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CNET
3 days ago
- Health
- CNET
My Top 5 Smart Thermostat Tips to Beat the Summer Heat
It's not summer yet but the West Cost is already bracing for its first heat wave of the year, with other regions not far behind. I'm worried your smart thermostat may not be caught up on summer temperatures. Fortunately, the right changes to your settings can prep your home while ensuring you keep on saving money without your AC going off the rails. Smart thermostats excel at this kind of response, from automated changes to easy app updates even if you aren't home. These recommendations will have you set for the heat to come. Read more: The Best Smart Thermostats for Your Home 1. Set 'at home' heating to 68 Fahrenheit Set your thermostat to 68°F or below when winter comes knocking. Tyler Lacoma/CNET Check your summer scheduling in your app settings (such as the Ecobee app or the Google Home or Apple Home app) and use your scheduling options to set the daytime temperature -- when everyone will be home -- to 76 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. That's enough to keep the house cool without overheating or wasting energy. If you like the heat and can get a reliable breeze by opening windows, you may be able to bump settings up to 80 degrees or so to save more money. But when outdoor temperatures start soaring well above 80 degrees, close the windows so they don't dilute your cool air. Important note: Some US cities have cooling regulations that indicate thermostats can't be set above a certain temperature. They usually do this to prevent landlords from risking the health of the elderly or pets in an effort to save money during the hottest days. Check your city to see if it has any of these laws in place. 2. Set 'away/asleep' heating at 82 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit Google Home makes it easy to apply weekly schedules in minutes. Tyler Lacoma/CNET When everyone is out of the house for work or school, or asleep with a healthy dose of blankets, set your temperature trigger to between 82 and 85 Fahrenheit, depending on what feels the most comfortable. Lower temperatures are typically better when you're sleeping, while the house can usually endure higher temperatures when everyone is away -- although you should also think about what keeps your pets comfortable. Of course, we know that for some, sleeping when you're too hot is impossible. That's why it's also a good idea to remove some bedding for summer and crack open a window when temperatures get lower. Try to avoid setting up indoor rotating fans or similar solutions, as they'll eat into your electricity bill. 3. Turn on your Eco/CNET Most smart thermostats have an Eco mode or a recommended mode for saving as much money as possible. Ecobee even has an Eco Plus mode that adjusts cooling based on local electricity use in peak hours to save more energy. Enable these modes and apply them to your thermostat settings to see their suggestions. Nest thermostats, for example, have a green leaf icon that shows exactly when you're starting to save to make things easier. Usually, Eco modes are the best way to save on your bills without thinking about it and they tend to be reasonable. My Google Nest Thermostat Gen 4, for example, usually sets my "hold" eco mode to 82 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the day and can be adjusted from there. These modes combine well with learning modes that keep track of your manual preferences and home activity to automate savings suggestions over time. 4. Create a vacation mode Ecobee offers a dedicated vacation mode for its smart thermostat. Ecobee/CNET If your smart thermostat supports a vacation mode or alternate mode, set it up so that this alternate schedule is ready for summer trips. You may want it a little cooler in the day than your full away mode settings to help keep pets and plants comfortable, but maximize your savings by skipping any "at home" temperature bumps. If no one is at home and you're confident your house can withstand anything, close the shades and turn the cooling off entirely. Note that the Nest thermostat doesn't have a full alternate scheduling option but you can choose the "Add event" option for a similar result when creating your vacation plans. Read more: Home Security Prep If You're Taking a Trip 5. Move your satellite sensor to a common room Newer smart thermostats often come with a satellite temperature sensor that makes cooling decisions based on location. Nest Newer smart thermostats often come with a satellite temperature sensor or let you buy one as an add-on (here's a Nest version for $40). This allows the thermostat to make cooling decisions based on a different location beyond the often-central thermostat installation. That can be very useful if parts of your home stay too hot (living rooms with lots of electronics, kitchens with active ovens, etc.) while air near the thermostat cools down too quickly. However, be careful with this method because it could cost you more money in the long run (which may be a small price to pay for your comfort). To save money, you can move the sensor to the coolest room, such as a bedroom at night with the windows open. Complete your home prep by learning if a space heater can help you save money and your home checklist for leaving on vacation.
