How to save a wet mobile phone - and what not to do

Washing machines, toilets, cups of tea, the British weather... these are a few of our favourite things. That is, until they fill the lungs of our cherished mobile phone, leaving us weeping over a soggy, lifeless metal carcass.

Dropped your handset in the bath? Fumbled your phone and plopped it in the loo? Don't panic -- just follow these steps and you'll have a good chance of breathing life back into your drowned smart phone. And check out the 'What not to do' section for some useful mythbusting.

What to do

While dismantling your phone completely would help it to dry out more effectively, doing so will void your warranty. It usually requires specialist tools and may jeopardise your phone if you're not careful, so I don't recommend it. Instead, follow these steps:

1. Firstly, retrieve your handset from the drink straight away. A prolonged plunge will increase the risk of damage.

2. Resist the urge to check if it still works or press any buttons, since putting pressure on the keys could shift liquid further into the device.

3. In all cases, the best thing to do is immediately pull out the battery, thus minimising power to the device that may cause it to short circuit.

4. If you own a handset with a non-replaceable battery, like an iPhone or Nokia Lumia, then pulling the battery isn't an option. You'll have to risk pressing a few buttons to check if it's still on and to swiftly turn it off if it is. Take care when handling the phone in this case.

5. Remove any peripherals and attachments on your phone, such as cases.

6. Extract the SIM card and any SD cards it carries, leaving ports or covers on your handset open to aid ventilation.

7. Dry off everything with a towel, including the exterior of your handset, being careful not to let any water drain into openings on the phone.

8. Even when everything's dry, it's very likely there's latent moisture within the device that you'll want to get out before turning it on. The most oft-reported fix for a sodden phone is to bury the handset in a bowl of dry rice. Desiccant materials, such as rice, have hygroscopic properties that can attract and absorb moisture. You can also use silica gel packs -- the kind used in shoeboxes -- to greater effect. If you don't have any lying around, uncooked rice will do nicely.

Place your phone in an airtight container and completely cover it with your choice of desiccant. Leave the container for 24-48 hours for the material to draw all the moisture out of your handset. If you feel like splashing out, you can buy silica-lined, hermetically-sealed pouches that are specifically designed for the task.

9. When you're confident it's dried out, replace the battery and try switching it on. Good luck!

What not to do

A purported fast-track method of drying out a wet phone is to use a hairdryer, or applying heat to the device in other ways. While this would successfully evaporate all the moisture still sitting within the handset, it risks becoming too hot and causing damage to the components.

In cases of severe waterlogging, the steam created may not be able to fully ventilate and would simply condense again elsewhere in the phone. You may get away with it, but it seems rather perilous, so my recommendation is to avoid this method.

Another recurring recommendation is to stick your phone in a freezer, wrapped in paper towel to prevent frost damage. Supposedly, the reduced conductivity of water when close to freezing temperatures will stop your phone from short circuiting when in use.

This is definitely not a long-term solution, however, since as soon as the ice begins to thaw, you're left with the same, if not exacerbated, problem. In the process you'll probably mess up your phone's very fragile screen, which hardly seems worth risking for a short-term fix of dubious effectiveness.

For less severe dunkings, you may get away with drying your phone thoroughly on the exterior alone, paying special attention to openings like the headphone jack and USB port. To this end, a few have suggested gently poking into them with a toothpick wrapped in paper towel. While jabbing into your phone with a stick is always a bit iffy, the biggest risk is that rags of sodden paper will get stuck inside your phone and play havoc with its innards.

One suggestion is to overcharge the handset so that the build-up of heat is gradual and not excessive, but this carries all the risks you'd expect with running a current through wet circuitry.

Inevitably, someone reading this will wonder if it's possible to dry out a phone by putting it in the microwave. Please see this for an adept response.

Beware corrosion

If you succeed in reviving your phone, then congratulations, but you may not have yet won the war with the Grim Reaper of gadgetry. The metal within your phone coming into contact with water and oxygen may create rust that will corrode over time.

While a professional phone fixer may be able to clear out any corrosion by swabbing the circuitry with rubbing alcohol -- again, don't try this at home, kids -- in many cases, the eventual demise of your phone is only a matter of time. Sorry.

Is your warranty still valid?

Seek out the liquid contact indicator (LCI). It's a small white sticker that turns red when it comes into contact with water. Manufacturers place LCIs on their products to use as a litmus test when deciding warranty claims. In most cases, they can refuse to fix or replace your handset if the LCI has been triggered.

Their location varies from phone to phone, and increasingly manufacturers have taken to hiding them out of reach of Tipp-Ex-wielding customers.

Irrespective of the LCI's state, you should contact the manufacturer to see if they can help. That's a long-term solution, but if you need a phone (or the data it holds) right away, you'll need to dry out your phone before you try to use it, as outlined above.

CURTOSY CNET.COM

2013, Year of the 4K Display?

It isn’t hard to argue that Ultra HD provides some of the most stunning pictures on an equally stunning size of screen. Boasting sharper images and more detail than the conventional 1080p set, Ultra HD is without a doubt a different type of breed when it comes to high resolution TV.

But…let’s be honest, we all have our questions about this intriguing emerging technology.

From content scarcity to the pricing (think the cost equivalent of a mid-size car), some folks are raising their eyebrow in question to this latest technology and whether the typical consumer will “buy-in.”

As with all new technologies, it goes without saying that the newest and latest always comes with a gut-punching price (remember when plasma TVs first entered the consumer space?) and let’s not forget to mention that early adopters don’t normally fall into the category of your typical run-of-the-mill consumer.

However, outside of a few minor tech complaints (motion blur, black levels that aren’t quite black etc.), there aren’t many issues on the technical side with Ultra HD. The bigger problem lies in the hefty price tag and the much bigger concern of “what the heck am I going to watch on my brand new, super awesome Ultra HD TV?”

curtsey cedia.net

How to Unlock iPhone 5, 4S, 4, 3GS with IMEI Unlock

In this post we will cover the frequently asked questions about iPhone unlock for our readers who are interested in unlocking their iPhones. For who don’t know, the unlock allows you to use your iPhone to any carrier worldwide even if it was locked to specific carrier.

