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How to Install a Nest Thermostat?

by john

Smart home devices gadgets that enable you to control your home appliances through the internet, and it can’t be represented better than a nest thermostat. A Nest thermostat is a great tool to have; it not only adjust your home temperature from your phone but also saves money from your utility expenses. The device will not cool or heat your home when you aren’t at home.

In this article, we will know how it works, and how you can install a nest thermostat at your home.

How Does a Nest Thermostat Works?

The household temperature setting has long been a source of discussion between cohabitators and recycles air between the rooms make up the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system for your home.

You control it through a nest thermostat, and all you have to do is to select your heating and cooling options and to set it as per your preferences. The nest thermostat takes care of the other things, switching systems off and on based on the temperature it detects in the room.

A nest thermostat goes beyond this straightforward temperature detection to make an impact in an HVAC energy consumption.

May thermostat depends wholly on you to set the temperature. Though in the last few years, manufactures have designed programmable thermostats that can assist in saving energy. These types of thermostats enable you to program certain temperatures for certain times of a day, as well as let you control the temperature when you aren’t at home.

However, because of the complexity of these thermostats, the majority of people don’t always program them correctly, which can negate most of their energy-saving features.

The nest thermostat focused on solving this issue. It programs itself by observing your behavior patterns and desired temperatures for particular times and days during a week, and then build a schedule for HVAC.

Nest Thermostat Features

Some of its best features include;

Use sunblock
You can control it with your voice
Save money with airwave
Turn auto-scheduling off
Control humidity

How to Install a Nest Thermostat?

Installing a nest thermostat is not as easy as you think, as well as not as hard as you think. However, it can be straightforward by following the easy and quick steps that we will mention below. Before installing, you will need a screwdriver to remove the wires from your old thermostat.

First of all, ensure that your system can work with nest thermostat. You can check this by using the nest’s Compatibility Checker. The nest thermostat can function with standard HVAC systems and cannot work with high-voltage systems.

Turn off the power of your HVAC system:

Look for the circuit breaker and switch it off. It is essential because you need to protect both yourself and your system. If possible, then turn off the main power at the breaker box.

Label the wires leading into your previous thermostat

Each wire popping out of the wall should go into a particular labeled port on your previous thermostat. Attach the blue stickers in the nest thermostat installation guide to the corresponding wire. Sometimes the cables themselves will be using color-coding as stated earlier; a nest thermostat will not work if it is labeled 110V to 240V and has thick wires. It means you have a high voltage and do not connect these wire to nest thermostat.

Remove your previous thermostat.

Be careful while removing the wires leading from the wall into the nest thermostat and then remove the device from the wall using a screwdriver.

Setting the position of the nest thermostat by marking.

Thread wires through the center of the base plate of the nest and use the tiny bubble level to ensure that the nest thermostat is leveled. Use a pencil and mark the two screw holes.

Installing trim plate

It is not necessary, but if you want to cover the screw holes from your previous thermostat, then attach the trim plate in the bottom of the nest box and to the base plate.

Attach the nest thermostat base to the wall

To attach the nest thermostat to the wall, you can use the screwdriver and screws to locate the base to the wall. Before tightening the screws, use the level to ensure that the base is leveled.

Connecting wire to the nest thermostat

Place the labeled wires into the corresponding ports on the Nest thermostat. A little tab will depress the cord after it has been appropriately placed.

Attaching nest thermostat display

Align the small rectangular connectors on the backside of the display with the port on the base plate.

Turning the power back on

Switch the circuit breaker to the on point.

Connecting nest thermostat to the Wi-fi network

Follow the steps on the nest thermostat display to find a wireless network and type the password to connect to it.

Follow on-screen installation instructions.

These additional instructions will ensure that the nest thermostat firmware is updated, and you are connected to the wires right, as well as enables the nest thermostat to figure out the type of power used for heating system, and where it is located.

Adjusting the temperature

Adjust the temperature according to your preferences by turning it when you are not at home.

Downloading the nest thermostat mobile app

Nest thermostat mobile app is available for both iOS and Android devices, which will enable you to control and monitor the nest remotely.

