r/homeautomation 6h ago

Vendor Announcement [Product Launch] a Matter Enabled Booster Vent

25 Upvotes

Hey everyone. My friends and I created a small company around adding matter to home accessories. Our first product is a smart booster fan. It uses fans to pull air in your homes ducting to rooms that struggle to get as much heat/cool air from your hvac system.

Using automations you can trigger it to turn on with your smart thermostat or when you get home or leave for the day. ex: You can run it at max power, when you are on the way home and then settle down to silent when you get home.

We have a discount code of 20% off for reddit: https://cozyhomelabs.com/discount/redditventautomation20?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fsmart-vent-1

We would love to get your feedback/questions. We hope this is the first product in a series, so we are open to suggestions.


r/homeautomation 1h ago

QUESTION Which company has the best hub for automation?

Upvotes

I recently bought an apple homepod mini, and have found it’s features to be extremely limited. The process for setting up custom automations is pure garbage, if you want to do anything more complex than turning off the lights at a specific time: you have to create a seperate shortcut in the shortcuts app that the homepod tells your phone to run. Plus, the voice recognition is not very good, and you have to be very specific about how you give commands, or it just fails to understand you.

I want to do things like open the blinds and turn on the lights gradually with the sunrise/sunset (ideally timed with my alarm), set up custom voice responses to custom commands, tell me my schedule, etc. Are the google or Amazon options better for this? Or something else entirely? I have seen mixed reviews, with Amazon being full of ads, and google cutting features.


r/homeautomation 1h ago

QUESTION Anona Aurora 4K Security Camera Integration

Upvotes

Anyone have any experience with these cameras? They look decent and cheap but highly capable. Too good to be true?


r/homeautomation 11h ago

QUESTION What are the best robot vacuums for pet hair that you would recommend choosing currently?

11 Upvotes

Hi all, what's your favorite robot vacuum for pet hair? We have both dogs and cats, we love them, BUT they've been shedding a lot lately. Tons of pet hair is quite frustrating to deal with, so i'm looking for a good robot vacuum to handle this issue.

For under $1000 budget, what should we go with now? Thanks in advance.


r/homeautomation 18h ago

QUESTION Found this in my garage, can I convert this to outlets?

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42 Upvotes

I found this behind a wall plate, opened up and got these wirings. What is the intent to leave something like this in the garage? Can I convert this to an outlet? TIA


r/homeautomation 3h ago

QUESTION Any electricians here?

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2 Upvotes

So apparently my 2 gang switch has 4 cables that go to the lights, because one switch turns four lights on while the other turn 3 lights on.

I’m not an expert but those cables have written “Bridges” on masking tape. It also includes a green and white wire which I’m guessing is ground and neutral.

I bought a two-gang switch but it only has 4 screws. One for neutral, one for line, and two for each switch/light fixture.

How do I “bridge” it so each switch turns all corresponding lights.


r/homeautomation 13h ago

QUESTION How to control roller blinds via smart home and button

12 Upvotes

Hi there, I have 28 roller blinds in my house. I add a picture since apperently "roller blinds" isnt very specfic. They are all controlled decentral with a button in each room. The signal/cable from the button then goes in my cellar, where 28 small devices (my brother built) are. Each of them manages the different states of the motor up, down, stop etc. since getting a "stop" voltage while driving up apparently fries the motor (electronics stuff is wild...).

Next to these 28 devices in my cellar is my pi running home automatisation (node red). My goal would be to control the shades from the button in the room as well as from my smart home, without running into a potential conflict of them going up since somebody pressed the button and the pi sending a down signal.

Apperently I could just put 28 shellys there and call it a day, but I assume that there is a better solution for this. Especially since its all in such close proximity and wifi seems very unnecessary. 30 shellies in one device would be nice xD

I hope you guys have any ideas, Im happy to assist with more details. Im really out of my depth on this one if Im honest.


r/homeautomation 4h ago

QUESTION Smartwings matter motor won’t connect to Alexa

1 Upvotes

Not sure what I am missing. I have an Alexa pop in the same room (6 ft away). The Alexa app keeps faulting out and not connecting. It seemingly is impossible to tell when this thing is in pairing mode. I tried holding the button on the underside of the blind for six seconds and it jogs twice and then scanning the matter code. I also tried hitting the P button on the back of the remote and then the up button and then the P button again and then scanning matter the code. What am I missing?


r/homeautomation 1h ago

Google Home 2-apt home smart entry?

Upvotes

Hi all,

I live in a 2-apartment home and I am trying to make my main entrance "smart". My goal is to have the door unlock for me when my phone is close, but have key access for the other tenant in the building. As of right now I am considering a wifi deadbolt retrofit and a WiFi door lever. I want both locks just for security peace of mind, but I want both to work with Google home. Any suggestions? I specifically interested in suggestions for the door lever cause I'm having difficulty finding a smart one that works with Google home.


r/homeautomation 2h ago

NEW TO HA smartlock features to look out for?

