ᐅ New Construction – Which Smart Home System?

Well, there are also people who say, use the Lite version and start the next project after 20 devices, keeping the gas appliances identical... I wouldn’t want to deal with that kind of hassle at all.

We are currently facing the same question: home automation, but with which concept? There are plenty of providers, ranging from Free@Home (Busch Jäger), Loxone, and E-Net (Jung) to KNX. I’m wondering if one of the vendor-specific systems might be sufficient for the needs of a single-family house. Isn’t using KNX like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut in this case?

However, I have to admit that I lack imagination when it comes to use cases in this context. So far, I have always considered lighting, indoor climate control, and shading as sensible applications. But I am questioning how practical it really is to control underfloor heating (slow-acting) and a state-of-the-art heat pump with smart home technology.

@guckuck2

Yes, sure, that is one option, but I agree with you—then I’d rather buy the Pro version with a 50% discount. Now that ETS Inside is available and runs stably, many things have become easier. In the end, you have to accept one of two things: either you spend some money or you tinker around for free.

Another option is simply outsourcing all the logic and similar functions to one or more devices that can be managed without ETS. I know several installations where KNX is used as the backbone, and all the advanced functions are handled by LogicMachine, Savant, a home server, or more recently Timberwolf.

This way, the end user can configure everything as desired without using ETS.

@Notstrom
Proprietary systems have a crucial disadvantage: you cannot integrate everything that may come your way throughout life. KNX, on the other hand, as an open, globally recognized, and certified standard, allows this.

Just some examples, not to be taken too seriously:

With KNX, you can control your ABUS alarm system via an AGFEO telephone system, which uses Roto window contacts and can open and close Velux roof windows in the house. Data partly comes from Merten or Gira sensors and a Busch-Jaeger weather station. When wind and weather pick up, your Rademacher roller shutters are lowered, and your Vallox or Helios ventilation system constantly provides fresh air, adjusting to the current pollution level inside and outside the house. To prevent overheating indoors, your Westinghouse fan runs, and the Mitsubishi air conditioner ensures comfortable room air, and so on.

As you can see, many manufacturers work together here although they actually use entirely different components and protocols within their own systems. This only works because there is a common medium. Proprietary systems are different—you hit a limit somewhere. For one manufacturer, the limit comes quite fast; for another, a bit slower. But one thing is always certain: there is a limit somewhere.

When it comes to underfloor heating and heat pumps, it depends on what is to be controlled and how much integration you want.

bonkers223 schrieb:

Of course, as here in the forum, I keep coming back to KNX. But I’m still not entirely happy with it, because I don’t want to have to call a programmer every time I want to make a change; I also don’t really want to buy the ETS license.
Additionally, I want to integrate and network fingerprint scanners, Sonos, and a heat pump, but I haven’t quite figured out how to do that with KNX.

You don’t want to ask anyone or have someone come over, but you also don’t want to buy the software yourself? That’s going to be difficult. Systems like Free@Home or the many other limited ones are okay for basic tasks, but once you get to integrating fingerprint scanners, Sonos, or heat pumps, it gets tricky. For that, you won’t get around KNX. That also gives you more freedom with manufacturers and doesn’t restrict you to just one or two.

In my experience, integrating the heat pump is unnecessary in 99% of cases. Controlling the valves for underfloor heating usually provides all the benefit you’ll need in a private home. To achieve meaningful automation, you’ll also need sensors and some kind of central unit that can intelligently coordinate everything.

Either you acquire the necessary knowledge yourself (there is quite useful literature available) or you hire someone. Wanting to have everything without doing any of the work yourself or paying anyone won’t work.

As always, the rule of three applies here as well:

I see I’ve sparked quite a lively discussion here. Thanks so far for all the input.

I definitely don’t want a basic or hybrid solution. I understand that I need to invest something, but the entire system should last and run reliably for 20–30 years. I also want the security of always having someone who can help me without having to replace everything.

Additionally, I want to network all systems and keep the option open to adjust or change things tomorrow, the day after, or in 2 years. Lighting and music controlled by fingerprint is symbolic of the whole concept. When I’m ready, I want to intelligently combine shading with underfloor heating, have the photovoltaic system interact with the heat pump, and possibly avoid producing hot water in the evening based on the weather forecast if nice weather is expected tomorrow. In my opinion, the system only becomes truly intelligent or “smart” when the devices are networked.

Regarding ETS: with the ETS demo (please correct me if I’m wrong), I can only manage 5 devices? My system will definitely have more than 50 devices. How is this supposed to work? I don’t want to spend another $1000 and then have to hope the programmer will even hand the project over to me.

@untergasse43 I already have some basic knowledge. I don’t want to have to rely on professional help every time I want to automate my system (and pay for hours after hours). With a few sensors, I can already create useful automations. In the end, the house should behave the way I want it to, not just follow what’s written in a book.

I spent a lot of time researching over the weekend and came across Loxone again, which also works with KNX. But to what extent can I work with it myself? Is there anyone here who has experience with it?

At the same time, I found a system I wasn’t familiar with before called “myGekko.” It networks many different systems, including KNX. According to the website, no programming is required since everything is configured through one interface. There are also lots of other connections to Sonos, heat pumps, and more. Does anyone know this system too?

Best regards,
Stefan