(Part 2) Top products from r/smarthome

It actually depends on what brand and model you get. As he mentioned, the essentials are lights, speakers and blind controls. Although my own version would be: Automated house lights, appliances you use (Coffeemaker, humidifier, smart oil diffuser, heater, fan, AC) which is a huge plus and maybe whole house speakers but if you don't have many speakers like Sonos or don't care for speakers you can also go for security for your house. I'm not sure you can get very good lights or so for that price range and have a hub or smart switch to go along with it so I'll recommend you things I own and find that are within your price range.

Smart plugs $30 for 4 plugs on Amazon they are very small and impressive and work with Google and Alexa along with IFTTT. Want cheaper? Try the same ones but it's one for $8 Here.

Or two sets of smart lights Here for $24. It also works with Google and Alex along with IFTTT. Most smart plugs will be used here. You can make many of your appliances "smart" with a simple plug. I, in fact, was watching this video right now about smart home gadgets by Rick Buck on YouTube. Very very informational about smart home appliances and definitely tells you a lot about smart plugs and how to use them

If you don't mind adding another hub you should check out Lutron Caseta. They are a bit more expensive than GE and Insteon but they're reliable and work well with HomeKit and Alexa. You can make scenes in the Caseta app and both the Home app and the Alexa app will be able to use the scenes that you created.

As for a fan switch the only option that works with HomeKit and Alexa is the Caseta Multi-Location Switch:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017LRCG38/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_JZVyybFAGHSZQ

This wont be able to change the fan speed but it lets you turn the fan on and off.

As for setting scenes with the touch of a button, you could get a Harmony hub and some pop switches. The Harmony doesn't play well with HomeKit but it's pretty cool with Alexa. Although the app is kind of counter intuitive, it works well once you get it the way you want it.

Harmony Hub:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N3RFC4Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_I7VyybF2F7VWZ

Pop Switch:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JO8TLMQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_g6VyybPZPFZ51

I have pretty much the same stuff as you, and I feel your pain (a I'm sure others are thinking, "Damn you, that's a lot of stuff"!)

I feel like I've pretty much maxed out and just waiting for the current things to work more fluid.

Anyway, a recent purchase I've made that I didn't see on your list were Osram GardenSpots (they look awesome outside with my lanscaping).

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R1PB2ZY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_D3nkybAH2ZG8J (this price is kinda high, I think I paid around $34 for these on sale)

In addition, I picked a couple of these up on ebay, and it works with both Wink and SmartThings.. They are 2-Channel Smart Plugs that basically have two outlets you can control individually for around the same price as the ones that only can control 1. I use it to control a floor fan and desk lamp. The other one is used for a coffee machine and some plug in LED strips.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/361826630198

Finally, I know you have Hue, and I do too, but if you're still in the market for some RGBW's, the same company that sells those smart plugs above has some on their website.

www.inovelli.com

I picked some up off ebay, so maybe they're just out of stock there.

Lastly, let me know if you ever get the Big Ass Fan bc I've been checking those out as well for my 3-seasons room. May pick one up in the spring.

Oh, I forgot, have you heard of Leaksmart? I have it installed and think it's pretty sweet. They need to work on their sensors though as their batteries seem to die quickly (for me at least on Wink).

Good luck!

You want this: Aeotec Heavy Duty Smart Switch, Z-Wave Plus Home Security ON/OFF controller, 40 amps record electricity consumption https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MBIRF5W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_AgVADbSZ5ATQG

Then get a 240v 2 phase plug and a socket. Wire the smart switch up to the two. So you have plug - switch - socket.

Then you plug your air compressor to this new thing you just made and the new thing to the wall.

You will need a hub to control it.

Bonus you also get current and electricity usage for free :)

> Do you realize how expensive and complicated a system like that would be?

Like $10 at cost and not very complicated?

> How would it recharge while the water is running?

The water would power a hydroelectric generator that would recharge the battery.

> Do you think they have mini hydroelectric plants that can fit in a showerhead?

