The Handyguys - Working Together on that Honey Do List Home Energy Savings Tool tests

Electrical

Amazon Echo Dot and Philips Hue Setup

http://youtu.be/OrBLxfwri1A In this video, Handyguys Brian and Paul attempt to integrate the Amazon Echo Dot (Alexa) with the Philips hue bridge and LED lightbulbs. First, the Handyguys show homeowners how to configure the Philips hue bridge. They then attempt to connect it to the home audio device. The Philips hue bridge and LED bulbs are […]

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Google Home and Philips Hue Setup

http://youtu.be/-2jrzs2qd-0 In this video, Handyguys Brian and Paul attempt to connect the Google Home with Philips Hue. In the previous video, Handyguys Brian and Paul go through the process in which to set up the Philips Hue home automation. They realized that connecting the Philips Hue to the Amazon Echo Dot (Alexa) went smoothly. However, The […]

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LED Shop Lights vs. Fluorescent Shop Lights

http://youtu.be/IXSK4LUL3z0 In this video, Handyguys Brian and Paul talk about the benefits of using LED Shop Lights over fluorescent lighting. While these lights may be more expensive than the fluorescent lighting, they are better quality and worth every cent. All of the products in this video are available through Amazon and the affiliate stores. LED […]

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Generator selection thoughts by The Handyguys

Inverter Generator

In this video the Handyguys discuss generator differences and focus on  inverter generators. https://youtu.be/MyBJCjhF0Go If you only need to power a refrigerator for a brief power outage then a portable generator may be your best bet. if you need your entire house to be powered during an outage then you will want a whole house generator. Portable generators […]

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Ceiling Fan Selection

http://youtu.be/N6iGjstAuKw The Handyguys take a look at selecting a ceiling fan and review typical parts of any fan. It is helpful to understand all the parts to a fan before you make your purchase. There are various controllers, down rods, motors and blades to consider in addition to the light kits that you can attach. […]

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Pliers: Klein Tools (Video)

Klein All-Purpose J2078CR Plier

http://youtu.be/68Mgyz0YWfQ Klein Tools J2078CR All-Purpose Pliers In this post, the Handyguys explain the benefits of using Klein Tools J2078CR All-Purpose Pliers with Crimpers. Handyguy Brian starts off by comparing how far electrician pliers have come since the 1950s. New pliers these days can be geared towards the next generation of professional electricians as well as amateur […]

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The Reliability of LED Bulbs (Video)

http://youtu.be/ydXkDTmVNEw Blinking LED Bulbs In this post, the Handyguys talk about the differences in light bulbs, specifically LED bulbs. The Handyguys start off this video explaining that compact fluorescents are not the way to go when searching for the right light bulb. Compact fluorescents take a long time to warm up and typically have trouble […]

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How to Repair an Underground Dog Fence

Fence Repair Kit

We talked about installing your own underground dog fence in the past but now we provide an overview of how to repair your underground fence when the wire gets cut (and it will eventually!). The wire provided in most DIY underground dog fences is not very strong so it is not difficult for you to develop […]

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House Preparation for Vacations (Video)

vacation prep

http://youtu.be/_Ca6h061CdA Vacation House Preparation In this post, Handyguys Brian and Paul provide cheap methods for protection you property from criminals and destruction while you are away on vacation. Neighbors Handyguy Paul suggest first and foremost that you become friends with your neighbors over the course of the year. When you go on vacation this relationship […]

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Security Lighting Options

Security lighting is an inexpensive way to upgrade your homes safety. In this video, The Handyguys discuss how a homeowner should go about choosing security lighting. http://youtu.be/751zl56dFnM?list=UUtp4_sH0vDHVCgNu5CBYEVg The key to home security lighting is that it has motion sensing abilities AND dusk to dawn. You don’t want your lighting coming on during the day. There is […]

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Home Network Wiring Organization

In today’s modern house we often have many different bits of low voltage network or video cables. Getting them organized makes for easy troubleshooting and allows for changes and easy upgrades. In this video, Handyguys Brian and Paul explain to the typical homeowner how they can easily organize their home network wiring. http://youtu.be/wdmp3Habj5U?list=UUtp4_sH0vDHVCgNu5CBYEVg One key […]

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Deck Lighting questions answered

Deck Lighting

Deck Lighting questions answered In this video the Handyguys answer some fan questions about deck lighting. What is best, CFL, LED, Halogen, Incandescent? Does it really matter? What about low voltage? The Handyguys love their low voltage systems. Watch the video to find out what is important in deck lighting. http://youtu.be/Lf_vPxLZlpo

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Led Bulbs

LED Bulb

LED bulbs are the next generation of “green” lighting technology. The Handyguys talk about how LED Bulbs compare to CFLs and whether they are really friendly to the environment. http://youtu.be/A83Jmmr-jUo What is an LED bulb? LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. LEDs have been around for a long time but only recently have become effective […]

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Smoke alarm no smoke – What to do

Smoke detector no smoke

It doesn’t happen too often but it CAN happen – smoke alarm no smoke. Yes, your smoke alarm can go off when there is no smoke. One possibility is dust. http://youtu.be/zPX5Z3T3ASs Smoke alarm no smoke The Handyguys discuss how to deal with a Smoke alarm no smoke situation cause by dust.

