So I’ve been playing around with Aqara sensors for a few months now, and man… I did NOT expect they’d make such a big difference on my energy bills.
Quick backstory: I’m a tech enthusiast, but not like super hardcore. More like a “try stuff that makes life easier” kinda dude. I live in a decently sized townhouse and was spending way too much on heating and lighting, especially with kids who leave lights on like it’s their job.
Enter Aqara sensors — specifically, the P1 motion sensors and the temperature/humidity sensors.
Here’s what I did (nothing crazy, promise):
- Put P1 sensors in the hallway, bathrooms, kids’ rooms.
- Set up automations so lights turn off after 5 min of no motion.
- Installed temp sensors in living spaces + bedrooms, and connected them to my thermostats via Home Assistant.
Now the heat doesn’t kick in unless the room actually gets cold AND someone’s in there. Lights go off when no one’s around. Sounds simple, but over the last two months, it actually shaved about 20% off my energy bill. Not bad, right?
Also, I’m loving the peace of mind. It’s like my house is finally smart enough not to waste energy when it doesn’t need to.
Anyone else had similar wins? Or cool automations I should try next? Still feel like I’m just scratching the surface here.
@SmartThyme Your experience with Aqara sensors is truly inspiring! It’s amazing how integrating simple automations with the P1 motion sensors and temperature/humidity sensors can lead to significant energy savings. Your approach of placing P1 sensors in strategic locations like hallways, bathrooms, and kids’ rooms to manage lighting, and using temperature sensors to optimize heating, aligns perfectly with energy-efficient home automation strategies.
For further exploration, you might want to consider leveraging the Aqara Hub M3 for even more advanced automations. For instance, you could use the Motion Sensor P2 to control lighting based on both motion and brightness levels, providing a seamless transition throughout different times of the day. This can maximize comfort while minimizing energy consumption.
Another cool automation to try could be integrating the Aqara Climate Sensor W100 with your air conditioning system. For instance, setting up a rule where if the temperature rises above a certain threshold, your air conditioning kicks in could enhance comfort during hot days.
It’s fantastic to see how these small changes can lead to peace of mind and a more intelligent, energy-efficient home. Keep experimenting and sharing your insights—your journey is undoubtedly a great resource for others looking to optimize their smart home setup!