Yes. They literally do.

> lol

https://www.amazon.com/Hyquadio-Hydro-Powered-Bluetooth-Speaker-Waterproof/dp/B07P9LH1XL

lol

Already good comments here, but TBF the best remote things are outlets and wall switches. That way if/when you hit a switch to turn something off the 'old' way it will still respond if you want it on.

Also, you need a hub. Smartthings or Wink.
The rest are worthless (Hue hub and all the other hubs). IMO Philips Hue is lame. If you want colored bulbs go get Sylvania lightify (cheaper, less crap in your house since it doesn't need its own hub).

Ideal starter setup would be an echo dot $50, a hub $100, two wall switches ($30ea) (for unswitched outlets) and a couple wall paddle switches ($30ea). That much hardware would set you back about $270, but would add a fair bit of fun and convenience.

Ok. Maybe smarter to make the switch smart rather than the light bulbs. Do you have a separate switch on the wall that turns the light on/off today? Or is it one switch for both fan and light? I'll assume you do have a separate switch:

TP-Link dimmer if you don't have a controller.
GE Dimmer if you do.

If you don't have a separate switch, I have a different idea.

Yeah, your thinking of it wrong. Just get a switch like a Kasa dimmer wall switch. That will give you voice control for on/off and dimmer to different percentage amounts. I use both, but in diff places in the house. They aren’t the cheapest, but sure works great when your wife wants the two dinning room chandeliers each with 8 candle bulbs to be able to dim.

On sale for $34.99 now.
https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-HS220-Dimmer-Switch-1-Pack/dp/B079775ZZQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=kasa+dimmer+switch&qid=1568226846&s=gateway&sprefix=kasa+dimmer+&sr=8-3

I've got the exact same switch.... Having done the same research as you, the simple answer is, there isn't a device that will duplicate that.

The closest solution I have come up with is to put 2 of these in the ceiling fan https://www.amazon.com/Aeotec-Z-Wave-Micro-Dimmer-2nd/dp/B00IRI1CEK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482251383&sr=8-1&keywords=z+wave+micro+switch. One to control the light and one to control the fan. Unfortunatly, you will lose control of the switch (other than on/off) at the physical switch itself. You would be able to both the light and fan on/off, but not just the light or the fan, you would need to use a smart device to do that.

> Nah, I have split system 220V. I need to research more.

A few ideas

• temp sensor, if room is normally hot but gets cool AC must be on
  
  
• tilt sensor, I wonder if you could put a tilt sensor on the louver of the split system. Not sure if they are strong enough to push the weight of the sensors. They are made for garage door.
  
  
• door strip sensors, they are ultra thin and could work. Again on the louvers so you can tell if they are Open and running or closed and not running https://www.thesmartesthouse.com/collections/door-window-sensors/products/sensative-z-wave-plus-strips-invisible-door-window-sensor
  
  EDIT: I forgot to mention then you can use a ZXT-120 to control the split system. I use them on my Mitsubishi split and they work fine. I have 6 of them. https://www.amazon.com/Remotec-Z-Wave-ZXT-120-Extender-Conditioners/dp/B00Q6SXTPS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1501630141&sr=8-1&keywords=zxt-120

I’ve needed the same thing since I work from home and always thought one of those ‘ON AIR’ lights like this would be so cool: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0132AX0AQ/

You could mount it on the wall above the door and find a way to run the cable down the doorframe with some adhesive cable ties to hide the cord. Plug it in if you have an outlet near the door, otherwise run it under the door and power it in your office, then use a cheap Alexa-enabled smart plug to toggle it on/off with voice.

I recommend these smart plugs as I use them in my office: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072ZX8RTZ/

I would focus more on the smart switch aspect and less on the monitoring aspect. You could get an energy monitor that is capable of observing total consumption of your home. Look at Sense or Aeotec, they both have products for that. I think they can both slowly begin to identify individual devices, their consumption, and alert you when they're on or if they've been on for longer than a predefined amount of time.

