ᐅ Smart Home Control Systems: Providers and User Experiences?

Hi,

I’m also interested in this topic. However, I will only implement it after moving in, as we are already in the process of signing the contract.

What should I have prepared during the new build to easily implement OpenHab or another non-KNX bus solution later on? Are there specific things I need to pay attention to, such as conduits or other elements that should be considered from the start?

Nothing is simple... it’s more a matter of intention than skill... and more or less experimentation... What are your requirements? In other words, what should be controllable or adjustable, and what kind of building services are installed? For example, heating, ventilation, etc.

xycrazy schrieb:
Hi,

I'm also interested in this topic. However, I will only implement it after moving in, as we are already in the process of signing the contract.
What should I prepare during the new build to make it easier to implement OpenHab or another non-KNX bus solution later? Is there anything specific I need to pay attention to, for example, conduit or other things that should be considered right from the start?

I’m doing the same. I compared many systems and their pros and cons.
I originally planned to use Homematic but have since become convinced by the Z-Wave system with Fibaro.
The only wired option that I still find interesting is Loxone. However, the planning and wiring effort is quite substantial here as well, since a star-shaped CAT7 wiring is required and it is also a proprietary system.

From what I see, the most important thing for wireless systems is to install deep flush-mounted boxes to allow space behind the switches for the modules, and to have the electrician run the neutral wire everywhere.

But generally, you can never have enough conduits.

We also compared several systems and found that only a few offer the combination we wanted: controlling underfloor heating, automating blinds/lights, switching some outlets, monitoring photovoltaic panels with a battery initially, and the option to expand later with possible solar, wind, or rain sensors, motion detectors, window contacts, electronic door openers, and more.

KNX was too expensive for us, especially since the programming had additional costs, which we found inconvenient. We have now chosen Loxone. The wiring is currently in progress and is giving the electrician quite a challenge. We are pulling most of the network cables ourselves, while the electrician installs the conduits. Photos of the cable setup running through our house are available on the blog.

Additional costs for home automation including Loxone components are approximately €7,000 (poorly calculable since the base price didn’t include a single network, TV, satellite cable, outdoor lighting, garage power, etc.; in total, we have around €11,000 in extra electrician costs). This setup will allow us, upon moving in, to control all blinds, lights, and two outlets per room, and integrate photovoltaic panels, battery storage, and heat pump. There are also enough conduits in place to add the above-mentioned potential features later without using wireless solutions or cutting into walls.

Good advice on wiring is important. We consulted both a Loxone partner and our home electrician who was already familiar with the system. This gave us plenty of input, and my husband, due to his profession, can handle the programming himself.

I personally prefer the Loxone principle—the star wiring with central control units—over systems like KNX. It is especially future-proof because, if necessary, you can relatively easily switch to another system or traditional switches. However, I am more of a fan of Comexio. Their outputs are stronger (16 A per relay), and the server, dimmer, and extension units also offer more of these. Additionally, I like being able to monitor the power consumption of my lamps and other devices, which is already included with them.

I'm not very technical; Philips provides the lighting and RWE the heating. Do you think this combination is worthwhile? We don't need monitoring or anything like that. The main thing is to reduce costs and increase comfort. Honestly, the Loxone system seems a bit too complicated to me....

P.S. I know Philips recently had issues with their firmware, but I still think it's the best solution.