CNET
5 days ago
- Business
- CNET
I Hesitated at This Thermostat's Price Tag, but It's Paying for Itself by Cutting My Energy Bills. Here's My Experience
CNET's key takeaways $250 for a smart thermostat may sound like a tough deal, but mine is set to pay for itself this summer thanks to lower heating and cooling payments. Automated Eco Modes make energy saving easy, even if you don't have time to plan out your schedule. Local utility rebates may also help make the thermostat more affordable. My Nest Learning Thermostat Gen 4 is astonishingly beautiful -- I've had people stop in my hallway just to look at the shifting rain and sunset animations. But that beauty, and all the smart features inside, is pricey: At around $250, it's one of the most expensive smart thermostats I recommend. So why take the plunge? Because Nest's Eco modes are so effective, my Nest smart thermostat is set to pay for itself this summer through electricity savings -- and I barely had to do anything except set it up. Here's how it all works, and why I'm glad I kept this Nest smart thermostat around. Read more: One Tiny Gadget Is the Unsung Hero of Today's Smart, Energy-Saving Home My experience with the Nest Learning Thermostat 4th-gen A Nest Thermostat showing lightning. Google Nest With a larger dial than ever, the Nest Learning Thermostat 4 is well-suited to showing off, both aesthetically and with data-backed insights on indoor and outdoor temperatures, humidity and more. My favorite customization is putting the outside weather at the forefront of the display, which shows moving weather graphics that capture the current state of the skies, from falling snow to twinkling stars. Google's research indicates people save around 10% to 15% on their energy bills with a smart thermostat, which works out to an average savings of $132 to $145 per year. Nest's reports help you chart savings and troubleshoot energy problems. Tyler Lacoma/CNET Those numbers reflected my results fairly well. From early fall to the colder winter months, I saved around $10 to $15 per month with Nest's tweaks and by balancing my electricity usage with less costly natural gas heating. As the months warm up that number is growing higher, and I expect to save around $20 per month in the summer heat -- enough to pay for my thermostat sometime this year. After that, it's all gravy. Smarts behind a pretty face Nest Thermostat 4th-gen showing app controls, sensor settings and more. Tyler Lacoma/CNET Given permission, the thermostat learns my habits and adjusts heating and cooling levels in response. Auto-Eco mode, for example, will turn the thermostat down automatically if it senses there's no activity in the house, which saves more money. Adaptive Eco will take care of the details for me, while Eco Hold will stick to a money-saving temperature that I choose manually. The Auto-Scheduling function does something similar, since it learns how I adjust the thermostat throughout the day and mimics my comfort preferences over time so I don't have to keep tweaking the settings. Google Home makes it easy to apply weekly schedules in moments. Tyler Lacoma/CNET Adjust the temperature manually at any time and when you see the green leaf icon appear, you'll know you're in savings mode. That makes it easy to adjust on the fly when the temperature feels about right, but you'd like to squeeze more savings out of the thermostat. Nest's Eco Modes also generate reports so I can see monthly progress and note any sudden problems or unexpected energy use. If there's a strange jump in energy use, the scheduling may be off, or you may be using electricity-hungry devices too much (my space heater and I are guilty of this). There's also a gamified "leafs" competition against other users that I don't care much about, but it's there for those interested. Satellite sensors and other ways to save Thermostat satellite sensors are one of the best inventions for home heating. Tyler Lacoma/CNET My Nest model also came with a satellite sensor, a little white puck that wirelessly transmits the temperature where it's placed to the thermostat. I can tell the Nest Learning Thermostat 4 to turn on or off based on its own built-in readings, on the readings of the satellite sensor, or a combination of both. Sensors like these help thermostats be more accurate based on where you actually spend time. For example, if I'm going to be spending the evening in a movie session at my TV or computer, I can bring the sensor along and when those heat-exhaling electronics heat up my personal space, the thermostat will take that as a sign to shut off early. The Nest thermostat smart home integrations are very limited, but that does make it easier to set up. Tyler Lacoma/CNET Then there are the peak hours programs, under names like Peak Perks, Rush Hour Rewards, Nest Renew from Google and other labels that indicate a partnership with utility companies. If your local utility supports these programs, you can join up and your Nest thermostat will make additional small changes throughout the day, avoiding the often-pricier peak hour energy use when possible. You give up some control of your thermostat with programs like these, which may displease some users, but it does enable you to save more. Many energy providers will also offer bonuses or rebates you can use to recoup the cost of an expensive thermostat even faster. A quick note about setup: If you're worried about installing the thermostat in your home, there's not much to