What are the iPhone unlock types?

Well we have three different types of iPhone unlock, below we will show you all specifications of them and which one is best for your case.

Type 1: Software-based iPhone unlock

As it described on the above title, it’s an unlock for iPhone using software, this software was developed by iPhone dev-team called “Ultrasn0w”. This software was good but the main issue on it, that it’s related to baseband version, which means it couldn’t unlock many basebands on iOS 5 and iOS 6. Ultrasn0w has not been upgraded since two years, so it is not good solution for iPhone unlock these days.

here’s the basebands that are compatible with ultrasn0w:

• iPhone 3G and 3GS : 04.26.08, 05.11.07, 05.12.01, 05.13.04, and 06.15.00 (the iPad baseband).
• iPhone 4 :  01.59.00 only.

Type 2: Hardware-based iPhone unlock

You may heard about Gevey SIM, rebel SIM and etc. These are SIM trays which allow iPhone users to unlock their iPhones and work on unofficial carriers. It’s a good solution for unlock but it’s also related to baseband version, which means that your iPhone may stuck on any iOS update and gets locked again.

Type 3: iPhone 5, 4S, 4, 3GS IMEI unlock / iTunes Unlock:

This type of unlock is recommended by iPhone dev-team. Simply iPhone unlock using IMEI will turn your iPhone officially to factory unlocked iPhone, which means that the iPhone’s firmware and baseband are irrelevant. On other words, you will be able to update to any future iOS version as it will not re-lock again.

What is IMEI? This is a 15-digits code which is used by Apple and carriers to identify each iPhone.

How can I get my iPhone IMEI? You can get your iPhone IMEI by dialling *#06# , or by going to Settings > General > About > IMEI

Does iPhone IMEI unlock need jailbreak? No, there is no need for jailbreak, as your iPhone will be unlocked remotely using the IMEI code only.

Does iPhone IMEI unlock permanent? Yes, it’s a lifetime unlock, as your iPhone will not re-lock again.

Advantages of iPhone IMEI unlock :

• If you are traveling, buy a local SIM card and save on roaming fees
• The resell value of the iPhone device will increase significantly as it is available to more carriers.
• Easily switch between SIM card, using the same phone.
• Unlock your phone from the comfort of your own home
• You never send your phone to anybody.
• No complicated software, or jailbreaking, just plug your iPhone into iTunes.
• There is absolutely no risk of damaging your iPhone by unlocking it.
• Very easy, no technical experience necessary.
• The phone is permanently unlocked, even after updates
• Warranty will not be voided
• 100% Guaranteed

iPhone IMEI unlock – supported iOS versions and basebands:

As we told you above that all iOS version and baseband versions are supported.

iOS versions:

iOS 4 / 4.0.1 / 4.0.2 / 4.1 / 4.2.1 / 4.3.1 / 4.3.2 / 4.3.3 / 4.3.4 / 4.3.5)
iOS 5 / 5.0.1 / 5.1 / 5.1.1
iOS 6 / 6.0.1 / 6.0.2 / 6.1 / 6.1.2 / 6.1.3

Baseband version:

iPhone 5 IMEI unlock – basebands
03.04.25
01.01.00
01.00.16

iPhone 4S IMEI Unlock – basebands
03.04.03
03.04.02
03.04.01
03.00.04
02.00.12
02.00.10
01.00.13
01.00.14
01.00.11

iPhone 4 IMEI Unlock – basebands
03.00.04
04.12.05
04.12.02
04.12.01
04.11.08
04.10.01
03.10.01
02.10.04
01.59.00

iPhone 3GS IMEI Unlock – basebands

05.16.07
05.13.04
05.14.02
05.15.04
05.16.00
05.16.01
05.16.02
05.16.05

How to Unlock iPhone 5, 4S, 4, 3GS with IMEI / iTunes unlock:

You can unlock your iPhone using IMEI unlock through a service provider. There are companies that offer iPhone IMEI unlock services for reasonable prices. These companies will ask you for two important things:

• Your iPhone official carrier (the carrier that your iPhone is locked to)
• Your IMEI code

Don’t know the official carrier of your iPhone? Don’t worry, you can check your iPhone official carrier from here, within few minutes you will get a report of your iPhone like the one in the below screenshot.

iPhone IMEI unlock trusted company:

The major issue in such iPhone IMEI unlock method that there are dozen of scammers on the web, but we found trusted company called  My IMEI Unlock which recommended by the well-know iPhone hacker and developer Shrief Hashim and Absinthe Jailbreak team. My IMEI Unlock company has good record of feedback from customers and 5-stars Google ratedcompany.

Steps to unlock your iPhone 5, 4S, 4, 3GS using IMEI:

Step 1: Choose your iPhone official carrier from iPhone IMEI unlock list.

Step 2: Complete the form which includes your iPhone IMEI code.

Step 3: Wait until receiving the confirmation email that your iPhone has been unlocked (take hours to few days – depends on your iPhone official carrier)

Step 4: You will be requested to restore to latest iOS version using iTunes, the you will get congratulation message on iTunes stating that your iPhone has been unlocked. Done!

40 Ways to Fix Your PC Before You Call An Expert

If you know what a USB port looks like, chances are you're regularly called upon as the 'IT expert' by friends and family whenever a computer goes bust or a window mysteriously disappears.

Below are some of the most useful tips I've gathered over many years of troubleshooting PCs and despairing at the number of browser toolbars unsuspecting pensioners install. And no, I'm not going to come around to "take a look". Work your way through all of these first...

General problems

1. Be Google smart
Google can be a huge help when it comes to specific error codes and very detailed problems. It's less useful for "my PC is running slowly" queries. Include as much detail as you can, putting "+" before keywords that must be matched and "-" before keywords to exclude.

2. System Restore
Windows' built-in roll-back feature will undo recent changes to the registry and hardware and software setup of your computer, without affecting your personal files and holiday photos. It's a good place to start if something has very recently gone wrong. You'll find System Restore via Control Panel.

