Editing Introduction to a Self Managed Life: a 13 hour & 28 minute presentation by FUTO software (section)

= Home Assistant to control your air conditioners &amp; full smarthome control =

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<span id="what-is-home-assistant"></span>
== What is Home Assistant? ==

Home Assistant allows you to control everything from your lights to your air conditioner to your car’s remote start, all within an open-source system that YOU control! It is a system that works with plugins developed by open-source devs around the world who are just as frustrated as you are that the smart home future we were promised is chock full of spyware, subscriptions, and enshittification. We’re going to be using this to adjust an air conditioner’s temperature, so if we’re going to be home early, we can tell it to turn on remotely a little earlier without allowing the A/C to connect to the internet, and also for getting alerts when someone walks by one of our security cameras.

<span id="step-1-installing-home-assistant"></span>
== Step 1: Installing Home Assistant ==

<span id="download-the-home-assistant-kvm-image-and-prepare-it-for-use"></span>
==== 1.1 Download the Home Assistant KVM Image and Prepare it for Use ====

<ol style="list-style-type: decimal;">
<li><p>Go to the ''[https://www.home-assistant.io/installation/linux official Home Assistant website]''.</p></li>
<li><p>'''Find the KVM Image''':</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Scroll down to the section titled “KVM(virt-manager)”.</p></li>
<li><p>Click the link to download the latest KVM <code>.qcow2.xz</code> image from the official Home Assistant GitHub releases. Alternatively, you can download directly from the GitHub link provided ''[https://github.com/home-assistant/operating-system/releases/download/13.1/haos_ova-13.1.qcow2.xz here]''.</p></li>
<li><p>''(Note: This file version will change over time, so make sure you are downloading the latest release.)''</p></li>
<li><p>''MAKE SURE YOU GRAB THE ONE FOR KVM VIRSH VIRTUAL MACHINE MANAGER IN LINUX, NOT THE VIRTUALBOX ONE!''</p></li></ul>
</li>
<li><p>'''Download and Unzip the Image''':</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Once the download is complete, you’ll need to unzip the <code>.qcow2.xz</code> file. Run the following command to decompress the file:</p>
<pre>xz -d haos_ova-13.1.qcow2.xz</pre></li>
<li><p>''(Make sure the filename reflects the version you downloaded, as it may vary.)''</p></li></ul>
</li>
<li><p>'''Move the Unzipped Image to the Correct Directory''':</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Move the decompressed <code>.qcow2</code> file to your virtual machine images directory, typically <code>/var/lib/libvirt/images/</code>. Use the following command to move it:</p>
<pre>sudo mv ~/Downloads/haos_ova-13.1.qcow2 /var/lib/libvirt/images/</pre></li></ul>
</li>
<li><p>'''Set the Correct Ownership and Permissions''':</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Change the ownership of the image file so that it is owned by the <code>libvirt-qemu</code> user and group:</p>
<pre>sudo chown libvirt-qemu:libvirt /var/lib/libvirt/images/haos_ova-13.1.qcow2</pre></li></ul>
</li>
<li><p>'''Set the right permissions to make sure it is readable and writable by the owner, but not everyone else:'''</p></li></ol>

<pre>sudo chmod 0640 /var/lib/libvirt/images/haos_ova-13.1.qcow2</pre>
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<span id="install-the-home-assistant-virtual-machine-on-ubuntu-server-linux"></span>
==== 1.2 Install the Home Assistant Virtual Machine on Ubuntu Server Linux ====

Before, we chose “local install media” when installing Ubuntu Server to our virtual machine for mailcow, but Home Assistant is a little different. It’s an operating system that is all ready to go – it’s installed, configured, etc. We are going to be choosing the “import existing disk image” option to boot it up.

