Getting Started

Why HomeNog?

Because your home deserves a 'noggin' to remember where you put that spare filter or which fuse goes to the microwave. It's about organized peace of mind—giving your home's data a dedicated, intelligent storage space.

What does 'Nog' or 'Noggin' mean?

"Noggin" is commonly used English slang for your head or brain. So **HomeNog** literally means 'Home Brain'. We built it to remember things so you don't have to!

How do I add my first item?

Just click the 'Add item to your home's noggin' button on the dashboard. You can type in the details manually or use our AI Auto-Capture by taking a photo of the item's label or model number.

Where do I see what's new?

We're constantly evolving! Check out our Release Notes to see the latest 'State of the Noggin' updates and recently added features.

Membership & Subscription

What's the difference between Free and Plus?

Free is great for starters—up to 25 items and 15 monthly AI assists. Plus is for power users: unlimited items and 200 AI assists per month, with priority access to smarter AI models. It's the difference between a noggin and a supercomputer.

What happens if I downgrade?

We don't hold your data hostage. If you have 50 items and downgrade to Free (limit 25), you keep all 50 items. However, a 'Soft Cap' kicks in: you won't be able to *add new* items until you're back under the limit. It's our way of saying 'thanks for trying Plus' without locking you out.

Cancellation Policy?

Click 'Cancel' in Settings, and your benefits continue until the end of your billing cycle. No contracts, no guilt trips, and definitely no 'please stay' emails from a sad robot.

The App & Tech

Why don't you have an App Store app?

Who needs the App Store? We use Progressive Web App (PWA) technology. This means you can install HomeNog directly from your browser. It's faster, takes up less space, and we can push updates instantly without waiting for approval. Plus, we're anti-establishment like that.

How do I install it?

On Android, look for the 'Install App' button at the bottom. On iOS (Safari), tap the 'Share' button and select 'Add to Home Screen'. Ideally, do this *before* you're in a crawlspace trying to scan a water heater.

What is 'Brain Freeze'?

Even AIs get tired. If you see a 'Brain Freeze' or 'Limit Reached' error, it means you've hit your daily or monthly cap for AI scans or searches. Upgrade to Plus to melt the ice, or wait for the counters to reset.

Adding & Auto-Capture

How does Auto-Capture work?

When you upload a photo, our AI analyzes it to extract details like Brand, Model, Serial Number, and Category. It's like having a digital assistant who reads the fine print for you.

What if the AI gets a detail wrong?

No worries! You can always edit any field manually after the AI has finished its analysis. Your corrections also help the 'brain' learn for next time.

Organization & Search

Rooms vs. Categories?

Rooms represent WHERE the item is located (e.g., Kitchen, Garage), while Categories represent WHAT the item is (e.g., Appliances, Tools). You can filter your dashboard by either to find things quickly.

How do I find a specific item?

Use the search bar at the top of the dashboard. You can search by name, brand, model, or even notes you've written.

Suggestions & Shopping

How does HomeNog know which filter I need?

We feed your item's model number into our AI brain, and it looks for common consumables (filters, bags, batteries) associated with that specific unit. Think of it as a preemptive strike against 10 PM emergencies.

Do you make money if I buy this stuff?

Full transparency: Yes, sometimes. If you click a link (like to Amazon) and buy something, we might earn a small commission (we're talking fractions of pennies here). This costs you nothing extra and helps keep the lights on. We prioritize finding the *right* part over making a quick buck.

Why is it suggesting the wrong part?

Our AI is smart, but it's not a licensed plumber. It makes an educated guess based on public data. **Always double-check your manual or the physical old part before buying.** If we missed the mark, hit the 'X' to banish that suggestion forever.

Why don't I see suggestions for my 1987 Popcorn Maker?

We're best at finding parts for modern appliances with documented model numbers. For vintage or obscure items, the AI might come up empty-handed (or just suggest "Popcorn Kernels").

Manuals & Privacy

Why does the login URL look so weird (cafro...supabase.co)?

Good eye! That's just our secure backend (Supabase) shaking hands with Google. It looks like a cat walked on a keyboard, but it is 100% safe. We're saving up for a vanity domain, but until then—it's ugly, but it works.

What is Manual Discovery?

HomeNog automatically searches the web for your item's instruction manual based on its brand and model, providing you with a direct link to the PDF.

Is my data safe?

Absolutely. We encrypt everything. And if you ever want to leave, the 'Wipe My Data' button in Settings actually deletes everything. We don't 'soft delete' or 'archive' your personal info—when it's gone, it's gone for good.

Import & Migration

Why is the Centriq Import a Plus feature?

Importing your life's inventory is complex work. We use advanced AI to read, clean, and re-categorize every single item from your CSV export to ensure it fits perfectly into the HomeNog brain. It's a premium, high-cost process that we reserve for our supporting members.

Why didn't my images transfer from Centriq?

Centriq's export tool only provides a text spreadsheet (CSV) of your items; they do not allow you to export your photos or documents in bulk. Unfortunately, this means you have to manually save those files from their app before they shut down. We can only import what they give us!