Ecobee Vs Nest: The Smart Thermostats To Keep Your Heating Efficient

Are you looking to join the energy-saving world and reduce your yearly expenditure? Great, you're in the right place.

Keep reading to find out how a smart thermostat can impact your life. There'll also be a couple of suggestions to get you looking in the right place.

What Is A Smart Thermostat?

Ok, so you want to know what a smart thermostat is and how it's different from a traditional thermostat, let's find out.

Smart thermostats have a crucial difference that makes them considerably better than their counterpart. The most significant difference is smart thermostats can connect to Wi-Fi.

And this opens up a whole world of opportunities.  

One of the most significant benefits of smart thermostats is being able to use your mobile phone to control them.

This feature makes it more manageable but also increases your energy savings.

Using the mobile app, you can set schedules for the thermostat multiple times a day. Because of this, you can wake up and go to sleep at different temperatures without having to change anything manually.

Another great feature is the ability to use smart thermostats with voice assistants. This could be to turn the heating on/off or change the temperature to a more comfortable level.

And the fun doesn't stop there:

Smart thermostats can also use geofencing technology, well… the good ones at least. This sets a virtual perimeter around your home. 

When you pass the perimeter with your smartphone, the app will send a signal to your thermostat, letting it know you're not at home, and it should turn off.

Then, as you're coming back home, the app will send a notification to your thermostat, letting it know it's time to turn on.

So, that's what a smart thermostat is and how it works, but how does a smart thermostat benefit you?

Benefits Of A Smart Thermostat

There are a few more benefits that come with smart thermostats that are worth discussing; take a look:

Monitor How Much Energy You Use

The key to saving money on your energy bills is knowing where and how much you're using. And smart thermostats allow you to do just this; they put all the essential data in one place, making it easier for you to track. 

Saves More Money Than Any Other Smart Device

This has to be one of the best things about smart thermostats and the primary reason you're thinking of buying one.

On average smart thermostats can save you up to $250 per year or around 25% of your yearly energy bills. And let's face it, it's pretty exceptional. 

Most people tend to save $150 per year, which means the smart thermostats pay for themselves very quickly. 

The Best Brands On The Market Are…

In case you don't know which thermostats to go for, don't stress. Two names truly stick out; you can investigate the ecobee vs Nest here, or continue reading to get a brief overview: 

Ecobee5 

The ecobee smart thermostat has a square shape with a shiny glass display, which adds a bit of style to the gadget. 

The touchscreen display keeps you up to date with all the information you need to know. This helps you make adjustments to the settings, and you save money.

Installing the gadget is all too simple... if you have a C-wire already installed with your system. 

They guarantee to save you up to 23% on your energy bill, so the thermostat pays for itself before long. 

Nest Learning Thermostat 

Most people tend to think the Nest learning thermostat is the better of the two when it comes to their design. It's a more modest shape, looked more modern and also felt slicker. 

The other reason came down to its learning capacities; customers discovered they just needed to make a couple of adjustments to the programming before it knew how they liked their heating. 

Like the ecobee thermostat, the Nest learning thermostat boasts of saving you around 23/25% on your energy bills. 

The huge advantage of this thermostat is you needn't bother with the C-wire to complete the installation.

The Best Thermostats Compared 

To understand what these thermostats are about, you need to compare them against each other.

Below are a couple of factors that might sway your buying decision.

Scheduling And Learning Capacities 

Both thermostats make it super easy to schedule because of the app's versatility and the touchscreen display.

However, this is where the similarities end. 

The Nest thermostat utilizes its learning capacities to schedule your heating and cooling with very little human interaction

Here's how it works:

When you initially set up the Nest thermostat, it will set up a schedule based on the average person's needs. Sooner or later, as expected, it will get excessively hot or cold. 

When you make your changes, the Nest learning thermostat will automatically recollect the changes and update your schedule. 

Thus, the Nest thermostat needs to win this; it feels unquestionably more futuristic and shrewder than ecobee. 

Installing The Thermostats

The two devices are direct to introduce and set up, which is one of the main purchasing purposes of any smart device. 

