As someone who’s been experimenting with smart home technology for a while, I’m really excited to share my journey with Hubitat and how it’s transformed my lighting setup. I’ve been using SmartThings (ST) for quite some time now, but I’ve hit a few roadblocks that have made me consider switching to Hubitat. Let me walk you through my experience and why reliability is key for me.
My ST Experience: A Simple Setup with Complicated Issues
I have a pretty straightforward setup with ST. I wanted some lights that could be controlled with a button device—nothing too fancy. I’ve got a smart light, some overhead lights on a smart switch/dimmer, and an aquarium with lights on a smart switch. They’re all linked to a single virtual device, so one control manages them all. That’s it! But here’s the catch: my ST Hub V2 has been giving me random issues. Sometimes there’s a delay of over a minute between sending a command and it actually doing something. My internet is super fast, and the hub is just 10 feet away from everything, so it’s not a connectivity issue. It’s supposed to be ‘local control,’ but it doesn’t feel that way at all.
Why Hubitat? Reliability is Key
I’ve heard great things about Hubitat’s reliability, and I’m curious to see if it can handle my simple setup without the headaches I’ve been experiencing with ST. My main concern is consistency. If I can’t rely on my lights to turn off or on when I need them, it’s not just frustrating—it’s a deal-breaker, especially for family members who aren’t tech-savvy.
Looking Ahead: Advanced Setup Someday
While my current setup is basic, I can see myself wanting to expand in the future. Maybe adding more lights, automations, or even integrating with other smart devices. But for now, I just want something that works seamlessly without constant tweaking.
Wrapping Up
In summary, I’ve got a simple setup with ST, but the reliability issues are driving me to explore Hubitat. I’m hopeful it can provide the consistent performance I’ve been missing. If anyone has experience with Hubitat for similar setups, I’d love to hear your thoughts and tips!
Thanks for reading, and happy smart home tinkering! 