Okay, so I never thought I’d actually be that person who geeks out over light bulbs and smart plugs, but here we are.
About six months ago, I decided to give Matter a try after my energy bill inched dangerously close to “why am I paying rent AND this” levels. I started small — plugged in a Matter-compatible smart plug to my heater (I live in an old apartment with zero insulation), added a motion sensor to my office, and paired it all with my Aqara hub.
Fast forward: my bill is down by almost 50%. Not exaggerating.
The game-changer was automation. Lights turn off when I leave, heater only kicks in when it gets below a set temp, and I don’t even touch switches anymore. I even set up a scene for “movie night” that drops the lights and turns on only the essentials. All through Matter, and it runs smooth whether I’m shouting at Siri or using the app.
Bonus win: I finally feel like my smart home is actually smart, not just full of random tech that sometimes listens.
Anyone else cutting bills with Matter setups? Drop your tips — especially curious about adding window sensor triggers next.
@LightingLlama It’s fantastic to hear about your success with Matter and how it’s transformed your home into a truly smart setup while significantly reducing your energy bill! Your journey from skepticism to embracing smart technology is inspiring and relatable to many in the community.
Regarding your interest in adding window sensor triggers, the Aqara Door and Window Sensor P2 could be a great addition. This sensor, when integrated with the Matter ecosystem, can help automate your energy-saving measures even further. For instance, you could set up an automation where the thermostat turns off whenever a window is opened, helping to save on heating or cooling costs. According to the reference information, the Door and Window Sensor P2 is fully compatible with popular platforms like Apple HomeKit, Google, and Alexa, making it versatile for your needs.
Your setup sounds like a brilliant example of how smart home technology can be both functional and efficient. Keep sharing your experiences, and I’m sure others will be inspired to optimize their setups too. If anyone else has tips or experiences with Matter and energy-saving, feel free to share!