The main difference between the establishment is the necessity of the C-wire. The Nest thermostat needn't bother with C-wire for the establishment. 

Ecobee needs a C-wire, which can make things somewhat trickier.

Rounding Up

If you want to gain full control of your heating/cooling and start saving yourself some money, the best place to start is with a smart thermostat.

No other smart device can compare, so what are you waiting for? 

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Planning A Fun And Adventure-Filled Trip To Arkansas

Arkansas, the Natural State, is home to plenty of extraordinary experiences. If you are planning on visiting Arkansas for your next vacation, you are certainly going to be in for a treat. From floating down a wild river to digging for diamonds, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Read on to discover some of the best things to do during your stay.

Take your pick from the many parks – There are seven national parks and 52 state parks in Arkansas. You could dig for treasure at the Crater of Diamonds State Park, go horseback riding, camping, fishing, go golfing at DeGray Lake Resort State Park, or even soak in the indoor pools and thermal water baths at Hot Springs National Park. There really is something for everyone! We recommend looking for the best hiking sticks prior to your trip, as there are lots of great walks and places to explore in Arkansas. 

Watch for wildlife – The vast natural areas in the state play home to more than 300 bird species and more than 70 kinds of mammals. At the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, you can see lions, tigers, and other big cats that have been rescued. To see wild eek, Boxley Valley is certainly worth a drive-through. You can also spot everything from bald eagles to black bears, so it’s really worth incorporating some wildlife spotting into your vacation plans.

Go underground – If you are looking for an adventure, the Ozark Mountain in Arkansas is home to a subterranean world of wonder beneath the surface. You will find everything from decorative rock formations, to soda straws, flowstone, stalagmites, and every changing stalactites, as well as underground lakes and limestone caves. You can walk a paved trail or go wild caving; it’s completely up to you.

Experience culture and art – You will find the world-class Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville. It boasts an impressive range of American masterworks that aren’t to be missed. Another interesting museum is the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources, which celebrities the brine and oil industry pioneers in the region.

Embrace the water – If you love being close to the water, Arkansas is definitely the place for you. There are plenty of amazing places to paddle, fish, and float. The state is home to 300 miles of the Arkansas River, as well as 9,700 miles of streams, as well as 600,000 acres of lakes. You can easily go ski boating, paddle boarding, or kayaking. Or, why not rent a houseboat and explore yourself?

Hit the trial – This article would simply be incomplete without mentioning the many trails you can enjoy in Arkansas. From rambling through the sandstone boulders on the Bear Cave Trail, which is kid-friendly, to hiking the stunning 95-foot Cedar Falls, there really are some majestic places to behold. The Ouachita National Recreation Trail is a popular option, offering everything from rugged backpacking excursions to easy woodland walks.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

First Time in Venice? Here's What You Should Do

Venice, the beautiful canal city, is one of the most popular destinations around the world. It is an Italian favorite that tourists from all over the globe dream of visiting. The city is filled with history and culture in every one of its corners. Home to hundreds of awe-inspiring sights, Venice is known for its beauty, which is why many newlyweds choose it as their honeymoon destination. If you are planning your first trip to Venice, you should use the following tips to plan your itinerary to experience the city to the fullest.

Visit Saint Mark’s Square

One of the most famous landmarks that you must visit whenever you are in Venice is Saint Mark’s square. The cultural venue has always been one of Italy’s most iconic landmarks that crowds come for from all over the world. There is so much history to see and learn about, so you can hire a tour guide to take you around or do some research yourself as you go. Other than the square itself, there are several landmarks connected to Saint Mark that you can explore as well while you are in the area. These include the Saint Mark’s Basilica and Saint Mark’s Bell Tower. You can also quickly navigate towards the Doge’s Palace and the Clock Tower. All of these venues are within walking distance of one another and should definitely be on your list as a first-time visitor to the great Italian city. 