3. Safe Mode
Tap F8 during boot-up to access the boot menu. Choose Safe Mode to launch a special stripped-down version of Windows that keeps drivers and background utilities to a minimum and looks like it's straight out of 1995. Safe Mode can be used to uninstall programs or devices, or run fixes, if you can't get into Windows normally.

4. Overheating
If your PC crashes at seemingly random times -- in other words, there's no particular software program or hardware device that prompts it -- it's possible that your computer or laptop is overheating. Invest in another fan or a laptop cooler if you think this may be the cause.

5. On-demand scans
A whole bundle of problems are caused by viruses and spyware, from slow performance to unexplained reboots. It goes without saying that you should keep your anti-virus and anti-spyware tools right up to date, but you might want to run an on-demand scanner as well to get another opinion -- Spybot Search & Destroy and Microsoft's own Safety Scanner are two good choices that won't interfere with your existing security tools.

6. Background noise
Sluggish performance that degrades over time can be due to more and more programs deciding they'd like to run in the background. Open Task Manager (right-click on the taskbar) to see what's actually using up the RAM and CPU time on your PC -- if any of the entries under Processes and Services don't make much sense, run a quick Google search for details of what they are.

7. Selective startup
If you find any superfluous entries in Task Manager, chances are they're being launched with Windows. Scour the Startup folder on the Start menu to find and remove anything you don't really need all of the time. For more control over the Windows startup process, type "msconfig" into the Start menu search box and hit Enter -- the subsequent dialog lets you make detailed changes to which services and tools can launch automatically at the same time as the operating system.

You might be surprised at how many services start up with Windows.

8. Restoring files
When Windows deletes a file, it doesn't move the 1s and 0s, it simply removes the references to them and marks the disk space as free. Unless you've overwritten the file with something else, you might be able to get it back -- Recuva is one of the best and most straightforward free tools for the task.

9. Windows won't start
Windows comes with various system recovery options (besides Safe Mode) that you can use if the operating system won't boot. Tap F8 when booting and choose 'Last Known Good Configuration' to revert back to the settings in place when Windows last launched. Another trick you can try is to unplug all non-essential peripherals -- sometimes a badly configured device will cause the startup process to hang.

10. Motherboard beeps
If your PC gets so far and no further, and you find it beeps at you and shuts down before Windows even starts loading, the problem is at a lower level. Motherboards will alert you to what's gone wrong by the number of beeps -- check the user manual to find out what they mean, or look for a digital copy on the manufacturer's website.

11. No power
If the PC or laptop doesn't get going at all, either you're in the middle of a power cut, your power cable is faulty, or the power supply unit/battery is bust. See if you can source a cheap spare cable or battery first, as a PSU replacement will cost significantly more.

12. Forums
If you do have to turn to the web, locate the developer or manufacturer's official support forums before you turn to Google. You may find there's a particular fix available or advice from other users. For smaller freeware programs, you may even find posts from the developer.

13. Ask Microsoft
It turns out MIcrosoft does know a thing or two about their own systems -- it offers an automated Fixit tool, which will try and detect what's going wrong and then do something about it.

The Microsoft Fixit site offers a number of simple troubleshooting wizards.

14. Registry cleaning
The labyrinthine settings file that is the Windows registry can cause errors, program crashes and system restarts if something has gone wrong deep within it. There are plenty of third-party tools that will scan it for problems for you, though not all of them are trustworthy -- Glary Registry Repair is one of the ones you can depend on (though as with any advanced tweaking tool, use at your own risk -- you do back up, right?).

15. Re-install Windows
This is the scorched earth policy -- but it's not as drastic as you might think. Many PCs and laptops come with recovery discs or a recovery partition on the hard drive that you can use to return your computer to the state it was in when it arrived from the factory. Of course, it goes without saying that you'll need to install your software again and you'll lose all your personal data, so you'll need copies of your important files (photos, university essays etc). This process is set to be made even easier in Windows 8.

Hardware problems

16. Test on another computer
Use another computer to test your malfunctioning mouse/camera/printer, or just another USB port, to help you work out where the fault lies. If the problem vanishes, it's not the device itself that's to blame.

17. New drivers
Head to the manufacturer's website and hunt down the latest drivers and/or firmware for your device -- installing these updates will replace damaged files, add the latest bug fixes and improve compatibility with other hardware and software.

18. Old drivers
Windows and devices themselves sometimes install new drivers without asking and these occasionally cause problems. To roll back to a previous version, find the hardware in question in Device Manager, right-click and choose Properties and open the Driver tab.

19. Uninstall drivers
Staying in Device Manager -- there's an Uninstall option that will remove all traces of the hardware in question from your system. Reboot and reattach the device to launch the installation process from scratch, which may resolve your issue.

Update, roll back and uninstall drivers from Device Manager.

20. Test the memory
It's not easy to tell when your memory is failing you and it doesn't happen often -- intermittent system instability and software crashes are the usual signs. A decent memory diagnostics tester like MemTest86+ can help by scanning the installed modules and alerting you to any potential issues.

21. Test the hard drive
Modern hard drives have something known as SMART (Self Monitoring And Reporting Technology) built into them. It's a standardised technology the disks use to report their status and general health back to Windows. Plenty of free applications can read and report this SMART data -- HDD Health is one example, which also supports SSD drives -- and they will display warning signs if you need to buy a replacement drive in the near future.

22. Windows disk checking
Windows has its own disk-checking tool that looks for problems on your installed hard drives -- right-click on a drive in Windows Explorer, choose Properties and then the Tools tab to find it.

23. Screen issues
Problems with the display can be caused by the graphics card, the monitor itself or the connecting cable (if you're not using a laptop). Using a spare cable (if available) or switching to on-board graphics (again, if available) can help you work out exactly which link in the chain is the one going wrong. If your monitor or screen is found to be faulty, there's not much you can do except dig out the warranty or pay a visit to the local repair shop.

24. Open her up
You don't have to be a PC-building expert to take a peek under the case -- just make sure you ground yourself to remove any static electricity first, and unplug the computer from the mains. Check for loose connections and screws or an excessive build-up of dust (a can of compressed air can help here). Laptops are less easy to poke around in, but some do allow access to the memory and hard drive, so you can check these connections. You may find more guidance from the manufacturer's website or the supplied documentation.

