I’ve recently embarked on a DIY heating project, aiming to replace my outdated storage heaters with electric dry thermal radiators controlled by a smart thermostat. This journey has been both exciting and challenging, and I wanted to share my experiences and insights with the community. The Quest for the Perfect System After researching various options, I narrowed my choices down to the Drayton Wiser and Honeywell Evohome systems. The Evohome appealed to me because it eliminates the need to connect to my hot water tank, which simplifies the setup. However, I was curious about whether the BDR91 could serve as the relay for the radiator, as I spotted it in use during a recent Airbnb stay. If anyone has experience connecting this setup to HomeKit, I’d love to hear about your experiences! Installation and Configuration I decided to go with the Honeywell Evohome system, and I’m thrilled with its performance so far. The installation process was smoother than I anticipated, thanks to the comprehensive instructions provided. I also integrated the system with my existing smart home setup using HomeKit, which has been a breeze. The ability to control the radiators remotely and set schedules has been a game-changer for my daily routine. Challenges and Solutions One challenge I encountered was ensuring compatibility between the BDR91 relay and the Evohome system. After some trial and error, I discovered that using the correct wiring and ensuring proper grounding was crucial. I also had to tweak some settings in the Honeywell app to optimize the system’s responsiveness. Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings My primary goal with this project was to improve energy efficiency and reduce heating costs. The Evohome system’s smart scheduling and temperature adjustments have already shown promising results. I’m particularly impressed with the ability to set different temperatures for different times of the day, which aligns perfectly with my lifestyle. DIY Tips for Others If you’re considering a similar project, here are a few tips I’d like to share: - Plan Ahead: Take the time to map out your heating needs and the layout of your home before making any purchases. - Compatibility Check: Ensure all components of your system are compatible, especially if you’re integrating with existing smart home devices. - Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to forums or communities like this one for advice and troubleshooting tips. Looking Ahead I’m already thinking about the next phase of my project—possibly adding smart thermostats to other areas of my home. The satisfaction of seeing my home become more efficient and comfortable is truly rewarding. If anyone has tips or experiences to share regarding smart thermostats, DIY heating projects, or HomeKit integration, I’d love to hear from you! Let’s continue to learn and grow together in our smart home journeys.