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Generator Transfer Switches Interlock Devices

Generac Automatic Generator Transfer Switch

The Handyguys continued a discussion from an earlier episode on generators. Paul wanted to followup with the methods for connecting a generator to your electrical system. Generator Transfer Switches and manual generator interlock devices are discussed on the show. Generator Transfer Switches Manual transfer switches Manual generator transfer switches are best suited for use with portable generators. […]

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Selecting a Portable Generator

Generators at True Value

Portable Generator Selection Checklist The Handyguys do not own generators but with all the power outages in the news they are certainly thinking about adding this “power tool” to their arsenal. Portable generators are easy to pick up at your local True Value store and you can be up and running quickly with some limitations. […]

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Lightbulb bans, government intervention and personal choice

Edison base Incandescent

The Handyguys discuss the government involvement in banning traditional light bulbs. Yup – The government has ‘outlawed’ the tried and true light bulb. Even after this podcast was recorded some representatives in congress have attempted to delay the enforcement of the ban. Despite their efforts it seems the ‘ban’ will be move forward. Its not […]

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LED Christmas Lights for Energy Savings

Colored LED Christmas Lights

Can you save some money using LED Christmas Lights? The Handyguys discuss LED, mini-incandescent and C9 and C7 Christmas lights. LED Energy Savings This podcast was inspired by an article Handyguy Brian read on the Fox News Website entitled Good Return on Investment: LED Holiday Lights. Are they really a good investment? Perhaps, perhaps not! […]

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Does a 5 minute fan take 5 minutes to install?

Hunter 5 minute fan

Does a 5 minute fan take 5 minutes to install? The Handyguys find out. Watch this video to see if Handyguy Brian can beat the clock while installing a Hunter 5 minute fan. We picked up the ceiling fan and everything needed to install it at our local True Value. We were one of the […]

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Installing Recessed Lighting

Remodel Style Recessed Light

In this audio episode of The Handyguys Podcast Brian and Paul discuss a listeners question about recessed lighting. How to Install Recessed lighting We got the following question from Rob: I recently discovered your podcast and I love it. I’m working my way through the archives, but I don’t see an episode on adding recessed […]

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Landscape Lighting Options, Solar And Low Voltage

Atlanta Landscape Lighting

In this audio episode of The Handyguys Podcast we discuss  solar and low voltage landscape lighting. Pros and Cons of Solar versus Low Voltage landscape lighting Solar Pros Easy to install You don’t need an outlet or transformer Long lasting bulbs Safe Solar Cons Price can be higher than low voltage Limited selection of light […]

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Installing a sconce in 7 easy steps

Installing a sconce from Rejuvenation.com

In this video The Handyguys discuss installing a wall sconce to add ambiance lighting, that wont glare on the screen, to a basement home theater. Glare is the issue, planning is the answer When you are considering lighting for your home, whether it be for a home theater, television viewing area, home office, kitchen or […]

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Master Electrician Interview

Electrical

The Handyguys talk to Wayne Gilchrist from http://www.ezdiyelectricity.com. How does a homeowner get started working with electricity? The Handyguys of been involved in electrical projects since they were youngsters.  Handyguy Paul stuck his finger in a light socket when he was in Kindergarten and learned firsthand about household AC!   Both of the Handyguys have […]

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Electrical Toolkit And Surviving A Power Outage

Electrical test Kit

First up the electrical tool kit we talk about some key tools for doing electrical work and comment on an article in Fine Homebuilding called An Electrical Tool Kit by Brian Walo. Fine Homebuilding says (About Brian Walo’s article): He recommends three electrical testers, a variety of drivers (Phillips head, flat head, nut driver, and […]

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Synthetic Decks And GFCI Outlets

The newest generation of synthetc decking looks much more like real wood and has a much longer warranty.

Synthetic Decking Material and a Fiberon Warranty The Handyguys begin the show by talking about whats new in Synthetic decking. Composites versus PVC. While composite decking appear to be maintenance free, some manufactured decks become marred with mold, staining and deterioration. There are many newer synthetic decking materials that now have long warranties. One such […]

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Fein Tools And The Smart Grid

The Fein Multimaster

The Handyguys start out discussing some tools for Fathers Day. Instead of doing a gift guide we decided to ask our twitter followers ( follow @handyguys ) what they would like us to discuss as a great fathers day gift for a handyguy. One follower said that her husband was eying up the Fein Multimaster […]

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