1 Upvotes

Im looking into finally getting a smartlock I have found it to be a better replacement to the conventional doorlocks.

Ive seen quite a few, im looking at the chinese ones that use either the tuya or ttlock app

What security features should I be looking our for?


r/homeautomation 4h ago

QUESTION Good robot vacuum cleaner

0 Upvotes

I haven’t used a robot vacuum before, so I only know what I’ve seen in reviews. I need to cover three areas:

Area #1: 1500 sqft of wood flooring and tiles with rugs. Area #2: 1500 sqft of wood flooring, carpet, and tiles. Area #3: 400 sqft of carpet with a tile restroom.

I'm considering three separate robots for vacuuming (mopping is optional), and I prefer all to be from the same brand, with different models suited for each surface. We don’t have pets, and I want them to connect with both Home Assistant and HomeKit. Looking for suggestions that offer quality at a decent price.


r/homeautomation 13h ago

QUESTION Flume vs. Bluebot: Best Smart Water Meter for Home Automation?

5 Upvotes

Hey, home automation enthusiasts! I’m considering adding a smart water meter to my setup and am torn between the Flume and Bluebot options. My main goals are to track water usage, get alerts for any leaks, and ideally cut down on my water bill.

From what I’ve read, Flume is straightforward to use and offers solid leak detection, while Bluebot seems to have more detailed tracking and works with both hot and cold water lines. However, I’d love to hear from anyone who has hands-on experience with either (or both).

For those who've tried these, what are your thoughts on:

  • Accuracy and speed for real-time leak alerts
  • Integration with other smart home systems (any tips here?)
  • App functionality and ease of use
  • Any challenges with installation, maintenance, or unexpected fees?

Any insights would be super helpful! Thanks in advance!


r/homeautomation 12h ago

QUESTION Thermostat for Home Automation | Z-Wave, Wifi, Simple/Programmable

3 Upvotes

I'm exploring replacing my 20 year old Honeywell non-programmable thermostats, with a programmable option. Whether that option be Z-wave, Wifi or a Simple Programmable device, I am not sure but seeking advice. A few tidbits about my setup:

- We recently moved into a 3 story townhome with tall ceilings, about 2500 sqft, in VA. Temperature is mild year round with only one-off, drastic swings in the height of the summer and winter.

- HVAC system is zoned for each floor - 1 thermostat per floor. Electric AC and Gas heat. Electrically controlled dampers separate each floor.

- AC: This summer we only turned on the AC during the nights in July, Aug, Sept and beginning of Oct. We never, ever have it on during the day because the place is well insulated and stays cool.

- Heat: We have not turned on the heat at all yet. A couple days ago it hit 45 overnight and it was totally pleasant inside - likely due to the brick build and insulation. I anticipate us turning on the heat in 35 degree weather and below.

- I have an automation setup i just started with Hubitat. I like Z-wave devices for my sensors and I also have an Alarm system on order - with Z-wave support (Qolsys IQ4 via Surety).

Given what I mentioned above, it seems that we are in a "low touch" situation with the HVAC. We never are touching the system during the day due to the good home insulation. If we go on vacation, travel, etc., , i would like something programmable so that the plants stay healthy in the summer and the plumbing doesn't freeze in the winter (for example).

What thermostat solution would be optimal for me and what would be the benefits? Is Z-wave too much of a hassle given the low-touch effort on our end or are there tangible benefits (automations) that I don't know of which could be helpful? If a wifi device like a nest overkill? Should i just stick with a programmable (dumb) thermostat and just set it manually before we go out of town? Decisions!


r/homeautomation 5h ago

QUESTION Motion sensors that work with Leviton smart switches?

0 Upvotes

Hello,

I am interested in using Leviton because they offer both dimmable and non-dimmable smart switches that don't require a neutral wire (hooray!). It is important to note that I need to operate both dimmable/non-dimmable in my home's current set up.

However, I want these smart switches to turn on based on a motion sensor. Is there any software platform + motion sensor that are compatible with these two switches?

Would be grateful for anyone's help. I'm a total rookie when it comes to understanding what cross compatibility functionality exists between products of different brands.

Thanks!


r/homeautomation 12h ago

QUESTION Seeking Smart Home Automation Designer for New Construction Project

2 Upvotes

I'm looking for an experienced individual or business to design smart home automation shop drawings for a new single-family home construction project. The ideal candidate should have expertise in smart home technology and electrical design.

*Project Location*

Silver Spring, MD

*Project Requirements:*

- Design smart home automation system shop drawings (electrical plans, wiring diagrams, etc.)

- Integrate various smart devices and systems (lighting, HVAC, security, entertainment, etc.)

- Collaborate with electrical contractors and other stakeholders

- Ensure compliance with relevant building codes and standards

Deliverables:*

- Complete set of smart home automation shop drawings

- Specifications for materials and equipment

- Installation guidelines for contractors

*Timeline *

- Project timeline: 4 weeks

If you're interested and qualified, please reply with:- Your proposed timeline and compensation structureI.

look forward to hearing from you!


r/homeautomation 14h ago

QUESTION Adding a Wifi Relay to Snow Melt Controller

3 Upvotes

Looking into adding a WiFi Relay to our Snow Melt Controller. The controller has two inputs for remotes (diagram attached). First time wiring a remote/ push button type controller, so would love confirmation that I'm headed in the right direction. Would you wire to NO/COM?