After a few days, the nest thermostat will automatically learn your behavior and automatically adjust the temperature regardless of you are at home or not. You can switch it off and on remotely or locally by using its app.

Connecting nest thermostat to other smart devices

The nest thermostat can work with a range of smart devices and home products, ranging from smart hubs, including Samsung SmartThings and Wink to Logitech Harmony remote control to Google Home and Amazon Alexa, as well as to smart locks.

Conclusion

Nest thermostat is a smart thermostat, which depends on a Wi-fi connection to achieve its full functionality. It is the best accessory to save energy, save your money, and control your home temperature both locally and remotely or adjust it to auto-schedule.

Since it is a smart thermostat, it will observe your behavior for a few days, and then it will automatically set the temperatures of your home in a day. You don’t need to worry about adjusting its temperature over and over again.

Also check:

FAQ

Some most aksed questions by multiple users are given below;

Q: Do I have to pay a monthly fee for my Nest thermostat?

Ans: No, there is no monthly fee for a Nest thermostat. You can enjoy its comfort and core energy-saving features for free.

Q: Is nest thermostat worth it?

Ans: Nest thermostat has the ability to program itself, and its smart home compatibility makes it one of the best thermostats you can buy, and its price is worth the investment.

Best Travel Apps for Europe That You Should Download

by john

Nowadays, smartphones sitting in our pockets have become our own travel agents. From finding flights to accessing translations to find the best food places, they have become a one-stop destination for everything we search for. Through the utilization of various useful apps out there, we can comfortably plan our trips all around the world like a pro.

Although the usefulness of an app might be regional, as a brilliant app to plan our trip to Australia, it might not be as effective in Europe. When planning a trip for Europe, you are encountered with a range of transportation options, languages, hotel options, currency conversion, etc.

So it is essential to know what apps are best to help you with your trip to enjoy a smooth travel experience. If you are planning a trip to Europe. Below, we have bucketed some of the best travel apps for Europe that you can use and enjoy your trip.

Trip Case

Trip Case is one of the best travel apps for Europe. The app allows its users to comfortably plan and organize all of their trip details in one place. Users can easily link their flights, cars, hotel booking, and much more and then view them all in one itinerary in the app.

Users can view airline maps and get access to helpful contact directory. The app also sends alerts to users through sending notifications, such as flight schedules, gate changes, and more. Users can also search for alternative flights if they change their plan and can see real-time seat availability.

Moreover, users can also get directions to their accommodation after they arrive at their destination, as well as can book a ride directly from the app. Another great function of the app is that when you share your trip with others, the app keeps them updated on your behalf. Some of its best features include;

Manage flight itineraries, rental car reservations, and hotel bookings
Airport terminal and gate information
Get notified for flight changes on your smartwatch, phone, or tablet.
Best for frequent fliers and business travelers

Omio – GoEuro

Omio is another best travel app for Europe and was formerly known as GoEuro. The app is a well-recognized travel app designed to help travelers explore Europe without any worries. The app can be used for flight bookings, train, or bus for any destination all around Europe. If you are planning a trip to Europe on a backpacker’s budget, then Omio is an excellent option for you.

Once you have purchased your tickets, you can discover your route on your smartphone, web, or through the app. Omio’s real-time comparison gives its users direct access to about 600 trains, flight partners, and buses, as well as they can compare all three modes of transportation next to one another to find an affordable and quickest journey.

Additionally, the app allows its users to instantly compare numerous routes for flights, trains, and buses anywhere in Europe. Users can select the best route in just a few clicks according to their preferences, get the best price, and have their paperless e-tickets available within the app without using an internet connection.

The app is especially handy for those who want to contemplate the convenience of a flight over the cost of the ticket for a train or bus. Some of its best features include;

Easily book flights, train, or bus
Discover best routes
Get price comparisons
Paperless e-tickets without internet

Flix Bus

Flix Buse is a german bus firm and well recognized all across Europe for having direct and affordable bus fares than any other bus company. Users can use the app to track busses in real-time and know precisely what time they will arrive and what the stops will be prior to arriving at their final destination.