* '''Open Virtual Machine Manager''':
** Right-click on the desktop of your Ubuntu Server.
** Navigate to '''Applications &gt; System &gt; Virtual Machine Manager'''.
* '''Create a New Virtual Machine''':
** Once Virtual Machine Manager is open, click on '''Create a new virtual machine'''.
** In the wizard that appears, choose the option '''Import existing disk image'''.
** Unlike the past virtual machine where we were installing an operating system from scratch, this is an image of an operating system that has already been “installed” and configured elsewhere; therefore, all we need to do is import it.
* '''Select the Home Assistant Image''':
** When prompted to choose an installation source, browse to <code>/var/lib/libvirt/images/</code> and select the Home Assistant <code>.qcow2</code> image you moved in the previous step.
* '''Choose Operating System Type''':
** Select '''Generic Linux 2022''' as the operating system type. The official Home Assistant instructions suggest using a “generic” Linux option.
* '''Set Memory and CPU Allocation''':
** Set the RAM to 2048 MB (2 GB).
** Assign 2 CPUs to the virtual machine.
** It is recommended to use 2 CPUs, even though this might feel like overkill for a thermostat-related function. And it does.
* '''Name the Virtual Machine''':
** In the same setup window, name the virtual machine <code>homeassistant</code>.
* '''Customize Configuration Before Installation''':
** Before clicking '''Finish''', make sure you check the box that says '''Customize configuration before install'''.
* '''Set Firmware to UEFI''': you want UEFI x86-64: <code>/usr/share/OVMF/OVMF_CODE_4M.fd</code> – DO NOT CHOOSE THE ONE THAT SAYS “SECBOOT”

'''Set up this virtual machine to start every time the host computer, happycloud, boots by typing this into a terminal:'''

<pre>virsh autostart homeassistant</pre>
* Check that this is set up properly by typing <code>virsh dominfo homeassistant</code> and seeing if the autostart line is set to enable.
* If you don’t do this, you will realize once it is too late &amp; you’ve left your house after you have rebooted your server (for whatever reason) that none of your services are working. This will suck.

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<span id="step-2-start-and-configure-home-assistant"></span>

== Step 2: Start and Configure Home Assistant ==

<span id="start-the-virtual-machine"></span>
==== 2.1 Start the Virtual Machine ====

* In '''Virtual Machine Manager''', locate your Home Assistant virtual machine and start the VM.
* Wait for the machine to boot up fully.

<span id="identify-the-ip-address"></span>
==== 2.2 Identify the IP Address ====

* Once the virtual machine has finished booting, check the console within '''Virtual Machine Manager'''. You will see an IP address displayed (e.g., 192.168.5.16).
* We did not “install” this operating system like with the previous mailcow mailserver installation; we imported someone else’s installation. This means we do not have its IP address, nor were we given an opportunity to set up Home Assistant with a static IP yet. It is good to pay attention here so you see its IP address and know where to find it.
* When it says the URL is ''[http://homeassistant.local/ http://homeassistant.local]'':8123, this is wrong. It is assuming that our “domain” is <code>.local</code>. By default, '''pfSense''' sets this to <code>home.arpa</code>.
* If no IP address is displayed on the console, you can also check your DHCP server or router (like '''pfSense''') to find the IP assigned to the Home Assistant VM.

<span id="access-home-assistant-web-interface"></span>
==== 2.3 Access Home Assistant Web Interface ====

* Open a web browser on your local machine.
* In the address bar, type the following to access the Home Assistant web interface: <code>http://homeassistant.home.arpa:8123</code> (For example: <code>http://192.168.5.16:8123</code>).
* At the time of writing this guide, Home Assistant will only load on <code>http://</code> by default when first started, not <code>https://</code>, if you use their fully-fledged HaOS virtual machine image. Don’t worry, you didn’t break anything.

<span id="follow-on-screen-setup-instructions"></span>
==== 2.4 Follow On-Screen Setup Instructions ====

* It will tell you to wait up to 20 minutes to load.
* You will be greeted by the Home Assistant setup wizard. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
* Create a Home Assistant Account: Enter a username, password, and any additional information required.
* Configure Location &amp; Units: Choose your location and preferred units (imperial or metric).
* Add Devices and Services: Home Assistant will begin searching for devices on your network. Depending on your network configuration, devices may automatically be discovered. This is pretty cool. I like this.
* You don’t have to “trust” them, it’s open source so you can see what it is doing while probing. This is not probing to mess with or spy on you, it’s doing this to try to make your life easier… The thing technology was supposed to do for you.

<span id="complete-setup"></span>
==== 2.5 Complete Setup ====

* Once you’ve created your account and finished the basic configuration, Home Assistant will finalize the installation and setup. You are now ready to take back your air conditioner from the proprietary cloud.

<span id="step-3-configure-home-assistant-with-a-static-ip"></span>
== Step 3: Configure Home Assistant with a Static IP ==

<span id="home-assistant-network-configuration"></span>
=== Home Assistant Network Configuration: ===

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<span id="access-home-assistants-network-settings"></span>
==== 3.1 Access Home Assistant’s Network Settings ====

* Open the Home Assistant web interface by navigating to <code>http://[your_homeassistant_ip]:8123</code>.
* Once logged in, go to '''Settings''' (found at the bottom left of the sidebar).
* From the '''Settings''' page, click on '''System''' and then select '''Network'''.