25. Backup
Unfortunately, there are times when there's just nothing you can do, and you have to accept that your hard drive or power supply unit is kaput. It's vital that you have backups of your important files and folders, and there's no shortage of services willing to help out -- Google Drive,SkyDrive, Dropbox and Backblaze, to name just a few.

Software problems

26. Updates
Has the program you're struggling with made an update available? Perhaps to support new hardware or operating system features? It's worth checking via the developer's website or the built-in update tool that most software has, though the majority of updates now install automatically.

27. Re-install
If problems persist, strip out all traces of the program in question using a third-party uninstaller --Revo Uninstaller will do the job for free -- then start the installation process again from scratch with a fresh download or the original discs. Why? It ensures any corrupt or damaged files are replaced and all of the software's settings are reset.

28. Plug-ins
Bear in mind that the problem may not lie with the software itself but with one of the program's plug-ins or extensions -- try disabling these add-ons one by one to see if the issue is resolved.

Plug-ins and add-ons are at the root of a lot of software problems.

29. Clean up
Many applications will create caches of temporary files that can occasionally interfere with program behaviour -- look for an option that will wipe these files. CCleaner is a handy third-party freeware utility that cleans up temporary files for many different applications.

30. Conflicting programs
Is the troublesome application having problems because of another program on the system? This can be particularly common with security tools that try and do the same thing at the same time. Try temporarily disabling other programs that might be causing interference.

Internet problems

31. Find the fault
First step: find where the problem is. Check if you can connect to the web on other computers and devices. Ideally plug a laptop into the router directly and run the router's built-in testing diagnostics -- your ISP may be experiencing issues. If there's only one PC that can't get online, there's likely to be a problem with its network adaptor or settings.

32. Adaptor problems
If you suspect the adaptor is to blame (a wireless USB dongle, for example), check the hardware tips above. Try updating the adaptor's driver, uninstalling and reinstalling, or simply plugging it in another USB port.

33. Update firmware
It's possible there's a firmware update for the router that you're using, though some ISPs frown on users taking this much control over their network setup. The best place to start looking is the customer forums for your ISP, where you should find details of which free router you've been lumbered with and how you can update its firmware.

34. Reboots all round
The reboot process is something of a troubleshooting cliche, but that's because it often works -- turn the router off for 30-60 seconds to re-establish the connection and reset the router. Reboot your PC for good measure to attempt to connect again.

35. Change channels
Routers typically share the same frequency as other devices, like microwaves and baby monitors, which can slow down your connection -- either move other wireless devices away, or change the channel used by your router (see the router settings for help with doing this).

Switching to a different router channel could fix slow broadband speeds.

36. Is it down?
If you're having issues with a particular site, look it up on www.downforeveryoneorjustme.com -- the problem may not be at your end. Note that if something large scale suffers a failure -- like Amazon's S3 storage -- it can affect many different sites and services at once.

37. Network management
Delve into the Network and Sharing Centre in Windows to make sure there aren't multiple programs trying to manage your wireless connection. Laptop manufacturers will often bundle their own network management software with their machines, which is fine as long as these applications aren't trying to work concurrently with Windows' own utilities.

38. Browser woes
Switching to an alternative browser is a simple way to test if your Internet-related problems are being caused by your favourite browser. If the browser is to blame, try some of the software tips I mentioned earlier, and take a long hard look at the plug-ins and extensions.

39. Firewall settings
Firewalls can be temperamental and might be blocking the site, service or program you're trying to use. Consult the incoming and outgoing settings when you've found them (if you're using the Windows Firewall, head to Control Panel). If you're struggling to get online with a particular game or networking tool, you might find instructions for allowing firewall access in the supplied documentation.

Some networking tools and games will need special firewall permissions.

40. View connections
Head into the Network and Sharing Centre to make sure your PC is trying to connect using the right connection (wireless versus wired, for example). While all of this should configure itself automatically, rogue programs or security tools can make changes they shouldn't. There are also some troubleshooters built into the Network and Sharing Centre, which are surprisingly useful.

Decorating Tricks to Make Your New House Welcoming and Cozy

Moving into a new house usually takes some time to adjust. But with a minimum amount of effort, the transition from one comfort zone to the next can be smooth and pleasant. Today’s post will present some decorating tips and tricks that should convert your new home into an oasis of relaxation for both you and your guests. You will find plenty of similar helpful tips on Start Fresh, a website exploring the benefits of newly built homes.

Think Comfortably- Fashionable

Admit it-there isn’t a single day that goes by without you stumbling across an incredible furniture piece. That fantastic red sofa spotted in a design magazine or the elegant armchair seen in a showroom on your way to work call out to you and slowly determine the need for possession. But a cozy home is not entirely about looks; it is mostly related to how furniture can enhance that sense of sweet familiarity.

When testing a seating item for your new house, can you imagine yourself curled up in it with a good book and feeling all weight lifting off your shoulders? If that is not the case, perhaps you should keep searching. Ideally, furniture should pay tribute to both comfort and style. But if coziness is what you are after, a tiny compromise in aesthetics may prove to be a good idea in the long term.

The Magic of Touch

One of the simplest tricks for a more welcoming home is… texture. Surround yourself with things you would like to touch. Fluffy carpets, wavy wallpapers or smooth wooden furniture- all these can be easily integrated in a modern room, making it feel less rigid and perfectly comfortable. Moreover, when dealing with a large room, the proper use of fabric and texture can reduce the scale and provide the much wanted sense of coziness.

Welcome Furniture Diversity

Buying a large furniture set with everything in it may be the easiest way of filling up a room, but it is not always the most suited. You probably do not want your new home looking like a showroom, and believe it or not this will probably be the output of buying all your items from a single place. Do not be afraid of mixing things up a little, even if this means having different styles lined up. Diversity is the key to a vivid interior, one that stirs you up visually and that will probably appeal to your guests also. If you consider the overall result harmonious and enjoy being a part of it, your friends probably will too.

