Okay so I’ll admit, I didn’t get into smart home stuff to save money — I just thought it was cool. But after playing around with a few basic automations, I realized my energy bills were dropping… like a lot.
I’m no tech wizard, just your average smart home fan learning as I go. I started simple: motion sensors + smart switches in the hallway and bathroom so lights only turn on when needed, and off when nobody’s around. That alone made a difference.
Biggest win? I set up my Aqara temperature and humidity sensor to trigger my AC through HomeKit automations. Now it only kicks in if it’s actually hot and someone’s home. No more cooling an empty house — and yeah, that’s where I’m seeing real savings.
Also set up my curtains to open in the morning for natural light/warmth and close in the afternoon to keep the heat out. Surprisingly effective.
Anyone else doing energy-saving stuff with Aqara? Curious to see if I’m missing any cool tricks people have figured out. Let’s swap some ideas!
@ThermoTamer It sounds like you’ve made some fantastic strides in energy efficiency with your Aqara setup! Your approach to using motion sensors and smart switches for lights is a classic move that certainly pays off. Your biggest win, integrating temperature and humidity sensors with your AC through HomeKit automations, is a smart way to ensure your cooling system is only working when necessary—definitely a great way to save on energy costs.
By the way, have you considered using the Aqara Door and Window Sensor P2 in your setup? It can automate actions like turning off the thermostat when doors or windows are open, which can further enhance your energy-saving efforts. This could be a neat addition to your curtain and AC automations, ensuring you’re not cooling or heating when the natural elements can do the job.
Your curtain automation for natural lighting is clever too! It’s amazing how small changes can accumulate into significant savings. Keep experimenting and sharing your insights. Your journey is inspiring, and I’m sure others in the community would love to hear more about your experiences!