Brian explains how he solves his shop (or Garage?) lighting problems with just a few high bay LED Shop Lights.

Brian used lights from Hyperlight https://amzn.to/33NmcrN

For his very high ceilings, Brian chose to deploy 6 of the 250 watt (equivalent) lights https://amzn.to/3FfP0XP

The post Best LED Shop Lighting first appeared on The Handyguys.

The post Best LED Shop Lighting appeared first on The Handyguys.

Products mentioned:

• Lutron Caseta Outdoor Smart Plug https://amzn.to/3DKFlrn
• Lutron Caseta Smart Start Kit with hub https://amzn.to/3oTYocu
• BN wifi plug (not recommended for someone not techie) https://amzn.to/3xcGxBs

You can see our other Caseta videos here, including how to set up the switch, and how to use Caseta to solve tricky wiring situations.

Some products in this video may have been provided by their respective manufacturer. The Handyguys opinions about how to automate your outdoor Christmas lights are their own.

The post Automate your Outdoor Christmas Lights first appeared on The Handyguys.

The post Automate your Outdoor Christmas Lights appeared first on The Handyguys.

According to Coldwell Banker and CNET, a “smart home” is a “home that is equipped with network-connected products (i.e., “smart products” connected via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or similar protocols) for controlling, automating and optimizing functions such as temperature, lighting, security, safety or entertainment, either remotely by a phone, tablet, computer or a separate system within the home itself.”

It’s one thing to install the devices and make sure they are working correctly and quite another to leave the home ready for the next homeowner. To install them, see our video on Echobee thermostats and our video series on the Lutron Caseta Smart Home Lighting including an introduction, installation of its Smart Bridge, and using the app. On our Handyguys YouTube channel are a number of other videos on integrating smart devices and installation tips.

If you are looking to buy an Echobee thermostat for your home, Amazon is currently selling ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control, SmartSensor Included, Alexa Built-In. Yes, you can directly order more paper towels from Amazon through your thermostat using the Alexa connection. Pretty cool, huh? Well, until random music starts playing through your house and you can’t find it until you stand close to the thermostat and realize where it’s coming from. You can turn off these feature if it creeps you out too much.

But, seriously, what do you do when it’s time to sell? It depends on what is included in you agreement of sale. You do need to exclude things that are attached to the house if you are taking them with you, even like brackets for surround-sound speakers. We excluded the video cameras but are leaving the Echobee thermostat and Lutron switches. Each has their own reset and “Set to Move” features. Check the instructions from each manufacturer to make sure you leave it in the proper setting for the next owner to set-up themselves.

For resetting Lutron Caseta Smart Light Switches to their original factory setting, check our post detailing the process step-by step.

The post Moving Out of a Smart Home first appeared on The Handyguys.

The post Moving Out of a Smart Home appeared first on The Handyguys.

These switches allowed us to connect our lighting choices to our Google home device to be able to say things like “Hey, Google, turn on basement lights” or “Hey, Google, turn on ‘watch movie’ ” which would direct all the lights to go out except the left and right wall sconces that would dim to the perfect amount of light. Even more helpful, when one of us would leave a light on in the far corner of the basement, we could simply press the switch at the top of the stairs and all lights would go out. We could also control them on an app on our phones or on our laptops.

Then, we sold the house and had to figure out how to leave the whole system so the new homeowners would be able to tie these switches to apps on their phones and computers not ours. It took some digging but here are the steps we found to do the trick. The steps are easy and you can move through them quickly in less than 5 minutes.

1. Open the Lutron app on your phone or computer. If you have these light switches and never took the time to create an account to use them digitally, you might not need to do anything but if you want to make sure, you can download the app now and set them up by creating a new account as indicated starting in Step 8 below and then un-set starting with Step 1 to make sure. You only need steps 1-7 to remove yourself. Start by clicking on ‘wheel” icon in top left corner to open ‘Settings”.

2. Within “Settings,” select “Account”.

3. Within “Account”, select “Edit Account” — “Change your account password.”

4. You will be prompted to enter your login information to make these changes.

5. Create a new password.

6. Change your email.

7. You should get this message. “Your account has been updated.” Now you can walk away.

8. If you want to regain access or someone else new to your home needs to get set-up in the app, they would start here. Go to the homescreen on Lutron app and click “Get Started.”

9. You will be prompted to “Install Devices”.

10. Create a new account with the email and password for the new user.

11. Follow these steps with the hardware shown below. Plug the Caseta Bridge into a power outlet and the WiFi router.

12. Tap the button on the Bridge as shown below.

13. You should see the blue wheel below indicating that the bridge is “Discovering your Lutron system”.

14. The next message should indicate that “Your Lutron System is ready!”

15. Press the button on the back of the bridge a second time.

16. You will receive the following message: “This Lutron system has another account. Would you like to remove the old account? Other users will need to sign into the new account.” Select “Confirm.”

17. Name your home and select “Next”.

18. You will be asked “Allow Lutron to access this device’s location?” Select first option: “Allow only while using this app.”

19. Make sure you are in the right time zone.

20. Now you can have some fun playing around with setting scenes and schedules for your needs.

And, there you have it. If you have additional questions, you can always check support out information on the Caseta Wireless website.

The post Restoring Factory Defaults in Lutron Caseta Smart Light Switches first appeared on The Handyguys.

The post Restoring Factory Defaults in Lutron Caseta Smart Light Switches appeared first on The Handyguys.