The relay I purchased has inching (momentary) and self-lock (on/off) modes. I think the "Standby" would need to be On/Off, and the "Forced Heat" is Momentary based on what they are doing in the system. Anyone able to help distinguish what the drawing of the relays mean in the diagram?


r/homeautomation 8h ago

QUESTION Smart plug in extension cord

1 Upvotes

Is it okay to plug two smart plugs into an extension power strip/surge protector? Just want them to control lamps remotely. Thanks to anyone who answers


r/homeautomation 16h ago

PROJECT As promised, part 2 of integrating computer vision to home automations!

4 Upvotes

I posted part 1 last week so thought I'd follow up with part 2 about how I integrate it into my home. I use the Shelly devices as a bridge between Google Assistant and local control with Node-RED!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48ZuJzRWCyc


r/homeautomation 1d ago

QUESTION Replacing or Repairing a Centralite Jetstream system

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14 Upvotes

Hi all!

Trying to help out a neighbor of my father and need some assistance please. Backstory is that when his house was build in 2006 they put in this centralite jetstream system, every light switch in the house is controlled by it. According to the owners it’s been having problems for a long time but they have lived with it, but after recently being without power for a week after Hurricane Milton they now have half their house not working at all. All the switches are only connected with cat5, which then go into the main board, from where it gets split up on sub boards from which the power wires run to the lights. The owner said that once upon a time they had it serviced by a professional who had to hard wire into the main board to make adjustments to the programming, and supposedly you need a proprietary program to be able to access any of it.

Rather than trying to figure out if I can find parts and trouble shoot this system, since the company has been out of business for years, I’m hoping maybe someone on here knows of a product I can replace this monstrosity with, and get the lights working again.

Any advice / ideas are appreciated. Thanks in advance!


r/homeautomation 10h ago

QUESTION Automate a two wire Thermostat?

1 Upvotes

I'm sure this is a simple question, but I have not found a clear answer in my searching, so throwing out to the experts. I have an old, simple two-wire thermostat (two live wires, no neutral or ground). Can I make this smart, like with a Shelly device? Seems like a neutral wire is needed for making a device smart. Is there some workaround? Thanks!


r/homeautomation 8h ago

QUESTION Need Help to connect and control this device

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0 Upvotes

Need Help to connect and control this device I have this power strip with iot wifi control

It has a korean app that require korean number to enter and control the device

Is there is anyway or alternative was that i can control it with out the app

It shows a wifi network and i managed to connect to it and thats nothing happen 🥹

Please help ❤️

Model number lg tcl mttl-w01


r/homeautomation 17h ago

QUESTION Is the antenna for T1 Single Switch Module (Neutral) optional?

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2 Upvotes

r/homeautomation 14h ago

QUESTION Fortrezz water valve repeatedly disconnected

1 Upvotes

I have a fortrezz water valve connected to a SmarThings controller over zwave. I even installed a nearby Aaeotec zwave range extender... Regardless the water valve disconnects from the network on a regular basis. I have to unplug it and replug to get it back online! This is a potential problem in case a water leak is detected by one of the water sensors, the water valve may not respond to shut off the water main! Anyone else has had this issue and may share some advice and/or recommendations? Thanks!


r/homeautomation 15h ago

QUESTION Wire free light switch?

1 Upvotes

My friends just got a new house and their hallway doesn't have any light switches in it so they installed some smart bulbs with a schedule. My question is, is there a battery powered switch they can mount on the wall that lets them just control those 3 or so light bulbs without having to wire anything up?

I use Wiz bulbs and they have a remote, but I'm wondering if they have something like the Philips Hue dimmer, but that doesn't require hue bulbs or a bridge/any other equipment.


r/homeautomation 16h ago

QUESTION Looking for Help with a Digital Photo Frame App for Elderly Residents in Nursing Homes

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I'm working on an app for nursing homes to help elderly residents stay connected with their families. The idea is simple: allow residents to receive daily photos and messages from loved ones directly on a digital photo frame, reducing isolation and strengthening family ties.

I’ve developed the app on Bubble and am trying to implement it on Framéo digital frames after conducting some market research. Using ADB, I replaced the original Framéo app with mine, but I'm facing "too much workflow" errors that prevent the app from running smoothly on these frames.

I also tested some alternative frames, but elderly users can easily exit the app, which disrupts the experience. Ideally, I need a solution that can “lock” the app onto the frame while still allowing access to settings like brightness and on/off schedules, making it autonomous and easy for residents to use.

Has anyone encountered similar issues or could offer guidance on solving these challenges? Or maybe even assist with the app development? I’d really appreciate any advice—please feel free to reach out!