I’m thrilled to share my recent success with automating my furnace humidifier! After dealing with constant manual adjustments every winter, I decided it was time to let technology take the reins. Here’s how I did it:
The Challenge:
Every winter, we’d constantly tweak the humidistat based on outdoor temperatures. It was annoying and inefficient. I wanted a system that could handle it automatically.
The Solution:
I set up an automated system using a Xiaomi Aqara humidity sensor and a LINEAR FS20Z-1 Z-Wave relay module. The sensor tracks both humidity and temperature, while the relay controls the humidifier.
The Setup:
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Sensors Needed:
- Xiaomi Aqara humidity sensor (monitors humidity and temperature changes).
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Isolated Relay:
- LINEAR FS20Z-1 Z-Wave module (controls the 24VAC humidifier circuit).
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Automation Logic:
- The target humidity is calculated using the formula: 0.5 x Outdoor Temperature + 25.
- I used WebCore to program the automation, which sends notifications whenever the system changes state.
The Outcome:
This setup has been a game-changer! The humidifier now adjusts automatically based on outdoor conditions, eliminating the need for constant manual adjustments. Plus, the system sends me notifications to keep me informed.
Cost Breakdown:
My total investment was around $35, thanks to reusing existing wiring and electrical components.
Tips for Others:
- Ensure your sensors are accurately calibrated.
- Test your automation logic thoroughly before fully committing to it.
- Don’t hesitate to tweak the offset value to fine-tune your system.
I’m so happy my wife finally sees the value of smart home automation! It’s making our winters more comfortable and hassle-free. Happy automating! 
