As a homeowner with a weekend retreat, I’ve always wanted to ensure my property is well-maintained even when I’m not there. The challenge was controlling the hydronic heating system, which spans four zones, from afar. After some research and trial and error, I found a solution that not only works but has also given me peace of mind.
The system uses a Honeywell Aquatrol boiler control, which is smart enough to handle the heating zones independently. However, the thermostats for each zone are basic and don’t offer remote functionality. I reached out to Honeywell support for guidance, and they suggested a clever workaround involving the RedLink system and a relay. This led me to use a SmartThings hub paired with an Evolve LFM-20 relay, which allows me to toggle the vacation mode on the boiler controller remotely. This setup ensures the house doesn’t freeze while I’m away, and I can even turn the heat on a few hours before my arrival to make it cozy.
Now, I’m looking to expand this automation to include the hot tub. My wife loves having it ready when we arrive, but I’m concerned about energy waste. I’m considering using a high-capacity relay combined with temperature sensors to manage the hot tub’s power supply intelligently. It’s a bit of a puzzle, but I’m excited to tackle it!
This project has taught me the value of creativity and persistence in smart home automation. It’s amazing how a bit of research and the right tools can transform how we interact with our homes, even from a distance. If anyone has tips on controlling hot tubs or other unique automation ideas, I’d love to hear them!