It also notifies users through sending texts and emails, if any, delays. The app is currently operating in 29 countries and recently launches the Flix Train offering train passes for 10 Euros. Some of its best features include;

Lane departure warning system
Extra comfortable seating
The advanced emergency braking system
USB charging ports.

Free Now – My Taxi

Probably it is the largest taxi app in Europe, which has a network of about 45,000 taxis around forty cities. It is the first taxi service that enables you to book, pay for, and rate a cab.

Users can straightforwardly book a taxi via the app, add payment method through PayPal or credit card, and pay for your trip with the app, arrive in real-time and on the map, as well as get notified when your car arrives at your location.

If you think the drive was good and you enjoy your ride, save their name as a regular driver, and they will be displayed at the top of the list when next time you book a ride. The app is useful for businesses as it allows employees to book a ride without paying themselves. The app will send a single bill to the company for all the journeys once a month.

Moreover, the app equipping affiliated taxis with tablets that enables passengers to view the latest news and weather forecasts during the ride. Some of its best features include;

Book on the spot and get picked from the current or any other location
Choose the taxi as per your preferences, such as with extra seats and wheelchair access
Track your ride until it arrives
Pay within the app

BlaBla Car

Another best travel app for Europe is BlaBla Car, which is suitable for both long and short distance travel. The service operates across Europe and saves travelers money by paying only the cost of travel. The majority of drivers use BlaBla Car to provide free space in their car in exchange for help with the cost of gas, which makes it an excellent environment-friendly way to travel.

Sometimes users find a ride cheaper than a train ticket or bus. Additionally, there are other travelers in the same car, and it is an excellent opportunity to meet other people sharing your interests and make new friends while traveling. Another useful function of the app is that if you can’t find a perfect ride, you can set an alert to get notified as soon as there’s a route that is according to your preferences.

Some of its best features include;

Carpooling
Find the nearest rides
Request a seat or book a seat
Decide who can go with you
Organize your next gateway in advance

Culture Trip

Yet another best travel app for Europe is Culture Trip. The app is like a travel adviser on steroids. The app gives its users top recommendations when it comes to their destination’s attractions and food places along with information regarding its music, art, history, and much more.

Users can explore articles concentration on their destination written by locals. Users can also bookmark posts they want to come back to and share stories with Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Culture Trip covers multiple locations all over the world. It caters to the individual users, viewing recommendations based on personal preferences and recognizes your current location to give you inspiration for what can be experienced. Some of its best features include;

Go from inspiration to planning to book all in one spot
Book handpicked hotels
Inspiration on the go
Local tips for authentic trips
Access travel guides and articles offline
Share trip experience through social media

The Fork

The Fork is one of the best travel apps for Europe for food lovers, which allows them to search from about 40,000 food places to find the European dish you eager to want to try. Users can read restaurant reviews, browse menus, be tempted by mouth-watering photos, and find directions to their chosen food place.

The app allows its users to book a food place for free and send their booking confirmations by text and email. Users can get the benefit of a loyalty program and discounts of up to 50% at chosen food places, including a 10 Euro discount after the first booking with the app.

Some of its best features include;

Discount on the meal
Book your table for free
Enjoy exclusive offers discount up to 50 percent
Find the best food places around you

Conclusion

Europe is one of the top travel destinations in the world, and if you are planning a trip to Europ, above are some of the best travel apps for Europe that can help you through your trip, and you can make your trip more memorable. These apps will help you to find the cheapest rides to roam around, find the best places, book cheapest and best-routed flights, and much more.

Also check:

FAQ

Below are some most asked questions by multiple users;

Q: Which is the best transportation in Europe?

Ans: Some of the best transportation app in Europe include FlixBus, BlaBlaCar, Dudget Airline, etc.

Q: Which is the best country to pay visit in Europe?

Ans: Europe is one of the top travel destinations, and some of the best travel places include Florence, Italy, Barcelona, Italy, Rome, Italy, etc.

Best Apps for Google Home That You Should Try

by john

Initially, when Google was just a search engine company, nobody could have thought that one day our entire world will be influenced by it.

