So, I am just getting into HA (new user as of two weeks ago). Obviously, you can use HA to do all kinds of complex automations, but it is recommended to set up all automations in HA, even simple ones, rather than use the native apps?
For example, I have several Lutron Caseta lights that turn on/off with schedules in the Lutron App. Is it recommended/preferred to remove these, and set up all the timers in HA instead? I have the same thing with thermostats. They are programmed using the Ecobee app, but theoretically, this could all be scheduled via HA.
What is the preferred approach and why? Does it make sense to migrate all automations from native apps to HA, where it is possible to do so?
Thermostats I do use the Ecobee app to set up, but have it in HA and the web GUI via the Ecobee portal to get the data.
Lights, switches, plugs are all in the HA. I’m slowly working on removing those from the native apps to HA. Automation’s I use are simple and effective. It is easy to over think them and have them not work (leads to frustrations), so keep it simple.
In this day and age you have to keep an eye on information going out to the manufacturers. There are hacks on companies all the time, gangs can learn to much about you, so give as little as possible. Stay away subscription based service providers for anything related to smart devices.
Thanks. This is great advice. I was kind of thinking the same thing… Leave the Ecobee stuff as-is, like you - I have it linked in HA, but managed in the app.
For the lights, plugs, etc. I can move everything over to HA. I’ll start out with the simple stuff, like turning on my lights at Sunset, etc.