2021 is the 25th anniversary year of this blog, but where do we start with 2020.
Despite being memorable for all the wrong reasons, it was also the year that we moved into the new Automated home 2.0. thanks for the amazing interest in our project, which meant more than half of this years top 20 are posts covering the various aspects of our smart home self build.
Stand Outs
Our Amina invisible speaker setup made it into the top 20 and it was certainly in demand over the Christmas holidays as the family streamed their own selection of music from their phones.
Interest in Air quality continues to grow and our review of the Aranet4 made it into this years most read list too.
Our wonderful Siemens smart appliances with home connect have had a full workout over the Christmas break #BestTurkeyEver.
They have been a joy to use and we’re now on a 100% Renewable tariff too meaning everything is running on wind and sunshine. look out for the next post on these appliances soon.
As the first lockdown came we examined the affordable Tenda 4G to WiFi Router, a terrific backup option to have on hand and it made it all the way to number 6 this year.
A special mention has to go to Ubiquiti at number 5 for our amazing network and security camera setup. With 2 entries in the top 20 you were interested to read about this system and there’s more coming in the next few weeks as we finally bring FTTP to the AH2.0.
And of course to Loxone, whose Miniserver is the beating heart at the centre of our fully integrated and comprehensive home automation system installed by epitome Living.
With 4 entries in this year’s list it’s probably the aspect of the house that I’ve answered most questions on over on our Instagram. comments like this make it all worthwhile.
Den makes it to the top 3 again, but at Number 2 this year was our write up on our Vent-Axia MVHR system installed by daily Renewables. stay tuned for the follow-up post on our heat Pump coming next week.
Maybe the only good thing to come out of 2020 is the talk of a ‘Green Recovery’. certainly EV curiosity is mounting and our most read post of 2020 was the one year anniversary follow up to my Tesla model 3 review entitled – “Why It’s Not As good As It Was A Year Ago” (click bait, moi? ). We became a two EV house hold in 2020 with the petrol automobile traded in for a 2017 30kWh Leaf. maybe 2021 will be the year you switch too.
Check out your entire top 20 below. thank you as always for your support during the last 12 months, wishing you all a happy new Year – or at the very least, one that’s much better than 2020!
M.
20. Exclusive: Loxone Flush-mounted presence Sensor 1st fitted in the Automated Home
19. Automated home 2.0 – #25 Amina invisible In-Wall speakers – part 1
18. Automated home 2.0 – #24 Ubiquiti Networking part 3 – airMAX NanoStation AC loco Wireless Network Bridge
17. Automated home 2.0 – #28 We’ve chosen Siemens smart Appliances for our Home
16. Review: Aranet4 home Wireless indoor Air quality Monitor
15. Aurora AOne smart home lighting System works With SmartThings
14. Loxone reveal new Audioserver & Stereo Extension
13. Automated home 2.0 – #23 We’ve moved In!
12. Automated Home: product Sources
11. Automated home 2.0 – #16 The Wiring has Begun!
10. Automated home 2.0 – #19 To burn or not to Burn?
09. Automated home 2.0 – #26 This LED Handrail Lights Our Stairs
08. Automated home 2.0 – #22 how much Does a Loxone smart home System Cost?
07. Automated home 2.0 – #21 wall mounting Our Loxone iPad with PoE Texas Adaptor
06. Review: Tenda 4G680 V2.0 4G LTE Router with WiFi
05. Automated home 2.0 – #17 Ubiquiti Networking part 2 – All Our UniFi Hardware has Arrived!
04. Review: TP-Link Kasa smart WiFi Power strip with USB
03. Den Automation Reborn as Den Switches
02. Automated home 2.0 – #15 The Mechanical Ventilation heat recovery (MVHR) System
01. Tesla UK model 3 Follow-up: Why It’s Not As good As It Was A Year Ago
BONUS: top 20 Products
Here are the top 20 most popular items bought through our Amazon affiliate store in 2020. This remains the easiest way for you to support this site – many thanks.
