What unique or lesser-known smart home devices do you own … Share your finds

Most discussions about smart home gadgets focus on the usual suspects like lights, switches, cameras, and thermostats. Are there any obscure or unique smart devices in your setup that others might not be familiar with? I’m especially interested in gadgets that can be integrated with Home Assistant.

I’m setting up a sensor inside my air vents to detect when my neighbor lights up his fireplace. This way, my home ventilation system knows not to operate at those times.

AlarmAuthority4 said:
I’m setting up a sensor inside my air vents to detect when my neighbor lights up his fireplace. This way, my home ventilation system knows not to operate at those times.

The sensor is an air quality type that detects a spike in pollutants when the fireplace is used, especially since the initial smoke is the most intense. I’m figuring out how to power an esp32 in the vent and considering checking air quality hourly.

@AlarmAuthority4
You could look into PoE options for the ESP32, which would simplify power supply issues.

AlarmAuthority4 said:
I’m setting up a sensor inside my air vents to detect when my neighbor lights up his fireplace. This way, my home ventilation system knows not to operate at those times.

That’s a smart approach! What’s your method for detecting the smoke scent?

AlarmAuthority4 said:
I’m setting up a sensor inside my air vents to detect when my neighbor lights up his fireplace. This way, my home ventilation system knows not to operate at those times.

Amazon offers a similar air quality tester. It can link up to your Amazon thermostat to create a seamless smart home experience.

@Kaleb
I’ve heard IKEA has something similar too! Still, I’m leaning towards a solution that doesn’t rely on external servers.

@Kaleb
We got one linked to Alexa. It cranks up our smart air filter when it detects poor air quality, really helps with my allergies.

AlarmAuthority4 said:
I’m setting up a sensor inside my air vents to detect when my neighbor lights up his fireplace. This way, my home ventilation system knows not to operate at those times.

I set up a PMS5003 air quality sensor in our MVHR unit. It reacts quickly to detect smoke from our neighbor’s wood burner when they start it up. We’ve even got another sensor to monitor indoor air quality, which turns out to be quite affected by cooking indoors.

AlarmAuthority4 said:
I’m setting up a sensor inside my air vents to detect when my neighbor lights up his fireplace. This way, my home ventilation system knows not to operate at those times.

Something like this would be a useful addition to our home as well.

AlarmAuthority4 said:
I’m setting up a sensor inside my air vents to detect when my neighbor lights up his fireplace. This way, my home ventilation system knows not to operate at those times.

I got curious and asked about this setup on chat gpt, and the suggestions were really practical!

AlarmAuthority4 said:
I’m setting up a sensor inside my air vents to detect when my neighbor lights up his fireplace. This way, my home ventilation system knows not to operate at those times.

Consider using an ionizer in your intake duct to help neutralize smoke particles.

@VortexVoyager
I’ve read mixed reviews about ionizers’ effectiveness against wood smoke…

@VortexVoyager
Aren’t you concerned about the ozone some ionizers produce? That could be worse than the smoke.

Terrance said:
@VortexVoyager
Aren’t you concerned about the ozone some ionizers produce? That could be worse than the smoke.

True, the more affordable ionizers tend to emit ozone, which is definitely a downside.

AlarmAuthority4 said:
I’m setting up a sensor inside my air vents to detect when my neighbor lights up his fireplace. This way, my home ventilation system knows not to operate at those times.

Why not just use an external air quality meter to keep things simple?

Maribel said:
I’ve linked my Tempest weather station to IFTTT to play a 98 Degrees playlist every time it’s exactly 98 degrees outside.

That’s hilarious!

Maribel said:
I’ve linked my Tempest weather station to IFTTT to play a 98 Degrees playlist every time it’s exactly 98 degrees outside.

This is why I hate the internet sometimes.

Maribel said:
I’ve linked my Tempest weather station to IFTTT to play a 98 Degrees playlist every time it’s exactly 98 degrees outside.

I have the same station but never thought to connect it like that. Brilliant idea!

Maribel said:
I’ve linked my Tempest weather station to IFTTT to play a 98 Degrees playlist every time it’s exactly 98 degrees outside.

I should try this with that one Masego song!