Once you have decided to do what you can yourself (because paint is cheap and labor is not), there are decisions like whether or not to use painter’s tape, what nap of roll to pick, which drop cloth to use (versus an old sheet which either leaks through to the floor or an outdoor tarp which can be slippery) and of course, which length and brand of paintbrush. We are a bit of brush snobs because a little extra money on brushes goes a long way in keeping bristles from being painted into your walls. Soooo many choices, so little time. Oh, and let’s not even begin to mention the paint itself.

Fortunately for you, we did mention paint and painting tools in our podcast on How to Paint Like a Pro. You can also read about picking paint colors in Picking Paint Colors with a professional.

As all good product manufacturers, we found a few new items on the shelves when prepping our house for sale this year. FrogTape now has a yellow Delicate Surface Painter’s Tape with PaintBlock, 1.88″ wide. This is especially helpful when you are trying to get your painting done in a tight time frame and you are painting the wall soon after the trim is dry. You heard me right. Pros told us to paint the trim, especially complicated trim, first. We’ve done it both ways – wall, then trim, but it worked out surprisingly well to do the baseboard first this last go around.

Leave us comments about your favorite story of painting “challenges”. What worked? What didn’t?

Click on the image below to buy your own yellow painter’s tape and any other painting supplies you need!

The post Painting to Sell first appeared on The Handyguys.

The post Painting to Sell appeared first on The Handyguys.

We cleaned out our closets, took a ton of trips to the landfill, painted, re-carpeted, landscaped and had it all ready to go. And then the world shut down. Admittedly for our own benefit but who could have guessed? Despite it all, we had a very helpful realtor who managed to squeeze in filming a professional video of our home before the state mandated a complete shut-down due to COVID-19. We thought we would get a couple of inquiries from the video. I am sure it was helpful, but things didn’t really change until couples could come back in and see the house with their realtor and their face masks. Then, we got an offer in only a week and half. More on that to come since we are still in the process of inspections, appraisals and other steps in the process to close on it and find our dream home with more land in the mountains of Tennessee.

The Handyguys did a previous post and video on Curb Appeal that you might enjoy if you are trying to sell your house this year. In fact, I’ll share the video again here but starting with clean front door and entry-way is a great place to begin.

Did you know Rust-Oleum has a great door paint too? Fade & chip resistant. Check it out to get started on a great home project while you have the time!

The post Selling Your House During a Global Pandemic first appeared on The Handyguys.

The post Selling Your House During a Global Pandemic appeared first on The Handyguys.

When you’re hanging something heavy, a simple nail probably won’t do the job. Whether it’s an heirloom family mirror or a large painting, you want to be confident it will hang securely on your wall for years to come.
The right method for hanging your object depends on the type of wall you have and where you want to hang it. There are several ways to approach this task, depending on whether your wall is plaster, drywall or brick.
If your home was built before World War II, it likely has plaster walls, BobVila.com says. Most newer homes are made with drywall, though homeowners may opt for plaster if they’re looking for a textured or glossy finish. If you’re unsure, you can try pinning a tack into an unobtrusive portion of your wall. If it’s easy to push the tack into the wall to hang up a picture or a poster, it’s likely drywall, BobVila.com says. Plaster is brittle and can’t usually be pierced in this way.
Before trying any of the following methods, check the guidelines on the hardware you purchase to make sure it will be able to withstand the weight of the object you’re trying to hang. If you’re unsure, you may want to hire a professional handyman to hang your picture or mirror.

Thanks to Allstate for sponsoring this show. 

The post How to Hang Heavy Objects on a Wall first appeared on The Handyguys.

The post How to Hang Heavy Objects on a Wall appeared first on The Handyguys.

Thank You to Allstate for sponsoring this content. 

The post How to Get Your Lawn Mower Ready for Spring first appeared on The Handyguys.

The post How to Get Your Lawn Mower Ready for Spring appeared first on The Handyguys.

Looking to upgrade to a smart thermostat in your home? With a variety of options to consider, it can be challenging to decide which model is right for you and your space. Watch as home maintenance experts The Handyguys discuss some common features of smart thermostats and what to look out for when purchasing this new technology.

Thank you to Allstate for sponsoring this post.

The post Smart Thermostats: What You Need to Know first appeared on The Handyguys.

The post Smart Thermostats: What You Need to Know appeared first on The Handyguys.

According to Energy.gov, if you and your family use less than 41 gallons of hot water per day, switching to a tankless water heater may save 24 to 34 percent more energy than a conventional storage water heater. If you’re looking to learn more about these demand-type water heaters, watch as home maintenance experts The Handyguys explain the pros and cons of tankless water heaters.

Thanks to Allstate for sponsoring this show

The post Buying a Tankless Water Heater? What You Need to Know first appeared on The Handyguys.

The post Buying a Tankless Water Heater? What You Need to Know appeared first on The Handyguys.

The post Smart Light Bulbs first appeared on The Handyguys.

The post Smart Light Bulbs appeared first on The Handyguys.

In this video, The Handyguys review the TiVO Roamio. This device helps to eliminate excess cords and cables in your TV. The TiVO Roamio is compatible with devices that are open the box, plug, and play. The main pro of the TiVO Roamio vs. any other plug in antenna that provides HD content, is that the TiVO allows you to DVR content.

TiVO Roamio Review

The TiVO Roamio is a one time purchase. It will DVR your favorite shows, allow for streaming, and has an antenna signal guide. In past episodes, The Handyguys have tested out other streaming services for TV including the Roku, Apple TV, Google’s device, and the Amazon Fire. All of these streaming devices have nice interfaces, but The Handyguys’ favorite is the Roku due to its selection of apps. However, the Roku does not include over the air TV and sometimes you may have 2 devices that need to be plugged in. This is where the TiVO Roamio is helpful.