01. TP-Link Kasa WiFi Power Strip
Sale
7,482 Reviews
TP-Link Kasa WiFi Power strip 3 outlets with 2 USB Ports, works with Alexa, Google home and Samsung SmartThings, Wireless smart Socket Remote control Timer Plug, No Hub Required(KP303)
multiple smart control – 3 smart outlets can be separately managed and 2 always-on USB ports;
Surge protection – Shields sensitive electronics and appliances from sudden power surges and spikes;
Compatibility – works with Alexa and Google assistant for Voice Control£24.99
buy on Amazon
02. Philips hue smart Wireless Dimmer Switch
5,526 Reviews
Philips hue smart Wireless Dimmer switch V1 (Installation exclusive for Philips hue Lights)
Brighten and dim Your smart Lights – Wirelessly turn your lights up or down via the battery-powered dimmer switch v1
What’s Required? – Nothing. You can pair your dimmer switch with your Philips hue lights with or without a bridge. instructions included in packaging
Remote control – The hue Dimmer switch is magnetic and can be removed from the base plate, allowing you to use the dimmer switch as a handy remote control
£32.95
buy on Amazon
03. Seneo new version dual 2 in 1 Wireless Charger
04. Auraglow super bright plug in PIR motion Sensor
1,689 Reviews
Auraglow super bright plug in PIR motion Sensor Hallway Living aid safety LED night Light
The Auraglow motion Sensor plug In night Light is optimal for lighting hallways, landings, walkways and bedrooms
The light will automatically activate when you pass within 5 metres of the sensor providing a warm glow of light for 30 seconds with each activation
The light will remain on whilst motion is being detected and the daylight sensor installed makes sure the light only operates in darkness
£12.99
buy on Amazon
05. Silicondust HDHomeRun connect QUATRO
445 Reviews
SiliconDust HDHomeRun connect QUATRO Network DVB-T/T2 TV Tuner that works with our DVR software – (HDHR5-4DT)
4 tuners which work with Free-To-Air broadcast HDTV (DVB-T and DVB-T2) across the UK from your digital TV aerial
Send HDTV via your existing home Wi-Fi or wired network to the widest range of smart Devices
Pause on one device and resume on another with multi-user, multi-device, multi-room seamless viewing. use Our slice view EPG to choose your channel and plan your viewing
buy on Amazon
06. Drayton Wiser smart Heating Radiator Thermostat
2,115 Reviews
Drayton Wiser smart Heating Radiator Thermostat works with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT
This radiator thermostat is only designed to work alongside an existing Wiser smart Heating System with a Wiser heat Hub. replace your existing radiator TRV valves to give room-by-room heating control.
Simply screw off/on existing TRV radiator valves and replace with Wiser smart thermostats to expand your current system. works with 90% of existing valves. An adaptor to fit the Danfoss RA valve is included in every box.
Add up to 32 smart radiator thermostats in up to 16 different rooms/zones. begin with 1 radiator thermostat and add more over time. 1 Thermostat required per radiator for maximum comfort and energy saving.
