Smart Home
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Some advice:
- You should setup and start using Home Assistant sooner rather than later.
- ZWave is great, but with how good Wi-fi is and Matter it often makes more sense to support Bluetooth + Wifi + Thread/Zigbee instead.
- Most smart home tech is effectively worthless because it requires internet connectivity or a smart device to operate. All smart home things should also operate in a dumb/manual way.
- Do not buy IoT devices which need to be replaced over time like smart light bulbs unless thats the only way to accomplish the goal (e.g. RGB lighting).
- For instance LED bulbs get dimmer over their lifespan and need to be replaced to output the expected amount of light. It’s easier to buy a bulk set of LED bulbs (which probably will get better and cheaper over time) than replace a smart bulb (e.g. $10/bulb vs $80/bulb).
- Similar rule to the “must be dumb” rule, but it’s about making sure the things that wear out and need replacing are the cheap part where possible.
One more tip: You will probably want light dimming so make sure to get Dimmable LED lights and spring for the dimmer switches and plugs. One of the biggest advantages of things like Smart Bulbs is they can be easily dimmed to match the desired environment/mood.
For example I have my lights turn on in the morning to wake me up, but I don’t need every light at 100%. I just need certain lights bright and others to be on providing the required light for me not to run into things. Or at night to dim all the lights so my body realizes it’s night time and it’s time to start winding down.
Z-Wave devices Link to heading
These are devices I have used and have enjoyed.
Wall Switches Link to heading
The most important home automation devices in my opinion. They allow automating things like lights and fans without making any of them smart.
- Zooz 800 Dimmer Switch (ZEN72) (www.amazon.com)
- Zooz 700 Switch (ZEN76) (www.amazon.com)
- Enbrighten Quickfit Switch (www.amazon.com)
- (Not standalone, for 3 way switch setups) Enbrighten Quickfit Switch (3-way extension) (www.amazon.com)
Plugs Link to heading
Between simple on/off, dimming, and energy monitoring these are smart switches I have used.