The TiVO Roamio can handle over the air TV and programming. Unlike the Roku, you are unable to stream news on the Roamio. The Roamio is more expensive than the Roku, but as previously mentioned, does allow for DVR. The Roamio comes with a guide to all of its channels as well as what’s coming up. You can elect to record a how once or continuously. It even has a feature called OnePass where you can record new episodes and gather older seasons that may be housed on a streaming service that you are logged into on the device. You still need to have these streaming subscriptions as they do not come with the TiVO Roamio itself.

The TiVO Roamio is an all-encompassing device if you are looking for 1 option to house your over the air TV, DVR, and streaming needs. Check it out at The Handyguys website.

Handyguy Approved Products

Products discussed in this video:
TiVO Roamio OTA: http://amzn.to/2GncHPb
Roku Ultra: http://amzn.to/2F9L9xa

Our Smarthome Favorites:
Lutron Caseta http://amzn.to/2nByBXa
Ecobee Thermostat http://amzn.to/2Ew8vg1
Philips Hue Smart Bulbs http://amzn.to/2BQqc6Z

Production Equipment:
Canon C200: http://amzn.to/2EzG4Os
Nikon D750: http://amzn.to/2DYFFnm
Sony Microphones: http://amzn.to/2GIDk1Z

Subscribe to The Handyguys: http://bit.ly/2FkTEUW
Head over to our website for more info: http://handyguys.com

All opinions are our own.
DISCLOSURE: The Handyguys are participants in the Amazon Associates Program which is an affiliate advertising program allowing us to earn income by advertising and linking to amazon.com. If you purchase something from our affiliate links we may earn a small commission but there are no additional costs to you. Thanks for your support.

The post TIVO ROAMIO REVIEW | HANDYGUYS TV first appeared on The Handyguys.

The post TIVO ROAMIO REVIEW | HANDYGUYS TV appeared first on The Handyguys.

In this final video on the Lutron Caseta lighting system, Handyguys Brian and Paul check Lutron Caseta and Amazon Alexa compatibility. In a previous video, The Handyguys check the Lutron Caseta’s compatibility with the Google Home. Lutron Caseta worked very well with the Google Home Mini and was compatible with not only commands but also with pre-set scenes that The Handyguys had programmed through the app.

Lutron Caseta and Amazon Alexa Compatibility

In order to use the Alexa, you must first add Lutron Caseta as a skill to the Alexa via your phone or tablet built-in app. You can do this by opening the app, choosing add a skill, discover devices, and choose Lutron Caseta. Your Lutron Caseta and Amazon Alexa system will be discoverable for each other via wifi and your smart bridge. After you discover the Lutron Caseta system, you can tell Alexa to turn on/off lights or pre-set scenes.

If you’ve missed any episodes on the Lutron Caseta system, make sure to check out The Handyguy YouTube page and blog for more details.

Handyguys Approved Products

Products used in this video:
Caseta Smart Bridge: http://amzn.to/2s5B815
Caseta Starter Kit: http://amzn.to/2GIbPp8
Dimmer & Remote Kit: http://amzn.to/2EFtxJh
Pico Remote Wall Bracket: http://amzn.to/2EBWTbr
Echo Dot: http://amzn.to/2EDDHKj
Echo (2nd Gen): http://amzn.to/2EDE5sf

Our Smarthome Favorites:
Ecobee Thermostat http://amzn.to/2Ew8vg1
Philips Hue Smart Bulbs http://amzn.to/2BQqc6Z
Echo Dot: http://amzn.to/2EF89Ec

Production Equipment:
Canon C200: http://amzn.to/2EzG4Os
Nikon D750: http://amzn.to/2DYFFnm
Sony Microphones: http://amzn.to/2GIDk1Z

Subscribe to The Handyguys: http://bit.ly/2FkTEUW

Control your lights from anywhere – whether you’re home or away. Caséta Wireless dimmers and switches install in minutes, work with numerous bulb types – including dimmable LEDs and CFLs, and bring the convenience of a connected home to your fingertips.

Head over to our website for more info: http://handyguys.com

All opinions are our own.

DISCLOSURE: The Handyguys are participants in the Amazon Associates Program which is an affiliate advertising program allowing us to earn income by advertising and linking to amazon.com. If you purchase something from our affiliate links we may earn a small commission but there are no additional costs to you. Thanks for your support.

The post Lutron Caseta and Amazon Alexa Integration | HANDYGUYS TV first appeared on The Handyguys.

The post Lutron Caseta and Amazon Alexa Integration | HANDYGUYS TV appeared first on The Handyguys.

In this video, Handyguys Brian and Paul look into what happens to your Lutron Caseta system if your Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge should go out for whatever reason. This could occur is your internet goes down or if the bridge has another malfunction. Do all of your lights stop working in this situation?

What Happens When The Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge Goes Out

Handyguy Brian unplugs the hub to find that all of the lights continue to work in this situation. All of the Lutron Caseta dimmers and switches also still work with their preprogrammed settings. The only thing that no longer works if the Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge goes out is that one cannot control the Lutron Caseta from the app anymore.

Stay tuned for more on the Lutron Caseta system from The Handyguys.