£42.98
buy on Amazon
07. Tenda 4G680 300Mbps 4G Mobile Wi-Fi Router
320 Reviews
Tenda 4G680 300Mbps 4G Mobile Wi-Fi Router, 4G Router with Sim Slot , No Configuration required, 2 detachable Antennas, 2 fast Ports, data traffic Monitoring, UK plug
4G SIM mobile router With the latest generation of 4G LTE advanced networks you can share 4G LTE network with 32 devices and enjoy download speed of up to 150 Mbps & upload speed of 50 Mbps
Easy to use compatibility of SIM cards in over 135 countries just plug in your selected SIM card and then enjoy high-speed Internet with no configuration required
4G mobile router with LAN/WAN ports provides options and flexibility plug an Ethernet cable into the LAN/WAN port for flexible access as a backup option If you can’t get a 4G connection
buy on Amazon
08. DSLRKIT active PoE Splitter Power Over Ethernet
435 Reviews
DSLRKIT active PoE Splitter Power Over Ethernet 48V to 5V 2.4A Micro USB plug for Raspberry Pi B B+ 2 3
this POE Splitter is suitable for household IP camera with Micro USB plug 5V power Port
Power Output Port: Micro USB Power Plug
Support the IEEE 802.3af the Power over Ethernet PoE Switch
£7.50
buy on Amazon
09. Samotech Light switch Cover for hue Dimmer
Sale
1,543 Reviews
SAMOTECH hue switch Cover V1 (SM200 – single V1)
FOR THE V1 hue DIMMER! See our other listing for the SM200 V2 dimmer below
helps to aesthetically restrict access to a physical light switch, thus preventing an accidental switching off and keeping hue bulbs connected to the power source 24/7
universal design and high compatibility with many wall light switches ranging from 80x80mm up to 92x92mm in size
£7.99
buy on Amazon
10. Add-A-Motor D80 Drapery Motor
20 Reviews
Add-A-Motor D80 Drapery Motor, 520 g
affordable and easy to install
Automatic stops at full open and closed positions. Can also stop at any intermediate position
In event of a power failure, clutch permits drapery to be opened and closed manually
£99.99
buy on Amazon
11. BG Electrical double switched fast Charging Power Socket
109 Reviews
BG Electrical double switched fast Charging Power Socket with type A and C USB Charging Ports, 13 A, White Moulded
sleek and SLIM WHITE MOULDED double switched POWER SOCKET: From BG Electrical, has softly rounded corners and colour matching fixing screws– combining quality with modern elegance
TRUST IN THE smart USB FEATURES: Which standby once your device has fully charged and it can also auto discover your USB device and adjust its charging pattern – making it suitable for iphone and android appliances
CONVENIENTLY angled IN-LINE COLOUR CODED CAPTIVE SCREW TERMINALS: Makes it incredibly easy to install and to connect the wires, setting it up as one terminal – even with the addition of the USB ports
2021 is the 25th anniversary year of this blog, but where do we start with 2020.
Despite being memorable for all the wrong reasons, it was also the year that we moved into the new Automated home 2.0. thanks for the amazing interest in our project, which meant more than half of this years top 20 are posts covering the various aspects of our smart home self build.
Stand Outs
Our Amina invisible speaker setup made it into the top 20 and it was certainly in demand over the Christmas holidays as the family streamed their own selection of music from their phones.
Interest in Air quality continues to grow and our review of the Aranet4 made it into this years most read list too.
Our wonderful Siemens smart appliances with home connect have had a full workout over the Christmas break #BestTurkeyEver.
They have been a joy to use and we’re now on a 100% Renewable tariff too meaning everything is running on wind and sunshine. look out for the next post on these appliances soon.
As the first lockdown came we examined the affordable Tenda 4G to WiFi Router, a terrific backup option to have on hand and it made it all the way to number 6 this year.
A special mention has to go to Ubiquiti at number 5 for our amazing network and security camera setup. With 2 entries in the top 20 you were interested to read about this system and there’s more coming in the next few weeks as we finally bring FTTP to the AH2.0.
And of course to Loxone, whose Miniserver is the beating heart at the centre of our fully integrated and comprehensive home automation system installed by epitome Living.
With 4 entries in this year’s list it’s probably the aspect of the house that I’ve answered most questions on over on our Instagram. comments like this make it all worthwhile.
Den makes it to the top 3 again, but at Number 2 this year was our write up on our Vent-Axia MVHR system installed by daily Renewables. stay tuned for the follow-up post on our heat Pump coming next week.
Maybe the only good thing to come out of 2020 is the talk of a ‘Green Recovery’. certainly EV curiosity is mounting and our most read post of 2020 was the one year anniversary follow up to my Tesla model 3 review entitled – “Why It’s Not As good As It Was A Year Ago” (click bait, moi? ). We became a two EV house hold in 2020 with the petrol automobile traded in for a 2017 30kWh Leaf. maybe 2021 will be the year you switch too.
