Rob joins Phil and Rohan from New Zealand to share how he replaced 15 smart-home apps with Home Assistant. Discover his AI-assisted workflow using VS Code, Claude Code, Codex, Git, YAML documentation, solar optimisation, camera-powered number plate recognition, and a resilient smart-home network.Watch this episode on YouTubeShow notes for this episode are available at https://homeassistant.fm/HA249Support the PodcastGet early-access to episodes and an ad-free feed by supporting our Patreon.https://homeassistant.fm/patreonShare your storyWe wouldn't be able to do this podcast without community members and home automation enthusiasts sharing their stories. To register your interest to come share your home automation journey, head over to homeassistant.fm and click share your story.Chapters00:00:00 Intro00:02:00 Escaping the app overload00:07:00 First automations and Wi-Fi devices00:10:00 Batteries, presence sensors and vacuums00:17:00 UniFi network and Home Assistant upgrade00:20:00 Solar, Modbus and energy optimisation00:23:00 AI coding workflow with VS Code00:33:00 OpenCode, MCP and custom workflows00:37:00 AI documentation and automation intent00:42:00 Fail-safe smart home design00:45:00 AI camera gate recognition00:50:00 Security, modes and alarm integration00:54:00 Backup power and future projects01:01:00 Advice for a new setupThis episode was made possible thanks to our sponsorsHome Assistant Cloud by Nabu CasaEasily connect to Google and Amazon voice assistants for a small monthly fee that also supports the Home Assistant project. Sign up for your free trial in your Home Assistant system: https://my.home-assistant.io/redirect/cloud/ or visit https://nabucasa.comZoozIf you're looking to upgrade your smart home - you can’t go past Zooz! Zooz offers a range of affordable and innovative devices, including water leak sensors, water valve controllers, smart plugs and scene controllers.For the best prices on all Zooz products, head over to https://thesmartesthouse.comApollo AutomationApollo Automation are the makers of open source smart home sensors built for the Home Assistant ecosystem. They're an official Open Home Foundation commercial partner and their devices are built with local control, privacy, and reliability in mind, giving you full control and flexibility right out of the box.Want Phil to help with your smart home?You’ve heard him troubleshoot Home Assistant on the podcast. Now you can book him to troubleshoot yours. From broken automations and confusing YAML to dashboards, devices, and complete smart home setups: https://smarthomecto.comProducts DiscussedAirGradient air-quality sensor: https://www.airgradient.com/Home Assistant Connect ZWA2 (Z‑Wave radio): https://amzn.to/3MfPzsPAqara FP300 presence sensor: https://amzn.to/3LpkZ02Products we RecommendHostsPhil HawthorneWebsiteTwitter: @philhawthorneBluesky: @philhawthorne.comBuy Phil a CoffeeRohan KaramandiWebsiteTwitter: @rohank9Buy Rohan a CoffeeThis episode contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on one of them and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

Transcript

Related