Reddit reviews GE 45603 Z-Wave Technology Wireless Lighting Control Fluorescent Light & Appliance Module

Honestly, your cheapest options are to get an actual Zwave repeater or just about any plug-in Zwave device (here's a cheap smart plug).

Alternatively, you can replace any one of those switches with a zwave switch, and upgrade the rest later, as budget allows.

I use a very lite home automation controller
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007005364/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?qid=1419693424&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70

With an appliance module that has a power strip connected to it. Turning the appliance module on and off using the vera plugins for tasker will turn the Chromecast and TV on by activating the power strip which they are plugged into.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0013V58HU/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?qid=1419693510&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70

Not all TVs work this way. You can test to see if your TV will work by turning the TV on and unplugging it from the wall and plugging it back in. If it turns back on, your TV can do this. If it does not turn back on without you hitting the power button on the TV, you'll have to find another solution.

I use the GE lighting module for this purpose: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013V58HU/

It's $35 US (in the US), and it has a Zwave controlled outlet plus a non controlled outlet on it. For an extra 5, there is a Dimmable version as well. It can handle up to 600 watts. I've got two of them in my house now, and they've worked flawlessly for quite a while.

I can confirm that the Z-Wave GE 45603 plug-in appliance module works with the Wink hub.

I have on/off control, but the on/off status is not reflected correctly in the app.

I paired it with the Wink hub not using the "Add a product" function, but rather by selecting the Hub from the Home screen, then by hitting the "..." button in the top right, then "<my hub name>", then "Z-Wave Controls", then "INCLUSION MODE", then I hit the physical button on the front of the plug-in module and then got a green light on the hub to indicate successful pairing.

I use a few of these to control power to lighthouses and hmd.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0013V58HU

With home automation they are part of the "start up" process for my TV/receiver with the htpc always on. If you prefer a fail proof (so far for me) method and have a little extra to spend I'd say it's worth it.

I've got two of these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013V58HU/ref=psdc_6478741011_t1_B0013V1SRY

You didn't mention a budget, so how about 5 z-wave modules controlled by a hub. You could manually change which lamps are on, or have it automatically switch based on programmed events.

Sorry, I should clarify. I don't have smart switches, I have dumb ones. They cut off power to the lights if I need them off in a case like this, and when you turn the power back on, Hue bulbs default to on.
I believe this is a setting option with LIFX.

I also have these with dumb bulbs and they are load sensing, so if I turn it off and then on again, it will provide power to the bulb, regardless of the commands it is/isn't receiving from my hub.

Hope this helps!

No on those ones it seems, but any Z-Wave ones will work. I have a couple of these https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Lighting-Control-Appliance-12719/dp/B0013V58HU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478553902&sr=8-1&keywords=z-wave+plug+in+switch

Well, I have this one which I really like. I just now noticed that Amazon doesn't sell it anymore and I have no idea why. I paid around $30 for it. It has good reviews.

Yeah, this is possible. Just buy a z-wave plug (I use this one) and plug your AC into it. Turn your AC on. Then, whenever you turn the plug on via SmartThings, the AC turns on. If you turn the plug off, it cuts the AC's power, and the AC is off.

Really simple way to turn a dumb AC into a smart-ish AC.

I did it with a relay switch and wired it to the garage opener. I also needed to wire a power cord to it so that I can plug it into a Z-wave Plug-in switch. Then I set a rule on my hub to switch it on and off immediately. This action replicates the shorting of the wire that a normal garage button does. This method is easiest compatibility since you can use whatever Plug-in switch that works with your hub, and it also acts as another repeater for your other z-wave devices.

This site goes into more details on how to wire everything: http://24-7-home-security.com/how-to-make-a-smart-garage-door-opener-that-works-with-any-protocol/

I also bought the Z-wave tilt sensor and mount on the garage door, which lets me know when the garage is opened or closed.

No, this is an independent venting fan upstairs. It's connected to a standard 110v wifi plug and integrated with IFTTT for an IF Temp drops below 73, THAN SMARTTHINGS Switch to On.

Why not just use a normal z-wave outlet switch like this guy:

https://www.amazon.com/GE-Lighting-Control-Appliance-12719/dp/B0013V58HU/ref=sr_1_2?s=lamps-light&ie=UTF8&qid=1483521194&sr=1-2&keywords=z-wave+outlet

or

https://www.amazon.com/Insteon-Smart-Works-Amazon-Alexa/dp/B00G5R6S9O/ref=sr_1_4?s=lamps-light&ie=UTF8&qid=1483521251&sr=1-4&keywords=insteon+switch

My insteon switch even detects when I use the lamp on off switch itself after a couple of clicks, so turning it on or off again from the app still works. It's pretty uncanny.

If I were to buy a z-wave module such as this one, how would I communicate with it? Is there a monthly payment to someone or can my phone just talk to it? Also, is it as simple as plugging it into my outlet and it's set up?

I would not use bulbs unless you want some sort of multicolor control. Plugin modules are a much better idea and are cheaper overall.

Ex:
https://www.amazon.com/GE-Lighting-Control-Appliance-12719/dp/B0013V58HU

You can even get one that measures power consumption:
http://aeotec.com/z-wave-plug-in-switch

I use this one, it's super simple and easy to use... http://www.amazon.com/GE-45603-Technology-Fluorescent-Appliance/dp/B0013V58HU