Monitoring a solar thermal system

By mvuilleu, in Measures, DIY and Internet of Things, june 06,2025.

If you've ever discussed photovoltaic solar panels with a proud owner, they will certainly have proudly shown you on their cell phone how much electricity they produce every day. With thermal solar panels, on the other hand, remote control is less widespread, as control systems are generally more primitive. So let's take a look at how you can add a simple monitoring system to your domestic water heating system, which could maybe save you a few hundred kWh a year...

Switching the Home Assistant extension to Async

By seb, in Internet of Things and Programming, may 31,2025.

A few weeks ago, we announced our new Typed Python programming library, which offers an asynchronous API in addition to the "traditional" one. This week, we'll take a look at how to use these asynchronous functions by updating the Home Assistant integration we described in this post.

Controlling a relay from Home Assistant

By seb, in Internet of Things, february 16,2025.

Some time ago, we looked at how to build a smart extension cord and how to use it to monitor the consumption of an electrical appliance with Home Assistant. We're going to enhance this Home Assistant integration by adding the ability to switch this extension cord from Home Assistant.

Improved humidity-sensitive ventilation

By mvuilleu, in Internet of Things and Measures, february 03,2025.

A few weeks ago, we showed you how to monitor the operation of humidity-sensitive ventilation (type B) with Home Assistant. We left off with the observation that, in some cases, the mechanical humidity-sensitive setting is not ideal. So let's take a look at how a little home automation, used wisely, can improve the system's energy performance.

Humidity-sensitive ventilation and Home Assistant

By mvuilleu, in Measures and Internet of Things, january 10,2025.

When insulating a house as part of an energy-efficiency renovation, it's essential to provide ventilation to evacuate any moisture that might accumulate inside. Since it's generally not possible to install a double-flow ventilation system after the fact, the recommended method is to use humidity-sensitive ventilation, which selectively ventilates the rooms that need it most. But does it really work? Let's find out with Yoctopuce modules and the Home Assistant home automation platform.