Every smart light comes with its own unique set of limitations, and not all of them are capable of carrying out the same activity. You may discover one-of-a-kind items such as LED strips or smart lamps that led their spin to the category of smart lights.

Philips, Wyze, Sengled, Nano leaf, and dozens of other manufacturers are now cranking out smart lights. This diversity has sparked a veritable boom of invention, such that smart lights may now carry out functions that go well beyond just providing lighting.

Here is a list of eight less common functions that smart lights are capable of doing, ranging from reacting to the weather to synchronizing with motion alerts.

Maintain Regular Arrival and Departure Times

Imagine that when you leave for work in the morning, the lights in your house turn themselves off without you having to do anything more than walk out the door.

Even if you are still on your way home, the lights in the living room begin to turn on sometime around the hour of five o’clock. When you go home at seven o’clock, the remaining lights on the first floor of your house turn on, and we may adjust the brightness to suit your needs.

In the situation that we just discussed, the smart lights were pre-set to turn on and off at a certain time of day. We programmed this setting into the lights. The majority of major lighting manufacturers now provide a simple function known as smart light scheduling.

This capability may be accessed via the companion applications of the manufacturer or through third-party setups provided by companies, such as IFTTT.

Smart light scheduling is an excellent method to control the power in your house, and it also serves as a useful deterrent for would-be burglars. Those who are interested in lowering their monthly energy cost should consider using this strategy.

In the example given above, the homeowner was able to have peace of mind since we programmed the lights to turn on at 5 p.m. to give the impression that someone was home.

Confuse would-be robbers

The vast majority of people will utilize schedules to program their lights for arrivals and departures throughout the work week. However, the same capability can be used to replicate your lifestyle when you are away on vacation.

Program lights to switch on and off around the house, instead of turning them all off when leaving for a long time. Some smart lights even come with a preset that can randomly swap their settings. This makes it very difficult for others to determine whether you are there in the house.

We can set alarms and reminders.

Did you know that the smart lighting in your home might assist you in getting out of bed in the morning?

You may utilize your smart lights to simulate dawn, thanks to innovations introduced by companies such as Philips Hue, so you won’t have to wake up to the grating tones of an alarm clock.

To do this, launch the Hue app on your device, go to the Routines section, and then choose the Wake-up button. You will be able to choose the time of day, the days of the week, and the fading settings for the lights that you will be used to imitate the beginning of a new day from this location.

Additionally, you can utilize intelligent lighting in your house as a type of personal assistant. Do you need to set a timer for the supper that is now simmering on the stovetop?

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Give the task of dialing in a countdown to your smart lights rather than utilizing the buttons on your microwave that is covered with food residue.

Users who possess a Hue may quickly start or stop a timer by launching the Hue app and then selecting routines > timers from the menu that appears. When the allotted time has passed, we may program your lights to come on, blink, or even change colors automatically.

Do you want things to be taken to the next level? You may attach your lights to a voice assistant like Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, or any other voice assistant that is compatible with setting things like wake-up lighting and timers.

This is possible if you are operating sections of your smart home with one of these voice assistants.

However, since not all manufacturers will cooperate, you will need to be certain that the smart light bundle you are considering purchasing can be managed by the voice assistant of your choice before making a purchase.

Connect to the motion detectors.

Whether you’re tired of stumbling in the dark to go to the toilet or you want to get more out of your home security system, many smart light suites may be connected to your house’s current smart gear (thermostats, cameras, specialized motion sensors, etc.) for heightened functionality.

So, what exactly does this imply for you and the people closest to you? Imagine that as you walk by your Hue Motion Sensor or Google Nest Thermostat, your hallway lights automatically dim to a low brightness.

This would save you the trouble of fumbling around for the light switches. Connecting smart lights to motion detectors is another effective method for warding off potential thieves.

You may utilize companion applications and IFTTT programming to have your lights glow red and blue if someone breaks into your home. This serves as a warning to the person who broke in.

You may also connect some types of smart lights to the smoke alarms in your house, which will cause the lights to turn on with the maximum amount of intensity in the event of an emergency. One such combination is the Philips Hue smart lighting system with the Nest Protect smart smoke alarm.

