Recently, I completed an exciting project to automate my fireplace, and I’d love to share my journey with you all. This wasn’t just a simple installation—it involved some creativity and problem-solving, and I’m thrilled with the results!
The Goal
I wanted to create a seamless, hands-free experience for controlling my gas fireplace. The idea was to integrate it with my existing smart home ecosystem, allowing me to control it through voice commands, a remote, or even automatically based on temperature settings.
The Setup
Here’s what I used:
- Remotec Z-Wave Dry Contact Fixture Module: This served as the backbone of the automation. It allowed me to send Z-Wave commands to trigger the fireplace.
- Lutron Pico Remote: I chose this for its sleek design and compatibility with the Lutron Caseta system. It now sits neatly on my wall, offering a touch-friendly interface.
- AC Infinity Fireplace Blower: While it doesn’t have built-in Z-Wave support, it provided the perfect combination of quiet operation and consistent airflow.
- Zooz Zen 25 Double Plug: This slim device helped me manage the blower’s runtime, ensuring it doesn’t overheat or run unnecessarily.
The Process
- Wiring and Installation: This was the most challenging part. I had to ensure all components were safely wired and connected. The Remotec module was installed in a PVC box under the fireplace, while the Pico remote was mounted on the wall for easy access.
- Configuration in Hubitat: Setting up the devices in Hubitat was straightforward. I used the Lutron Pro Bridge to connect everything and created simple rules to control the fireplace with the Pico buttons.
- Testing and Fine-Tuning: I tested every possible scenario—voice commands, remote presses, and even temperature-based triggers. The system worked flawlessly, and I was amazed at how responsive it was.
The Results
- Voice Control: Thanks to Hubitat’s integration with Alexa, I can now say, “Alexa, turn on the fireplace,” and it lights up instantly.
- Scheduled Automation: I set up a timer to ensure the fireplace runs for exactly 45 minutes each time it’s activated. This prevents overheating and ensures efficient operation.
- Temperature-Based Triggers: Using my existing Fibaro motion sensors, the fireplace now activates automatically when the room temperature drops below a certain threshold.
Challenges and Solutions
One unexpected challenge was the thermal sensor on the AC Infinity blower. It was too sensitive, causing the fan to run longer than needed. I resolved this by adding a Zooz Zen 25 plug to control the blower’s runtime, ensuring it shuts off after a set period regardless of temperature.
Final Thoughts
This project was a fantastic learning experience and a testament to the power of smart home automation. It’s amazing how integrating different devices can create such a seamless experience. I’m now more confident in tackling other home automation projects!
A huge thank you to the Hubitat community for the resources and support that made this possible. If anyone has questions or wants to share their own automation projects, please reach out—I’d love to hear from you!
Happy automating! 