Make Good Use of Warm Colours

It is no longer a secret that colours have the subtle ability to elicit various emotions and moods, making this design sector particularly interesting. You should know that while cooler colours like blue, purple and dark green can visually enhance a room, warmer tones such as peach-orange, brown and red can make a space feel more compact and therefore, more inviting. Just look how the generously-sized interior in the photo below is significantly “reduced” by adding curtains with an orange and red flower pattern next to the red sofas and yellow wall!

Multiple Sources of Lighting

We often neglect the magical effects lighting can have on a room. It may seem strange, but with just a few fixtures in the right place, a room can easily appear bigger, taller longer, or… cozier. So what is it about lighting that can make a place more inviting than the next? It all breaks down to the simple act of repetition. In order to reduce the scale of a room, consider placing several table lamps around, for an intimate atmosphere. You should only use a ceiling light for larger gatherings or formal events.

Attention to Detail

Small things like candles, funny plush toys or a book in the right place can give you a nice feeling of calm, but attention to detail can do wonders when having people over. A lot of people waste time and energy in making their house spotless and picture-perfect before the arriving of guests. Naturally, cleaning is good, but keep in mind that friends come over to visit you, not to inspect your home. Small things like fresh flowers spread around the house, a glass bedside carafe in their bedroom and the latest number of their favourite magazine on their bedside table are likely to make their stay more welcoming than a super-tidy corner that they are not going to stumble upon anyway.

Ambiance

Soothing background jazz music, dim lighting from various sources, plenty of cushions to choose from and armchairs that allow you to dive in softness- just some ideas to consider when setting up a welcoming atmosphere in your new home for yourself or your friends. Add a glowing fireplace light and your place is ready for a perfect cozy evening.

Surround Yourself with the Things You Love

When planning on moving into a new house, the things you love should take centre stage. Your home must primarily reflect who you are and the rest will slowly fall into place. That old collection of vinyl records, the painting you received during your art camp or those funny hats you love so much-  simple things that come with precious memories. Find a way to integrate them in the design of your new crib and you will see how quickly the space will gain personality and warmth. Know any other tips for making a new home feel cozy and inviting? Feel free to share them in the comments section below and let’s get the conversation started!

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This post was sponsored by BHI. Explore the benefits of a newly built home.

How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient Without Breaking the Bank

There are many easy, low cost and very effective ways that we can make our current homes more environmentally friendly without breaking the bank. In this article I will talk about the most basic of steps as well as some that are a bit more aggressive, many of which you can start right now. You will be amazed at how much energy you can save by taking the even simplest of steps!

Turn down the heat.

The easiest thing we can all do is monitor our thermostats. In the colder, winter months it is imperative to heat the home only when you are there. For example, if you are out of the home during the workday, then keep it to a minimal setting. Today’s homes heat fairly quickly and a few minutes of discomfort as your house warms up can greatly affect your heating bill and energy consumption. When you and your family are asleep, be sure to turn the thermostat back down. If your thermostat is not currently on a timer, you should look into having one installed.

This will help keep the house cooler when no one is around and warmer for when you are around without you having to remember to change the settings on a continual basis. Every degree of heat below 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius)  during the winter months will save you approximately 3 – 5% in your energy bill. Nearly half of your home’s energy comes from heating and cooling. Clean your furnace’s filter once a month. If your furnace is an older model, and you plan on being in your current home for a while, you may want to invest in a newer furnace. The newer models are about 25% more efficient.

Other ways to keep your home warm during the winter months involve just a few simple and basic steps. Check your windows and doors for drafts and caulk as necessary. Make sure your attic and walls are well insulated. Schedule regular maintenance checks for your furnace to ensure optimal performance.

Keep it cool.

During the summer months it is best to keep the thermostat set to 78 degrees Fahrenheit (25.5 Celsius).   Air conditioners use a ton of energy and electricity and their use should be kept to a minimum whenever possible. Standing fans, window fans and ceiling fans are all much better choices. During the day you can keep the house dramatically cooler by pulling down all shades and curtains.

Whether you are building a new home, or you’ve been in yours for a while, consider adding deciduous trees and shrubs to the outside of your house to provide more shelter from the sun’s blistering rays. If you must use air conditioning, especially if you live in areas that are tropical or where humidity is an issue, consider replacing your older models for those that are more energy efficient. If you have central air, turn it off when you are not at home and set your thermostat to a timer.

Save water.

It may seem so simple and likely you have heard it over and over again, but really you should turn the water off when you are brushing your teeth. For each time you brush and the water is off, you save 4.5 gallons of water. Likewise your morning shower can sabotage your water bill. By simply changing a shower head with a low-flow model you can save 15-25 gallons of water a day.

It would be wise to also install low-flow toilets and add aerators to all your faucets. In the kitchen add a water filtration system (such as Britta) to your faucet and refill your own plastic recyclable water bottles which will reduce your plastic water bottle consumption, hence fewer bottles floating around.

Light up your life.

Replace current incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent ones. Try to replace as many as possible. Just one light bulb swap will save over 400 pounds of greenhouse gasses. In some countries, incandescent light bulbs are no longer permitted. Turn off any unused lights. This may seem obvious but so many people still walk out of a room and leave the light on behind them.

If you are like me and don’t like coming home to a dark house, instead of leaving a light on all day or all night long, place a lamp or two on a timer set to the times you would like the house lit. Not only do I dislike coming home to a cold, dark house at the end of a winter’s day, but I like to keep my house lit when I am not home – I like to give the impression someone is home even if they are not. I feel safer that way. (For more on home safety read my piecehere.)

In this case newer is better.

If your appliances are older you may want to consider replacing them with newer, more energy efficient models. This makes sense, not only if you plan on being in your home for a long time, but also if you plan on selling it in the near future. New appliances are very attractive to home buyers. Either way you will get your money’s worth as well as save on your electric bill.

Do look for appliances with the Energy Star logo on them. If just one in every ten homes, according to the Energy Star website, used an energy efficient appliance, the energy saved would be the equivalent of planting 1.7 million acres of trees. Do unplug any unused appliance. If you have an extra refrigerator in your basement or garage that are not being used, do unplug them. If they are being used check to see what’s inside them. Can these items be brought inside and placed in your kitchen refrigerator?

Renovations.