Adjust To the Weather Conditions

During the storm, do you need supplemental illumination in the house? Do you want your lights to give the impression that you are standing in the middle of a storm?

It’s not impossible at all. You may program your smart lights to react in real-time to the weather conditions that are taking place close to your home by using the app that controls your smart lighting, one of the many weather services, and/or the applets that are available via IFTTT.

The Philips Hue smart lighting system, in conjunction with a Weather Underground account, is the key to producing your very own rainstorm. During a storm, the colors of the lights will change and flash to simulate lightning; when the storm has passed, however, the colors will revert to their normal state.

Create an atmosphere suitable for movies and video games

Do you want to take your next game session or movie night to the next level? When you play your next round of Call of Duty with a Philips Hue system, you can connect your lights to a variety of third-party apps to add new levels of immersion to the experience.

The Razer Chroma RGB Lighting System is an example of such a peripheral device. You can have your Hue lights react to live firefights and set pieces, imitate in-game ambient illumination, and even reflect the player’s overall health if you connect them to the Razer system.

You can do all of this by joining your Hue lights to the Razer system. Whether you think you would be interested in this, you should check to see if the games you want to play are compatible with the Razer and Hue combination.

Using the Hue app and the Hue Entertainment programming, which is accessible via the Hue app, you can have your Hue lights react to movies and television programs.

However, the capability of this feature is quite restricted (desktop only).

Hue Sync will evaluate what you are viewing and transmit information to your Hue lights so that they can imitate the lighting conditions and mood/tone of the movies and programs that you are now watching after everything has been appropriately adjusted.

Sync your playlist

Syncing is not the only thing you can do with your smart lights; you can also couple them with the music you like. Hue Sync is free software that does a decent job of analyzing the music that is being played on your computer and arranging a reactive light display to go along with the rhythms.

Owners of Philips Hue can achieve this by using Hue Sync (see the previous section for more information). Hue users should anticipate their smart lights to emit pulses at regular intervals.

In addition, there are a few different default settings for the intensity of the effects, which may vary from very mild to very severe.

There are a variety of third-party programs that can offer music-synchronizing results that are comparable to those achieved by Hue Sync. If you do not like Hue Sync or own other kinds of smart lights, you may utilize these applications.

These services include Lightbox, On switch (which only works for Philips Hue), a light show, and a few more. On switch is only compatible with Philips Hue.

Dim the lights and get a better night’s sleep.

Your smart lights may come in handy one more time if you’re having trouble falling asleep. Let’s take a look at Philips Hue once again. Within the Philips Hue app, there is a section under Routines named “Go to sleep.”

This is the section of the app where you may configure the lights in your home to begin progressively dimming at certain times throughout the evening.

Let’s say you adjust the lights such that they gradually dim at ten o’clock at night. After you have been in bed for about an hour, the colors will have gradually faded, creating a calming atmosphere that is ideal for falling asleep.

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Products such as the Philip Smart Sleep and the Casper Glow may be configured to brighten and dim according to predesignated intervals when used in conjunction with the accompanying app, which might be helpful if you are looking for a solo bedside light to help you sleep.

They included an alarm clock function in the Philip Smart Sleep.

FAQS

What role does the light bulb have in the home?

The electric light bulb is often cited as the most significant technological advancement since the discovery of fire. The invention of the light bulb made it possible to maintain social order after dark, keep businesses open late, and travel without risk. There could be no nightlife in the absence of the light bulb.

Which advantage of smart lighting do you find most useful?

Use less energy. Saving energy has never been simpler than with smart lighting. This is because LEDs, which are used in most smart lighting, are far more efficient than incandescent bulbs. Motion sensors are a convenient tool for turning on lights only when they are really required.

Are there any risks associated with using smart bulbs?

The report claims that hackers may get access to your home network and steal sensitive information via your smart lights since they are linked to your Wi-Fi. There is no difference in safety between smart lights and any other kind of smart gadget.

There has been an explosion of “smart home” technology in the last several years. They’ve quickly become standard equipment for every modern house, whether for security, convenience, or entertainment purposes.