<span id="modify-network-interface"></span>
==== 3.2 Modify Network Interface ====

* In the '''Network''' section, find the network interface (e.g., <code>eth0</code>) that Home Assistant is using.
* Click '''Configure''' next to the interface to edit its settings.

<span id="switch-to-a-static-ip-configuration"></span>
==== 3.3 Switch to a Static IP Configuration ====

* Change the network type from '''DHCP''' to '''Static''' to manually configure the IP address.
* Set the following details:
** '''IP Address:''' Enter the desired static IP address (e.g., <code>192.168.5.4</code>).
** '''Gateway:''' Enter the gateway IP address, the IP of your pfSense router (e.g., <code>192.168.5.1</code>).
** '''DNS Server:''' Enter the IP address of the DNS server (your pfSense router’s IP, e.g., <code>192.168.5.1</code>).

<span id="save-the-configuration"></span>
==== 3.4 Save the Configuration ====

* Once you’ve set the static IP, gateway, and DNS, click '''Save''' to apply the changes.
* Home Assistant will now be reachable at the static IP address you configured.

<span id="save-the-configuration-1"></span>
==== 3.5 Save the Configuration ====

* Once you’ve set the static IP, gateway, and DNS, click '''Save''' to apply the changes.
* Home Assistant will now be reachable at the static IP address you configured.

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![(images/lu55028jxdtp_tmp_5504653d.png)

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<span id="add-a-static-ip-mapping-in-pfsense"></span>
=== Add a Static IP mapping in pfSense ===

<span id="log-in-to-pfsense"></span>
==== 3.6 Log in to pfSense ====

* Open your web browser and navigate to the pfSense web interface (e.g., <code>https://192.168.5.1</code> or <code>https://pfSense.home.arpa</code>).
* Log in using your admin credentials.

<span id="navigate-to-dhcp-server-settings"></span>
==== 3.7 Navigate to DHCP Server Settings ====

* Once inside pfSense, go to '''Services &gt; DHCP Server'''.
* In the DHCP Server settings, go to the '''LAN''' tab, as this is where you’ll configure the static mapping for devices on your local network.

<span id="add-a-static-ip-mapping"></span>
==== 3.8 Add a Static IP Mapping ====

* Scroll down to the '''DHCP Static Mappings''' section and click on '''Add Static Mapping'''.

<span id="enter-the-information"></span>
==== 3.9 Enter the Information ====

* '''MAC Address:''' Find the MAC address of your Home Assistant virtual machine. To do this:
** In pfSense, navigate to '''Diagnostics &gt; ARP Table'''.
** Look for the MAC address associated with the Home Assistant VM’s current IP (this can also be found within the Virtual Machine Manager or via the Home Assistant network settings).
* '''IP Address:''' Enter the static IP address you configured earlier in Home Assistant (e.g., <code>192.168.5.4</code>).
* '''Description:''' Enter a description for easy identification (e.g., homeassistant).
* '''Hostname:''' Enter <code>homeassistant</code>

<span id="save-and-apply-changes"></span>
==== 3.92 Save and Apply Changes ====

* Click '''Save''' to add the static mapping.
* After saving, click '''Apply Changes''' to make sure the static IP reservation is applied on your network.

<span id="make-sure-this-actually-works"></span>
==== 3.94. Make Sure This Actually Works ====

* After configuring the static IP and DHCP mapping:
** Make sure Home Assistant is reachable at the assigned IP (e.g., <code>http://192.168.5.4:8123</code>).
** In pfSense, you can check the '''Status &gt; DHCP Leases''' section to confirm that Home Assistant is using the correct IP address and that the static mapping is working.

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<span id="step-4-set-up-the-venstar-thermostat-so-home-assistant-can-see-it"></span>
== Step 4: Set Up the Venstar Thermostat so Home Assistant can see it ==

<span id="connect-the-venstar-thermostat-to-wi-fi"></span>
==== 4.1. Connect the Venstar Thermostat to Wi-Fi ====

* On the thermostat, go to '''Wi-Fi Setup'''. The thermostat will display a list of available networks.
* Select your desired Wi-Fi network and enter the password if necessary.
* Once connected, make sure that the thermostat remains on the same network that your Home Assistant instance is on, or another network that can communicate with Home Assistant.

