My smart plug is working fine. Except it stopped monitoring its energy. The first place to check is the configuration menu. Then go to the Z-wave config options So far so good with a “complete” node status. Next step is to inspect the node entities. I select one of the Read more…
My Levll prototype is on worse hardware than the entry Levll kit. I use a Raspberry Pi 3 w/ 32GB offbrand SD card, outside the case. The entry level kit comes with the CanaKit basic (except we do the assembly), which includes their UL-listed case, on/off switch, and quickstart guide. Read more…
The Home Assistant automation menu is empty. Let’s give it a purpose. After creating a new automation, a “trigger” is created to turn off the dehumidifier just before 6AM when my TOU metering peak rate starts. The trigger works with an “Action” or combination of actions. In this case, the Read more…
If you want to learn more about Levll’s innards, why not learn more for free over at Community.Solar?https://community.solar/classes/smart-home/
I was able to push 97% of my electricity to off-peak times just with digital controls. Those peak kilowatt hours cost be $6-$7. I bet I could shrink that further. I was only running Levll about half the time. So this means my peak vs. off-peak usage was already favorable Read more…
Levll is an entry point to smart home technology. By starting with energy management, it generates a simple payback for the end user, which can be significant with time-of-use or other variable rate structures. Here are some key points to know: Levll is powered by Home Assistant, an open-source home Read more…
At Levll, we guarantee cost savings when you switch to a time-of-day rate structure. If you are not satisfied with your Levll system, you may return it within a year for a full refund. Time-of-day metering increases your electric bill significantly for ~3 hours per day, and reduces it significantly Read more…
A good thermostat either has the best economic payback or is the simplest to use. To some extent, you can’t have both. But would you be so kind to consider that a good thermostat may not be the best thermostat, but is similar enough in features and 70% cheaper? The Read more…
Thermostats are best if kept simple. Programmable thermostats are complicated, but can save money. Smart thermostats are less complicated, but expensive. My power company is Coast Electric EPA in Mississippi and their time of use electric rates are reasonable. The electric rate increases 4x for 2-3 hours per day. It Read more…