Hi everyone,
This is more me talking outloud to see if anyone had any advice from what they read below. I’m getting a building permit to build a modest sized home. I’ve been playing around a bit with HA. I like it. But I also like the idea of everything working regardless of my skills.
Some of my objectives:
- HA potential
- Basic functions works independently of HA and independent of cloud
- Avoid fee services
- Wired. I don’t want to change batteries
Here is where I’m leaning so far:
“Walled Garden” #1: DSC 1864 + Envisalink 4. For motion, door and window sensors, glass breaking, smoke and CO detectors. Rationale: Better IoT: DSC Alarms w/Home Assistant Home Automation - YouTube
“Walled Garden” #2: Home Theatre Direct. For ceiling speakers. Rationale: Inexpensive, local, seems like there is HA integration potential.
“Walled Garden” #3: Lorex Fusion 4K 8-Channel 2TB Wired NVR System. For security cameras. Rationale: Doorbell is wired. Doorbell video saves to same NVR as other cameras, and all accessible through common mobile app, etc. No fees. Lorex seems like a more serious company than some of the alternatives. However, HA integration potential seems more murky. I want to like some of the alternatives, but none seem to match the qualifying criteria I just listed for Lorex.
Less-Certain Decisions:
Switches (many will be dimmable): I want to like Inovelli switches. Although they have great features and good rep for community relations, ultimately they seem like an unserious company, particuarly for Canadian distribution. Right now Canadian distributors are simply saying they have no idea what Inovelli is doing: Inovelli | Buy Inovelli in Canada - Aartech Canada. My leading alternative is Luton Caseta which seems to work well with HA, has quality products, and is certainly a more serious company.
Garage door: Leaning towards the Chamberlain Wall-Mount Ultra-Quiet Garage Door System. Seems like it could work with HA. I like the side mounted quiet feature (as there will be a room above the garage).
Irrigation System. Rachio 8-zone system Rachio 8ZULW-C 8 Zone 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller, White : Amazon.ca: Patio, Lawn & Garden Seems like good HA potential. Not sure if they have cloud/fees involved or if yes, can they be avoided.
Smart outlets. I’ve struggled to find any that would be suitable for outside (gutter heating cables, Christmas lights, patio lights).
Outdoor temperature probes. No idea what to get. I see Shelly has this: Shelly H&T | Shelly Shop USA Seems like I can hard wire it to avoid battery changes?
Thermostats. I know this is well-troden ground for home automation, but I haven’t looked at it yet for the best HA experience. Suggestions?
TVs: Seems like LG is always getting positive feedback on HA forums, so I guess I will lean there.
Non-HA sort-of-smart things:
TOPGREENER Dual Tech Humidity Sensor Switch, Infrared PIR Motion & Air Moisture Detection, Bathroom Fan & Light Control TOPGREENER Dual Tech Humidity Sensor Switch, Infrared PIR Motion & Air Moisture Detection, Bathroom Fan & Light Control, Adjustable Timing, Neutral Wire Required, UL Listed, TDHOS5, White : Amazon.ca: Tools & Home Improvement This seems like a good solution for kids’ bathrooms.
Leviton Door Swtich LEVITON Door Switch - Momentary - 3 A - 125 V - Brass 01865-701 | RONA I have these in my current house for closet doors. They are awesome.
Any thoughts appreciated!