<blockquote>'''NOTE:''' Make sure you tap the right network; this garbage touchscreen makes it very easy to tap the wrong network &amp; not notice it. Whoever chose this touchscreen should be in the same prison with the engineers of the A1237/A1304 model MacBook Air from 2008.
</blockquote>
<span id="configure-the-local-api-on-the-thermostat"></span>
==== 4.2 Configure the Local API on the Thermostat ====

* On the thermostat, navigate to the '''Local API Options'''.
* Turn on '''Local API access''', which is necessary for Home Assistant to communicate with the thermostat.
* Set a username (e.g., second floor), and configure a Basic Auth password. You’ll need this information when adding the thermostat in Home Assistant.

<span id="assign-a-static-ip-to-the-thermostat"></span>
==== 4.3 Assign a Static IP to the Thermostat ====

* On the thermostat, navigate to '''Manual Setup &gt; Network Settings'''.
* Assign a static IP to the thermostat. This ensures that the IP address does not change, which is very important or you will find yourself freezing to death when you can’t turn off the A/C.

<blockquote>'''NOTE:''' Home assistant needs to know where to find the thermostat; at the same place, every single time. Anytime you attach an IoT device to your network, it is a good practice to give it a static IP. You will find out later in the “syncthing” section why expecting “auto locate” features to work proprerly is a bad idea. Summers are 117 degrees fahrenheit in Texas; I’m not trusting that to DHCP.
</blockquote>
* '''IP Address:''' 192.168.5.18 (or another appropriate IP in your network range)
* '''Gateway:''' 192.168.5.1 (typically your '''pfSense''' router’s IP)
* '''DNS Server:''' 192.168.5.1
* '''Subnet Mask:''' 255.255.255.0

<span id="confirm-the-settings"></span>
==== 4.4 Confirm the Settings ====

* After entering the network configuration, make sure that the thermostat is connected and reachable on your network.

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<span id="step-5-add-the-venstar-integration-in-home-assistant"></span>
== Step 5: Add the Venstar Integration in Home Assistant ==

<span id="access-home-assistant"></span>
==== 5.1 Access Home Assistant ====

* Open the Home Assistant web interface by navigating to <code>http://[your_homeassistant_ip]:8123</code>.
* Log in with your Home Assistant credentials.

<span id="navigate-to-the-integrations-section"></span>
==== 5.2 Navigate to the Integrations Section ====

* In Home Assistant, click on '''Settings''' from the sidebar.
* Under '''Settings''', go to '''Devices &amp; Services'''.
* Click on '''Add Integration'''.

<span id="search-for-the-venstar-integration"></span>
==== 5.3 Search for the Venstar Integration ====

* In the search bar, type '''Venstar''' to find the Venstar integration.

<span id="enter-thermostat-details"></span>
==== 5.4 Enter Thermostat Details ====

* When prompted, enter the following information:
** '''Host:''' Enter the static IP address you assigned to the thermostat (e.g., 192.168.5.18).
** '''Username:''' Enter the username you set up on the thermostat (e.g., second floor).
** '''PIN Code:''' If required by your thermostat model, enter the PIN code (optional). THIS THERMOSTAT DOES NOT REQUIRE PIN
** '''SSL Certificate:''' yes by default for my thermostat, may be different for yours. For mine, it is yes.

<span id="submit-the-integration"></span>
==== 5.5 Submit the Integration ====

* Click '''Submit'''. Home Assistant will now attempt to connect to your Venstar thermostat using the provided details.
* If successful, the Venstar thermostat will be added as a device in Home Assistant.

<span id="step-6-configure-the-thermostat-in-home-assistant"></span>
== Step 6: Configure the Thermostat in Home Assistant ==

<span id="assign-the-thermostat-to-an-area"></span>
==== 6.1 Assign the Thermostat to an Area ====

* After adding the integration, you can assign the thermostat to an area, such as Living Room. This part confuses me, there are so many labels &amp; subcategories. It is easy to get lost in them all.

<span id="add-thermostat-controls-to-your-dashboard"></span>
==== 6.2 Add Thermostat Controls to Your Dashboard ====

* Go to '''Overview''' in Home Assistant.
* Click the diagonal line that is supposed to look like a pencil in the upper right hand corner.
* Now you are in the edit dashboard menu, that does absolutely nothing.
* Click the three dots in the upper right corner, then click '''take control''' so you can actually edit your dashboard.
* Click '''start with an empty dashboard'''
* Click on '''Edit Dashboard''', then click '''Add Card'''.
* Select '''Thermostat''' as the card type, and choose your Venstar thermostat from the list.
* Give the thermostat a cool name, like Second Floor Thermostat, and click '''Done'''.