Take a Gondola Trip

You can’t really say that you have visited Venice until you have taken a gondola trip down the streams of the city. As seen in an in-depth blog on expertvagabond.com/venice-italy-things-to-do/, gondola trips are a Venician tradition that tourists always want to try, especially if they are traveling as a couple and looking for a romantic getaway. You would get to cross from underneath different bridges, including the Bridge of Sighs, which is one of the most popular landmarks there. Make sure you choose your gondola carefully, though, and that you agree on a price for your trip before you actually hop on to avoid getting scammed. 

Shop at the Rialto Market

An easy way to fully immerse yourself in the Venician culture in every way possible all at once is by going shopping at the Rialto Market. The historic San Polo market can be found at the northwestern end of the Grand Canal, where you can get to it with a short gondola. It is the perfect venue to see all the Venetian historical elements gathered in one place and represented on the walls of the surrounding buildings while the gondolas float by everywhere. Add to that the lively culture in the trading system of the market where you can find fresh produce and souvenirs to bring back home. 

Climb the San Marco Campanile

If you are an adventurous tourist by nature who is looking to experience Venice for the first time with a little bit of a challenge, then climbing the San Marco Campanile might be the perfect go-to activity for you. You would not exactly need to go up the 98-meter structure using ropes and hooks as there is an elevator in place to get you straight to the top. However, the experience itself of getting to the top of the tower where you can stand right where Galileo himself once stood, is remarkable. 

Eat Traditional Meals While Standing 

Experiencing the true Venetian culture starts with experiencing its food and consuming it the way the locals do while standing up. Forget about fancy restaurants where you would pay fortunes for a regular meal and a nice drink. Instead, hit small cafes and food markets where you can get yourself a big fat meal for a couple of euros and eat your food while standing by a cart or as you walk around the city exploring a little more of its culture. Make sure you try different finger foods and cappuccinos so that you can get an authentic taste of Venice. 

Visiting Venice for the first time can be a truly rewarding and exciting experience. It is a city that is incredibly rich in history and culture, one that is known for its hospitality towards tourists from all over the world. If you are planning your first trip to this Italian city, make sure you do some research in advance and create an itinerary of all the spots you would like to see so that you do not end up wasting any time or missing out on seeing any special landmarks. 

What You Should Know About Executive Life Coaching

Managing a business is a tough thing to do, and it seems like every day, there’s another layer of something that managers and executives need to be balancing. An executive coach sits down with senior staff members within a business and helps the executives accomplish their goals.

Of course, these aims typically include business, career, work, and leadership targets. But they can also have things like managing a work-life balance, finding the time and motivation for healthier eating and exercise, managing stress, feeling fulfillment, and anything else related to being an executive. There are even individuals who offer coaching for women, as women often find that they face certain challenges on their career path that their male counterparts do not, and coaching can help them overcome these.

Executive life coaches have specialized in their life coaching clients and have experience working with individuals in these high-stress, high-reward positions. They understand the demands of an executive’s work better than a life coach that focuses on another area of life, such as dating. This puts them in the best place for coaching and motivating clients, whether they are looking at how to become a board member, wanting to be a better leader or improving professional performance.

Executive Coaching Is Not Mentoring Or Counseling

While executive coaches are happy to work with people who have mentors or attend counseling or therapy, they do not provide these services. An executive coach’s goal is not to diagnose any medical conditions or build a life-long relationship that will improve your career. They focus more on helping you achieve your goals and find fulfillment.

How To Pick An Executive Coach

When choosing an executive coach for yourself or a member of your team, the first thing you’re going to want to look at is their credentials. Experts at coachtrainingedu.com/executive-coach-training/ emphasize that you ideally want to see certification in the specific area you’re hoping they’ll work in (executive coaching in this instance). Take the time to research where their accreditation came from and how many hours minimum is required for the certification.

The second thing you’re going to want to consider is their specialties. Within broader categories like executive coaching, there are smaller specializations. Some coaches focus on executives who are trying to manage their careers and have LGBTQ needs. Some coaches focus on executives attempting to deal with a divorce while maintaining all the work they have on their plates. Ask any coaches you’re interviewing about their specialties. Some coaches talk about their explicit experiences in their books. If any leadership book has caught your eye lately, go ahead and read it to figure out if that writer could be a coach for the executive audience.