fear from the process. I have a full guide here, but as long as you practice electrical safety and snap a picture of your current thermostat wiring, setting up the Nest Thermostat Gen 4 and getting it connected to Wi-Fi shouldn't be a problem, especially with Google Home app walkthroughs. The specs for the Nest Learning Thermostat 4th-gen Diameter: 3.9 in (98 mm) Depth: 1.1 in (29 mm) Weight: 5.7 oz (161.8 g) Display: 2.7 inch (68 mm) diameter circular liquid crystal display (600 x 600 pixels) Sensors: Soli sensor for Motion Sense, Temperature, Humidity, Ambient light Power consumption: Less than 1 kWh/month Power source: HVAC system wiring C (common) Wire: Not required Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11n (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz) HVAC system compatibility (Check your Nest compatibility here): Most 24V systems, including gas, electric, oil, forced air, heat pump, and radiant. It can control: Heating 1, 2, and 3 stages (W1, W2, W3); Cooling 1 and 2 stages (Y1, Y2); Heat pump with auxiliary and emergency heat (O/B, AUX, E); Fan (G, G2, G3); Power (C, RH, RC); Humidifier and dehumidifier (HUM, DEHUM); Ventilation (VENT). Smart home: Works with Google Home and Matter Warranty: 2-year standard for retail, 5-year standard for HVAC Pros Certifications: Energy Star-certified CNET's buying advice Nest's thermostat is one of the best high-end models I've seen. Tyler Lacoma/CNET It turns out a $250 to $280 smart thermostat isn't such a tough sell when I can see how mine will pay for itself in just about a year. It offers a plethora of energy-saving modes that users can pick from to rack up monthly savings -- most of them automated without requiring tinkering or calculators. I've even seen it available with rebates and free installation to speed up that payoff date. While Nest's circular thermostats have always had a flair for the dramatic, the Gen-4 model blows away the competition with a larger design that makes the most of its beautiful LED lighting and presence sensing to light up whenever someone walks past. The bright green leaf icon always shows instant savings for those who don't want to dive too deep into app management. Those who do want to explore the app will find settings for seasons, learning behaviors, weekly schedules and lots more.
CNET
22-05-2025
- Business
- CNET
Grab a Refurbished Home Security Camera From Arlo for as Little as $30 Ahead of Memorial Day
A home security camera is a great way to get some peace of mind when you're away. Not only can they help you make sure your loved ones and your home are safe, they're also a perfect way to keep an eye on package deliveries, and many feature 2-way audio for an added safeguard. Today's home security systems are relatively budget-friendly and easy to install. But buying refurbished could help you save even more, and right now Woot is offering deals on Arlo home security cameras ahead of Memorial Day. These deals help you score a new camera for as little as $30 until May 28 or until supplies last. But there's more: Amazon Prime members can get free shipping on their Woot orders, which means you'll save a few more bucks. If you're looking for a basic doorbell camera, this Arlo essential wired video doorbell is just $30 and is highly recommended by CNET security cam expert Tyler Lacoma. It features a viewing angle of 180 degrees, 2-way audio and night vision. It saves you $90 when compared to its full price, and the new version costs $60 at Amazon right now. Best Memorial Day Deals CNET's team of shopping experts have explored thousands of deals on everything from mattresses and TVs to everyday essentials and outdoor fun so you can shop the best Memorial Day deals in one place. See now Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. For those who might need a bit more coverage, this 3-pack Arlo Pro 4 2K wire-free camera bundle is now down to $130, which is a massive $395 off its usual asking price. These security cameras offer color night vision that can allow you to see license plates and faces with more precision. This purchase also includes a complimentary 30-day cloud recording too. If you want to boost the capacity of any Arlo home security camera you might already have, this Arlo Pro smart hub for just $62 might be a great addition to your current setup. It connects to your Arlo cameras with Wi-Fi and boosts their battery life and capacity. Plus, buying from Woot saves you $88 over the usual asking price. Keep in mind that this smart hub only works with 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. There are multiple Arlo deals available right now, so it's a good idea to look through every possible selection to help you find the right option for you. Looking for a security camera but aren't sure if these deals are for you? Check out our list of the best 4K home security camera deals. We're keeping a close eye on Memorial Day deals so you can save on essentials and small luxuries as well, so check back often. Why this deal matters Home security cameras are a great way to keep an eye on your home and the happenings around it. But buying the right one is crucial to getting the protection you need at a decent price. A high-quality security cam that comes with all the bells and whistles can cost a lot of money. Woot's deals on refurbished Arlo home security cameras offer an opportunity to save on multiple cameras, and with deals starting as low as $30, now is an excellent time to purchase.