<span id="customize-the-dashboard"></span>
==== 6.3 Customize the Dashboard ====

* If you want to adjust or hide certain things, you need to click '''“Take Control”''' in what is some of the most confusing UI of all time.

<blockquote>'''NOTE:''' You have to hit '''Take Control''' in order to do anything with the interface. This is not obvious or intuitive. I set up my dashboard on android when I set up my own system, so I never saw the dashboard in the web interface. I tried the web interface dashboard for the first time when I did this guide. It owned me good.
</blockquote>
<span id="use-the-venstar-thermostat-in-home-assistant"></span>
==== 6.4. Use the Venstar Thermostat in Home Assistant ====

# Control the Thermostat
#* From the dashboard, you can now adjust the temperature, set heating or cooling modes, and control the fan (e.g., always on or only when the compressor is active).
# View Historical Data
#* Home Assistant provides historical graphs showing temperature changes and thermostat actions (e.g., target temperature vs. actual temperature) over time, which you can view directly in the thermostat card on your dashboard.

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<span id="step-7-install-home-assistant-application-on-your-phone-to-adjust-pos-thermostat-so-you-never-have-to-touch-its-touchscreen-again"></span>
== Step 7: Install Home Assistant Application on Your Phone to Adjust POS Thermostat So You Never Have to Touch Its Touchscreen Again ==

<span id="install-the-home-assistant-app-on-android"></span>
==== 7.1 Install the Home Assistant App on Android ====

# Open the Google Play Store
#* On your Android device, open the '''Google Play Store''' app.
# Search for Home Assistant
#* In the search bar, type '''Home Assistant'''.
# Install the App
#* Once you find the Home Assistant app (from Nabu Casa), tap '''Install''' to download and install it on your phone.
# Open the App
#* After installation is complete, tap '''Open''' to start the Home Assistant app.

<span id="make-sure-openvpn-connect-is-connected"></span>
==== 7.2 Make Sure OpenVPN Connect is Connected ====

* Open the '''OpenVPN Connect''' app and connect to the VPN profile you set up for accessing your home network.

It’s important that you are connected to your VPN when accessing Home Assistant from outside your local network! None of this is set up with open ports to the outside world. Without VPN, no air conditioning for you.

<span id="log-in-to-home-assistant-on-android"></span>
==== 7.3. Log In to Home Assistant on Android ====

# '''Launch the Home Assistant App'''
#* Open the Home Assistant app you installed earlier.
# '''Connect to Home Assistant'''
#* The app may automatically search for your Home Assistant instance. If it doesn’t find it, you can manually enter the IP address. Since you are connected via VPN, you’ll enter your Home Assistant server’s local IP, aka [http://192.168.5.4/ http://192.168.5.4]:8123.
#* You can’t add <code>192.168.5.4</code>.
#* You can’t add <code>192.168.5.4:8123</code>.
#* IT MUST BE [http://192.168.5.4/ http://192.168.5.4]:8123.
#* You have to have the <code>http://</code> and the port.
# '''Log In'''
# '''Enable Location Tracking (Optional)'''
#* You’ll be prompted to enable location tracking. You can choose to allow or deny this depending on your preferences. They’re not spying on you though; they’re nice people, not like the [https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/attorney-general-ken-paxton-sues-general-motors-unlawfully-collecting-drivers-private-data-and evil bastards] that sold you your car.

<span id="adjust-the-thermostat-using-the-home-assistant-app"></span>
==== 7.4. Adjust the Thermostat Using the Home Assistant App ====

# '''Access the Thermostat in the App'''
#* After logging in, you’ll see the Home Assistant dashboard.
#* FInd your Venstar Thermostat (e.g., Second Floor Thermostat) on the dashboard.
# '''Control the Thermostat'''
#* Tap on the thermostat card to open the controls.
#* From here, you can:
#** '''Adjust the Temperature:''' Use the sliders or buttons to set the temperature.
#** '''Set Mode:''' Change the thermostat to Heat, Cool, or Auto.
#** '''Fan Control:''' Choose whether the fan should run Continuously or only when the heat/AC is on.
# '''Monitor Historical Data on when you Had it on'''
#* The app will display historical data showing the target temperature and current room temperature over time, so you can see when it was on, etc.

<blockquote>Historical data will not show how many times you have punched the thermostat’s touchscreen, cursed at Venstar, or threatened the lives of the people who engineered it. But it should.
</blockquote>
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