Hey everyone, I wanted to share my experience setting up a smart garage dehumidifier using a Shelly H&T and Shelly Plug S. It’s been a bit of a learning curve, but I’ve managed to create a reliable system that suits my needs. Here’s how I did it:
First, I connected the Shelly H&T to monitor humidity levels in my garage. When the humidity exceeds 60%, the Shelly Plug S automatically turns on the dehumidifier. The Plug S stays on for 30 minutes, which is perfect for my setup. However, I encountered an issue where the dehumidifier’s water tank would occasionally fill up, preventing it from turning on. This meant I needed a way to check the power consumption of the Plug S after activation to ensure the dehumidifier was actually running.
To address this, I implemented a delay in the automation. Since the dehumidifier takes about 3 minutes to start, I set up a 3-minute delay before checking the power consumption. If the consumption doesn’t meet a certain threshold, I receive a notification, alerting me that the dehumidifier didn’t start due to a full tank. This has been a lifesaver, especially during the rainy season when humidity is high.
I also had to consider the dehumidifier’s startup time and ensure the automation didn’t trigger false alarms. By carefully adjusting the delay and monitoring the power usage, I’ve created a system that works seamlessly without constant manual intervention.
This project has been a great way to integrate smart home technology into practical, everyday use. It’s satisfying to see how a combination of sensors and smart plugs can solve real problems around the house. If anyone has similar setups or additional tips, I’d love to hear about them!
Happy tinkering! 