Handyguy Approved Products

Products used in this video:
Caseta Smart Bridge: http://amzn.to/2s5B815
Caseta Starter Kit: http://amzn.to/2GIbPp8
Dimmer & Remote Kit: http://amzn.to/2EFtxJh
Pico Remote Wall Bracket: http://amzn.to/2EBWTbr

Our Smarthome Favorites:
Ecobee Thermostat http://amzn.to/2Ew8vg1
Philips Hue Smart Bulbs http://amzn.to/2BQqc6Z
Echo Dot: http://amzn.to/2EF89Ec

Production Equipment:
Canon C200: http://amzn.to/2EzG4Os
Nikon D750: http://amzn.to/2DYFFnm
Sony Microphones: http://amzn.to/2GIDk1Z

Subscribe to The Handyguys: http://bit.ly/2FkTEUW

Control your lights from anywhere – whether you’re home or away. Caséta Wireless dimmers and switches install in minutes, work with numerous bulb types – including dimmable LEDs and CFLs, and bring the convenience of a connected home to your fingertips.

Head over to our website for more info: http://handyguys.com

All opinions are our own.

DISCLOSURE: The Handyguys are participants in the Amazon Associates Program which is an affiliate advertising program allowing us to earn income by advertising and linking to amazon.com. If you purchase something from our affiliate links we may earn a small commission but there are no additional costs to you. Thanks for your support.

The post Will Lutron Caseta work without the Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge? | HANDYGUYS TV first appeared on The Handyguys.

The post Will Lutron Caseta work without the Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge? | HANDYGUYS TV appeared first on The Handyguys.

In this video, Handyguys Brian and Paul check in on Lutron Caseta and Google Home compatibility. The Handyguys have been exploring the Lutron Caseta system and all of its benefits for the home owner. The Handyguys have checked the compatibility of other home automation devices with the Google Home as well as the Amazon Alexa.

Is The Lutron Caseta System Compatible With Google Home Capabilities?

The Handyguys not only want to know if the Google Home is compatible with the lighting but also if it compatible with various scene settings. In this video, Handyguy Brian asks Google to set the scene to watch a movie. The Google Home Mini then turns on the watch movie scene as previously set by The Handyguys through the Lutron Caseta app.

You can also ask the Google Home to turn on basement lights by asking it to activate and deactivate a certain lighting unit. The Lutron Caseta and Google Home are able to dim your lights to a certain percentage if need be. However, the Lutron Caseta dims better with old incandescent bulbs than with LED bulbs.

Handygus Brian finishes the video by saying that he actually uses the functions that Lutron Caseta and Google Home integration have to offer. Stay tuned for more from The Handyguys involving the Lutron Caseta system and all of its features.

Handyguy Approved Products

Products used in this video:
Caseta Smart Bridge: http://amzn.to/2s5B815
Caseta Starter Kit: http://amzn.to/2GIbPp8
Dimmer & Remote Kit: http://amzn.to/2EFtxJh
Pico Remote Wall Bracket: http://amzn.to/2EBWTbr
Google Home: goo.gl/fn1tJi

Our Smarthome Favorites:
Ecobee Thermostat http://amzn.to/2Ew8vg1
Philips Hue Smart Bulbs http://amzn.to/2BQqc6Z
Echo Dot: http://amzn.to/2EF89Ec

Production Equipment:
Canon C200: http://amzn.to/2EzG4Os
Nikon D750: http://amzn.to/2DYFFnm
Sony Microphones: http://amzn.to/2GIDk1Z

Subscribe to The Handyguys: http://bit.ly/2FkTEUW

Head over to our website for more info: http://handyguys.com

All opinions are our own.

DISCLOSURE: The Handyguys are participants in the Amazon Associates Program which is an affiliate advertising program allowing us to earn income by advertising and linking to amazon.com. If you purchase something from our affiliate links we may earn a small commission but there are no additional costs to you. Thanks for your support.

The post Lutron Caseta and Google Home Integration | HANDYGUYS TV first appeared on The Handyguys.

The post Lutron Caseta and Google Home Integration | HANDYGUYS TV appeared first on The Handyguys.

The Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge is the device that brings this whole operation together seemlessly. In this video, Handyguy Brian explains how you can use the Smart Bridge to connect the Lutron Caseta home automation to your smart phone device.

The Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge is necessary if you need to be controlling the lights in your house through your smart home device. This is especially helpful if you’ve forgotten to turn off the lights or are out of town and want to set up a system to ward off any break ins.

To set up the Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge, you need to physically plug in the box to your ethernet plug. This Bridge is not wireless and not wifi. However, the bridge does come with an ethernet cable for you to use to plug in.

The Handyguys will close out these series on the Lutron Caseta Home Lighting system on the Lutron Caseta app next time. Stay tuned!

Products used in this video:
Caseta Smart Bridge
Caseta Starter Kit
Dimmer & Remote Kit
Pico Remote Wall Bracket

Our Smarthome Favorites:
Ecobee Thermostat
Philips Hue Smart Bulbs
Echo Dot

Production Equipment:
Canon C200
Nikon D750
Sony Microphones

Subscribe to The Handyguys

Control your lights from anywhere – whether you’re home or away. Caséta Wireless dimmers and switches install in minutes, work with numerous bulb types – including dimmable LEDs and CFLs, and bring the convenience of a connected home to your fingertips.

Head over to our website for more info: http://handyguys.com

All opinions are our own.

DISCLOSURE: The Handyguys are participants in the Amazon Associates Program which is an affiliate advertising program allowing us to earn income by advertising and linking to amazon.com. If you purchase something from our affiliate links we may earn a small commission but there are no additional costs to you. Thanks for your support.