Check out your entire top 20 below. thank you as always for your support during the last 12 months, wishing you all a happy new Year – or at the very least, one that’s much better than 2020!
M.
20. Exclusive: Loxone Flush-mounted presence Sensor 1st fitted in the Automated Home
19. Automated home 2.0 – #25 Amina invisible In-Wall speakers – part 1
18. Automated home 2.0 – #24 Ubiquiti Networking part 3 – airMAX NanoStation AC loco Wireless Network Bridge
17. Automated home 2.0 – #28 We’ve chosen Siemens smart Appliances for our Home
16. Review: Aranet4 home Wireless indoor Air quality Monitor
15. Aurora AOne smart home lighting System works With SmartThings
14. Loxone reveal new Audioserver & Stereo Extension
13. Automated home 2.0 – #23 We’ve moved In!
12. Automated Home: product Sources
11. Automated home 2.0 – #16 The Wiring has Begun!
10. Automated home 2.0 – #19 To burn or not to Burn?
09. Automated home 2.0 – #26 This LED Handrail Lights Our Stairs
08. Automated home 2.0 – #22 how much Does a Loxone smart home System Cost?
07. Automated home 2.0 – #21 wall mounting Our Loxone iPad with PoE Texas Adaptor
06. Review: Tenda 4G680 V2.0 4G LTE Router with WiFi
05. Automated home 2.0 – #17 Ubiquiti Networking part 2 – All Our UniFi Hardware has Arrived!
04. Review: TP-Link Kasa smart WiFi Power strip with USB
03. Den Automation Reborn as Den Switches
02. Automated home 2.0 – #15 The Mechanical Ventilation heat recovery (MVHR) System
01. Tesla UK model 3 Follow-up: Why It’s Not As good As It Was A Year Ago
BONUS: top 20 Products
Here are the top 20 most popular items bought through our Amazon affiliate store in 2020. This remains the easiest way for you to support this site – many thanks.
01. TP-Link Kasa WiFi Power Strip
Sale
7,482 Reviews
TP-Link Kasa WiFi Power strip 3 outlets with 2 USB Ports, works with Alexa, Google home and Samsung SmartThings, Wireless smart Socket Remote control Timer Plug, No Hub Required(KP303)
multiple smart control – 3 smart outlets can be separately managed and 2 always-on USB ports;
Surge protection – Shields sensitive electronics and appliances from sudden power surges and spikes;
Compatibility – works with Alexa and Google assistant for Voice Control£24.99
buy on Amazon
02. Philips hue smart Wireless Dimmer Switch
5,526 Reviews
Philips hue smart Wireless Dimmer switch V1 (Installation exclusive for Philips hue Lights)
Brighten and dim Your smart Lights – Wirelessly turn your lights up or down via the battery-powered dimmer switch v1
What’s Required? – Nothing. You can pair your dimmer switch with your Philips hue lights with or without a bridge. instructions included in packaging
Remote control – The hue Dimmer switch is magnetic and can be removed from the base plate, allowing you to use the dimmer switch as a handy remote control
£32.95
buy on Amazon
03. Seneo new version dual 2 in 1 Wireless Charger
04. Auraglow super bright plug in PIR motion Sensor
1,689 Reviews
Auraglow super bright plug in PIR motion Sensor Hallway Living aid safety LED night Light
The Auraglow motion Sensor plug In night Light is optimal for lighting hallways, landings, walkways and bedrooms
The light will automatically activate when you pass within 5 metres of the sensor providing a warm glow of light for 30 seconds with each activation
The light will remain on whilst motion is being detected and the daylight sensor installed makes sure the light only operates in darkness
£12.99
buy on Amazon
05. Silicondust HDHomeRun connect QUATRO
445 Reviews
SiliconDust HDHomeRun connect QUATRO Network DVB-T/T2 TV Tuner that works with our DVR software – (HDHR5-4DT)
4 tuners which work with Free-To-Air broadcast HDTV (DVB-T and DVB-T2) across the UK from your digital TV aerial
Send HDTV via your existing home Wi-Fi or wired network to the widest range of smart Devices
Pause on one device and resume on another with multi-user, multi-device, multi-room seamless viewing. use Our slice view EPG to choose your channel and plan your viewing
buy on Amazon
06. Drayton Wiser smart Heating Radiator Thermostat
2,115 Reviews
Drayton Wiser smart Heating Radiator Thermostat works with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT
This radiator thermostat is only designed to work alongside an existing Wiser smart Heating System with a Wiser heat Hub. replace your existing radiator TRV valves to give room-by-room heating control.