CNET
22-05-2025
- CNET
6 Smart Home Gadgets I Can't Stop Using This Year
Some products I just can't put down -- even after I'm finished reviewing them. What better sign of a great smart home gadget than finding myself still using it months later? And now that I've used them over an extended period of time, I have even more to say about their battery life, updates and long-term performance. This year, I've reviewed many home tech and home security devices, from cams and leak sensors to smoke detectors and pet fountains. Here's what I'm still using around my house, and why these products stuck around. Emporia smart plug Emporia's smart plug on a wood table. Tyler Lacoma/CNET The classic smart plug is a simple affair, a plug-in device that can automate and schedule on-off features for whatever you plug into it, like a lamp, coffeemaker or fountain. Emporia's model is a plug (15A) that goes a step beyond with its in-depth energy management functions, helping you save on electricity use. The smart plug even has a largely unique feature that lets you tailor on-off functions to match non-peak electricity usage hours. If your utility charges more for peak hour use, that's an easy way to save money on larger appliances. Plus, you can always go in and examine detailed charts of energy use by the hour, day, week or month. I also like how you can quickly sign in with logins like your Google account so setup is fairly effortless. I have been using this smart plug on a standalone heater, but it's time for a switch soon, possible to an air purifier to see just how much electricity it's using throughout the day. The possibilities are everywhere with a plug like this. Aqara Climate Sensor W100 Aqara's sensor is portable, useful and has many automation options I'm still experimenting with. Tyler Lacoma/CNET I'm already a fan of satellite sensors for smart thermostats, which let the thermostat react to the temperature in what specific spot the sensor is placed. But this Aqara climate sensor does even more. Right out of the box it starts sensing temperature and humidity wherever you put it. That's great for checking air quality levels in spots where I'm curious about monitoring conditions, like the bedroom. The sensor is also Matter-ready for broad compatibility with Apple Home, Alexa and Google Home if you don't want to use the Aqara app. With compatible devices (like an Aqara thermostat or compatibility smart plug) it can also trigger certain automations, a feature I'm excited about and still experimenting with, working to connect it to my thermostat or supported smart plug humidifier. I'm also interested to see what information the sensor offers as seasons change, such a room that gets particularly dry or too hot in the summer. Google Nest Cam floodlight The Google Nest floodlight cam is so useful I haven't bothered taking it down yet. Tyler Lacoma/CNET I originally started testing the Google Nest Cam floodlight model in conjunction with my review of the ADT Plus security platform. That testing and the ADT system are long gone, but I kept on using the Nest Cam floodlight in my backyard via the Google Home app (where I can also see my doorbell at the same time). The LED brightness was easy to manage (and very bright at higher settings), the magnetic base made the cam simple to angle in just the right way, and Google's free AI object detection remains one of my favorites. What's not to love? Well, fair warning -- you do need to wire the camera in, and wiring work on a ladder isn't exactly fun so prepare accordingly. Also, this is a particularly pricey high-end camera: You get what you pay for, but you may also think about waiting until a sale brings it down to around $200. Echo Show 8 (3rd gen) A smart display can do far more than just timers -- but it's so handy! Tyler Lacoma/CNET What makes a smart display any better than a smart speaker if you don't plan on watching many videos? For me, it's the on-display information I can check at a glance. In the kitchen, where my Echo Show 8 lives, that usually means checking recipe details or juggling multiple timers so I can see how much time is left with just a look, something a speaker just can't do. Also, those extra video features can grow on you. Watching a news roundup in the morning while grabbing tea or coffee can become an easy habit. The same is true of sports highlights, a music video you really want to see or a social media you have to see to get the joke. If you're more app-focused around the house, setting up an iPad also works well (it's just more expensive). SnapPower Guidelight 2 nightlight These outlets come in a variety of designs and shades to match your home, too. SnapPower When I first experimented with this auto-dimming nightlight, I assumed I'd go back to my old nightlight after I finished. But the Guidelight 2 kept on being a useful light. Built into the outlet cover itself, it frees up an outlet for use (for a laptop charger, in my case). The dimming function means the LED lights only turn on as it starts getting dark, and will brighten the darker the room grows. The original LED light was a little harsh, but there's a tiny switch to change it to a warmer color that's ideal for a home nightlight. I was left without any complaints. SwitchBot leak detector SwitchBot's leak detector is a little larger, but Wi-Fi ready and easy to place within minutes. Tyler Lacoma/CNET I've always been a fan of leak detectors that perform a quiet but serious service in homes and connect to apps for remote alerts so you know if there's something wrong even when you aren't at home. That's useful for any kind of flooding, but my SwitchBot version has a permanent place under the kitchen sink, where I've had leaking problems before. SwitchBot's model is a little bulky compared to some detectors, but it has an onboard siren as well as a Wi-Fi connection for the app, and it's simple to set up. Once it's in place, I don't have to worry about it until the worst happens -- or I get a replace battery alert in a few years. If we've whetted your smart home appetite, stop by our guides for the best smart home devices, check out how much a smart thermostat can save you and learn what the best home security cameras are.
CNET
16-05-2025
- CNET
I Travel and Test Home Security: Here Are My Top 9 Airbnb Safety Tips
From Memorial Day trips to fun summer getaways, vacation rentals like Airbnbs remain a popular way to visit a new place while still getting many of the benefits of a home (often with options to save compared to a hotel room). But entering an unfamiliar home also presents a few safety hazards. I'd rather you leave anxieties behind when you're on vacation, so I've gathered the best CNET tips for safety and tech security that work when you're on the way to a new vacation rental. Here are the red flags to watch for and what to keep in mind in nine important steps. Read more: 7 Tips to Spot Hidden Cameras in Your Airbnb 1. Early on, do extra research on your host Check in-depth reviews and host notes on any rental. Screenshot by Tyler Lacoma/CNET Airbnb basics include looking at your host's rating, but don't stop there. You can uncover a lot of useful info -- and potential Airbnb security red flags -- by digging a little deeper as you finalize plans and create your itinerary. Take time to read past reviews and see exactly what they talk about. Be wary if the reviews are all about the surrounding destination but don't talk about the rental itself much, which could mean there were issues they don't want to mention. Always pick hosts who have gone through the Airbnb process to verify their identity and give preference to "superhosts" with plenty of positive reviews. You can also learn a lot from the photos the host includes -- or doesn't include. Look for pics that show access points around the house, how easy it would be to break through windows or doors, and how clean and open the nearby landscaping is. That's what burglars watch for, too. Be wary if the photos don't show a lot of visual info about the rental, or if they don't show any security features that the listing mentions. This is also the perfect time to Google the surrounding area and see if it has any notable risks, from a wave of residential theft to a propensity for wildfires or flooding. 2. Tally any security cameras and where they are The wireless Ring Stick-Up Cam Pro sits perched on the corner of a home, keeping an eye on the exterior of the property. Amazon Airbnb has completely banned indoor security cameras. If you see any, that's an instant dealbreaker and you should request a refund as well as finding another spot. Outdoor security cameras are still allowed, but if you're renting you should know exactly where they are. Rental owners often use a combination of mounted security cameras and video doorbells to, at minimum, check when renters arrive and make sure they're showing up as expected. Find these cameras and make sure they aren't intrusive or pointed through windows to see into the rental's rooms. A single, minimally invasive video doorbell is the best case scenario. Important note: Always talk to hosts ahead of time about security cameras and any security systems that they use. Have the host explain where their cameras are and how they're used. This is a nice mini security briefing on its own. 3. Check the electronics and decide what you will (and won't) use Hosts may provide lots of electronics, but be careful what you rentals are outfitted with their own electronics, which can include computers, tablets, TVs, sound systems, Wi-Fi routers, smart thermostats and many other gadgets. Do a survey of these electronics when you arrive, especially if the host mentioned them in the listing. Decide early on if you'll use these electronics and how. Remember, hosts can often monitor device usage and may even be able to look through webcams. Many renters don't feel comfortable using included computers and stay on their own devices for safety. Devices like TVs are probably safe, although you should avoid plugging a rental's set-top boxes or TV sticks into your own screens. But other gadgets like rental-provided chargers? It's best to steer clear and plug your own chargers into wall outlets to avoid malware and other issues. 