The post Installing the Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge | The Handyguys (Video) first appeared on The Handyguys.

The post Installing the Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge | The Handyguys (Video) appeared first on The Handyguys.

To continue this series on the Lutron Caseta Home Lighting System, The Handyguys teach viewers how to set up the Lutron Caseta app on their smart phone device.

The Lutron Caseta app allows for different groupings for lighting such as basement, living room, office, kitchen, etc. The app also has controls for the Lutron Caseta switches, Pico remote, Sconces and so forth. In addition, you can control different scenes through the app. The Handyguys have a lights off scene, watch movie scene, basement scene, and selling scene for a crafting area.

You can create a schedule through the app that allows you to have specific sets of lights on and off while you are away. In addition, the app allows for geofencing so that when you leave your home or return, specified lights will turn on and off.

Finally, Lutron app allows you to access a widget on the home screen of your device for easy control of your home automation lighting.

The Handyguys have gone through all the different components of the Lutron Caseta Home Lighting system including its uses, switches dimmers, the Pico remote, the Smart Bridge, and finally Lutron Caseta App. Make sure to go back and watch any videos that you may have  missed, and stay tuned for more!

Products used in this video:
Caseta Smart Bridge
Caseta Starter Kit
Dimmer & Remote Kit
Pico Remote Wall Bracket

Our Smart home Favorites:
Ecobee Thermostat
Philips Hue Smart Bulbs
Echo Dot

Production Equipment:
Canon C200
Nikon D750
Sony Microphones

Subscribe to The Handyguys:

Control your lights from anywhere – whether you’re home or away. Caséta Wireless dimmers and switches install in minutes, work with numerous bulb types – including dimmable LEDs and CFLs, and bring the convenience of a connected home to your fingertips.

Head over to our website for more info: http://handyguys.com

All opinions are our own.

DISCLOSURE: The Handyguys are participants in the Amazon Associates Program which is an affiliate advertising program allowing us to earn income by advertising and linking to amazon.com. If you purchase something from our affiliate links we may earn a small commission but there are no additional costs to you. Thanks for your support.

The post Using the Lutron Caseta App | HANDYGUYS TV first appeared on The Handyguys.

The post Using the Lutron Caseta App | HANDYGUYS TV appeared first on The Handyguys.

In this Video, Handyguys Brian and Paul continue their series on the Lutron Caseta Home Lighting System by talking about the Pico remote that controls the whole system.

This remote allows you to turn a normal circuit into a 3 or 4 way circuit while controlling them all. The major pro of this remote is that it does not require a power source but rather is battery controlled; therefore, this remote can be placed anywhere, next to a couch or in a wall plate bracket. However, you do not need an additional wall box for the remote.

If you choose to mount the remote in a wall plate bracket, you will need the the wall bracket to place it in a switch plate cover and mount right next to the existing switch. You can control the lights outside of the room as the switch has no physical connection but it connected to your lighting through the network in your house wirelessly. This makes the remote powerful because, as previously mentioned, you can put it anywhere.

Stay tuned for more on the Lutron Caseta system, specifically the smart bridge and the Lutron Caseta App that controls it all!

Products used in this video:
Caseta Starter Kit
Dimmer & Remote Kit
Pico Remote Wall Bracket

Our Smarthome Favorites:
Ecobee Thermostat
Philips Hue Smart Bulbs
Echo Dot

Production Equipment:
Canon C200
Nikon D750
Sony Microphones

Subscribe to The Handyguys

Control your lights from anywhere – whether you’re home or away. Caséta Wireless dimmers and switches install in minutes, work with numerous bulb types – including dimmable LEDs and CFLs, and bring the convenience of a connected home to your fingertips.

Head over to our website for more info: http://handyguys.com

All opinions are our own.

DISCLOSURE: The Handyguys are participants in the Amazon Associates Program which is an affiliate advertising program allowing us to earn income by advertising and linking to amazon.com. If you purchase something from our affiliate links we may earn a small commission but there are no additional costs to you. Thanks for your support.

The post Using the Pico Remote for Lutron Caseta | Handyguys (Video) first appeared on The Handyguys.

The post Using the Pico Remote for Lutron Caseta | Handyguys (Video) appeared first on The Handyguys.

In this video, Handyguy Paul asks Handyguy Brian if he thinks that he Lutron Caseta Home Lighting system is worth it. Handyguy Brian explained that initially he was searching for a way to turn off all of the lights in the basement with one switch while also having the option of controlling each circuit separately.

Why Invest In Lutron Caseta

The Lutron Caseta remote that controls the circuits functions wirelessly and is powered by a battery that is supposed to last 10 years. This means that Handyguy Brian put in a battery once and won’t have to worry about it for a good while. In later episodes, The Handyguys will discuss more about this switch in detail.

All in all, after asking the question, “Is a smart home lighting system worth installing?” Handyguy Brian does feel that it is worth it, mainly so that he has one central switch, but also because of the new switches and dimmers that come with this system. Stay tuned for more on the Pico remote, the Lutron Smart Bridge, as well as the Lutron app in later episodes.

Products used in this video:
Caseta Starter Kit
Dimmer & Remote Kit
Pico Remote Wall Bracket

Our Smarthome Favorites:
Ecobee Thermostat
Philips Hue Smart Bulbs
Echo Dot

Production Equipment:
Canon C200
Nikon D750
Sony Microphones

Subscribe to The Handyguys

Control your lights from anywhere – whether you’re home or away. Caséta Wireless dimmers and switches install in minutes, work with numerous bulb types – including dimmable LEDs and CFLs, and bring the convenience of a connected home to your fingertips.