There's a broader range of products that are simple z-wave devices and don't focus on energy monitoring. However, 20 Amp zwave deives are a bit hard to find. Aeotec has one for up to 220v and 40amps, which may work.

Go Control has a similar product for 20 Amp 120 circuits.

Also, no true switch that I know of will do what you're saying - keep the line hot but send a zigbee signal to turn off. They'll all cut the power. Even smart ones.

Other than the obvious Hue dimmers that have been around forever I have my eye on the Lutron Aurora Dimmer. They don't come out until next week, but all the early reviews are positive and since you're already using hue lights it should be almost zero setup on your end.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RJ14FBS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_OftiDb55V6NRX

>Do you think they have mini hydroelectric plants that can fit in a showerhead? lol

Yes.

https://www.amazon.com/Hyquadio-Hydro-Powered-Bluetooth-Speaker-Waterproof/dp/B07P9LH1XL

Just be sure whatever switch you use is not a dimmer. A dimmer is not supposed to be attached to a fan. It can burn out your fan motor or worse, start a fire. Here's the one I used for my fan: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NO7Z80S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Jv3-BbYZZCWW0

Then I used a regular caseta dimmer to control only the light portion. So now I have a 2 gang box, but I can control both individually. Unfortunately that caseta switch is insanely expensive. I was able to get it for $61 a few months ago. You might have better luck googling that model and buying it from a specialty electrical supply store.

The switch itself needs to support Google Home in it's firmware. The Leviton Homekit version of the switch does not appear to support Google Home. The regular version of the switch looks like it does: https://www.amazon.com/Leviton-DW6HD-1BZ-Incandescent-Required-Assistant/dp/B01NASBN1V/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1517444728&sr=8-3&keywords=leviton+switch+google+home

So, you may need to find another Homekit switch that supports Google Home.

Thanks .. its really expensive lol

https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-PD-5WS-DV-WH-Caseta-Wireless-Lighting/dp/B00NO7Z80S

But if there are no other options, looks like im going with this. I'm about to buy the Lutron Caseta $99 kit (with the hub) -- but im still making sure its the right purchase and lutron hub can be integrated with ST hub.

Well the Harmony hub can link to Echo natively and allow you to control any infrared device with Alexa. The fan I use is this honeywell

So I dug a little deeper and it looks like I need to combine this dimmer: https://www.amazon.com/Enerwave-ZW500D-W-Wireless-NEUTRAL-REQUIRED/dp/B01G7MFQ08/ref=sr_1_7?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1486947973&sr=1-7&keywords=zwave+3+way+dimmer

with this add-on switch: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PYMGYY0/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

to accomplish matching what's there now.

there’s many!

Etekcity Remote Control Outlet Kit Wireless Light Switch for Household Appliances, Unlimited Connections, Up to 100 ft. Range, FCC Certified, ETL Listed, White (Learning Code, 5Rx-2Tx) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DQELHBS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_QxEDDbQ2E9H2J

Wireless Remote Control Outlet, Kasonic Smart Home Remote Control Multi Purpose Combo Set [3 Electrical Outlets + 1 Remote] Perfect for Household Appliances and Devices; ETL-Listed https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BH5S222/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_FyEDDbS64CY6X

DEWENWILS Wireless Wall Control Outlet, Electrical Remote On Off Light Switch for Lamp, No Interference, 15 AMP Heavy Duty, 100' RF Range, Compact Side Plug, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DT9QP8P/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ozEDDbJQH2TZ8

For lights, I definitely recommend Hue! I've had color bulbs in and on almost constantly for about 3 years and haven't had to replace them yet. If you're worried about someone accidentally turning off the switch, you can get guards like these or Lutron makes a dimmer that should work well [here] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RJ14FBS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_PsVADbPK2QAEW).

Got it. I don't know if you can use a switch to control a smart plug without having a hub. If you have a voice assistant (e.g. Alexa, Google) there are plenty of smart plugs you could use, but it sounds like you want a physical switch on the wall (and I don't blame you).

