Hello everyone! I wanted to share a fun DIY project I recently completed to enhance my home’s heating system. I’ve always been a bit of a tinkerer, and this project allowed me to combine my love for smart home tech with some creative problem-solving. Here’s how it all came together!
The Problem: I had a traditional, non-smart radiator thermostat controlling my heating. While it did the job, it lacked any smart features, and its design didn’t quite match my home’s aesthetic. Additionally, I had an Aqara mini switch sitting unused near the radiator, which I wanted to put to good use.
The Solution: I decided to create a custom setup that would not only modernize the thermostat but also integrate it seamlessly with my smart home ecosystem. After some research and brainstorming, I came up with a plan to 3D print a custom housing that would neatly accommodate both the thermostat and the Aqara switch. This way, I could control the radiator’s temperature directly through my Homey app while keeping the design sleek and wall-friendly.
The Process:
- Design and 3D Printing: I designed a housing that would fit snugly over the existing thermostat. The housing had compartments for both the Qubino Flush thermostat and the Aqara mini switch. I also added a small lock mechanism to keep everything secure.
- Integration: I mounted the Qubino Flush thermostat behind the housing, ensuring it could control the radiator’s valve with a 24V signal. The Aqara mini switch was placed inside the housing, and I used some adhesive tape to secure everything in place.
- Automation: I programmed the Aqara switch so that a single press would toggle the radiator’s heating. This added a convenient physical control alongside the smart app functionality.
- Final Touches: I attached the housing to the wall and used some decorative tape to cover the lock mechanism, giving it a polished look.
The Result: The end result exceeded my expectations! The thermostat now blends seamlessly into my wall, and controlling the radiator has never been easier. Plus, having both a physical switch and smart app control gives me flexibility and convenience. I was also happy to repurpose the Aqara switch, reducing waste and adding functionality to my setup.
This project was a great way to combine smart technology with a bit of DIY creativity. If anyone has similar ideas or wants to share their own smart home hacks, I’d love to hear about them! Let’s keep the innovation flowing! 