Head over to our website for more info: http://handyguys.com

All opinions are our own.

DISCLOSURE: The Handyguys are participants in the Amazon Associates Program which is an affiliate advertising program allowing us to earn income by advertising and linking to amazon.com. If you purchase something from our affiliate links we may earn a small commission but there are no additional costs to you. Thanks for your support.

The post Is the Lutron Caseta System Worth It? | HANDYGUYS TV first appeared on The Handyguys.

The post Is the Lutron Caseta System Worth It? | HANDYGUYS TV appeared first on The Handyguys.

In the previous video, Handyguys Brian and Paul introduce the Lutron Caseta Smart Home Lighting system. In this video, they delve deeper into the ins and outs of this lighting home automation system, specifically the switches and dimmers.

Handyguys Brian installed the Lutron Caseta Smart Home system in his basement allowing for 4 separate dimmers to be controlled by the Lutron Caseta Smart Home remote. In Handyguy Brian’s case, he has 4 dimmers that control separate circuits in his basement. The top button is on and the bottom button is off. The in-between panel allows the user to dim the switch on the selected circuit. In Handyguy Brian’s case, he has a third option that has a button in the middle of the on and off switch. That button can be pre-programmed to automatically dim to a certain percentage. a series of lights next to the dimmer signify when the light is dimming.

Stay tuned for more tips on the Lutron Caseta system from The Handyguys!

Products used in this video:
Caseta Starter Kit
Dimmer & Remote Kit
Pico Remote Wall Bracket

Our Smart home Favorites:
Ecobee Thermostat
Philips Hue Smart Bulbs
Echo Dot

Production Equipment:
Canon C200
Nikon D750
Sony Microphones

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Control your lights from anywhere – whether you’re home or away. Caséta Wireless dimmers and switches install in minutes, work with numerous bulb types – including dimmable LEDs and CFLs, and bring the convenience of a connected home to your fingertips.

Head over to our website for more info: http://handyguys.com

All opinions are our own.

DISCLOSURE: The Handyguys are participants in the Amazon Associates Program which is an affiliate advertising program allowing us to earn income by advertising and linking to amazon.com. If you purchase something from our affiliate links we may earn a small commission but there are no additional costs to you. Thanks for your support.

The post Lutron Caseta Smart Home Lighting Closer Look | HANDYGUYS TV first appeared on The Handyguys.

The post Lutron Caseta Smart Home Lighting Closer Look | HANDYGUYS TV appeared first on The Handyguys.

In this video, Handyguys Brian and Paul open up a series of videos on home automation lighting through Lutron Caseta Smart Home Lighting. Handyguy Brian has installed Lutron Caseta Smart Home Lighting in his house and talks about the pros of the system throughout the series.  This system allows you to control your lights from anywhere – whether you’re home or away. The Lutron Caseta Smart Home Lighting dimmers and switches install in minutes, work with numerous bulb types – including dimmable LEDs and CFLs which bring the convenience of a connected home to your finger tips.

What It Does

This wireless system uses smart switches and remotes to control the lighting in whatever part of the house you desire. Not only does the Lutron Caseta Smart Home Lighting System allow to control more than one circuit at once, but it also allows one to add scenes and additional switches to circuits. The Caseta System also give the option for everything to be on dimmers. In addition, this system replaces all regular toggle switches with new fancy Caseta switches.

Lutron Caseta Remote

The remote that controls all of the Caseta technology can be placed anywhere: mounted to a wall plate, placed on a side table, or anywhere you desire. The Lutron Caseta remote does not require an electrical box which and can be placed anywhere as it is powered by batteries. This remote is supported by a hub connected to your network and has the capability for you to control the dimmer from any location through an app that you can install on your smart phone device.

In later videos, the Handyguys will take a closer look into the system, if it’s worth it, how to set it up, and all of its features. Stay tuned for more tips from The Handyguys.

Products used in this video:
Caseta Starter Kit
Dimmer & Remote Kit
Pico Remote Wall Bracket

Our Smart home Favorites:
Ecobee Thermostat
Philips Hue Smart Bulbs
Echo Dot

Production Equipment:
Canon C200
Nikon D750
Sony Microphones

Subscribe to The Handyguys

All opinions are our own.

DISCLOSURE: The Handyguys are participants in the Amazon Associates Program which is an affiliate advertising program allowing us to earn income by advertising and linking to amazon.com. If you purchase something from our affiliate links we may earn a small commission but there are no additional costs to you. Thanks for your support.

The post Lutron Caseta Smart Home Lighting Introduction | THE HANDYGUYS first appeared on The Handyguys.

The post Lutron Caseta Smart Home Lighting Introduction | THE HANDYGUYS appeared first on The Handyguys.

In this video, Handyguys Brian and Paul talk about the benefits of using the Onkyo Receiver. They use the Google Home app and a Google Home device to stream music to an Onkyo TX-8270 Stereo Receiver. The Onkyo Receiver is just one other way that you can incorporate smart home features into your home sound system.

How It Works

The receiver has Chromecast built into it as well as the technology to stream music right to the box from a Google Home technology. However, Handyguy Paul explains the you do not need a Google Home device to stream to the Onkyo receiver. Rather, you are able to control the receiver from the Google Home application on your phone.

