energy_conscious
Member
We're building a new home that will be net-zero-energy and would like to have an automation system that will enable saving as much energy as possible, as well as the conveniences of automation.
I've read the new home threads here, and the pinned topics, but still have little idea what direction to go re: automation. I have a programming background, but now have a very demanding non-programming job that leaves little spare time. So I could spend a few hours programming and setting up the system initially, but couldn't spend a few days, and need a system where most of the bugs have been ironed out, is well supported, and just works! That said, my preference is an open system that I'd be able to add 3rd party devices to over time (as future proofed as possible), that I could program myself if I want to, and that is as inexpensive as reasonable.
I could be completely off base, but from the systems I've seen, Lutron seems too expensive and proprietary, I'm worried whether UPB would work given the complexity of our electric wiring (with solar inverters, electric heat pump, and hopefully at some point, electric cars), and I'm worried about the reliability of the wireless transmission for Z-Wave and Zigbee. I'm also worried about how best to control and dim flourescent, CFL and LED lighting (3-Way and 4-Way so multiple switches could control the same lights). I have tons of old X10 and some new Insteon devices that never completely worked, and have the original Vera, but never had a chance to really test it out in our current rental).
Ideally, everything we'd get should:
1) itself use very little energy
2) work as close to flawlessly as possible (i.e. not be buggy or work intermittently in certain circumstances)
3) look good in a high end home (for my wife to accept)
4) be viewable and controllable from a user friendly interface (that my wife could use)
5) be as inexpensive as possible!
In priority order, we need:
*A gateway device/system that supports as many devices and protocols as possible (e.g. z-wave, zigbee, wifi, etc.), and provides an extremely secure (since it may control door locks) and user friendly interface accessible via web, android, ipad, etc...
*Lighting controls that support dimmable LED, CFL, and wired fluorescent lighting, with wall switches that I imagine would be hard wired to a particular light, and remote controllable from other switches as well to create 3-way or 4-way switches).
*Thermostats that support heat pumps (multiple levels of heating and cooling)
*Locks: My wife likes the Schlage locks (Z-wave). Are there any alternatives that are significantly better?
*Security system! (doors, windows, etc...)
*Camera: for front door, etc.,
*Ability to add motion and light sensors as triggers
*Controllable shades
*Distributed audio: Sonos has been highly recommended, but open to suggestions...
*Home theatre: Not sure if this needs to tie in to the rest of the home automation system, but would appreciate hearing if there's a way to do so that makes sense.
I'd much appreciate any advice and recommendations!
I've read the new home threads here, and the pinned topics, but still have little idea what direction to go re: automation. I have a programming background, but now have a very demanding non-programming job that leaves little spare time. So I could spend a few hours programming and setting up the system initially, but couldn't spend a few days, and need a system where most of the bugs have been ironed out, is well supported, and just works! That said, my preference is an open system that I'd be able to add 3rd party devices to over time (as future proofed as possible), that I could program myself if I want to, and that is as inexpensive as reasonable.
I could be completely off base, but from the systems I've seen, Lutron seems too expensive and proprietary, I'm worried whether UPB would work given the complexity of our electric wiring (with solar inverters, electric heat pump, and hopefully at some point, electric cars), and I'm worried about the reliability of the wireless transmission for Z-Wave and Zigbee. I'm also worried about how best to control and dim flourescent, CFL and LED lighting (3-Way and 4-Way so multiple switches could control the same lights). I have tons of old X10 and some new Insteon devices that never completely worked, and have the original Vera, but never had a chance to really test it out in our current rental).
Ideally, everything we'd get should:
1) itself use very little energy
2) work as close to flawlessly as possible (i.e. not be buggy or work intermittently in certain circumstances)
3) look good in a high end home (for my wife to accept)
4) be viewable and controllable from a user friendly interface (that my wife could use)
5) be as inexpensive as possible!
In priority order, we need:
*A gateway device/system that supports as many devices and protocols as possible (e.g. z-wave, zigbee, wifi, etc.), and provides an extremely secure (since it may control door locks) and user friendly interface accessible via web, android, ipad, etc...
*Lighting controls that support dimmable LED, CFL, and wired fluorescent lighting, with wall switches that I imagine would be hard wired to a particular light, and remote controllable from other switches as well to create 3-way or 4-way switches).
*Thermostats that support heat pumps (multiple levels of heating and cooling)
*Locks: My wife likes the Schlage locks (Z-wave). Are there any alternatives that are significantly better?
*Security system! (doors, windows, etc...)
*Camera: for front door, etc.,
*Ability to add motion and light sensors as triggers
*Controllable shades
*Distributed audio: Sonos has been highly recommended, but open to suggestions...
*Home theatre: Not sure if this needs to tie in to the rest of the home automation system, but would appreciate hearing if there's a way to do so that makes sense.
I'd much appreciate any advice and recommendations!