Simply screw off/on existing TRV radiator valves and replace with Wiser smart thermostats to expand your current system. works with 90% of existing valves. An adaptor to fit the Danfoss RA valve is included in every box.
Add up to 32 smart radiator thermostats in up to 16 different rooms/zones. begin with 1 radiator thermostat and add more over time. 1 Thermostat required per radiator for maximum comfort and energy saving.
£42.98
buy on Amazon
07. Tenda 4G680 300Mbps 4G Mobile Wi-Fi Router
320 Reviews
Tenda 4G680 300Mbps 4G Mobile Wi-Fi Router, 4G Router with Sim Slot , No Configuration required, 2 detachable Antennas, 2 fast Ports, data traffic Monitoring, UK plug
4G SIM mobile router With the latest generation of 4G LTE advanced networks you can share 4G LTE network with 32 devices and enjoy download speed of up to 150 Mbps & upload speed of 50 Mbps
Easy to use compatibility of SIM cards in over 135 countries just plug in your selected SIM card and then enjoy high-speed Internet with no configuration required
4G mobile router with LAN/WAN ports provides options and flexibility plug an Ethernet cable into the LAN/WAN port for flexible access as a backup option If you can’t get a 4G connection
buy on Amazon
08. DSLRKIT active PoE Splitter Power Over Ethernet
435 Reviews
DSLRKIT active PoE Splitter Power Over Ethernet 48V to 5V 2.4A Micro USB plug for Raspberry Pi B B+ 2 3
this POE Splitter is suitable for household IP camera with Micro USB plug 5V power Port
Power Output Port: Micro USB Power Plug
Support the IEEE 802.3af the Power over Ethernet PoE Switch
£7.50
buy on Amazon
09. Samotech Light switch Cover for hue Dimmer
Sale
1,543 Reviews
SAMOTECH hue switch Cover V1 (SM200 – single V1)
FOR THE V1 hue DIMMER! See our other listing for the SM200 V2 dimmer below
helps to aesthetically restrict access to a physical light switch, thus preventing an accidental switching off and keeping hue bulbs connected to the power source 24/7
universal design and high compatibility with many wall light switches ranging from 80x80mm up to 92x92mm in size
£7.99
buy on Amazon
10. Add-A-Motor D80 Drapery Motor
20 Reviews
Add-A-Motor D80 Drapery Motor, 520 g
affordable and easy to install
Automatic stops at full open and closed positions. Can also stop at any intermediate position
In event of a power failure, clutch permits drapery to be opened and closed manually
£99.99
buy on Amazon
11. BG Electrical double switched fast Charging Power Socket
109 Reviews
BG Electrical double switched fast Charging Power Socket with type A and C USB Charging Ports, 13 A, White Moulded
sleek and SLIM WHITE MOULDED double switched POWER SOCKET: From BG Electrical, has softly rounded corners and colour matching fixing screws– combining quality with modern elegance
TRUST IN THE smart USB FEATURES: Which standby once your device has fully charged and it can also auto discover your USB device and adjust its charging pattern – making it suitable for iphone and android appliances
CONVENIENTLY angled IN-LINE COLOUR CODED CAPTIVE SCREW TERMINALS: Makes it incredibly easy to install and to connect the wires, setting it up as one terminal – even with the addition of the USB ports
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