Setting It Up

You are able to name the receiver whatever suite your needs from the app on your smart home device (bedroom receiver, living room receiver, basement receiver etc.). For the purposes of this video, Handyguys Brian and Paul name the receiver “Onkyo Receiver” on their device.

Using Your Onkyo Receiver

Just as you would a Google Home, you instruct your smart phone application to cast music onto the Onkyo Receiver. The receiver will then know how to switch to its net input, which can be a streaming option such as Pandora or Chromecast. In this video, Onkyo stutters a little in the beginning when casted to, but then smoothly casts your choice onto speakers or your TV.

You are able to control the music choice and loudness from the application on your smart phone. You are also able to do all control the Onkyo and casting capabilities with an official Google Home Device.

The Onkyo Receiver with built in Chromecast is just one way to add in smart capabilities to your house. Stay tuned for more tips on how to add in smart capabilities to your home from Handyguys Brian and Paul.

The post Streaming Music to Onkyo Receiver with Chromecast Built-in first appeared on The Handyguys.

The post Streaming Music to Onkyo Receiver with Chromecast Built-in appeared first on The Handyguys.

Quiet Generator

Noise level is an important characteristic of a generator, we all want a quiet generator. As requested in the comments on other videos, we provide a quick test to demonstrate how these two quiet generators stack up. We know that this is not under load but we found that they are similar enough to each other to make the point.

Honda EU2000I quiet generator

The Honda EU2000I  is one of the quietest generators on the market. You can see from our tests it does very well and is a very quiet generator. The biggest complaint some people have about the Honda is its price. Many say it’s worth it, Handyguy Paul agrees. You can get it the Honda through Amazon.

Generac IQ2000 quiet generator

The Generac IQ2000 was just as quiet as the Honda. We could not discern any difference in our testing. Watch the video and decide for yourself. The Generac is a couple hundred bucks cheaper than the Honda, has a nicer fuel gauge and is equally quiet. We do a more in depth comparison in a different video. You can also get the Generac through Amazon.

Conclusions

Both the Honda EU2000i and the Generac IQ2000 are very quiet generators. You could easily use them for tailgating, camping, picnics, etc. They won’t be bothersome from a noise perspective and are both quality machines.

The post Quiet Generator – Generac vs Honda Inverter Generators first appeared on The Handyguys.

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The Handyguys show how they use STA-BIL to ensure that their power tools, motorcycle, scooter, tractor, mower, generator, pressure washer and chainsaw start next spring.

Thanks to STA-BIL for sponsoring this show.

The post Use STA-BIL to Winterize Your Power Tools first appeared on The Handyguys.

The post Use STA-BIL to Winterize Your Power Tools appeared first on The Handyguys.

In this video, Handyguys Brian and Paul briefly discuss some helpful tips when replacing your smoke detector. At the beginning of the video, Handyguy Paul shows Handyguys Brian his three new detectors. Homeowners should be aware that detectors undergo wear and tear just like any other device. Homeowners should replace their detector every 10 years or as soon as it exhibits malfunction.

Replacing A Smoke Detector

Make sure to get a new smoke detector that has easy access to the battery whenever you are replacing your previous one. Homeowners changing a battery on a detector can find it tedious. This simple tip can save you time and energy during detector maintenance. The detector linked in this post is Handyguy approved and tested!

Other Options

Handyguy Brian points out that you can also get a smoke and carbon monoxide detector in 1. However, homeowners should be aware that carbon monoxide detectors need to be replaced every 5-7 years rather than every 10 years.

The last Handyguys Tip involves the installation of your smoke detector. Detectors can be tricky and may require professional help. Do not be hesitant to call a professional in order to ensure that the smoke detector is installed correctly.

The post How Often to Replace Your Smoke Alarms (Video) first appeared on The Handyguys.

The post How Often to Replace Your Smoke Alarms (Video) appeared first on The Handyguys.

Google Home is great but what if you have multiple users with different Google accounts who want to use the device?

In this video, Handyguys Brian and Paul explain how to add multiple Google Home users to their home audio device. In previous videos, Handyguyus Brian and Paul set up a Home as well as the Amazon Alexa. They also explore various home automation tips and home casting using the Chromecast, Chromecast TV, and Chromecast Ultra.

At the beginning of the video, Handyguy Paul asks what his name is and the Home responds, correctly identifying the voice that is speaking. Handyguys Paul then guides viewers through the process by which to have the Google Home recognize a voice.

Adding Multiple Users To Your Google Home

First, you need to sync the Google Home app on your smartphone with the appropriate Home. Open the application on your phone. The app will most likely ask to be connected to your Home, but if not, go into settings. After this, go into shared devices, add a device, and have the app find your Google Home nearby. Select the appropriate Home that you want to connect.

The app will then have you “teach the assistant how to recognize your voice.” The app will give you a list of phrases such as “ok Google” and “hey Google” in order to learn your voice. You can then test your Google Home device by saying “ok Google, what is my name.” The device should then be able to learn your name based on the previous tests.

Adding Other Users

To add other users, you can send an invite via e-mail. This will prompt you to use a sharing app that is absolutely secure. When the second user opens the e-mail invite, the e-mail will ask you to install the app. Proceed to install the app, add the appropriate Google Home device, and follow the above steps.

One snag that the Handyguys did want users to be aware of is that you should have all other applications closed throughout this process.

Adding multiple users to your smart Google Home device is easy and simple. Stay tuned for other Handyguys videos for helpful home improvement tips.

The post Adding Multiple Users To Your Google Home Device (Video) first appeared on The Handyguys.

The post Adding Multiple Users To Your Google Home Device (Video) appeared first on The Handyguys.

