I have a number of fans I am considering automating. Unfortunately, each one is controlled by a dual dimmer/fan control switch in a single gang box. I can't simply replace with a separate fan control switch and a dimmer switch. So I was looking for a fan/light controller that could fit in the fan cowl. They are few and far between. I found the Insteon one and a zigbee one. I am going to look at the zigbee one. There may be issues like it not fitting in the cowl or not working with the JowiHue plug-in etc.
As a back up (or maybe even an easier first step) I could live with just controlling the lights (the wife just wants to be able to control those lights with Alexia). If that is the only goal, I now have two choices I think. Put a dimmer in the cowl like the Aeotec nano with dumb LED bulbs, or just skip the nano and put four smart bulbs in each fan (and presumable control each four as a group instead of one switch/dimmer). Am I missing something?
The Aeotec nano goes for about $60 (and I have to open up each fan) or I can get a 4-pack of Philips Hue for $50 (zigbee I know, but pretty sure HS can handle those ok). Z-wave bulbs would cost me ~$67 per four pack, so obviously the Philips look better cost wise since I have multiple fans.
So, back to my main question for all the people here with actual experience, any input on a switch/dimmer (given that it has to go in a fan cowl as I am pretty sure nothing will fit behind the wall switch.) vs individual smart bulbs?
Thanks
As a back up (or maybe even an easier first step) I could live with just controlling the lights (the wife just wants to be able to control those lights with Alexia). If that is the only goal, I now have two choices I think. Put a dimmer in the cowl like the Aeotec nano with dumb LED bulbs, or just skip the nano and put four smart bulbs in each fan (and presumable control each four as a group instead of one switch/dimmer). Am I missing something?
The Aeotec nano goes for about $60 (and I have to open up each fan) or I can get a 4-pack of Philips Hue for $50 (zigbee I know, but pretty sure HS can handle those ok). Z-wave bulbs would cost me ~$67 per four pack, so obviously the Philips look better cost wise since I have multiple fans.
So, back to my main question for all the people here with actual experience, any input on a switch/dimmer (given that it has to go in a fan cowl as I am pretty sure nothing will fit behind the wall switch.) vs individual smart bulbs?
Thanks
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