If you plan on doing any significant work to your home, home improvements or renovations be sure to look into all the possible environmentally friendly options out there. If you are planning on painting use a low VOC (volatile organic compound) paint. In the bathrooms opt for fixtures that save water and energy. In the kitchen choose materials for counters and floors that have been recycled or are organic and earth friendly such as cork and bamboo. Your builder or contractor will be up to date on all the latest, “green” technical advances.

How energy efficient is your home?

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5 Smart Home Technologies That Will Save You Money

Swapping out old home appliances and replacing them with new “smart” technologies and systems can be a good move by opening up the door to saving a substantial amount of money on utilities. Each household will be different and will require a unique look into the needs and uses of these potential technologies. Not every solution listed here will benefit every household equally. For example, small homes which don’t use very much electricity might not benefit from installing solar panels like a large home. The future looks bright for energy conservation and smart gadgets are entering the market for consumers at an ever increasing rate.

1 – Renewables

Solar energy. Solar panels convert the energy from the sun into electricity which is used in the home. Homes located in geographical areas with more sunlight will benefit more from these energy solutions. The direction of the roof also plays an important role in using energy from the sun. You’ll also want to consider the size of your home, how much energy you want to replace with renewables, and manufacture/government rebates and tax incentives for using solar panels.

In general, if your home uses lots of electricity you will begin to save money with solar energy very quickly. Many solar companies also now provide a power purchase agreement (PPA) in which you essentially lease the solar equipment from them and agree to pay for the energy your system produces. The energy is a fixed rate, the installation and maintenance costs the homeowner almost nothing, and the rates are much lower than traditional utilities. By combining solar renewable energy and home automation systems this becomes a smart alternative to getting electricity from the power company.

In general, by going with the solar panel solution, you can count on saving about 30% off your energy bill. If you decide to purchase the solar panels out right, plan on spending $2000-$10,000 depending on the size of your home.

Wind energy. Purchasing and using home wind turbines to create electricity is another possibility in the quest to save money. The most effective wind turbines are not small. Many of them reach heights up to 20 or 30 feet in the air to produce the needed energy from the wind. If a tall wind turbine is going to be a problem as an eyesore this might not be a good solution. The good news is that even though they are tall there is not a problem with wind noise so they won’t be disturbing yourself or the neighbors by the noise they create.

Take a look at The Windspire, priced around $5,000 and with a annual energy production of 2000 kWh, to get an idea of whats out there. For a less pricey version of harnessing wind energy, look at Air Breeze, a small traditional looking wind prop capable of producing 200 watts daily. That’s about the amount of power to run a computer or TV. Priced at around $500 it might take you a while to make up the difference in energy saving. The wind generated renewable energy market doesn’t have roots as deep as solar yet, but the market is emerging and worth keeping your eye on. According to the US Energy Information Administration the average residential energy use is 11,496 kWh. If you had half a dozen Windspires in your yard you might be able to go completely powered by wind, but that’s probably not realistic or economical.

2 – Smart thermostats

Investing a few hundred dollars on a thermostat which can teach itself the best way to manage temperature control in the home is a very worthy investment. There is a thermostat on the market which is getting a lot of recognition for its functionality and smart benefits to users, it is called Nest. This little device will run your home temperature settings all by itself and can help save money on energy bills. It learns when you wake up and will adjust the temperature to a comfortable setting before your feet hit the floor in the morning.

It will also learn when you go to work, come home from work, and can even sense your presence in the home and will adjust the temperature accordingly. Nest has built-in motion detectors to adjust temperatures to the perfect setting regardless if you are home or away. If you’re not satisfied with how the thermostat is being automated you can control it with your smartphone from anywhere. All these little adjustments will definitely save you money. 50% of the average homeowner’s electric bill goes to heating and cooling. Nest will also adjust itself automatically depending on the weather because it plugs into your Wi-Fi and checks forecasts.

According to the manufacturer, households could cut 30% off their average energy bill simply by plugging this little device in. So in essence, you get a thermostat which learns how to ultimately control your environment without your input, can save you up to 30% on your heating/cooling costs, and only cost about 10% more than a standard hi-tech thermostat on the market today.

3 – Light occupancy sensors

Installing light occupancy sensors to turn off or on the lights has the potential to save money. As any parent knows, no matter how many times you remind your children to turn off lights they never seem to remember. The general estimation of how much money is wasted every year on lights which get left on ranges in hundreds of dollars. If a 100 W lightbulb is left on for 10 hours it uses 1000 W of electricity, or 1 kWh. A quick look at your electric bill will reveal how much you spend per kilowatt hour.

If the average is $.20, then that 100 W lightbulb left on for 10 hours would cost you…$.20. Then multiply this number by the amount of lights you leave on throughout the day and you will start to get an idea about how much energy you waste. Again, probably hundreds of dollars per year. A solution to that wasted energy is motion activated lighting sensors. A really easy way to implement this is by simply purchasing a motion sensor plug which fits in the old outlet.

Then plug the light into the new sensor, attach multiple lights to it, and you’re done. Highly trafficked rooms will probably not benefit much from this technology, but low to medium trafficked rooms, which often have lights forgotten in the on position will be the best bet. Simple motion sensors like this cost anywhere from $10-$20. There is another solution to controlling forgotten lights. Home automation systems can connect all lights to a computer program on your phone. You can simply monitor which lights are on and turn them off as needed.

4 – Smart grid ready appliances

There is a strong sense in both private enterprise and government circles that the smart grid will be slowly implemented across much of the nation and the world over the next decade. The smart grid uses information to communicate the personal habits of electricity consumers back to the energy companies. In essence if your household uses lots of electricity during peak times you’ll be charged a higher rate. In response appliances are being rolled out which have the capability of communicating with the smart grid.

Not only will you be able to communicate with your refrigerator via your phone, your refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, and washing machine/dryer will all be able to communicate with the smart grid. Your appliances will automatically know optimal times to perform their functions. These times will be at the off-peak hours allowing you to save money by not incurring the higher rate. Manufacturers of such appliances have already introduced energy-saving features into their products which help mitigate energy costs, but these new smart appliances will take this a step further by knowing when to operate without you even worrying about those peak rate issues.

