Can anyone help with pointers for automatable garage heaters? So far my searches aren’t finding anything. My requirements are:

  • remotely preheat when I want to work out
  • alert if it’s left on, or automatically turn off

I’m in the US, looking for 240v maybe 5,000w electric heater. The basic item is cheap and readily available at home centers or online. I even see variations with Bluetooth remote and/or controlled by app.

I’m looking for something locally automatable. Matter/Thread would be ideal but I’m fine with Zigbee or z-wave. But I’m not finding anything like that, and getting stuck on some vendors portal is not ok. Any leads?

Or something that can use an external thermostat - I actually have an extra Ecobee - that can be locally automatable. Any leads? Any search tips that might find such a thing?

I briefly thought of automating an outlet, however even if smart outlets are available for those loads, that wouldn’t work because all these heaters have a safety feature to run the fan until the unit is cool

  • AmbiguousProps@lemmy.todayEnglish
    5·
    3 months ago

    Yeah, your last point might be an issue for this. But if you manage to find a heater that works as a simple on/off, this z-wave high power relay might suit your needs: https://www.thesmartesthouse.com/products/zooz-z-wave-long-range-high-power-relay-zen78-800lr

    I would be very careful with automating a heater in your garage, as they’re obviously a fire risk, especially when unattended. I would make sure whatever automation you land on has safeties based on if you’re home, if a smoke alarm goes off, or if connection to your controller is lost (this one would be more difficult to automate, but is probably doable with an esp32 or similar).

    • AA5B@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
      2·
      3 months ago

      For sure on the safety, and this is one of the reasons I’m going for something intended for purpose, rather than portable space heaters. The other reason is power. Basically I want to ensure the heater is Always off unless I want to work out, but that also means sufficient power to heat the garage quickly in the coldest months

      Something mounted on wall or ceiling is a critical safety feature, so it can’t get knocked over nor anything fall on it. There will never be anything flammable in my garage: it’s too small for cars and I converted to battery lawn equipment

      I even see heaters with automatic 2 hr shutoff, but not automatable. That’s probably my backup plan

      Realistically my priority goal is alerting and shutoff: remote pre-heat would be a bonus

      • CmdrShepard49@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
        1·
        3 months ago

        Just as a backup you might consider putting some atandalone zigbee/z wave temp sensor in the garage just as a double check that the heater is operating as it should

        • AA5B@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
          1·
          3 months ago

          For sure, and it’ll be a nice addition to my house data. I like seeing data even when I have no practical use and already graph 5 different temperature sensors!