In fact, by 2021, more than 52,2 million smart homes are in use throughout the United States.

However, smart bathroom technology is one example of a smart home item that many people would overlook at first.

Besides saving money, smart bathroom devices may make your life easier and safer while also cutting down on waste and boosting your health. Here are 15 of the most useful and innovative high-tech bathroom accessories on the market today.

What is a smart bathroom?

You may have full command and total personalization of your bathroom experience with a smart bathroom that integrates with your other smart home devices (such smartphones and voice control devices).

Features such as programmable thermostats and hands-free bath filling are at your disposal.

According to the NKBA Design Trends 2021 research, the three most popular smart bathroom improvements are charging stations for electronic devices, bidets, and smart toilets. The topic of smart toilets, which we’ll go into below, seems to be at the top of many people’s wish lists.

The key advantages of having a smart bathroom are the ease, safety, and cost savings it provides. Our poll found that 46% of people use smart home technology for its convenience, 15% for its ability to reduce power expenses, and 16% for its security.

That’s a good idea since plumbing leaks are much more often than burglaries. What’s more? Insurance costs might be reduced by installing a smart bathroom.

Future loos will be higher tech, germ-free, and streamlined. Current smart home trends emphasize the use of AI and Internet of Things gadgets.

These have the potential to improve our psychological and physical health and also provide more room for personalization. In the near future, bathrooms will have the following cutting-edge amenities.

1. Electronic toilets

According to a poll of over 2,000 U.S. adults conducted by Realtor.com® and YouGov in December 2020, smart toilets are the most desired addition to any bathroom remodel.

Seat warmers, automated lids that close without touching them, night lighting, and even speakers for playing music are just some of the amenities found on today’s many “smart” toilet models. In case you want to take ABBA with you to the restroom with you.

Smart toilets are more space-efficient than standard loos since they are smaller and more elegantly built. Touchless loos are cleaner since germs can’t spread from user to user, and many newer models even clean themselves.

The average cost of a smart toilet is between $2,000 and $13,000. You may be put off by the high initial cost, but these gadgets are well worth it. Smart toilets sense water levels and only flush when necessary, preventing costly overflows and wastage.

The time, traffic, weather, news, and appointments may all be seen on the screen of an interactive LED mirror (also called a smart mirror). Ask it questions and use it to operate other smart home gadgets.

While brushing your teeth, you may be interested in learning how to bake a cake. Adding an interactive LED mirror to your bathroom will give it a futuristic aspect and make getting ready in the morning more fun.

Priced between $1,000 and $2,000, interactive mirrors are available from a variety of retailers, including major names in home furnishings and electronics like iHome, Bath Knot, and HI Mirror.

A smart mirror is a need whether you want individualized advice on skincare and cosmetics, want to save time in the morning, or want to plan your day while you’re getting ready.

2. Privacy Glass

Privacy glass that can be adjusted from clear to opaque is a great addition to any bathroom. The natural opaque appearance of the glass prevents any outsider from seeing inside while yet allowing natural light to enter.

Using your phone or voice assistant, you may switch from clear to frosted glass or program automated controls.

Privacy glass that can be adjusted to your liking may make your smart bathroom seem more streamlined and contemporary, while also improving cleanliness, energy efficiency, and the use of natural light.

You can’t afford to disconnect even as you freshen yourself in the morning. Turn the glass opaque, sync your phone through Bluetooth, and enjoy your favorite programs and headlines on the big screen.

Manufacturers such as Smart glass provide privacy glass that can be adjusted to your needs for a price ranging from $85 to $130 per square foot.

3. Smart Shower

The water temperature, flow rate, and length of a smart shower may all be adjusted via a smart smartphone. Consistent water temperature, increased safety, remote control, and water and energy savings are some of the key advantages of smart showers.

A thermostat is used in these showers to maintain a constant water temperature and eliminate temperature swings. You (or your children) are protected from burns caused by too hot water thanks to the temperature controls.

Some smart showers, like the Eva Drop Smart Shower, promise to reduce water use in the shower by as much as half. Water heating costs will be reduced as a result.

