HomeKit has transformed my interaction with various rooms throughout my home. While many focus on lighting and security cameras, which provide immediate visual feedback, monitoring environmental conditions is equally crucial for me. The Aqara Temperature and Humidity Sensor is an inexpensive, straightforward yet effective tool that can dramatically improve your HomeKit experience. Here’s why you might consider placing one in every room.
HomeKit Weekly is a series dedicated to smart home devices, automation strategies, and everything related to Apple’s smart home ecosystem.
Temperature and humidity can fluctuate significantly between rooms. For instance, the master bedroom may require a more comfortable temperature than the living room, while the basement might need enhanced humidity control if it feels damp. With a sensor installed in each room, you can track these fluctuations in real-time and set up automations through HomeKit. For example, a HomeKit-enabled fan or dehumidifier can activate automatically when conditions exceed your comfort levels (pun intended).
Consider rooms located at the end of your HVAC system. Usually, rooms closest to the air conditioner will be cooler compared to those further away. My oldest son’s room is situated at the end of our ventilation system, making it the warmest during the summer months. I enjoy monitoring the temperature differences between his room and the other upstairs rooms, which helps me make informed adjustments to the thermostat.
Unlocking Automations
These sensors are compact and budget-friendly, making it feasible for most to install them throughout their homes. Their small size allows them to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand. To fully leverage HomeKit’s capabilities, having a penchant for automation is essential; incorporating temperature and humidity sensors enriches your routines. A highly beneficial example is having your ceiling fan automatically turn on when the temperature in a specific room crosses a set threshold, or your shades closing as the afternoon sun warms a room.
What’s Required to Get Started?
Aqara’s ability to produce these small, energy-efficient devices is due to their operation over Zigbee technology. If you don’t already own an Aqara hub, you will need to purchase one to use these sensors. Although I’ve linked to the M3 hub, any existing Aqara hub will work well.
I always recommend opting for the most powerful hub available to ensure longevity.
Conclusion
The Aqara Temperature and Humidity Sensor can measure three essential environmental variables:
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Atmospheric Pressure
Aqara’s sensors are compact, affordable, and integrate seamlessly with HomeKit. If you’re looking to enhance your HomeKit setup, equipping your entire home with temperature and humidity sensors is an excellent starting point.
You can purchase them on Amazon as a 3-pack.