According to the Department of Energy the tax incentives and credits, plus the ability to lower energy costs, will help make these appliances purchase worthy just a few years into the purchase. The good news is that these smart grid ready appliances are finally on the market, and are not that much more highly priced than normal high-end appliances.

5 – Water wasting

We all know that wasting water by taking extra long showers is bad for our utility bills and bad for the environment. There is also lots of wasted electricity heating up all that water for those showers, and don’t forget about wasted energy from old water heaters and non-insulated pipes. Because of this there might be a tendency for homeowners to consider upgrading their old-school water heater to a new tankless water heater in an attempt to save money on utility bills.

That is not a bad idea, but there might be some more practical solutions you can try first, because a tankless water heater is not inexpensive. Before you decide to go tankless you should contact an expert to look at your specific needs. The reality of the situation is that it really depends on the home, water use, and price for gas in the area. Even if water heaters are upgraded it is still possible to waste money by excess water usage if you don’t change bad showering habits. Sometimes the simplest devices can truly benefit us by simply reminding us to turn the water off. For only $10 you can purchase a simple product on the market called Water Pebble. It’s a small device you place at your feet in the shower. As you start the shower you’ll see a green flashing light. As you continue the light will go from green to yellow, and finally blink red indicating that your shower time is over.

Make no mistake about it, this device is smart. It tracks the amount of time you spend in the shower during the first use, and each consecutive use it shortens that time by seven seconds. When it becomes too short you simply hit the reset button. According to the manufacturer this device could end up saving you more than $300 per year on wasted water and energy. This might save you more than 12,000 gallons of water per year. Not a bad solution to save money with a simple $10 device.

courtesy of freshome 

10 Ways to Utilize Your Smartphone to Control Your Home

 

Your smartphone is only as good as the apps you have, right? Of course I know there are other components to a quality smartphone than just applications. Things like cameras, Internet connectivity,file storage, or whatever you want to use it for, but when you get ahold of the right applications you can do more then you think. In fact, with the right tools your smartphone might even pay for itself.

Let’s explore some ways we can use our devices to manage our homes. You see, we live in an age where home appliances are becoming “smarter” everyday. That means they have more powerful computer chips installed within their plastic/stainless steal bodies and they can talk to each other and to your smartphone via Wi-Fi connectivity. Here are 10 ways you can utilize your smartphone to control your home.

1 – Smart thermostats

The cool little device called, Nest, is getting a lot of buzz lately. Remember the iPod? Yeah well, the guys who designed the iPod created a really neat thermostat. This thermostat has Wi-Fi, and it comes with an iPhone application. That means you can control the temperature of your home from anywhere! Do you want to save money by turning the temperature down while you’re gone, but you don’t want to come home to a freezing house? No problem. Use your smartphone to turn up the temperature before you get home.

Once you start using Nest it will learn your schedule and program itself to optimally save lots of money on utilities. That means it won’t be long before, Nest, is already changing the temperature automatically for you when you leave, and turning it back up when you get home.

2 – Motion activated security cameras

Having a motion surveillance system  for your home is almost better than cable TV. There are nifty applications on the market coupled with compact, yet high-quality security cameras which allow you to be aware of anyone in your home. These cameras don’t record everything, they simply wait for motion to be detected and then switch on. It can alert you on your phone that it’s turning on and you can be anywhere in the world and still watch live footage from your home. Talk about a vacationers dream! You can also adjust the security settings with your smartphone, and if you couple that with some other home automation systems, you can control almost everything from your phone!

3 – Security system

Remember that home security system you had installed a few years ago with the control panel strategically placed by the garage door or master bedroom? Now with the availability of mobile computing, you can ditch the old control panel and program everything through your smartphone. You will also be able to receive instant notifications of any foul play.

If you have the newest smart key technology on the market called Lockitron, you’ll be able to lock, un-lock, and send time sensitive smart keys to your family and friends if they need to get in your house. Not only does this make life more hassle-free, but it also takes the worry out of giving your neighbor the key to your house while you’re on vacation, so he can feed your dog. All you do is give him a digital key that only works during the time you designate for it and your house locks up once the time expires.

4 – Pet feeder

If you’re like me, you love your pet, but you’re super busy and it’s not always convenient to be home at scheduled feeding times. There are several applications on the market you can download that allow a visual confirmation with a camera and a remote food dispenser.Pintofeed is one of a few new feeders using this cool new technology. We can all thank them for taking some hassle out of owning a pet. Now if someone would just invent an automated pooper-scooper…

5 – New improved lighting

Phillips makes a smart light bulb called Hue, which allows you to easily control all the light bulbs in your house. This makes a lot of sense if you don’t want to completely retrofit to new lamps or light switches. Simply by these smart bulbs and you can change the color of the lights, how bright or dim you want them to be, and of course turn them on and off… so much for the clap-on and clap-off lights.

6 – Coffeemakers

Sure, some coffeemakers on the market are already fully programmable, but how many are connected to your smartphone? Can they course correct if you want to make a change? If you wake up in the morning and you don’t feel like the normal cup of java, and you want to get your day started with an espresso, instead of trekking across the entire house just to make the switch before the coffee pot turns on, just do it from your smartphone. Scanomat is leading the way in this amazingly useful trend.

7 – Smart keys

Using traditional lock and key deadbolts to open doors is so 2012. Upgrading your lock and key system means a lot of security like never worrying about somebody making a carbon copy of your key to enter your home when you’re not around is taken care of. It also means that you can see which doors are unlocked or open at any time. You can also make temporary keys for people who need to get inside on a short term basis. But for me, and most importantly, this means you don’t have to carry clunky keys around in your pocket anymore to open your home. As I mentioned above, Lockitron is leading the way in this exciting technology.

8 – Electrical outlet upgrades

If you’re not looking to go around buying a dozen new appliances that have Wi-Fi capability that talk to your smartphone just so you can turn on your coffee pot, you can retrofit old outlets with smart outlets that are app friendly. Simply plug in your appliances into these new outlets and you can control them with your phone. Best of all, they’re very cheap compared to buying all new appliances!

