Homewerks Bluetooth Bath Fan & Speaker

Instructions and Troubleshooting

Product Overview

The Homewerks Bluetooth Bath Fan & Speaker is an innovative product that combines a long-lasting, energy-efficient LED light with a Bluetooth speaker and a bathroom exhaust fan. It includes a soothing blue LED nightlight and can be controlled via a multifunction wall switch or a waterproof remote control.

Bluetooth Connectivity Issues with iPhone 12

Users have reported difficulties pairing their Homewerks Bluetooth bath fan speakers (models like 7130-06-BT and 7130-16-BT) with newer iPhone models, specifically the iPhone 12 series running iOS 14. While older iPhones (7, 8, 10) paired successfully, the iPhone 12 series, which features an upgraded Bluetooth 5 version, encounters pairing failures. The Homewerks device is recognized by the iPhone 12, but the pairing process fails.

Troubleshooting Steps Attempted:

Standard Bluetooth troubleshooting procedures on the iPhone.
Resetting Bluetooth on the speaker (method not explicitly found, possibly requires power cycling).
Ensuring the speaker is in pairing mode (manual suggests pressing the 'music' button; long press for new devices, short press for last paired device).
Testing with multiple iPhone 12 devices and different iOS versions (14.2, 14.3).
Confirming that iPhone 12 devices can pair with other Bluetooth devices (computers, headphones).
Testing older iPhones (8, 7, 5) and iPads with various iOS versions, which successfully paired with the Homewerks speaker.
Turning off Bluetooth on all other devices except the iPhone 12.

Potential Cause: The issue is suspected to be firmware incompatibility between the Homewerks speaker and the newer Bluetooth 5 version implemented in the iPhone 12. Some users suggest that the speaker might be using an undocumented Bluetooth feature that was removed or changed in newer iOS versions.

User Feedback: Homewerks support suggested that Apple believes it is a missing link in their iOS, while some users suspect the issue lies with the speaker's firmware. Contacting Homewerks for clarification on firmware updates or compatibility is recommended.

Installation Guide

The installation process involves replacing an existing bathroom exhaust fan. It is recommended for individuals with medium skill levels, especially in older homes due to potential wiring and ductwork complexities.

Safety First:

Turn off the existing fan and light at the switch.
Turn off the circuit breaker for the bathroom to ensure no power is supplied to the fan and light.
Triple-check that the power is off before proceeding.

Removing the Old Exhaust Fan:

Locate and remove screws securing the old fan to the floor joist.
Carefully shift the fan to disconnect the ventilation hose and electrical wiring.
Note any issues with the existing vent hose or wiring (e.g., improper connections, non-fitting hoses).
If the wiring is hardwired into the fan and cannot be disconnected easily, cut the wires where they enter the housing.

Installing the New Homewerks Fan:

Prepare the Opening: Ensure the new fan fits the existing hole. If necessary, widen the opening using a drywall saw. Be mindful of the space needed for electrical connections and the vent hose. For older homes with plaster and lath, a reciprocating saw might be needed.
Ventilation Hose: Connect the new fan's ventilation hose and secure it with appropriate tape.
Wiring:
- Identify the wires: Black (hot), White (neutral), Green (ground).
- If the new fan is designed for a two-switch system (fan and light separate) and you have a single switch, you may need to modify the fan's wiring connector.
- Match and connect the wires (black to black, white to white, green to ground) using wire connectors (caps).
- Important: Wiring connections are typically made on the outside of the fan housing. If access from above (crawlspace) is not possible, you may need to temporarily secure the fan near the opening to make connections before fully installing it.
Securing the Fan: Slide the new fan into the opening and attach it to the floor joist. Pre-drilling holes and using washers may be necessary if the manufacturer's screw holes do not align with the joist.
Connecting the Cover: Connect the wires for the Vent/Light/Speaker cover before attaching it.

Testing:

Turn the circuit breaker back on.
Turn on the fan switch. Listen for a startup jingle and check for the light and fan operation.
Bluetooth Pairing:
- Turn on the fan switch to activate the Bluetooth speaker.
- On your smart device, go to the Bluetooth menu.
- Select "HOMEWECKS(H83A)" or a similar identifier and pair the device.
- Once paired, the device should automatically connect when the fan is turned on.

Performance and Features

LED Light: Provides ample light, suitable for use over a shower.
Fan: Operates quietly, often requiring a double-check to confirm it's running.
Bluetooth Speaker: Offers good sound quality for music and podcasts, suitable for personal listening in the bathroom. The range is concentrated to avoid interference between multiple users.

Additional Information

The Homewerks Bluetooth Stereo Speaker Exhaust Fan is available at The Home Depot.

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by The Home Depot as part of a Smart Home series. The author received compensation and product for their review. Opinions are their own.

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