In this video, Handyguys Brian and Paul unbox a Chromecast Ultra Device. In previous videos, The Handyguys unbox and explore the features of the Chromecast. The Chromecast can be automated to lights in the home as well as TV usage. Check out The Handyguys’ other videos for more features and uses for the Chromecast as well as other home audio and automation hacks.

What Comes With The Chromecast Ultra

The Chromecast Ultra is a new and improved version of the Chromecast. It runs 4k with an ethernet cord attached to it. The Ultra also works within a wireless setting. Check out The Handyguys’ other videos on ethernet wiring if you want some more tips!

The Ultra looks like the regular Chromecast. However, this device has an HDMI port and power port on it. As mentioned previously, this version also has an ethernet cord.

Stay tuned and keep watching the Handyguys videos for more information on uses and handy tips on the Chromecast Ultra!

The post The Handyguys Unbox a Chromecast Ultra Device (Video) first appeared on The Handyguys.

The post The Handyguys Unbox a Chromecast Ultra Device (Video) appeared first on The Handyguys.

In this video, Handyguys Brian and Paul teach viewers how to setup their Chromecast TV. Previously, The Handyguys unboxed a Chromecast. The Chromecast box includes a USB and an outlet on the Chromecast itself for an HDMI. This video is part of a larger series of unboxing, setup, and tutorial for the Google Home, Chromecast, Chromecast Audio, and Chromecast Ultra.

Chromecast TV Setup

The Handyguys plugged the Chromecast TV into a small television in the Handyguys studio using a power cord and HDMI input. Once you change the input on your TV to reflect the Chromecast, the application will guide you through a series of steps to setup the Chromecast. If you have already downloaded the Google Home application and have setup previous devices on your home wifi network, the application may notify you to start setup right when you plug in the Chromecast.

Application Setup

The application will then direct you to find the TV that your Chromecast is associated with. You can then give the Chromecast a name that reflects where it is located (Basement, Studio, Etc). Next, connect the Chromecast TV to wifi. If you have setup previous devices, the Chromecast may just retrieve the wifi password from your smart phone device. Once connected, the Chromecast will update automatically and ask to link the device to your Google account.

In this video, Handyguys Brian and Paul cast a YouTube video from their channel to the TV that is associated with the Chromecast device. They cast the video with fairly easily and simply.

In the next videos, the Handyguys will continue to explore and explain the Google Home and Chromecast devices. These devices also tend to be compatible with one another and have fairly easy cross over. Stay tuned for more tips and tutorials on the Google Home and Chromecast device series.

The post Setup of Google Chromecast TV – The Handyguys first appeared on The Handyguys.

The post Setup of Google Chromecast TV – The Handyguys appeared first on The Handyguys.

In this video, Handyguys Brian and Paul unbox a Chromecast TV. The Chromecast is a device that enables you to stream from a smart device onto a TV easily through casting. Previously, Handyguys Brian and Paul unboxed and setup for the Chromecast Audio. The Audio has the same functions as the Chromecast TV except it is exclusively for home audio devices. This is part of a larger series of videos in which The Handyguys unbox, setup, and teach viewers how to use Google Home and Chromecast devices.

Unboxing the Chromecast TV

The Chromecast TV hooks up fairly easily to your TV. On the initial flap of the Chromecast, there are a set of 3 instructions on how to use the device. First, plug the Chromecast into the TV and a power outlet, switch the input, and go through the setup process. The Handyguys will go through this entire process in later videos.  The box for the Chromecast TV also includes a USB and an HDMI on Chromecast itself. If your TV has a USB power outlet, then you can easily power the Chromecast through your TV itself.

Stay tuned for more tips and tutorials on how to use the Chromecast and Chromecast Ultra.

The post Chromecast TV Unboxing (Video) – The Handyguys first appeared on The Handyguys.

The post Chromecast TV Unboxing (Video) – The Handyguys appeared first on The Handyguys.

In this video, Handyguys Brian and Paul explore how to cast from the Google Home device onto their studio jobsite radio. The Chromecast Audio is a casting device. This device allows an individual to cast audio from an application on their smart device onto an audio device of choice. This is part of a larger series of videos exploring how to use the Google Home and Chromecast devices.

Changing the Audio name in the Application

In the previous video, the manufacturing ID named the Chromecast Audio. Handyguys Brian and Paul change the manufacturing name to be reflective of where the Chromecast Audio is located in their house. You can change the name of the Audio by going into devices of the Google Home application and choosing the Chromecast. You can then click on the chosen device, delete the name, and rename it. For the purposes of this video, Handyguys Brian and Paul rename the Chromecast to “Shop Radio”. This is the device that the Chromecast is casting onto in the Handyguys studio.

Google Home Integration with Chromecast

After this, Handyguy Brian then asks the Google Home to play music on the shop speakers. An individual can easily cast from the Google Home to the Chromecast Audio via voice command. You are also able to ask the Google Home to turn down the music and stop at any time. Furthermore, if you are familiar with the audio levels of the Google Home, you can instruct the Chromecast Audio. The levels range from 1-11.

Therefore, the Chromecast Audio is a useful device in casting audio from a smart device or the Google Home onto your home audio speaker. In the next videos, The Handyguys will unbox and explore home to use the Chromecast. Stay tuned for more handy tips on Google and Chromecast devices.

The post Chromecast Audio and Google Home Integration first appeared on The Handyguys.

The post Chromecast Audio and Google Home Integration appeared first on The Handyguys.