9 – Remotely start your vehicle

There are several applications on the market which connect your smartphone to your vehicle, allowing you to remotely start it and turn on your heater. This is especially beneficial when you live in climates which, well let’s just say, aren’t friendly for wearing shorts all year. Running outside in 10 degrees below to warm up the car is brutal and unnecessary. One company I found that has great reviews and an innovative product is Viper.

10 – Home automation

It is true that you can DIY most of these applications? Yes, it certainly is, but the problem you will find is that when you piecemeal all of these processes you might come up short by not being able to cover absolutely everything in your home. In addition, you might have to download dozens of applications which talk to dozens of devices or appliances to make this all work. Talk about confusing.

Consider a third party solution to automate your home by retrofitting old appliances, lights, security systems, and even solar panels. If you live in North America, consider using Vivint. They’re considered by many 3rd party reviewers as the best “bang for you buck”. If you live in Europe, consider using Quby. I’ve read good things about them as well. If you just have a few small pet projects then DIY and test it out, but if you are thinking big and have a limited budget then automate with a professional.

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Top 10 Benefits of Automating Your Home

 

We live in a time unlike any other. With so many technological advancements at our fingertips, our lives are made easier, which is fortunate considering the fast-paced lives most of us lead. In recent years, great strides have been made in making homes a bit more “tech savvy.” This technology, in short, allows the homeowner to run his or her home while away through a remote, often on a Smartphone or iPad. In fact, these homes have been labeled as being “smart,” due to the fact that they can seemingly think on their own. This ability to “think,” also known as being an automated home, helps homeowners in a number of ways: 10, in fact. What are the ways in which a home automation system can benefit you?

Benefit #1 – Adds Safety Through Appliance and Lighting Control

Another home automation advantage is added safety for both your family and home. You have the ability to control the small appliances and lighting, again with the simple tap of your finger on your favorite technological device. You can always check to make sure your daughter turned off her curling iron or ensure that your oven has been flipped off from the morning family breakfast. Your home and family also enjoy an added measure of safety through your ability to control the lights in your home. Not only does this allow you to make sure lights are off when you are gone to save electricity, it also allows you to turn them on at specific times if you would like it to look like you are home. This also helps increase the safety and security of your home.

Benefit #2 – Secures Home Through Automated Door Locks

Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of an automated system in your home is automated door locks. How often have you left for work in the morning only to realize that you forgot to lock your front door? Through an automated system, you can lock your doors with the tap of your finger. This quickly eases your mind, so you can focus on your day’s work rather than who may or may not be entering your home. This is also a great benefit for you if you have to leave to work before your children leave for school. Often, children run out the door to catch the bus and forgot to lock the door. You can easily have control of the situation by locking the door from your office each day. The fact that you can be alerted each time someone enters your home also allows you to monitor who is entering your home at all times, even when you are not there.

Benefit #3. – Increases Awareness Through Security Cameras

Unfortunately, we just cannot be everywhere at once. This means that we often miss things that happen, perhaps even in our own home or yard. With a home automation system, you can easily see what is happening. Now you can make sure no unwelcome guests arrive unbeknownst to you or your family. Security cameras increase family safety by recording clips when detecting movement or at specific times of the day or night.

Benefit #4 – Increases Convenience Through Temperature Adjustment

Often, we leave for work early in the morning and forget to adjust our thermostat. As a result, we come home to a house that is severely too hot or too cold. This is inconvenient, as it usually takes a good amount of time for the household temperature to increase or decrease after being adjusted. However, with a home automation system, you can simply adjust the thermostat from the convenience of your office a few hours before heading home. This is both cost effective and saves on energy, and it helps you stay “on top of” your life when you have run out the door first thing in the morning without considering much else besides arriving to work on time.

Benefit #5 – Saves Time

It is no secret that today’s world is busier than in days past. If you are like most people, you are constantly running from place to place, working to accomplish everything on your never-ending “to-do” list. Because of the high-tech nature of a home automation system, you never have to worry about running home to open the door for your children after school or making a quick stop at home in order to adjust household items. In short, you easily save precious time and experience more daily productivity.

Benefit #6 – Saves Money and Increases Convenience

As mentioned earlier, a home automation system saves money. The most beneficial impact the system will have is on your monthly utility bill. No longer will you be spending money for household appliances left on in your family’s absence. You will also save on gas costs, as you will never need to stop by the house in order to turn something off or on. This is certainly convenient. You will have complete control to make sure costs are low without exerting any additional effort

Benefit #7 – Contributes to Economy

Simply put, you are contributing to the economy when you purchase and utilize a home automation system. You ensure that you are only using the energy and resources that are necessary while you are home.

Benefit #8 – Increases Peace of Mind

Perhaps this benefit will not apply to everyone, but for those who habitually worry about whether or not they have taken care of everything at home before leaving for the day, a home automation system is a perfect investment. In short, it offers peace of mind. This is quite beneficial for those individuals who leave each day, obsessively worrying if everything is in order. With so many stresses in daily life, it is nice to take at least one off the list by being able to see what is going on at home without physically being there.

Benefit #9 – Allows You Control When Out of Town

Have you ever gone out of town and given a key to a neighbor? Many do this in order to allow the neighbor to perform household chores that cannot be neglected such as feeding the plant, taking care of the dog, or delivering the mail. A home automation system allows you just a bit more control than simply turning over a key, which is a great relief to some homeowners. You can easily set up a time for the person to enter your home and let him or her in yourself through your smartphone or iPad.

This allows you to stay in control of the situation. You no longer need to worry about the neighbor losing that key or having complete, unrestrained access to your belongings. In addition, you can make sure the chores are actually being completed, so you do not have any surprises when you return home.

Benefit #10 – Keeps Tabs On Your Children

Through the home automation system, you can easily keep tabs on your children. You can ensure that they make it safely into the house each night, letting them in without getting out of bed to greet them. You can also see their comings and goings on security cameras, as well as make sure the porch is lit when they arrive home.

This helps you keep them safe, as well as helps you know what they are up to each day, which can be quite helpful for a busy parent. In sum, investing in a home automation system will benefit you in several ways. It is cost effective. It will save you time and energy. And perhaps the most important? It will keep you and your family safe and your home secure.

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