Frequently Asked Question
Apple Homekit automation info and logic.
Last Updated 5 years ago
The HVAC and the hall lights are controlled by 3 automations in the Apple Home app (iphone/iPad or macOS), there is a screen shot of the 3 automations below.
7:00 AM: Starts the HVAC system for the weekday heat/cool settings to give the system enough time to get to the set temperature. To keep the HVAC system in the "away" temperatures double click (or tap) on this automation and uncheck the enable button (see image below). The automation needs to be re-enabled before the next weekday the office will be open. To change the "weekday" temperatures for the thermostats double click on the automation (or tap for iOS devices) and select the desired thermostat from the list. Adjust the mode (Auto/Heat/Cool/Off) and temperature for each unit.
8:15 AM: This automation turns on the hall way lights before everyone arrives. To keep the from coming on during a holiday double click (or tap) on this automation and uncheck the enable button (see image below). The automation needs to be re-enabled before the next weekday the office will be open.
6:30 PM: This automation turns the thermostats down to the "away/overnight" temperature and turns off the lights in the building. This automation should never be deleted or disabled. To change the "away" temperatures for the thermostats double click on the automation (or tap for iOS devices) and select the desired thermostat from the list. Adjust the mode (Auto/Heat/Cool/Off) and temperature for each unit.
Notes:
7:00 AM: Starts the HVAC system for the weekday heat/cool settings to give the system enough time to get to the set temperature. To keep the HVAC system in the "away" temperatures double click (or tap) on this automation and uncheck the enable button (see image below). The automation needs to be re-enabled before the next weekday the office will be open. To change the "weekday" temperatures for the thermostats double click on the automation (or tap for iOS devices) and select the desired thermostat from the list. Adjust the mode (Auto/Heat/Cool/Off) and temperature for each unit.
8:15 AM: This automation turns on the hall way lights before everyone arrives. To keep the from coming on during a holiday double click (or tap) on this automation and uncheck the enable button (see image below). The automation needs to be re-enabled before the next weekday the office will be open.
6:30 PM: This automation turns the thermostats down to the "away/overnight" temperature and turns off the lights in the building. This automation should never be deleted or disabled. To change the "away" temperatures for the thermostats double click on the automation (or tap for iOS devices) and select the desired thermostat from the list. Adjust the mode (Auto/Heat/Cool/Off) and temperature for each unit.
Notes:
- Apple Homekit uses iCloud to copy data between every iPhone, iPad, and macOS computer that has access to the account. They may not always be in sync with each other but usually catch up within a few minutes.
- The AppleTV in the conference room acts as the local "brains" of the system and is what handles the automation and scheduling as well as the offsite access for iPhones and iPads, it must be powered on at all times.
- If the Home app displays "no response" then the app may need to be force quit and relaunched. IF the "No response" message persists for a longer period of time then something is wrong and needs to be addressed.
- The auto setting on the thermostats does not work that well, the best use case for it may be during changes in seasons where the weather can be unpredictable.