Third, you’re going to want to set up an interview with the potential coaches. You want to sit down and have a conversation that is a little on the longer side. The goal here is to see whether the two of you are a good match.

Ideally, the conversation flows smoothly, and both of you feel open and comfortable sharing your thoughts. Most professional coaches also insist on this part of the process (sometimes they call it a complimentary session or a discovery session). They also want to know whether you’re a good fit for them. They’ll be putting a lot of time and energy into your conversations, and they want to see that they can understand you and your aims before agreeing to work with you.

In this meeting, it is essential that you speak about the outcomes you’re hoping for, how both of you will measure results if there’s a minimum number of sessions you’ll need and overall synergy. You want to be comfortable sharing your deepest fears with this person. If you can’t, keep looking.

When To Consider An Executive Coach

If you require help with any of the above points, confidence, communication, creativity, energy, motivation, procrastination, feeling fulfilled, or managing your time when it comes to an executive position, a coach might be the right choice for you. A Harvard Business Review study found that the most common reason for hiring an executive coach was to smooth over a transitory period. Executive coaches also help people work on the soft and hard skills required to manage a leadership position.

When Executive Coaching Isn’t Right

Any situation where a medical professional is needed won’t be managed by an executive coach entirely. Yes, a coach can help with a person’s aims and strategy for accomplishing them, but nothing replaces medical attention. 

Likewise, if the coach was hired to correct behavioral issues, and the individual involved is not interested in making changes, an executive coach might not be the right choice. Situations involving blaming and victimizing are not suitable for executive coaches.

The above information explores some of the most frequently asked questions about executive coaching. If you have a specific concern about your particular scenario, it would be best to bring this up to a few coaches and see what they say. If you are looking to hire an executive coach, remind yourself that there’s no problem with taking your time. The right fit is paramount for ideal results.

6 Simple Tips to Upscale the Look of Your Home

Most people think of upscaling the look of their homes as a daunting and expensive endeavor, from the most upscale furniture to opulent decor. You may think that you will have to read books on various interior decor styles or spend hours looking through furniture brochures. With just a few changes in your home, however, you can enjoy a luxurious living space without having to break the bank. 

Here are six simple tips to upscale the look of your home like a pro interior designer.

1. Eliminate Clutter

There’s nothing luxurious about clutter. Getting rid of clutter and tidying up your space is the very first thing you should do to bring that upscale feel into your home. Many people forget the key rule when it comes to quality interior design: less is more. You can start by simply separating the things you no longer want or use and putting them in a chic basket to keep them out of sight. Instead of scattering too many ornaments or decorations around your home, try to be more purposeful with how you place them. In most homes, there is a lot of furniture which isn’t needed. If a piece of furniture doesn't serve any function or have a meaningful history, it’s usually best to let it go. 

2. New Blinds or Draperies

The windows have a lot of power to make your home feel luxurious and classy. The wrong window treatment can easily make your space feel dreary and dark. There are some great blinds available to upscale your windows, and you can look at Tuiss Blinds Online to see some options which are worth considering. Rather than just a regular window treatment, you can go for some textures and fabrics that evoke a high-end feeling. All you need to do is remove your old, cheap-looking curtains and replace them with stylish blinds. It's important to pick the style and color that works with the overall design of your home, so the safest options usually are blinds in neutral colors and lighter shades.

3. Include An Accent Feature

Choosing an accent feature for your home which inspires the whole space. The golden rule of an accent piece is that it should come in three, such as three throw pillows on the couch, three-color glass bottles in the entranceway, or three frames on the hall. After you are done designing your house around the accent piece, you can start to look at the home as a whole and tweak what you need to balance everything.

4. Great Lighting

Lightning goes well beyond lighting up a room or adding color, as it can make your home feel truly luxurious like nothing else. It's important to bring your lightning up to date with a new light fixture. It is advisable to avoid harsh fluorescents and replace them with soft lighting. Whether you add some beautiful overhead fixtures in your living room or dining room, or some decorative lamps in your bedroom, the transformation can be dramatic. Don't forget to add accent lights in more unexpected places. For instance, a chandelier in the master bedroom or pendant lights in the kitchen can add some beautiful touches and transform the entire room in ways you've never expected.

