HomeKit monitor indoor temperature, sensor/connectivity?

[cSalmon]

After much searching and reading of reviews I am both confused and looking for recommendations. I would like to have an indoor temperature sensor send info to my Home app when I'm away (for weeks)

What I don't understand, Eve's degree looks like it would fit the bill, do I need an additional hub(accessory) to communicate the reading to my router? The reviews claim the bluetooth will not be reliable and that I will need my phone present. Not sure what this means does an iOS device need to be within Bluetooth range to get it to record data and send it?

The Agara system looks like it would also work, again reviews talk about the hassle of connecting to the router 2.4 when you have a dual band router. Is it a hassle to set the router to only work as 2.4ghz vs 5ghz, this doesn't seem like a big deal. However I haven't set up one of these Homekit accessories before I'm surprised all the reviews make this sound like such a hassle???

Two others I've been look at: ONVIS Smart Motion Sensor. iHome's iSS50 5-1 home sensor

Any recommendations on a simple solution to watching indoor temperature when away would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

 

[malcky77]

I happen to be in the Philips Hue eco system and also in the Tado heating eco system in my house.....so I have 6 Philips Hue motion sensors that happen to have built in temperature sensors,.....and I also have the Tado smart radiator thermostats on all my house radiators....all of which tell me the temps of a given room through the home app.
Both of these brands have their own dedicated hub as well though......so if you don't have any smart stuff in your house yet and want to get a temp sensor as your 1st item....I would go with a brand that you think you might use for other smart stuff if you intend going down that road.

 

[Five_Oh]

I think most if not all temperature sensors will need a bridge except Eve. You are correct Eve uses bluetooth. This has advantages and disadvantages. One disadvantage is there is more lag to the response. However, this doesn't really matter with a temperature sensor, because seconds don't really matter like they would with a motion sensor.

Range might be another disadvantage, as bluetooth generally has a shorter range than wifi. The advantage is Eve will not require an additional bridge. You didn't say if you have one, but you will need a HomeKit Hub (ATV or HomePod) to have access away from home. The bluetooth in your hub will communicate with the Eve sensor, assuming it is close enough.

As far as the dual band router, I have a same SSID, dual band router and had no difficulties setting up an Aqara bridge and stand alone accessories from Meross and VOCO link. However, I have heard of others experiencing issues.

 

[Five_Oh]

If have an old thermostat, it might be worth it to get something like an Ecobee. You could not only monitor the temperature remotely, but control it also. This could save you the cost of the device in a fairly short time if you are routinely away for weeks at a time.

 

[Itinj24]

I have a lot of Aqara Hubs and accessories. Highly recommended and super fast response time. Once you invest in a hub, the accessories are very competitively priced and have been very reliable in and out of the home. The integrated self monitoring alarm system is also great.

 

[cSalmon]

Thanks everyone for your insights.

Itinj24, May I ask with the Aqara is it better to go with a hub or i noticed they have combo kits where the security camera acts as a hub?

what about other sensors that aren’t HomeKit compatible, such as the Awair?

again thanks for all the responses

 

[cSalmon]

One more quick question. I have an old iPhone 6, not connected to cellular service anymore but I believe I can power it on and connect to the WiFI? Has anyone used an old iPhone as a homeHub?

 

[Itinj24]

Thanks everyone for your insights.

Itinj24, May I ask with the Aqara is it better to go with a hub or i noticed they have combo kits where the security camera acts as a hub?

what about other sensors that aren’t HomeKit compatible, such as the Awair?

again thanks for all the responses

I actually like the Hub a lot because of the self monitoring alarm feature, nightlight that flashes red when an alarm is triggered and a siren. I have a bunch of them scattered through my house. I also have a bunch of the Aqara G2H cameras but unfortunately I can’t comment on them since I haven’t had a chance to set them up yet.

I don’t have an Awair so can’t comment on that but me, personally, I make sure all my smart home accessories are HomeKit compatible. I prefer everything in one place.

As for the iPhone, it cannot be used as a hub. iPad, AppleTV or HomePod only.

 

[Five_Oh]

I have a G2H as my only Aqara hub. Flawless so far, but I haven’t had it long. I plan to get another.