worst case overhear and burn up.

[@JCuervo330]

Would the KASA or a different switch ‘listen’ to Alexa command and respond accordingly, or would you need an echo/Alexa device nearby? Want my child to be able to power on/off her bedroom light while up in the loft bed

[@LRN2DIY]

The switches rely on a smart voice assistant like an Alexa device. We use echo dots in our rooms, that way we can listen to music, use it as an intercom, control devices and more.

[@JasonFernandez92]

Great video!

[@lidapittenger6716]

Where did you install your wizen cam to be able to see outside? Are these cams waterproof?

[@grantos8276]

Wyze also have bulbs, smart switch, and smart locks

[@jonathanpooria7847]

very informative Thank you , lots of cool new items for me to consider

[@willdwyer6782]

Avoid cloud-based solutions whenever possible. That includes IFTTT.

[@MN_Engineer]

I don't know why people keep suggesting IFTTT for home automation. I find it slow too for time sensitive events. Best to start out with a smarthub and plan accordingly. Get as many things on the same platform as possible. Reduce having multiple apps and the need for IFTTT.

[@Theexplorographer]

Not to mention that it is probably going away soon.

[@davido6063]

I ran into this great video with information. I had two questions. 1st with all these different brands that your using is there a single app you can use to control them or do you have too control it through the brand app? Last, can the smart light switch control the ceiling fan and speed? Thanks in advance

[@user2C47]

Assistant or IFTTT can control most devices, but you might be able to get a greater level of control, such as animations, from the app. A normal switch can turn a fan on and off without any problems, but you will need a switch designed to control motors if you want to change the speed.

[@7Bydand9]

Thanks for the good informative video, excellent work.

[@tonymdavis]

Great video! Seems your reference link for the garage door opener points to smart plugs instead. Which garage solution do you recommend? Thanks for all the insights!

[@loveshak3389]

Tony I believe he meant the Chamberlain Smart garage hub which has actually gone down in price.www.amazon.com/Smart-Garage-Opener-Chamberlain-MYQ-G0301/dp/B075H7Z5L8

[@SuperToughnut]

I don't want any video captured by the wyze cams to go to the cloud. Is that possible? Is the an API for programmers like me to add functionality?

[@Gpchaps]

You can also get a wyze bulb.

[@The42Joker]

Thanks for doing all the legwork on this. Very helpful! Your link to the $70 garage opener takes you to a smart outlet, not the opener shown. Am I missing something?

[@talha946]

Do the smart plugs or smart power strips come in three flat pin plugs UK Type plugs

[@cyberemon]

What cabinet light are you using ?

[@LRN2DIY]

Just the standard cabinet lights from IKEA, but plugged into a smart plug.

[@charlessantomeno6586]

Comments about Arlo are incorrect. i have 10 Arlo cameras. 8 outdoor pro 2 and 2 indoor. Three of the outdoor cameras are running on solar panels by Arlo. the other five are power by an Arlo 6 foot outdoor wire. The two indoor are plugged it. A montly fee of $9.99 for the ten camera for 3o days of recording.

[@thetango8017]

You should add that the Wyze FREE video is only 12 seconds long and usually misses the important part of the event being recorded. Also the Pan Wyze cam is total junk and does NOT track correctly - it overshoots and ends up recording whatever is at the extreme limit of the cams travel

[@33elvis]

Where do I find the list of smart switches you tested?

[@LRN2DIY]

I've only done a few brands and most of those are in the description of this video or in this video bit.ly/2KeC76t. In that second video I mention to avoid KMC light switches since I had a lot of issues with those and ended up returning all of them.

[@richteabiscuit1854]

Gift rap Big Brother & will be welcomed in any home with open arms!

[@blockjock617]

what if you were just building a home and wanted to integrate prior to it being finished

[@andreamurrell3121]

i rent so im limited in what i can do like the locks and ac. what tips do you have for those of us who rent?

[@stevepowsinger733]

Andrea Murrell exactly.

[@RAZ-man]

link to purchase that door closing device ???

[@john27609]

Love that the t-shirt graphic is way off center!

[@judilecompte9377]

What is one to do if there isn’t a neutral wire in the box? Is there a work around?

[@LRN2DIY]

Hi there, yes, there are options. Try a switch like this, which does not require a neutral wire: amzn.to/2Zlfi6D

[@niyazm]

I want to convert a 3 gang box which has one 3 way switch in it the other two are normal light switches. Please suggest what I should use to convert all 3 switches to smart wifi controlled and are compatible with the smart life app. Any suggestions appreciated.

[@LRN2DIY]

You'll need a 3 gang decora faceplate like this (amzn.to/2IbuYkV) and then a two-pack of single pole switches, like this (amzn.to/2Iikroe) and a 3-way switch like this (amzn.to/2ELyIJ7). The 3-way switches come in pairs so you can use one elsewhere if you like.

[@stevepowsinger733]

Wyze cam: I tried one recently. It would NOT connect to my WiFi (new Netgear dual-band 1900 AC). All these fancy electronic things are subject to some hangup or other.

[@LRN2DIY]

I'm sorry to hear that, Stephen. I haven't heard of anyone having that issue but I assume there's a fix out there somewhere for it. That said, you're correct that these "smart" technologies have a habit of complicating things from time to time. I feel like the hassle is worth it because they mostly just work and work well, but they're certainly not perfect.

[@loki3187]

Wouldn’t having smart switches and smart LED bulbs combine both the benefit of low cost lighting with the combined functionality of both a smart switch with touch ability.. with that of a smart bulb…. I’m in an apartment…. And when I’m gone sometimes maintenance has to come in.. but most people don’t have smart home apartments…. All my lights are smart LED bulbs … but maintenance uses the switch and not Alexa… I like having Alexa turn lights on and off randomly when I’m gone to make it look like someone’s home… it’s an old security trick.

[@luanahaigood278]

Smart plugs not available on Amazon. Maybe change kink

[@LRN2DIY]

Thanks for that - I’ll check on those!

[@tomwilliam5118]

If you tell Alexa to turn off the Wi-Fi light bulbs (Gosund) when you leave and Upon returning home you find out you have no Wi-Fi for whatever reason, will the Wi-Fi light bulb still go on and off when you flip the switch.

[@LRN2DIY]

It will, yes. In order for the WiFi control to work, the light switch has to be on. If no WiFi is detected, it will just act as a regular bulb.

[@patrickpaganini]

Very good review - thanks!

[@EMSLS]

Really nice review! Stumbled upon it and had to login to give a thumbs up and add it to my favourites for future reference. Thank you very much for sharing your findings 👍 It would be interesting to see what are your findings around doorbells, or do you rely on the wyze cams as well?

[@jadedjester5708]

Just found your video and I like what you have to say. I was most interested in the smart garage door opener but when I clicked the link it took me to the smart electrical socket. Could you reply to this comment with the intended link?

[@LRN2DIY]

Sorry about that! Here's the updated version and only $39! amzn.to/3abwxw6

[@RoccoGallo]

any advice on why i should use WIFI light switches instead of Zwave or Zigbee, i have about 6 or 7 already setup with smartthings but those switches are $50.00 each i noticed WIFI are way less

[@CosmosProductionsUK]

Bulbs life Vs switches life also you can still use as a normal "dumb" light

[@RoccoGallo]

@@CosmosProductionsUK i meant WIFI switch vs Zwave Switch

[@apostlereed8346]

How do i hook up the wyze outdoor cameras