4. Arrange for your unique smart lock codes early Smart locks can provide codes, passes, biometric logins and more, but it's important to keep things organized. Lockly Smart locks are one of the most common devices in rentals, and come with lots of advantages for both you and the host. But that comes with a caveat: You need the passcodes or digital keys to use them properly. Ask the host for your digital codes before you arrive. Request the specifics of exactly how the codes work -- are they only viable for a certain period of time? What about certain times of day? Most importantly, have the codes been switched since the last renter? You'll want to guarantee your safety and freedom to leave the rental whenever you want. Hosts who are cagey about smart lock details, don't provide proper codes or digital passes, or want to restrict your movement to certain times of day are walking red flags. In these cases, you should find another place to stay if you can. 5. Run an amenities check before unpacking When you first arrive and air out the rental, this is an excellent chance to look for any obvious safety or amenity issues in your space. People have encountered everything from missing shower curtains and broken back doors to toilets that don't work. Some find an alarming absence of hot water or a very unexpected roach infestation. With big problems like these, it's important to say "nope" ASAP and make other arrangement rather than start unpacking before you realize. 6. Once you get inside, scan for hidden cameras Apps can help you take a closer look at your Airbnb, but we suggest using them with other methods. CNET We wish hidden Airbnb cameras were an urban myth, but it's an all-too-real trend happening all around the world. You can do a few brief checks for hidden cameras once you're indoors and ready to unpack. We have a complete guide on detecting hidden rental cams here. Most can be found simply by using the flashlight on your phone and scanning rooms in the dark, which tends to show reflective lenses and other telltale signs. Apps (like this one from Kupertino Labs) and gadgets can also help if you're particularly concerned. 7. Look for basics like smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and window locks Always check the included device list against what you actually find in the Airbnb. Screenshot by Tyler Lacoma/CNET With electronics and hidden cams accounted for, there's one more gadget run-through you need to make in new spaces like this. Check for smoke/carbon monoxide detectors in every room, and make sure there's an easily accessed fire extinguisher. Look for locks on the windows and any side doors, too. This is also an excellent time to find any home safes that the host may have included to store your valuables. It's your choice if you want to keep electronics, cash and so on here, but a properly managed safe with changing codes is usually one of the most protected places in a rental. However, you have to put a lot of trust in your host. 8. See if there's protected Wi-Fi Netgear's hotspot device may be a safer option than trusting every host's Wi-Fi. Netgear Wi-Fi is a common, even expected inclusion at Airbnbs, but it comes with its own set of risks. It's important that any Wi-Fi the host offers is on a separate guest network, uses WPA2 or 3 encryption and has a good password. Ideally, the host will change this password after every guest, too. Even then, the host still has a lot of control over what devices are connected and what they do. If you can't verify that the Wi-Fi network has the right protections, don't use it. Some prefer to use their own Wi-Fi hotspots or a VPN rather than risk the dangers that come with relying on a stranger's Wi-Fi. 9. Check for local maps or download your own Updates like iOS 18 make it easier than ever to download customizable maps for your plans. Jeff Carlson/CNET Some rental owners offer help to newcomers like providing local maps or guides so you can more easily find your way around and get a few recommendations. If no maps are provided, now is the ideal time to find a few local maps (street, trail, landmark) and download them to your phone or other device. You'll want a downloaded map that doesn't rely on Wi-Fi for safe navigation of the area. Now you're ready to settle in, head out and enjoy your stay. But don't stop reading quite yet -- we also have guides on stopping porch pirates, preventing break-ins whether you're at home or not, and a complete guide to home security questions and answers.