So I guess you're stuck with either getting a hub, or the modern 'clapper equivalent' as mentioned below. There are tons available. Can't speak to this one, just the first that came up in a search.

Not as a plug.

There are relay-based solutions such as:

• http://www.smarthomeusa.com/remote-controlled-heavy-duty-switch-60-amp-240vac-relay/ with a regular 120V smart plug
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Aeon-Labs-White-V3-26-AL001/dp/B00MBIRF5W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496340386&sr=8-1 with a Z-Wave controller

Can't really go wrong with a Nest Protect really.

For example, this Nest detector is hardwired but doesn't use the interconnect wire.

I'm looking for something like this, but that does use the interconnect wire?

Ive never considered an in line switch before but you use case makes sense. Here is another relay that is a little cheaper. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R883YKU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ar.RBbWNCNN4K. You could then pair it with a zwave button or something. Now I'm considering where I could use something like this haha

They also make 'double' versions of these to control two switches. I wish i'd understood more before converting the house over to GE/Jasco.

https://www.amazon.com/Vision-Z-Wave-Micro-Switch-relay/dp/B00R883YKU

Dimmer versions:

https://www.amazon.com/Aeotec-Z-Wave-Micro-Dimmer-2nd/dp/B00IRI1CEK/ref=sr_1_3?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1486063509&sr=1-3&keywords=zwave+in+wall

second 2 gang option: https://www.amazon.com/Aeon-Labs-Aeotec-DSC-17103/dp/B01DDQS07W/ref=pd_sim_60_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01DDQS07W&pd_rd_r=YFHWK6KFSSQT2MNBSMT7&pd_rd_w=ahlIA&pd_rd_wg=Oo1Qn&psc=1&refRID=YFHWK6KFSSQT2MNBSMT7

You can use a travel router to rebroadcast your phone hotspot with a new SSID and connect everything to that. Then your phone will only see 1 device effectively connected.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TQEX8BO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_kndUBb8PR5B9Y

Mini Smart Plug Outlet Works with Amazon Alexa Google Assistant IFTTT, No Hub Required, ETL and FCC Listed Wifi Enabled Remote Control Smart Socket by Gosund https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072ZX8RTZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_zIIQBbBQTSF51

What I’ve been using for about 2 months and have not had one single connection issue. I’m very impressed. Also the cheapest one I’ve purchased. Doesn’t work with HomeKit but even being an Apple fanboy I’m not impressed by anything HomeKit related. I switch to Alexa and haven’t looked back.

SwitchBot, smart switch button with timer app controlled wifi switch DIY tools (with a Hub compatible with Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B7NXV4R/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_N.lZDbNEQE2EA

I like GE switches. You could put 2 regular ones in and two of these

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PYMGYY0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_2vLAzbJ03NMYD

They act as a second switch for a 3-way wired circuit.

Could you just use regular dumb fairy lights and control them with a Zigbee smart plug?

These are another option, not quite what you have in mind but they work well https://www.amazon.com/SYLVANIA-LIGHTIFY-Gardenspot-SmartThings-Assistant/dp/B00R1PB2ZY

Switchmate check out the reviews though most people not too impressed. Any reason you don't want to replace the switches? It is a little bit of work but nothing bad.

Go with universal switches/dimmers that work without hubs, instead of lights. I personally like the Leviton Decora. They're a little pricey @ ~$50 per switch, but if you do the project in phases it should be affordable.

AFAIK the only way to do this is to use a relay with the dumb switch.

This is an example: Vision In Wall Z-Wave Micro Switch, 2 relay https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R883YKU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_uxbwDb7N2SBCD

But you might be better off converting it to a two gang box (assuming there's room there).

I had the exact same scenario with a buzzer system that sounded identical.

