I've had a limited amount of automation for several years through xfinity home but hated the limited number of types of devices and the devices available so I ditched them. One of my requirements was home alarm that can be professionally monitored. Very few systems can do this while still giving you full control and a good selection of device types and models. I decided to go with Smart Things.
I've had a Nest for many years. When I first put it in, it saved us a ton, in fact I paid for it in three months (comparing year over year) in the savings, yet we weren't any less comfortable. I've got about 30 different devices in my current system. I've got my Nest tied in, door sensors on all the external doors, window sensors on all windows, lock on the front door, garage sensor, several motion sensors, phones tied in, bunch of lights and fans, etc.
I felt the same way, I didn't want to force a new device in to my life and there's no way the wife would be down with this if it was a pain for her. So I started with a few things I felt would make my life easier. I added door and window sensors so I could be notified if something was opened or left open when it shouldn't be. Next thing was the garage, I've turned around who knows how many times to double check it was closed. So I threw a tilt sensor on and now that problem was solved. Next was my son always would leave his light in his room on. So, I put a motion sensor and light switch in his room. Now between certain hours, if it doesn't detect motion for more than five minutes, it automatically turns off, similar thing with his fan in his bathroom. I've also automated my exterior lights to come on at sunset and turn off at a certain time, unless I go to bed earlier and my "Goodnight" routine runs then they turn off when all the other lights are checked to make sure they're off. The garage door also closes if it open when that routine runs. I've got both mine and my wife's phones tied in, two things I use it for is if it detects both of us are gone, certain lights ensure they are off, garage door makes sure it's closed, the thermostat sets to away, and the alarm arms. If either of us come home, most of that is undone. I e also tied in my security cameras so they'll take bursts of still images in certain circumstances in addition to video.
The two things I'm looking to add next are some moisture sensors and irrigation controller. I have a leak somewhere in the foundation of my house but can't figure out where, so I want to place some sensors around suspect areas and trigger cameras to record and send a notification to me if moisture is detected. Current problem is there's no rhyme or reason of when it leaks, so even checking it every night, I've yet tthe be able to catch it at a point that I can tell where it's coming from. I've been debating on the irrigation controller to use. Right now I think Rain Machine is in the lead, but I also like Rachio and Spruce. I think Spruce would be the clear winner if it was able to be manually controlled if needed but it currently can only be controlled through smartthings.
So far Smartthings has been fine. They've had some growing pains where they've grown too fast, but I think as of right now, they got a handle on it. For the first two weeks my system wasn't completely reliable, routines wouldn't run reliably, etc. Since then, I've not had any problems. I ultimately decided to go with ST because I can have my alarm system professionally monitored by Scout Alarm or ADT using my sensors I currently have with no contract. So if I want to do it for a month that I'm on vacation, I can. I've still been very interested in openhab, in fact I have a little computer and z-wave board coming so I can play with it. Right now I can move all of my devices to a new system so I'm not locked in. I want to avoid that lock-in as I know this industry is really starting to grow.
I too was super tempted by that echo, more just for the something new that can tie-in factor
. I just don't see me talking to my system anytime soon very often when I actually have it quite automated and hands-off. Glad to see there's another nerd on here playing with this stuff
