+2 votes
by (1.1k points)
So I am new to the group. I have been dabbling in home automation for about 2 years now but not finding the right things. So I just moved and the new house has a lot of problems I need to over come. There are 3 key things I am focused on right now. I have Echo dots in every room. All of my ceiling fans seem to be two speed is that that a problem for 4 speed control? All of my ceiling fans are two wire with no red wire in the line. This is a major problem as I can not have separate switches for the light and fan. However I am not a chain puller so I need a solution where I can control them independently ideally through the Echos. I have a ring system for cameras and door bell looking for locks and thermostat that link with that full system and do I need to worry about setting up the thermostat with an older home where the wiring might not support something like a nest? Bonus question I used GE switches for all the basic lights in the old house but was not thrilled with the level of control for example I had to take the switch plate off on the motion sensor switch to change the idle duration rather than control it through my automation. Any suggesting on good switches with motion sensors. Also I had Philips Hue which I hated because the lights were not bright enough so I lean towards switch control of dimmable bulbs so I can get brighter bulks and use the dimmer to control the intensity.  
So I am new to the group.

1 Answer

+1 vote
by (4.9k points)
You might be able to solve the issue of separating light control from fan control by rewiring the fan with a Shelly module to control one or the other independently.  
by (1.1k points)
Can it do the multi speed on the fan? I know you don't want a standard dimmer on that.  
by (4.9k points)
@salts5 - no. As far as I know, there's no product on the market that'll let you do fan speed control in the situation you describe. Actuay, very few smart fan switches that can do it even in "easy" setups with separate wires.  
by (1.1k points)
What about one of these two has anyone used them and recommend them?  
by (4.9k points)
The first you posted definitely works, I used to use them in my old house. But, afaik, no way to integrate into Alexa. The second is interesting. Insteon is *old* school, it was the successor to X10. Doesn't mean it won't work - it might be perfectly fine. You'll need their hub. Either one requires the same kind of rewiring of the fan as I described for the Shellys. But they'll get you fan speed control, which is nice.  
by (1.1k points)
Hubs are not ideal. I did not like the Philips Hue Hub while it gives great control through their app it limits what can be done through API. But if I go Insteon I could use all Insteon Switches which I know they have a pretty good line but again needs a hub.  
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