Moving into a new home has been an exciting opportunity to start fresh with my smart home automation setup. After building my previous house in 2016, I’ve learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t when it comes to integrating technology into daily life. Here’s a quick look at some of the lessons I’ve learned and the plans I have for this new space!
The Challenges of the Past
One of the biggest challenges in my old setup was remodeling a 1970s house without neutral wires. Rewiring to install GE switches was a major pain point, and I’m relieved that the new house (built in 2001) should make this process much smoother. Another issue was designing automation routines for a single occupant, which became problematic when a roommate moved in. I learned that presence sensors are crucial for accommodating multiple people, and this time around, I plan to tie specific lights, TVs, and other devices to individual sensors for easier management.
Upgrading My Hub
I’m thrilled to upgrade from my old ST Hub v1 to a v3 model, especially with the introduction of Z-Wave Plus devices. Previously, I relied almost exclusively on Z-Wave, but the zigbee presence detectors didn’t work well due to a lack of good repeaters. This time, I’m mixing Z-Wave and Zigbee outlets and switches to build a solid mesh network for both protocols. Most rooms have ceiling fans with separate light and fan switches, so I’ll be using a Zigbee light switch and a Z-Wave fan controller. Rooms without fans will get a Zigbee outlet instead.
Optimizing Network Performance
Location plays a big role in network performance, and I’ve learned that the placement of my old ST Hub near the Wi-Fi access point hindered Zigbee communications. This time, I’m installing multiple 802.11ac access points, each strategically placed away from Zigbee devices. I also plan to disable the 2.4GHz radios and use 5GHz exclusively, as all my devices are n-capable.
Integrating Audio Systems
For audio, I’ve deployed several Echo Dots for voice commands but will integrate Sonos for higher quality whole-home and outdoor audio. This should provide a better listening experience compared to my previous setup.
Solving Garage Door Automation
My garage door openers were encrypted, making integration tricky. I found a solution by soldering in a Z-Wave command button into the existing openers, allowing me to add them to my automation routines. This was a great fix, and I’m excited to see how it works in the new setup.
Streamlining Automation with WebCore
Previously, I used a mess of integrations with SmartThings, Nest, IFTT, and Apilio. This time, I’m going all in with WebCore for a more streamlined automation experience. It’s already making a huge difference in how I manage my devices.
Humidity Control at Last
I’ve finally addressed the humidity control issue that plagued my old house. The new setup allows me to integrate the Nest thermostat with a humidistat, providing better climate control overall.
Looking Forward
With all these improvements, I’m confident this new setup will be more reliable and user-friendly. I’m also excited to explore new features and devices as I continue to refine my smart home ecosystem. If anyone has tips or suggestions, I’d love to hear them!
Cheers to fresh starts and smarter living! 