From running our smart devices to assisting us to find the nearest restaurant, It has become the epicenter for the world. With the emergence of IoT and smart home, it has developed Google Home, which is an AI-based virtual assistant speaker like no other around.

Google Home is one of the best smart platforms. There are three Google Home devices to opt from that include Google Home, Google Home Max, and Google Home Mini. And definitely, you want them to perform best for you.

Some of the most significant things you can perform with Google Home have to do with IoT, which is the future we are moving towards. Most of Google Home apps need hardware that you have to purchase to work with their respective apps, and they are all compatible with Google Home right out of the box.

Below we will bucket a list of best apps for Google Home that you can use and maximize your experience;

Best Apps for Google Home Automation

Below are some best apps for Google Home automation;

Philips Hue

While Philips is already the largest electrical brand, it has been rather quick to adopt a smart home revolution. The Philips Hue smart wireless LED bulbs are available in various categories, and a single Hue Bridge is capable of managing about fifty lightbulbs collectively.

Using Google Home to control the Philips Hue Bridge, we can assign a number or nickname to any bulb or group the lights of a room together and turn them on and off, change the intensity and color of the light, as well as automatically time them to turn on and off based on our needs.

Best Features

Some of the best features of Philips Hue include;

Set a wake-up alarm
Match the weather
Get alerts and notifications.
Sync with your favorite music
Recreate thunderstorms
Motion sensors to trigger the lights
Thematic lighting for shows and movies

Nest

Back when Google Home didn’t operate it, It offered really smart controls. Now that both the products are combined and designed in the same environment, users can enjoy a much closer-knit integration between Camera, Nest Thermostat, Alarm System, Doorbell, etc.

The product also offers Smoke Alarms and various other services. After the installation and the setup are completed, a straightforward command to the Google Home, such as set the thermostat to 64° or lock the door, is what you need to control your smart home.

Nest Features

Some of its best features include;

Thermostat
Alarm System
Speaker and Display
Smoke Alarm
Wi-fi
Cameras and doorbell
Locking system

Smarter Home Appliances

In a dreamy world, you would be able to wake up in the morning and ask Google Home to make me a cup of tea, and it is a brand that will bring you closer to that in reality. Aside from Smarter Coffee waking you up with the perfect brew in the morning, it also offers FridgeCam, which is a smarter camera that assists you to watch the item sitting in your fridge, as well as keep track of all these items individually.

It provides details about all the items that you need and what you don’t when you are going to a grocery store.

Features

Some of its best features include;

Select your smarter product
Track items in inventory
Get to know what you need

Must-Have Google Home Apps

Below are bucketed some of the best apps for Google Home that are a must-have;

IFTTT

IFTTT means “If Then This That, and it is a web service that has stretched before the revolution of smart home devices gained momentum. The app enables users to create custom commands, as well as a chain of commands on Goole Home and Google Assistant. It can be used to automate tasks with Google Home and more.

The Android app comes with seamless integration for Goole Home, and users can use their created commands that are also known as the recipe. Google has posted some of its recipes on IFTTT’s website for Google Assistant and Google Home users. These recipes make it more comfortable to set up numerous automated activities.

Another great thing about IFTTT is that it is absolutely free and has no in-app purchases.

Features

Some of its best features include;

Turn thermostat into a security cam
Auto-locking
Robo-assistant on call
Automated feeder

Auto Voice

Google Home already offers integration with numerous other apps and services, and still, some people want it to do more. This is where Auto Voice comes in to make the Google open-source, which enables its users to customize every bit of their smart assistant.

After the setup process is completed, it can be used to create a bridge between Amazon Alexa and Google Home, and users can get access to services, such as KODI media player, receive or send text messages utilizing a third-party social app and much more.

Features

Some of its best features include;

Fully custom commands
IFTTT integration
Super easy regular commands
Google Hoem and Amazon Echo integration

Todoist

The app is so deeply integrated with Google Assistant, which makes it a must-have app for those trying to maximize their productivity.

After the installation and setup process completed, you can use the app with Google Home to go forward, and comfortable create new tasks, keep track of saying Hey Google read my today tasks, and get a reminder for upcoming tasks. Users can also set multiple priority levels for different tasks to keep them organized.

