The Sensibo air conditioning controller is currently going for a really hot price on the company’s website. Bursting onto the scene as a way to make a standard home (remote controlled of course…) unit “smart” the Sensibo has won many hearts.
Duncan and Chris have both invested in units for their own homes, and with the price currently down by US$30 I’m about to join the list. At first I wasn’t sold on the idea, but when I read his review, Duncan put forward good use cases that make really good sense to me.
If you’ve got a smart speaker (Google or Alexa) then for a pretty minimal investment you can add the Sensibo to your smart home and start to not just make life easier for yourself, but potentially save some money too by turning your cooling and heating on or off remotely.
**Updated**
We’ve had contact noting that JB Hifi have the Sensibo at $159AUD or Kogan (for a few days) have it at $139.
What home electrical items would you like to connect to make it a smart device?
Max, for the garage door I highly recommend the Tailwind (https://gotailwind.com), it has the features you seek. I installed it a few months ago, and is working really well.
I too, track the garage door using light colour. But, I additionally use the Xiaomi products and Home Assistant. I did a write up here: https://aecscene.com/2017/10/my-smart-home-adventure-part-5/
141.51 bing lee with the 11% off pickup. Got it awesome works with google
I have a couple of Broadlink RM Pro units which work well for me because of the IR and RF blaster. Integrates well with Google Assistant and can control my entertainment units, A/C, lights, fans and RF wall plugs. Generally good allrounder with pretty crappy customer service from Broadlink.
I use a Logitech Harmony Hub to control the air con, TV, and amp. A bit of initial fiddling, but it’s been rock solid.
I’d love to have a smart controller for my garage door. Mainly, I’d like a notification at night if I leave the door open. Or maybe have it close (if it’s open) as part of the Google Assistant “good night” routine.
I have two of these, and they are about as smart as you will get for a companion device. I originally tried to cheap out with a $17 IR blaster running through Home Assistant, but it just isn’t the same. The Sensibo hardware is small and feels cheap, but you are really paying more for the smarts and integrations. My second unit I was able to talk Harvey Norman down to $145 when they were having a general store sale. It wasn’t on sale, but they reluctantly did. I’m now considering a third, for my electric fireplace. And to answer… Read more »