You can use Switchbot very easily and cheap for this:

SwitchBot smart switch button pusher - no wiring, wireless app or timer control, with Hub compatible with Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT (white) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B7NXV4R/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_6AkTCbY3VPY3R

I had it connected to Alexa, Google Assistant, Homekit, IFTTT, and SmartThings

Unfortunately, where I live now can’t use it, and I miss it haha

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00NO7Z80S/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_1?smid=A27U5ZM1ERPBP4&psc=1

Edit to add: if you’ve got several switches you want to replace it may be cheaper to get dimmer switches and new bulbs.

For the same price as 2 of these switches you can get 2 dimmers and a 16 pack of dimmable bulbs

Wonder if a SwitchBot would be up to the task? Maybe not enough travel. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07B7NXV4R/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_BAYYDb8RAW6KJ

Remotec Z-Wave ZXT-120 IR Extender for Air Conditioners https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Q6SXTPS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_JYBUAbK1F6TBG

Lutron LZL-4B-WH-L01 Connected Bulb Remote https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014STZASK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_jOkgAbY6SC8AF


You can use this so that they can just hit the switch in their room. I bought mine for 19 so they are a little expensive right now.

Hub is also on sale at amazon and bestbuy.

Same with some of the multisensors.

I think in your case I would get a Lutron remote with Cree Connected bulbs.

If you’re not wanting to add app/Siri/amazon control of the lamp, they make options that are far cheaper.

Wireless Wall Switch Remote Control Outlet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DT9QP8P/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_09kDCbNE404GX

It's expensive but possible with Philips Hue bulbs and Lutron Aurora Hue dimmer.

I grabbed one of these for connecting my printer which only had an Ethernet port. Put it in Client Mode and then it will connect to your WiFi. And connect your Ethernet device:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TQEX8BO/

If you have an old router you can probably flash ddwrt or tomato and achieve the same thing.

Also, if you have other non WiFi devices. A small switch could connect to your WiFi bridge.

Osram Lightify Gardenspots: https://www.amazon.com/SYLVANIA-LIGHTIFY-Osram-Gardenspots-Adjustable/dp/B00R1PB2ZY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1495687600&sr=8-1&keywords=gardenspot

I've been thinking about using one of these Switchmate switches for my office. Unfortunately it's just Bluetooth, so I wouldn't call it a truly smart switch.

Sorry it doesn't exist. The closest thing is the GE switch that you mentioned https://www.amazon.com/GE-Bluetooth-Wireless-STANDALONE-12728/dp/B00PYMGYY0/ref=pd_sbs_236_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00PYMGYY0&pd_rd_r=SMXAPP0SQQ3C938J25VY&pd_rd_w=kl6hU&pd_rd_wg=4V8hj&psc=1&refRID=SMXAPP0SQQ3C938J25VY

A couple thoughts:

1. Leviton makes smart switches for three-way scenarios. (Lutron also has a solution, but I don't have experience with those.)
   
2. To cut down on the number of switches, you can wire multiple switches to function as one.
   
   I have 45 of these Leviton switches in my house, and they're working fairly well.
   
   (If you don't care about 1 and 2 above, you can stop reading now.) This approach will need an electrician or advanced DIY skills, because these Leviton switches get tricky. You not only have to replace the switch (that's mid-skill), you need to map out the circuits behind the wall to understand which switch goes in each location, because there are different model numbers for the first switch in the circuit (DW6HD-1BZ) and it's matching switch(es) (DD00R-DLZ) for that light, which is more complex than traditional 3-way installations that use the same model of switch for both. Note that these models above are for Google or Alexa control (or the Leviton app). There are different model numbers for Apple HomeKit.
   
   If you're trying to consolidate the number of switches, it will get a little tricker if the main switches aren't all in one box, but I think that would be unusual.

hell of a deal. it's never been lower than ~$88:

http://camelcamelcamel.com/Logitech-Harmony-Smartphone-Entertainment-Automation/product/B00N3RFC4Q?active=price_amazon&context=home_alerts

temporarily out of stock, but you can still purchase while on sale.

You could get some Microbot pushes or even something similar. Just to give you an idea. They literally stick onto the existing switches and automatically presses them.

If changing a light switch violates the lease wouldn't modifying a relay in be the same thing?