Features

Some of its best features include;

Ener emails as tasks from Gmail from mobile or web
Templates to create recyclable projects checklists
Google Assistant that can read your tasks for you
Tasks reminders

Best Apps for Google Home Entertainment

Below are bucketed some best apps for Google Home entertainment;

Spotify

Google does want it, users, to use its Google Play Music as their default music player on Google Home, but it also offers other choices to listen to your favorite music on other platforms. If you aren’t ready to spend on music streaming and use a free Spotify account, Google Home enables you to set it up for seamless music experience.

After the setup process is completed, you can set Spotify as your default music player on Google Home, and simply give instructions to Google Home to play your favorite music for you.

Features

Some of its best features include;

Improved sound quality
Search for particular music using filters
Restore a deleted playlist
Create your playlist folders

Conclusion

Google Home is amongst some of the smartest and much better smart platforms. It makes everything so easy for its users, from locking the doors automatically to waking you up with a perfect cup of coffee to turn on or off lights automatically. Above are some of the best apps for Google Home that you can use for a much better experience.

Also check:

FAQ

Q: Can Google Home read recipes for you?

Ans: Yes, Google Home has the ability to read recipes for you.

Best Chromebook Tips And Tricks That You Should Check

by john

Because of Chromebooks‘ easy-to-use and straightforward nature, millions of people using it. But not every powerful feature of a Chromebook is easy to access. It features numerous powerful tools that are waiting to be used to its full potential, and once you know a few tips, you will feel like you are getting even more value out of your inexpensive computer. In this article, we will collate a list of some tips for you to try on your Chromebook so you can start making the most of your computer. But before that, we will discuss what Chromebook is? What are its uses? And what are the benefits?

What is Chromebook?

Chromebooks are built to run a lightweight operating system that is intended to help with some productivity tasks and mostly handle light computing ones such as streaming videos, browsing the internet, and playing games. In simple words, Chromebooks are generally some of the most lightweight and most affordable laptops.

A Chromebook operating system is the same desktop Chrome browser we have used with our Windows PC and Mac. It means anything we could do on Windows, Mac, or in Chrome, we can do in the Chrome operating system. Chrome operating system is actually a browser that also happens to run an entire computer. It has some extras that make it more than just a browser.

Benefits of Chromebook

Are Chromebooks good enough for what you want to do with your laptop? Below are some of the main features that attract people to a Chromebook instead of a Mac or Windows computer.

Price: Many Chromebooks cost considerably less than an average laptop. That makes them a very appealing proposition for budget-conscious shoppers.
Speed: Chromebooks can boot up and be ready to utilize in a matter of a few seconds. They do this because of their SSD HDs and the lightweight Chrome operating system.
Security: The Chromebook operating system features built-in malware and virus protection that is always updated, so users never need to worry about spam files using a Chromebook.
Battery: Chromebooks battery has an extended life up to 13-hours, which is much more than standard Windows laptops, though several newer Windows devices are reaching to that level.
Parental Controls: Chromebooks features Parental Controls option, and users can create supervised accounts to limit or track activities for their little ones online. This feature makes Chromebooks a highly recommended family-friendly device.
Cloud Storage: All new Chromebooks offer up to 100 GB Google Drive storage for two years, which is a considerable amount of space. OneDrive and Box subscription cost additional. With Chromebook, users get a significant amount of cloud storage without paying a single penny.
Sync: Chromebook laptops sync all apps and passwords with Chrome browsers on other devices. If you use the Chrome browser on a home computer or at work, your bookmarks and other preferences will automatically sync to Chromebook.
Android Apps: Touch screen Chromebooks that are introduced in 2017 or later have the ability to run Android apps. This combination of Android and Chrome operating system enhances the performance of a Chromebook, which means users can use Android apps by Microsoft, Adobe and other to play games, edit and create files, or stream videos, music, and movies.

