Deciding on a Minimum Viable Solution

A common pitfall in projects is attempting too much too soon. For instance, while I wanted improved heating control, overhauling our central heating system from the outset would have been impractical. Gaining real-world experience is essential before taking such significant steps.

This need for scope management is even more critical when dealing with emerging technologies. HomeKit is definitely a work in progress and will likely face challenges for some time.

The new Thread framework, supported by Apple and Google, could be beneficial. However, it may introduce additional complexity in the short term.

These issues are more of an inconvenience than insurmountable obstacles. They can be navigated as long as you focus on the core functionalities of HomeKit and keep your scope manageable. Again, Amazon’s return policy is a lifesaver.

Understanding HomeKit Basics

HomeKit is constantly evolving, but here’s what you need to know to get started:

• You can control smart devices through your iPhone, iPad, or Mac using the Home app.
• Automations in the Shortcuts app allow for device management and information retrieval.
• The concept of "scenes" enables the control of multiple devices without needing to create automation scripts.

Adding a device is simple: power it on, scan its QR code with your iPhone, and the device will be configured for your home.

Many devices claim HomeKit compatibility, but ensure they meet the necessary criteria for full functionality.

For further details, check this article.

Enhancing Energy Management: Tackling Vampire Devices

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." — Lao Tzu

Numerous alarming reports exist about so-called vampire devices that silently inflate electricity bills while users remain oblivious.

Confused.com offers one such article.

According to them, vampire devices are electrical appliances that consume power when on standby or when not in use.

Common offenders include kettles, dryers, washing machines, heaters, and hair dryers, although I hold a slightly different view.

While these appliances do use substantial energy when operational, their standby consumption is relatively low. Still, it all adds up.

Security is another factor to consider. Devices that are powered down are less susceptible to hacking.

This realization prompted me to start my smart home journey with smart plugs. I could begin modestly and expand their application if successful.

I purchased a box of Refoss Wi-Fi plugs on Amazon for £27.20 and connected them to multi-outlet strips. This setup allowed one smart plug to control the Samsung smart TV, sound system, and Apple TV in the living room.

I encountered some challenges while getting the smart plugs to work. For example, integrating them with HomeKit was sometimes hit or miss.

To set them up, I plugged the smart plugs into the wall, scanned the QR code on each plug with my iPhone, and the two devices established a connection, enabling HomeKit to configure Wi-Fi access.

Typically, the configuration process was swift once the iPhone connected to the device, although occasionally, the process would stall.

Unfortunately, this occurred with the first plug, almost leading me to return it. A simple power cycle—unplugging it, counting to ten, and reconnecting—resolved the issue.

Generally, this is all that’s needed to troubleshoot. Occasionally, I had to reset the device if it crashed during setup, which can be done by pressing a button on the plug.

In practice, smart plugs may occasionally malfunction. Here, the age-old IT remedy of disconnecting and reconnecting power applies.

I created several HomeKit scenes to simplify control over these plugs. Now, when either my partner or I say, “Hey Siri, all done,” HomeKit turns off all the smart plugs.

Once I gained confidence in this approach, I expanded it to include all plug-in devices. Now, a single voice command at bedtime switches off not just vampire devices but also every lamp and computer.

This system works exceptionally well now that it's in place.

Temperature Management

Temperature regulation has always posed challenges. A single thermostat controls the oil-fired boiler, meaning that radiators across different rooms react based on the temperature at a central point that may not be representative.

While radiators feature manual thermostats, their functionality is limited; they are either fully on or completely off.

My solution was to introduce oil-filled electric heaters in key areas. Automation would manage their operation using HomeKit-compatible thermostats, which I will discuss later.

Initially, I thought I would need HomeKit-enabled thermostats, but I was pleased to learn that HomePod Minis come equipped with temperature and humidity sensors.

The good news is they function well, but calibration is necessary. In my experience, the temperature readings tend to be slightly optimistic—often about one degree Celsius too high.

This discrepancy wouldn't be concerning if all devices were equally inaccurate, but it appears to vary among them (I own three).

To gain an independent comparison, I purchased the Qingping HomeKit thermometer (£39, Amazon). However, it disagreed with the HomePod Minis, leaving me uncertain about its accuracy. Thus, I turned to an analog method.

I acquired the JAOK Analog Barometer with Thermometer (£16, Amazon). This alternative measurement method aligned with the readings from the Qingping.

This allowed me to use the Qingping to assess the variations between the HomePod Minis. I then utilized that data to inform my automation scripts.

Automation

Having smart plugs and bulbs is convenient, allowing commands like, “Hey Siri, turn on the lounge lights,” which generally work without a hitch.

The real advantage, however, comes from the ability to respond automatically to environmental changes. For instance, I prefer my bedroom warmed shortly before bedtime, but only if the room is cold.

Being a creature of habit, I set up automations that:

• Activate the bedroom heater at 9:30 PM if the room temperature is below 15 degrees Celsius.
• Turn off the heater once the temperature exceeds 17 degrees Celsius.

You can configure this using the Home app on any iPhone, iPad, or Mac connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your devices. Simply launch the app and create an automation.

An automation executes an action when a specified event occurs. However, HomeKit has a limited number of triggering events.

You might think combining a Time of Day event with a Sensor Detects Something trigger would work seamlessly. It does, but caution is necessary.

You can either create an automation based on time or condition but not both simultaneously. So, I thought to create two automations: one to turn the heater on at a set time and another to switch it off if the temperature is 17 degrees or higher.

This approach nearly resulted in a hefty electricity bill. The temperature condition only activates if it surpasses 17 degrees. If the room is already warm, nothing happens.

While there is a timer option at the bottom right corner, it merely dictates when an automation can run, which doesn’t address this issue.

Fortunately, this wasn’t a significant problem. During February and March, when I was using the heaters, the unheated room never exceeded 17 degrees Celsius. Now that temperatures have risen, I’ve disabled that rule.

HomeKit’s automation capabilities are robust, and I’ve successfully implemented useful functions. Just be cautious and thoroughly test your automations.

Conclusions

HomeKit may not be perfect, but it is functional with careful use. Avoid sweeping solutions, evaluate the technology before fully committing, and rigorously test your automations.

Is it worth the effort? I believe it’s more than worthwhile; it will soon become essential, whether through Google, Apple, or another provider’s technology.

With rising energy prices and environmental concerns, living in a house requires active management and, yes, automation.

Leaving it to chance could result in significant expenses. The cost of filling my oil tank rivals that of purchasing an iPhone 14 Pro Max.

Make use of today’s technology, however flawed, to establish a foundation for the future. Your future self will appreciate it.