Hello,
for our planned new build, I would like to automate as much as my budget allows. A central control system (touchscreen/app) for blinds, underfloor heating, and possibly indoor/outdoor lighting. Since I’m not familiar with this topic, I have two basic questions:
1). What approximate costs should I expect if about 170sqm (1,830 sqft) of living space including bathroom, toilet, hallway, 4 living rooms, and garage are to be automated? Of course, I understand you can’t give me an exact estimate.
2). How should I best approach my planning? Since I assume my budget won’t cover everything at once, I want to at least make all necessary preparations during construction. That way, I can add features later without having to open up walls. Sort of like preparing the roof for solar panels in advance…
Looking forward to your answers
for our planned new build, I would like to automate as much as my budget allows. A central control system (touchscreen/app) for blinds, underfloor heating, and possibly indoor/outdoor lighting. Since I’m not familiar with this topic, I have two basic questions:
1). What approximate costs should I expect if about 170sqm (1,830 sqft) of living space including bathroom, toilet, hallway, 4 living rooms, and garage are to be automated? Of course, I understand you can’t give me an exact estimate.
2). How should I best approach my planning? Since I assume my budget won’t cover everything at once, I want to at least make all necessary preparations during construction. That way, I can add features later without having to open up walls. Sort of like preparing the roof for solar panels in advance…
Looking forward to your answers
I agree with you, @Grym. Especially when it comes to lighting (also considering pets), I can’t really see any “convenience” added by KNX. My electric blinds are controlled by €50 switches and operate partly based on time, partly on the position of the sun, and additionally on light levels for shading. I haven’t touched the switches, except for the children’s room during midday naps, for almost two years. Otherwise, there isn’t much that needs to be wired. The heating system runs autonomously after initial setup, and so does the ventilation system (in fact, almost every manufacturer offers ventilation with air quality control—the Helios unit I have even includes extensive built-in controls).
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The advantage is that you don’t have to worry about unnecessary things… you don’t even need to go back home because a light was left on somewhere or the washing machine has a leak. The bus system switches off the lights and unnecessary devices for you and shuts off the main water valve in an emergency.
Not everyone needs to install a bus system… it may be hard to believe, but there are still people today without phones, TV, or other non-essential devices.
If you decide to install something like this, it should be carefully planned and installed beforehand. Whether it’s KNX or another system is up to each individual. Just please don’t call it a smart home if you can only control lights and blinds with your smartphone… that’s not smart at all.
Not everyone needs to install a bus system… it may be hard to believe, but there are still people today without phones, TV, or other non-essential devices.
If you decide to install something like this, it should be carefully planned and installed beforehand. Whether it’s KNX or another system is up to each individual. Just please don’t call it a smart home if you can only control lights and blinds with your smartphone… that’s not smart at all.
Mycraft schrieb:
The advantage is that you don’t have to deal with unnecessary things... you also don’t have to go back home because a light is still on somewhere or the washing machine has a leak. The bus system switches off the lights and unnecessary appliances for you and shuts off the main water valve in an emergency. I would simply argue that if KNX is supposed to monitor all electrical devices and also has water sensors for a leaking washing machine, this will come with additional costs, so it’s not exactly cheaper than without. I think it also depends a lot on your personal interest or enthusiasm for such a system. For me, it would involve a multiple of costs and time without being worthwhile (I definitely wouldn’t save enough time either). If I had done it or were to do it, I would prefer KNX over many single-manufacturer solutions.
from on the go
Yes, it’s just like with cars... and if someone comes along again and says the comparison doesn’t fit... I say it fits very well.
Some people buy a basic model Golf and are happy with it... others need a light sensor, a rain sensor, and a parking sensor and pay extra for these features.
The conclusion is: Both get from point A to point B, but the second person didn’t have to press or turn anything when it started raining or when driving through a tunnel.
Some people buy a basic model Golf and are happy with it... others need a light sensor, a rain sensor, and a parking sensor and pay extra for these features.
The conclusion is: Both get from point A to point B, but the second person didn’t have to press or turn anything when it started raining or when driving through a tunnel.
What are the potential issues if someone forgets to turn off the light? How many watts does an LED use for 12 hours of operation?
Also, who has a moisture detector in the basement that is connected to the main shut-off valve? And what is the purpose of KNX? It’s simply automation—after that, you can rely on something proprietary.
The comparison with the light sensor isn’t bad. I always automatically turn the light on 5 seconds after ignition, even at noon in August with full sunlight.
I think what matters most for a car is the model, features like leather seats, or engine power. I’d prefer an E-Class without a light sensor over a Golf with one.
The other issue is that in a car, you don’t have to reprogram the light and rain sensors every few weeks. There is a universal logic. But in the context of a single-family home, where daily routines change individually, it’s a completely different situation.
Also, who has a moisture detector in the basement that is connected to the main shut-off valve? And what is the purpose of KNX? It’s simply automation—after that, you can rely on something proprietary.
The comparison with the light sensor isn’t bad. I always automatically turn the light on 5 seconds after ignition, even at noon in August with full sunlight.
I think what matters most for a car is the model, features like leather seats, or engine power. I’d prefer an E-Class without a light sensor over a Golf with one.
The other issue is that in a car, you don’t have to reprogram the light and rain sensors every few weeks. There is a universal logic. But in the context of a single-family home, where daily routines change individually, it’s a completely different situation.
Otherwise, the car comparison is quite good. You have to buy an expensive package for the rain and light sensor, which includes a lot of other features you never need or use. The time saved is minimal, and occasionally the (light) rain sensor doesn’t work as expected, so you have to intervene manually. Then you have to figure out how to do that, since you only do it occasionally, not regularly.