Neil takes us through how he is using AI to build his ultimate smart home with Home Assistant
Neil takes us through how he is using AI to build his ultimate smart home with Home Assistant  
Podcast: Home Assistant Podcast
Published On: Tue Jun 23 2026
Description: Neil walks us through how he has managed to leverage AI tools to create his dream smart home with Home Assistant. From automating blinds to automating a winter cottageWatch this episode on YouTubeShow notes for this episode are available at https://homeassistant.fm/HA239Support 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 - Welcome00:01:21 - Neil’s background00:03:33 - Starting with Google Home00:04:53 - Lutron and motion sensors00:06:06 - Complex HVAC challenge00:08:52 - DIY manifold control00:10:52 - Radiant cooling by dew point00:13:23 - Gas vs electrification debate00:15:51 - Coding with AI tools00:19:59 - Sauna and smart blinds00:24:21 - Cottage winter automation00:31:20 - Remote access choices00:33:55 - Multi-building MQTT design00:40:41 - Plant care automation00:44:54 - Device health monitoring00:49:59 - Zigbee vs Z-Wave talk00:55:06 - Future plans and tools00:59:38 - Wrap-upThis 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.Products we RecommendHostsPhil HawthorneWebsiteTwitter: @philhawthorneBluesky: @philhawthorne.comBuy Phil a CoffeeRohan KaramandiWebsiteTwitter: @rohank9Buy Rohan a CoffeePrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy