Getting motion sensors to ignore pets is mostly about placement, sensible settings, and a bit of trial and error. I use Home Assistant examples here because that is what I run. Start with the sensor. Passive infrared, PIR, is the usual choice. PIR spots heat and motion. Some PIR models are sold as pet-immune or […]
Use a dimmer as your base control for Philips Hue automation. Map its value to a hue range, then add a small random offset per bulb. The result keeps a single colour family while each lamp shows subtle variation.
Transform your Home Assistant setup into a truly efficient smart home with seamless dashboard design and effective automations. Save time, simplify controls, and enhance usability.
I build and lock down ESPHome scenes the same way I build servers: no glamour, no cloud dependency. Start with a clear threat model. Decide what data needs to leave the device and what stays local. Pick one control channel for scene triggers and stick to it, either the Home Assistant API or MQTT with […]
I moved Home Assistant onto Proxmox and ended up weighing two choices: LXC or a full VM. Both run the same smarthome stack, but they behave differently once you start adding hardware and updates into the mix. LXC looks neat because it is light on resources. Containers start quickly and use less memory. For a […]
Home Assistant Tablet Dashboard offers a wall-mounted control panel for your smart home. You will learn how to pick hardware, install Home Assistant, build a fast Lovelace dashboard and keep the tablet responsive day to day.
Use a SwitchBot button pusher to control your non-smart devices. This guide shows safe mounts, how to measure button travel, scheduling and hub integration. Test alignment, choose non-critical buttons, and use non-destructive fixes.
Configuring smart lighting without a neutral wire Getting smart lighting working without a neutral at the switch is straightforward enough if you stop trying to make the wall switch do a job it cannot do. In older UK homes, that usually means leaving the mains wiring alone and choosing bulbs, relays, and controls that fit […]
Using Home Assistant for centralised home control I run Home Assistant on a Raspberry Pi as my central controller. I want local control, not another cloud app I need to babysit, and I want a touchscreen that shows the doorbell camera, heat pump status and ventilation readouts. The setup below is the version I would […]
Learn how to pick, test and connect smart light bulbs for reliable home automation. You get protocol choices, hub pairing steps, scene design tips and troubleshooting checks. Follow practical checks and avoid common pitfalls to keep local control predictable.
SwitchBot S10 integration via Matter gives basic start, stop and dock controls. You must check firmware and your app settings, then enable Matter. Use Home Assistant or the SwitchBot cloud API to restore advanced cleaning modes and maps. Test commands, log responses and build state-aware automations to keep reliable control.
Transform your kitchen tablet into a smart control hub with a dynamic Home Assistant dashboard. Discover practical steps to create a responsive, user-friendly interface.
Discover how to create effective Home Assistant automation scenes that enhance your smart home. This guide offers practical tips, YAML examples, and essential testing methods.
Pre-wiring motorised blinds while the property is open saves pain later. It takes a bit of time now and avoids ripping into finished walls when you want the blinds automated. 1) Define the wiring target Be clear about what the wiring needs to support. That might be simple timed open and close, voice control, a […]
Discover the benefits of local heating control with DIY setups using Proxmox and Home Assistant. Ensure privacy, reliability, and automation tailored to your needs.
Explore the fundamental principles of creating a Community-Driven Smart Home through open source software. Discover strategies for fostering engagement, enhancing contributor onboarding, and increasing project sustainability. Learn how to measure community health and ensure a thriving ecosystem that adapts to evolving needs, ultimately leading to...
Learn how to configure Reolink devices in Home Assistant and create a reliable integration for effortless monitoring. This guide offers clear steps for setting up camera streams and motion sensors, ensuring smooth operation without unnecessary hassle. Follow our expert tips on troubleshooting and optimisation for an effective Reolink integration.
Why I Chose Home Assistant for My Smart Home Setup and What I Learned Along the Way What you'll build: Home Assistant Overview of Home Assistant capabilities I
Discover 5 surprising predictions for home assistant automation scenes that will shape smart homes. Understand the future trends and innovations.
A comparison of ESPHome and Home Assistant, discussing their integration capabilities and advantages for smart home automation.
Discover how home security cameras can enhance daily life beyond just security, from pet monitoring to health checks.
Transform your smart home experience with Shelly's Z-Wave devices. Discover seamless integration, enhanced connectivity, and sustainability for a smarter living space.
Transform your living space with Home Assistant, the ultimate solution for smart homes in the UK. Embrace automation, privacy, and local control today!
Unlock the future of home security with Nuki smart locks! Effortlessly control access via your smartphone, enhancing convenience and peace of mind today.
Planning a getaway? Ensure peace of mind with smart home technology. Discover essential tips for securing your home and maximizing convenience while you're away.
