Daniel founded Smart Home Perfected in 2019 as a personal passion project. With a Bachelor of Science (Hons) Degree in Computing and IT from The Open University, his 15 years experience as a software engineer is what initially inspired him to play around with home automation platforms.

A shed full of power tools and an eagerness to take on any DIY task have helped get his smart home to its current level. He has tested over 100 smart home devices over the last 4 years. As a smart home is never "finished", he's continuing to find more ways to automate and improve his home, as new devices are released and technology evolves.

Latest Posts

How to Disable the Compressor Lockout in a White Rodgers / Emerson Thermostat

The compressor lockout mode in a White Roders or Emerson thermostat is an essential safety feature that prevents short cycling. However modern compressors already come with a built-in delay so the feature may not be needed in the thermostat. Also, during repairs, the compressor lockout mode can get in the way of testing, so having the option to disable and re-enable it…

9 Methods to Fix a Nest Thermostat that’s Short-Cycling

There can be many reasons why your HVAC system is short-cycling. It could be a faulty thermostat, loose wiring, or issues with the HVAC equipment itself.  The Nest thermostat has a “low-temperature differential” which means it is quite sensitive to small temperature changes, triggering the HVAC system to turn on and off more frequently. While this isn’t true short-cycling, it has the…

Explained: Nest Thermostat in a Multi-Zoned System

A zoned HVAC system provides granular control of the temperature in different parts of your home. However, with these systems, you usually have to set up each zone with a dedicated thermostat. So how well does a Nest thermostat adapt to a zoned system, and is it compatible with any multi-zone system with dampers? Let’s find out.  What is a Zoned System…

How to Program a Nest Thermostat

When it comes to smart thermostats, what sets them apart is their intelligent functions, especially when it comes to scheduling and home/away settings.  With a Nest thermostat, you can create a customized schedule for the week and also have the device learn how to optimize it for maximum efficiency. So in this guide, I’ll show you how to set up a Nest…

Nest Thermostat Troubleshooting

Whether that’s a blank screen, Wi-Fi issues, or the HVAC equipment acting strange, there’s always something you can do to fix a Nest thermostat that’s not working.  So instead of calling in the cavalry right away, you can try restarting the device for a quick fix.  But that might not be enough, so keep reading for a detailed troubleshooting guide.  Common Problems…

5 Ways to Fix the Constant “In 2 Hours” Message on a Nest Thermostat

The Nest thermostat’s “Time-To” indicator is very handy in helping you estimate how long it will take to reach your desired temperature setpoint.  However, if it displays “In 2+ Hours” indefinitely, without the HVAC equipment kicking in, there might be an underlying issue.  So if this has happened to your device, don’t worry. Below I’ll show you how to fix it. What…

How to Reconnect Your Nest Thermostat to Wi-Fi

A constant connection to the internet is essential if you want to maintain the Nest thermostat’s full functionality.  Features like remote control, geofencing, and intelligent features are only accessible when the thermostat is connected to a Wi-Fi network and paired up with a Nest or Google Home app. So if you’re connecting the device to a new Wi-Fi network, or reconnecting after…

Can A Nest Thermostat Work Without Wi-Fi?

Although it’s not the most recommended approach, your Nest thermostat can indeed work without a Wi-Fi connection.  Offline, the device can be operated as a regular thermostat. However, certain features will be disabled, and troubleshooting issues or installing the device can become a bit tedious.  So what are the exact trade-offs when your Nest thermostat is working without Wi-Fi? Let’s find out.…

14 Ways to Fix a Nest Thermostat That’s Not Heating or Cooling

From wiring issues, equipment failure, or software glitches, there are lots of reasons why your Nest thermostat can stop sending warm or cold air. In this guide, I walk through 14 steps to fix this problem and get your HVAC system back under control. Step 1: Manually Adjust the Temperature If you’ve been controlling the Nest thermostat via the app, try adjusting…

Arlo vs Reolink: Head to Head

Arlo and Reolink are two popular brands worth considering when it comes to finding a hassle-free security camera for your home or business. In this comprehensive article, I thoroughly compare and assess the features, capabilities, and performance of 9 Arlo cameras and 31 Reolink security cameras across nine key categories.  With a list of model codes included for reference, you’ll have all…

4 Ways to Fix the Flashing Yellow Light on a Nest Thermostat and Heat Link

If you’re experiencing a flashing yellow light on your Nest thermostat or Heat Link, you might already know that it’s got something to do with the connection between your devices. In that case, it’s best to bring the thermostat closer to the Heat Link and restart your devices. However, if that doesn’t solve the issue, you might have to troubleshoot further, so…

Solved: Nest Thermostat Blinking Green and Yellow/Orange

Typically, a blinking light on a Nest thermostat or Heat Link is trying to communicate some important information. When it comes to a combination of yellow, green, and orange lights, the device may be stuck in pairing mode, trying to reset or trying to update its firmware.  Rectifying these issues can get your device back up and running, so keep reading to…