ORIGINAL REDDIT POST

I’m looking to start a fresh system for climate/lighting controls. Reliability is #1, what platform should I go with?

This is what I need to do with expansion of the same features in the future. Thermostat functionality (adjust parameters based on time of day/year) A) control heat pads (x2) via smart plugs that can dim rather than on/off B) basking lights (x2) via smart…

Original postr/homeautomation

This is what I need to do with expansion of the same features in the future. Thermostat functionality (adjust parameters based on time of day/year) A) control heat pads (x2) via smart plugs that can dim rather than on/off B) basking lights (x2) via smart plugs that can dim rather than on/off C) wireless thermometer/hydrometer (x4) D) keep logs 2. Lighting controls (adjust parameters based on time of year) A) grow lights (x2) with dimmer timers B) UV light (x2) on/off 3. Humidity control (in the future) A) daily settings + supplemental misting when needed B) keep logs 4. Fan control A) timed dimming Reliability of the system is the most important thing for me here. I am open to any non wifi protocol as I want this system to work and remain stable if wifi goes out

Collected discussion

3 comments

u/Recent_Standard1913

zigbee's probably your best bet here, local control so no wifi dependency and it'll keep chugging along even if your router takes a nap for the dimming stuff you might need to double check the specific plugs and bulbs are zigbee-compatible, some of the cheaper ones get weird with anything beyond basic on/off home assistant with a decent coordinator stick would handle the logging and time-based rules without breaking a sweat

u/pisspeeleakOP

Why zigbee over Z wave? Is there much of a difference practically?

u/loujr15

There isn't a lot of Z-wave devices available and plus the price for Z-wave devices are kind of high compared to Zigbee.

I’m looking to start a fresh system for climate/lighting controls. Reliability is #1, what platform should I go with?