5. Elegant Dining Accessories

There is nothing more luxurious than an upscale dining area with a well-accessorized table. The right accessories which go with your wall colors and overall style are great additions that are sure to impress your family and guests every time they step into space. Go on the Internet and pick yourself out a cake stand so that you can always serve dessert in style as well as adding a chic touch to your kitchen. To get rid of that messy spice cupboard, you can purchase some beautiful bottles or jars and fill them with all the spices and condiments. 

6. Be Creative with your Everyday Items

Don't start your upscaling project by going all out and purchasing a lot of new items. Instead, look around your house and try to get creative with what you already had. A mismatched or part of a set at the back of your cupboard can help you achieve a vintage look. A vase of fresh flowers in an empty wine bottle on the dining table can also add some elegant feeling and bring some positive energy to your home as well.

Upscaling your home doesn't have to involve a multi-room makeover or a big budget. In fact, it can be easily done by adding some touches of elegance like the tips mentioned above. Upscaling everyday items is a great and simple way to upscale the look of your home while still retaining the memories that come with the pieces. Now it's time to get crafty!

New City Calling: 4 Clear Signs It's Time to Move

If you’re thinking of moving to a new city, you’re now among a minority of people in the USA. In the 2018 to 2019 period, fewer than 10% of Americans moved to a new house.

Moving home can be costly and disruptive to your life, so it's important to be able to recognize when it's the right time to move to a 

Are you wondering how you’ll know whether a move is on the horizon? Read on to learn the signs that will tip you off.

1. You’re a College Graduate

You’ve studied hard for four years or more and got that degree firmly in hand.

That positive graduation after-glow is one of the key signs it's time to move. You’re young, you likely don’t have a family yet, and you aren’t locked into a career yet.

Around 70% of college graduates intend to move to a new city once they’ve earned that degree. If you’re among those seeking new experiences, there are a few things to look into before you make the move.

How much does it cost to rent or buy a home? What are the living costs like? And how many job openings are there in your field of study?

2. New Job? It’s Time to Move

With rising unemployment in 2020, knowing when to move to a new city follows that notice of redundancy or an email letting you know you’ve been let go from your job.

If you’re in this situation, do your research into which cities in the USA or abroad have active job creation. Alternatively, look into working online. You might be able to become location independent (#vanlife) or even simply stay where you are.

Some people may be seeking a novel neighborhood because they’ve accepted an exciting job offer. If this is you, see if your new company can assist with things like relocation costs and house hunting.

3. You Miss Your Family and Friends

Perhaps you moved away from your hometown to attend college. Maybe you followed a partner to a new town. Did more favorable work opportunities persuade you to move overseas?

A move to a new city can be an isolating experience so it’s no surprise that some people might get homesick. Severe loneliness is similar to the culture shock felt by those living abroad.

Serious signs include:

• Being overly concerned about your health

• Tearfulness and depression

• Feeling shy and introverted

• Obsessive cleaning

• Not being able to sleep or sleeping too much

• Addiction to alcohol or other substances

Don’t let your mental or physical health suffer due to homesickness. Book that plane ticket, pack your suitcases, and tell the real estate agent, “I want to sell my house as is.”

4. You Crave a Warmer (or Cooler) Climate

You’re a keen gardener seeking a spot where you can grow all year round. You’re a passionate snowboarder who wants to hit the powder for as long as the season allows.

Whatever your reason, if you’re escaping your home city due to the weather, the best time to move to a fresh city is when the climate is at its hottest or coldest. When you get to your new home, you’ll appreciate your favored Fahrenheit even more.

Happiness Is Found in You, Not a Location

Science suggests that people are just as happy in a warm climate as they are in a cold climate. Rather than external factors, your ability to embrace the positivity in situations is what makes you happiest.

The best time to move to a new city is whenever you feel ready to make that move: psychologically, financially, and pragmatically.

Are you looking for more advice on making major life choices? Read the other articles on our blog today.