Chromebook Tips

Below we have collated a list of useful tips and trick for Chromebook to maximize productivity;

Use Third-Party DNS

There are numerous reasons to use a third-party Domain Name Server when you are on the web. Some say they are more secure; some say they are faster, and it’s the best way to get around any silly content block that may be in place on the servers of the people who offer you internet. Using third-party DNS on a Chromebook is simple by following below steps;

Open Chromebook setting page
Press the name of the network you want to modify
A window will open, select the Network tab
At the bottom, select the name of the server you want to use
You will see automatic and Google option
You can enter manually if you know precisely what you want

Chrome Overview

Chromebook features a built-in overview feature that enables users to see every open window at a glance. This function is similar to Mac and equally useful. you can do this by following the below steps;

On the top row of the keyboard press []]] key or swipe down using three fingers on your trackpad to enter into overview.
Click any of the thumbnails, and it will open a window.
Clicking blank window will take you to the previous window you were viewing
If there is a lot of windowed apps running, this feature can save a whole lot of time

You can also type to filter out what you are viewing. For instance, typing MS Word” will only display windows with the word MS Word.

Set a Pin

As Chromebook is deeply connected with a Google account, and before accessing anything, a user has to enter the password each time. It is a very tiring process, and using the pin feature can save much more time. You can set a pin easily by following below steps;

Open Chromebook settings page
Open screen lock and sign-in from the quick settings menu
Under the You and Google option, enter your password for the last time
Set a six-digit pin code
Done

Enabling Offline Mode

Enabling offline mode on a Chromebook for Google Drive and Docs, you need to install the offline extension first. When done, follow below-stated steps;

Enable Offline mode by checking the box

For making a particular document offline, you can

Go to the Files menu
Check the box for Make available offline
Make sure to modify all settings while you have an internet connection

Chromebook Master Search

This feature is the best part of a Chromebook, and Google search is integrated across the system and the web. To do this, you need to follow these steps;

Press the dedicated search option on the keyboard
Start typing
Press Enter

You don’t need to open Chrome and then a new tab and then search for things. It doesn’t matter where you are under the setting page or in Chrome. This search button will open a result in a new Chrome tab immediately. Users can also search for settings and Chrome apps through this button.

Useful Shortcuts for Chromebook

There are uncountable keyboard shortcuts of the Chrome operating system. Below are some of the useful shortcuts that can help to navigate through the Chrome operating system.

Search anything: Press search button
Locking Chromebook: Press search + L
Trigger Google Assistant: Press Search button + A
Screenshot: Press CTRL + Overview button which is located above the six key
Cheatsheet: Press Ctrl+Alt+?
Delete: Press Alt+Backspace button
Snapping Windows left or right: Press Alt + [ and Alt + ]

Sharing Chromebook Safely

Setting your Chromebook it feels like it is just locked for your personal account. The chrome operating system has an ability for any machine to work with any account. If someone wants your Chromebook for a quick research or something else, they can use the guest mode from the Chromebook lock screen. Upon signing out from guest mode, everything will be wiped out.

Adding Secondary Google Account Inside Existing ProfileProfile

The chrome operating system creates a new profile for every new account. Google has a feature to add a secondary account in an existing profile itself. You can add your secondary account by following below steps;

Open settings page
Above You and Google option, click on your name
Click on Add account option
Type new account credentials
Done

Conclusion

The Chromebook features good security with automatic updates. It is a simple, more optimized, and low-cost option for people of basic needs. Its compatibility with Android gives it a new life and can run Android apps, web apps, and browse the internet. Above mentioned Chromebook tips can help you to navigate it better.

Also check:

FAQ

Below are most asked question by multiple users;

Q: Which is better, Chrome operating system or Windows 10?

Ans: Chrome operating system is much better than Windows 10. Chrome operating system users have their system updated continuously without a hitch, while Windows users wait for as long as possible to update their systems.

Q: Why Chromebooks are inexpensive?

Ans: Chromebooks are inexpensive for the fact that their operating system is free.

Q: Can you stream Netflix on Chromebook?

Ans: Yes, You can stream Netflix on a Chromebook through Netflix site or its app from the google play store.

Q: Can you take the print from a Chromebook?

Ans: Yes, you can take the print from a Chromebook using a printer with a Wi-fi or a wired internet connection. Additionally, you can use a USB cable to connect to a printer.