Brands like Moen, Kohler, and SmarTap all provide high-quality smart showers, with prices ranging from about $300 to $2,000 or more. Showerheads, installation, and materials are not often included in the quoted price when doing a makeover.

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4. Lights used in chromotherapy

Our moods and emotions are profoundly influenced by the colors we see. You can get in the mood for a relaxing bath by choosing bath products whose colors correspond to the bodily needs they’ll help you meet.

Colors like orange may make you feel upbeat and energized, while blue can help you unwind and calm down. The good news is that you may exert influence on this by using Chroma therapy, or colored lighting, in your lavatory.

High-intensity LED Chroma therapy lights may be adjusted digitally (often with a simple remote control) to provide any desired effect (such as a romantic or calming ambiance).

Color, brightness, and intensity settings are often customizable on modern electronic gadgets. Worked hard all day? It’s been a long day, or something.

You may create a soothing spa environment in the comfort of your own home by using Chroma therapy lighting, aromatherapy, sound therapy, thermal therapy, and hydrotherapy.

5. Floor heating system

Radiant floor heating systems keep your toes toasty all winter long by directing heat up through the floor. Radiant floor heating allows for faster and more precise temperature regulation than conventional radiators.

The whole room will feel warmer, and that means a more pleasant experience for everyone.

Since radiant floor heating can heat a bathroom effectively with very little power and at a very low temperature, it is a more energy-efficient option than conventional heating systems.

If you are replacing a standard radiator, it will also save you wall space. Floor heating system retailers like Warmly Yours and Warmup sell radiant floor heating systems for $10 to $12 per square foot.

6. Digital bathroom scale

You can keep better tabs on your progress toward your health and fitness objectives with the help of a smart scale. You may monitor your weight and other body composition metrics like muscle mass, resting heart rate, water percentage, and bone mass with the help of a smart scale.

Moreover, data may be tracked and stored using a smart scale. They also communicate with one another and with other smart devices, such as fitness trackers or smartphone applications.

Smart scales may be purchased from several fitness and technology companies, such as FitTrack, Wyze, and Renpho. One of the least expensive ways to modernize your bathroom for less than $100 is with a smart scale.

7. Smart Faucets

Smart faucets measure the temperature of the water and utilize efficiency sensors to pre-heat or pre-cool the water to the desired degree before turning on the tap.

This increases efficiency and saves money by decreasing the quantity of water that is wasted. In addition to reducing the transmission of germs, the hands-free function makes hand washing more convenient.

To save money and water, smart faucets are a good alternative to more expensive smart bathroom products. Many different models of smart faucets may be purchased from places like Home Depot, touchless, and Delta Faucet for $40 to $2,000.

8. Floating Tub

Thanks to the Epsom salts in the water, you will float effortlessly in a floatation tub, also known as a float tank, flotation tank, or isolation tank.

In addition to helping you float, the therapeutic properties of these salts include reduced anxiety, improved circulation, and alleviation of muscle and joint discomfort.

Since you won’t have to worry about anything holding you down or distracting you, you’ll be able to fully relax into a meditative state of mind, a phenomenon known as sensory deprivation.

If you’re looking to unload after a long day, a flotation tub is a need. They’ve been shown to help people think more clearly. Depending on the model and extras, a flotation tub might cost $2,000 or more.

9. Smart water assistance

Illustration of pipes emerging from a sink, with smart technology icons and accompanying text.

A smart water assistant is a water monitor that can be controlled with your voice and can help you save both water and money. You may use this device to keep your house watertight as well.

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You’ll be able to track your water use in your home and get frequent information on your water habits. In addition, you will be alerted through SMS or push notification the moment a breach is discovered.

Smart water helpers are able to detect leaks and other water system issues that could otherwise go undetected. Some additionally have functions to forewarn you of impending freezing pipe conditions.

Leak detectors may be purchased from retailers such as Belkin, Samsung, Fibaro, and Honeywell for a price range of $30 to $800, depending on the features you want.

10. Water Reuse System

With the help of a water recycler, you can repurpose up to 95% of the water used in your household’s plumbing, laundry, and HVAC systems for things like flushing toilets, watering plants, and filling swimming pools.

