I've built a KNX house about 10 years ago and I'm still quite happy. Let me share some experience:
Having the light switch on the smartphone does not make it any smarter, just more complex.
The following automations are the most valuable for me:
- automatic blinds. Go down when too much sun hits the facade, go down when dark outside, go up with too much wind.
No concern leaving for work, and coming back to an overheated living room (no AC needed). But still automatically collect the direct sun in winter/spring.
- motion sensors, turn on lights when dark and motion in the room, every room
- night mode - low level motion-activated light in all bedrooms, corridor and bathroom. No automatic lights in bedroom, orientation lights on, night light sockets on, blinds down
This brought me to rarely touching a button/switch, twice a day, maybe?
And then there is toys
- blinds can fully close when room is empty, but go to half tilted with presence, angles following the sun, for maximum natural light without direct sun
- TV lowers the blinds behind that would give a reflection
- opening the terrace door opens the blinds and turns off indoor lights, to not attract mosquitos (idk if that even helps)
- shower motion sensor turns ventilation on high
- some sockets go on/off for Christmas lights
- logging of appliances, water, ventilation, heating.
I like that the low level stuff in KNX does not need/have a central hub. But the higher level requires extra smarts. I plan to migrate those to Home Assistant this year.
Having the light switch on the smartphone does not make it any smarter, just more complex.
The following automations are the most valuable for me:
- automatic blinds. Go down when too much sun hits the facade, go down when dark outside, go up with too much wind. No concern leaving for work, and coming back to an overheated living room (no AC needed). But still automatically collect the direct sun in winter/spring.
- motion sensors, turn on lights when dark and motion in the room, every room
- night mode - low level motion-activated light in all bedrooms, corridor and bathroom. No automatic lights in bedroom, orientation lights on, night light sockets on, blinds down
This brought me to rarely touching a button/switch, twice a day, maybe?
And then there is toys
- blinds can fully close when room is empty, but go to half tilted with presence, angles following the sun, for maximum natural light without direct sun
- TV lowers the blinds behind that would give a reflection
- opening the terrace door opens the blinds and turns off indoor lights, to not attract mosquitos (idk if that even helps)
- shower motion sensor turns ventilation on high
- some sockets go on/off for Christmas lights
- logging of appliances, water, ventilation, heating.
I like that the low level stuff in KNX does not need/have a central hub. But the higher level requires extra smarts. I plan to migrate those to Home Assistant this year.