ᐅ Wireless Home Systems

Hello forum!

I have a question about wireless home automation systems.

There are systems that allow you to control almost anything, for example, when the heating thermostats regulate the temperature, when the blinds go up and down, turning outlets on and off, and so on.

We are considering getting such a system. Specifically, we would start with the heating thermostats. So here is my question right away: is it worth it at all, considering the purchase costs for thermostats and a central hub, as well as the ongoing costs like electricity and batteries?

If we decide to get such a system, the following criteria are important to us:
- It must be possible to manually control the devices directly (e.g., thermostats or blinds up/down).
- It should be configurable with different profiles/programs (e.g., weekdays/weekends).
- It should be a future-proof system so that we can still get accessories, switches, and spare parts after some time.
- The manufacturer should offer a wide and flexible range of products—who knows what else might come later. Are there any standards so that devices from different brands can communicate with each other?
- Oh, and it should be affordable.

Can you give me tips on this?
There are systems like this offered by Conrad, for example.

Thanks in advance for your help and best regards!
Hausmeister72

There is a great system from RWE: Smarthome.
With this, for example, you can do that.
Otherwise, I would recommend using KNX, even though it is by no means inexpensive; it is much more advanced.

An alternative to smart home systems is Homematic. Although it requires a bit more effort to set up (it is not quite as user-friendly during installation), it offers a larger range of actuators and sensors. Unfortunately, both systems are proprietary. Another wireless alternative would be EnOcean, but it is likely to be considerably more expensive!

Hello Forum!

Hello there

I have a question about wireless home systems.

Does it have to be wireless? It’s convenient, but what if the range from the living room on the ground floor doesn’t reach the bedroom window upstairs? To avoid running cables, there are systems that can use the existing wiring inside the walls.

There are systems that can control all kinds of things, like when the heating thermostats regulate the temperature, when the shutters go up and down, outlets on/off, etc., etc., etc.

Yes, there are quite a few options on the market.

We are thinking about getting such a system. Specifically, we’d start with the heating thermostats. So here’s the question: is it even worth it, considering the purchase costs for thermostats and the central server, as well as the operating costs like electricity and batteries?

With rising heating costs, it is worthwhile. Generally, the more systems you automate (lighting, heating, air conditioning, etc.), the faster the system pays off.

If we get such a system, the following criteria are important to us:
- manual control directly on the device must be possible (e.g., thermostats or shutters up/down)
- it should be adjustable with different profiles/programs (e.g., weekdays/weekends)

For that, you need a system controlled by a central unit. These usually have displays where you can set time programs. Some systems also use PCs to control everything.

- It should be a kit that is “future-proof,” so we can still get accessories, switches, and replacement parts after some time

That’s why I would advise against systems like those from RWE or Conrad. They will probably be available for the next 5 years, but what about in 20 years? If a switch breaks, you might have to replace the entire system.

- It should be from a manufacturer with a wide and flexible product range – you never know what requirements will arise. Are there standards so devices from different manufacturers can communicate?

That sounds like a job for KNX. KNX is a system supported by many well-known manufacturers. This ensures availability in 20 or 30 years. (It was actually developed in the 1980s and has been on the market for a long time.)
Because many manufacturers offer KNX products, you have a huge choice of switches and other components. There is something for every taste.

- Oh yes... affordable 😉

Hmm... now the question is what you consider affordable. A decent bus system costs money. Depending on how much comfort you want and what the system should do, the price will vary accordingly. Of course, you can start by controlling just the heating and gradually add more features.
If you buy a system from Conrad, it could be difficult to add your blinds control to your heating system in 20 years.

I hope I could give you some tips for now so you can think it over.
If you need more information about costs, I’m happy to help. 😉