This clever gadget is not only an excellent long-term investment but also has significant positive effects on the environment. A water recycler may save your water and wastewater costs by up to 45 percent while helping to maintain reliable water sources.

Water recycling systems are available from retailers like Hydra loop for over $4000.

Conclusion

Smart bathrooms will become more common in the years to come. Most modern houses have voice-controlled smart bathroom gadgets installed.

If you decide to install your own smart bathroom, it’s a good idea to inform your homeowner’s insurance company of the changes you’ve made. This might result in a cheaper rate and save you money.

Like high-tech toilets, we want to simplify your life. You should safeguard these gadgets thoroughly and reap the benefits if you decide to install them.

The Ecobee thermostat is one of the most well-known examples of smart home gadgets that have quickly become important in modern life.

Unfortunately, despite its amazing features and reliable operation, the Ecobee thermostat has been known to fail to power on certain customers. This may be annoying, particularly in the midst of severe weather, since it can cause pain and increase energy costs.

The Ecobee thermostat may fail to activate for a variety of reasons, and this article will discuss some of the most typical ones, along with some suggestions for fixing the problem. This article will assist you in resetting your Ecobee thermostat, whether you are a first-time user or an old pro.

Ecobee Update Fixes

Check the Heater’s Voltage

The Ecobee thermostat relies on the furnace to produce heat, so if the furnace isn’t on, neither is your home’s heating system. To check whether the furnace’s electricity is back on, try switching the breaker for it. If the problem persists, you may need to have an electrician look at your furnace.

Check the temperature setting.

If your Ecobee isn’t heating your home, check the temperature setting first. A minimum of one degree above the present interior temperature is recommended. You may adjust the temperature either using the thermostat’s interface or the mobile app.

Adjust the Temperature Settings

Ecobee provides its users with extensive settings for their thermostats. You may, for instance, adjust the needed minimum temperature difference between the current and specified points for the heater to activate.

When the temperature outside reaches a set point, you may tell the extra heater to switch off.

Make Sure the Heater isn’t Melting Down Overheating might create a fire; hence furnaces are equipped with an automatic shut-off mechanism.

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If the temperature inside the boiler becomes too high, it may turn off. But, until the furnace has cooled to a safe temperature, the fan will continue to operate to assist in the cooling process but will not begin heating your house.

What Causes Ecobee to Not Activate the Heater?

If your Ecobee thermostat isn’t activating the heat when it should, one of these four things might be wrong:

• The thermostat is set lower than the current temperature in the room.
• Some thermostat settings may prevent the heater from activating.
• The furnace’s problem may be due to a power outage.
• There’s a blaze in the furnace.

Don’t know whether the furnace is on. Find the orange flame symbol on the thermostat’s screen. If the flame symbol is white, then there is no heat.

Pay Attention to the Heat Limit

Verify the temperature setting first. A minimum of one degree above the present interior temperature is recommended. You may adjust the temperature either using the thermostat’s interface or the mobile app.

• First, check that Heat or Auto is selected on your thermostat.
• Next, on the primary screen, move the temperature to the desired setting. The target temperature is shown underneath the actual temperature.

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Adjustments Needed to Thermostat Settings

It may come as a surprise to learn how flexible thermostats are. The heater’s minimum temperature differential from the current to the set point that triggers the heater’s activation may be adjusted.

When the external temperature reaches a certain point, the supplemental heating may be programmed to switch off automatically. It’s important to remember that you can’t adjust the temperature via the Ecobee app or website, but you may do it using the thermostat’s interface.

After taking these measures, modify the temperature threshold settings:

• To access these options, choose “Settings” from the main menu.
• Choose “Installation Settings” after that.
• Make your selection at “Thresholds.”
• Make the necessary changes to the settings.
• Adjusting the heat threshold settings activates the heater based on the current indoor and outside temperatures.

For example, you may speed up the heater’s activation by decreasing the temperature disparity. Keep in mind that if you change these preferences, it might lead to increased energy bills or more wear and tear on your HVAC system.

Several customers reported that moving the fan control from the thermostat to the furnace fixed the problem when the heat wouldn’t come on.

