Radio home systems

Hello forum!

I have a question about radio house systems.

There are systems with which you can control all kinds of things, e.g. when the thermostats of the heating regulate the temperature, when the roller shutters go up and down, socket on/off etc. etc. etc.

We are considering buying such a system. Specifically, we would start with the heating thermostats. So here is the question right away: is it even worth it when you consider the acquisition costs for thermostats and central server, and also the costs for operation like electricity and batteries etc.?

If we buy such a system, the following criteria are important to us:
- you must also be able to intervene manually directly at the device (e.g. thermostats, or roller shutter up/down)
- the whole thing should be adjustable with different profiles/programs (e.g. weekdays/weekends)
- it should be a set that is "future-proof," so that we can still get accessories/switches/spare parts after some time
- it should be a manufacturer that has a comprehensive/flexible range - who knows what will come next. Are there standards so that devices from different manufacturers can communicate with each other?
- oh yes... affordable ;)

Can you give me tips for this?
There are systems like this from Conrad, for example.

Thanks in advance for the help and best regards!
Hausmeister72

There is a great system from RWE: Smarthome.
It works, for example, like this.
Otherwise, I would recommend, even though it is financially anything but cheap, to use KNX, which is much more advanced.

Alternative to Smarthome is Homematic. Although it requires you to engage a bit more (it is not quite as comfortable to set up), it offers more actuators and sensors in the range. Unfortunately, both systems are proprietary. An alternative wireless solution would be Enocean. However, it is probably significantly more expensive!

Hello forum!

Hello there

I have a question about wireless home systems.

Does it really have to be wireless? It's quite nice, but what if the range from the living room on the ground floor doesn’t reach the window in the bedroom upstairs? To avoid pulling cables, there are systems that can use the normal wiring already inside the walls.

There are systems with which you can control all sorts of things, e.g. when the heating thermostats regulate the temperature, when the blinds open and close, socket on/off etc. etc. etc.

Yes, there are quite a few on the market.

We are considering getting such a system. Specifically, we would start with the heating thermostats. So right away the question: is it even worth it when you consider the purchase costs for thermostats and a central server, and then also the costs for operation like electricity and batteries etc.?

Due to rising heating costs, it is worth it. In general, the more trades (lighting, heating, air conditioning, etc.) are automated, the sooner the system pays off.

If we get such a system, the following criteria are important to us:
- you must also be able to intervene manually directly at the device (e.g. thermostats, or blinds up/down)
- the whole thing should be adjustable with different profiles/programs (e.g. weekdays/weekends)

For that, you need a system that can be controlled by a central unit. These are usually displays where you can set such time programs. Some systems also use PCs with which you can then control the system.

- It should be a set that is "future-proof," so that we can still get accessories/switches/spare parts after some time

That’s why I advise against systems like those from RWE or Conrad. They will probably be available for the next 5 years, but what about in 20 years? If a switch breaks then, you would need a completely new system immediately.

- It should be a manufacturer that has a comprehensive/flexible range – you never know what will come. Are there standards so that devices from different manufacturers can communicate with each other?

That practically screams for KNX. KNX is a system used by many well-known manufacturers. Therefore, it is also sure to still be available in 20 or 30 years. (By the way, it was already developed in the 1980s and has long been on the market). Because there are many manufacturers for it, you also have a huge selection when it comes to switches etc. There is something for everyone.

- Oh yes… affordable ;)

Hmm… now the question is what you understand by affordable. A decent bus system costs money. Depending on how much comfort you want and what the system should be able to do, the more expensive it becomes. Of course, you can also start just by controlling the heating and then gradually add new functions.
If you buy such a system from Conrad, it will be difficult if in 20 years you also want to control your blinds along with your heating control.

I hope I could give you a few tips for now so that you can think it over.
If you need more information on costs etc., I am happy to help you further ;)