I just moved into a new house, so i have an opportunity to make a new home automation system rather than the hacked together version I used to have. Since it’s a new build, it came with builders grade ceiling fans which I am not a “fan” of.
The question I have is should I try to buy a smart fan and integrate that directly? Or should I buy any RF based fan and integrate it using Bond? Or should I buy just a dumb fan and throw a RF kit in the fan base? OR should I put in a dumb fan and control it via a smart switch?
SSSOOO many choices. Is there a “best” way? My initial thought is a smart fan with direct integration as that has the least parts, so less things to break. There are also some negatives though like limited designs and options.
So looking for general thoughts, pro’s, con’s, and advise.
I ALWAYS try for switches and wired wall controllers first but that’s just me.
To answer your question best people need to know your geography (device availability varies WILDLY by region) and any preferences you may have. (for instance: All Zwave, no Zwave except, I can’t stand -insert manufacturer here-)
I’ve used the Lutron Casita before and they work well, but no HA integration unless you also have their hub, and I dislike purchasing vendors hubs that also need their own network connections and need their own maintenance.
I currently have a Modern Forms fan that has a Home Assistant integration, and other than a recent issue where I needed to reset it due to a power outage it’s worked well. They are pricey, but well made with silent, efficient DC motors, breeze mode, and some of them are works of art!
If I were to do it over again I’m not sure I’d even bother with a smart fan or smart switch for a ceiling fan, I initially had an automation that would set the fan speed based on the room temp, but often overrode the speed manually with the remote because someone was either too cold, too hot, or just didn’t want that much air movement on them. And trying to automate the turn-on/turn-off based on time of day or motion has it’s own issues. I’ve changed that automation so it just sets the initial fan speed based on room temp when turned on, and we use the remote to turn it on, off and set the speed. Unless you have a real desire or need to automate it, I’d suggest the Lutron option.
I’m a fan of dumb fan, smart switch. You pick which connection tech suits your situation best. For me that’s currently Zwave.
Dumb fan, Smart Switch gives the most flexible options for decorating and thus saves arguments with the wife. I dont have to limit the design choices and I also have great Hunter’s that are more than 20 years old and spin as well as the day they were originally hung.
Also if I have a choice in the build - I try to have separate loads for the lamp and fan - and a two gang (US terminology) box so they each have thier own control… I realize that’s not the norm, so if not, there’s options (again smart switch, dumb fan) like what Innovelli did with an in-canopy RF transmitter linked with a Zwave wall control to give separate lamp and speed control in a single load feed.
If tech shifts in a couple years cough Matter cough you can change out the switch and keep your fan. If your S/O falls in love with a new fan, you keep the wall control and your sanity.
