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Nine Key Considerations for Commercial Energy Monitoring
Smart PlugsRita Frost2026-11-03

Commercial energy monitoring systems provide detailed consumption data, automation and fault alerts to help facilities control costs and maintain equipment. This guide examines nine selection criteria and compares four solutions for different monitoring needs.

Six No-Neutral Light Switch Options for 2026: Dimmers, Relays and On/Off Controls
Smart LightingRhett Hale2026-11-03

These six switches and modules list no-neutral operation, with options for dimming, three-way control, basic on/off switching and keeping an existing wall switch. The right choice depends on bulb compatibility, available grounding and whether you want a hub, bridge or direct Wi-Fi connection.

Choosing Smart Light Bulbs for Homey: Features, Prices and Tradeoffs
Smart LightingRhett Hale2026-10-27

Compare smart bulbs for Homey, from affordable Matter models to premium lighting options. The guide covers connectivity, brightness, color control, energy monitoring and the limitations that matter when choosing bulbs for different rooms.

Four Home Lighting Ideas for the Kasa KL430 Multicolor Light Strip
Smart LightingRhett Hale2026-10-27

Use the Kasa Smart Multicolor Light Strip (KL430) for dinner ambiance, practical cabinet lighting, seasonal decorations or scheduled wake-up scenes. Its color zones, adjustable white light and saved effects support both decorative and everyday uses.

Using Energy-Monitoring Smart Plugs with Home Assistant
Smart PlugsRita Frost2026-10-27

Energy-monitoring plugs give Home Assistant power and energy data for usage tracking and appliance-based automations. This guide explains selection criteria, SONOFF options, Zigbee, Matter and Wi-Fi setup, and practical automation ideas with safety limits.

Amazon Echo Dot Max review: Better sound and smarter routines, but little reason to upgrade
Smart SpeakersShade Ridge2026-10-27

The Echo Dot Max combines strong audio for its price with extensive smart-home features and access to Alexa+. However, its improvements are not substantial enough to make it a compelling replacement for the 4th-generation Echo.

No HomePod 3 announcement? Why the Denon Home 150 is worth considering
Smart SpeakersShade Ridge2026-10-27

With HomePod 3 absent from Apple’s iPhone 17 event, the Denon Home 150 offers an alternative for wireless hi-res music and multi-room listening. The source reviewer praises its sound and connectivity, though Siri support requires a nearby HomePod.

Choosing Air Quality Sensors and Building Automations in Home Assistant
Smart SensorsRhett Hale2026-10-27

Learn which air quality measurements matter, how to select and connect Home Assistant sensors, and how to automate ventilation, purification, and humidity control. The guide also compares SONOFF AirGuard models and explains practical thresholds, placement, and sensor limitations.

Exporting Tapo Sensor Temperature and Humidity Records
Smart SensorsRhett Hale2026-10-27

Export Tapo sensor history as a CSV file for local storage or further analysis. Follow the steps for temperature and humidity sensors or the Smart Human Presence Sensor, with guidance on missing emails, data gaps, and reset-related data loss.

Zigbee or Z-Wave in 2026? Comparing Smart Home Strengths and Tradeoffs
Hubs & StandardsShade Ridge2026-10-27

Zigbee and Z-Wave both provide low-power, locally controlled mesh networking, but differ in frequency, range, speed, compatibility and device choice. Zigbee favors affordable sensors and lighting, while Z-Wave often suits longer-range switches and relays; Homey Pro lets both work in shared routines.

Combining Thread with Zigbee, Z-Wave, KNX and 433 MHz in Homey
Hubs & StandardsShade Ridge2026-10-27

Thread can join an existing Homey setup without replacing Zigbee, Z-Wave, KNX or 433 MHz devices. Homey coordinates automations across these networks, while sensible channel planning and an understanding of each protocol’s strengths help maintain reliability.