Follow these procedures to change the fan setting: Choose “Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning,” “HVAC,” “Settings,” “Installation,” “Equipment,” and “Furnace”

Check the Heater’s Voltage

The Ecobee thermostat relies on the furnace to produce heat, so if the furnace isn’t on, neither is your home’s heating system. To check whether the furnace’s electricity is back on, try switching the breaker for it.

If the problem persists, you may need to have an electrician look at your furnace.

Even when the furnace is already on, several customers have found that changing the breaker resolves the problem.

If you’ve experienced power issues with your Ecobee thermostat in the past, you may need to install the Power Extension Kit.

Make Sure the Heater isn’t Melting Down

Overheating might create a fire; hence furnaces are equipped with an automatic shut-off mechanism. If the temperature inside the boiler becomes too high, it may turn off.

But, until the furnace has cooled to a safe temperature, the fan will continue to operate to assist in the cooling process but will not begin heating your house.

To prevent your furnace from overheating, try these steps:

• Nothing should be placed in front of the vents since this might cause them to get blocked.
• Keep the air filter clean or get a new one often.
• The furnace’s evaporator coil and blower fan should be cleaned once a year.
• Avoid leaving your heater on for long periods throughout the winter.
• An outdated thermostat
• Thermostat replacement:
• Check to See if Your Heater Is On

When the heat setting is engaged, the furnace begins producing heat. It seems to reason that if you switch off your furnace, it won’t heat your home. Hence, please ensure that your heating system is on.

You may find that this issue persists even when the heating system is turned on. If that’s the case, maybe the following ideas can help:

You may attempt to reset the furnace by turning the breaker on and off at the panel. If it doesn’t work, the Power Extender Kit is there if you need it.

The C wire provided by the power extension kit completes the circuit and provides the steady 24 V AC required. If none of them works, you may need to find the “furnace switch,” which is sometimes unmarked and may be situated near the furnace.

You need to find this switch, turn it off, and then on again. If the issue persists after attempting the aforementioned solutions, it may be time to have a professional evaluate your furnace and, if necessary, replace it.

Make sure the thermostat is set properly.

While it may seem simple, it is essential to double-check that you have completed each step correctly. Make sure the room is at least 1 degree cooler than the thermostat setting you want to utilize.

The Ecobee app or the thermostat’s user interface may be consulted for this purpose.

How come my Ecobee thermostat regularly loses connection? is a commonly asked question.

There are various things you may do if you’re having problems with your Ecobee thermostat. First step: guarantee 2.4 GHz network broadcasting and router power.

If your router supports both 2.4 and 5 GHz connections, choose the lower-frequency one. Second, check the main menu, about, and version sections of your thermostat to see whether the firmware has been updated.

You should also double-check that your router is configured to use WPA/WPA2-AES encryption since Ecobee no longer supports TKIP. Adjust your router’s settings as needed.

Next, try power cycling your Ecobee and router by disconnecting them from the wall and reconnecting them after a few minutes. If your Ecobee thermostat isn’t connecting to the internet, try these instructions.

Please tell me how to reset my Ecobee thermostat.

If you choose to reset your calendar and preferences, you will lose all of your existing settings, including the time and location of your appointments, the action is taken when you put the thermostat on hold, the temperature range you like, and so on.

Your Ecobee account will remain intact, and your devices will retain their previously saved preferences. Then proceed as follows:

• Schedule And Preferences Reset Can Be Found in The Reset Menu.

What Happens If the Ecobee’s Internet Connection Suddenly Dies?

A network issue may exist if you can connect to a public hotspot but not your private network at home. Verify that your Ecobee can connect to the network, that you are using a 2.4GHz network, and that the network’s security settings are appropriate.

Conclusion

If your Ecobee thermostat isn’t heating your home, you may be able to get it to do so by adjusting the temperature at which the fan turns on, the temperature threshold, or both.

If it doesn’t work, try giving your furnace a good cleaning or turning the power back on at the breaker box. Your heater probably isn’t turning on because of anything more complicated than a misconfigured Ecobee or a loose wire.

If your heat is still not functioning, you may call Ecobee at 877-932-6233 to speak with a customer care representative.