Last night, I realized I had forgotten to disable Eco mode on my upstairs Nest, and I was surprised to see how different one of my son’s rooms felt according to my Nest Temperature Sensor. Ideally, I’d love a system that can heat and cool rooms separately; however, since I missed the boat on buying Bitcoin at $1, that’s not financially feasible for me. Still, I appreciate having insights into individual room conditions, especially with data accessible through HomeKit. The new Aqara W100 Climate Sensor provides this capability with a built-in display.
HomeKit Weekly is a series that explores smart home accessories, automation tips, and everything related to Apple’s smart home ecosystem.
What can you monitor with it?
The Aqara W100 does more than just display temperature and humidity. While these functions are both accurate and easily visible thanks to a clear LCD screen (I would have preferred e-ink for its readability), what truly enhances its value is its integration with HomeKit. Here’s what it can track:
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Battery status
- Signal strength
- External sensor data (when paired)
- Local weather information (if no sensors are paired)
What you can do with it
The device features three physical buttons, each capable of being configured for single, double, and long press actions. This opens up a wide array of automation possibilities within the Aqara framework. You can turn off lights, draw shades, or even set a “movie night” scene involving multiple devices. I’ve always believed that having physical buttons allows me to manage my smart home effectively without always reaching for my iPhone.
On the back, there’s a reset button along with a mounting hole for easy wall installation. If you remove the back cover, you’ll discover two CR2450 batteries inside. Aqara claims these should last around two and a half years, although I haven’t yet had it long enough to confirm this.
Integrating with HomeKit
The instructions for the Aqara W100 include a Matter code for basic sensor monitoring. I wish the code was printed directly on the device, but it can be found beneath the rear cover. I suggest keeping it in an Apple Note or an app like HomePass for easy access.
Once integrated into HomeKit, you can set up automations based on the temperature readings from the device. For instance, you could easily configure a fan to activate if the temperature exceeds a certain threshold or have the AC kick in if it gets hot in a child’s room.
Conclusion
Overall, the Aqara W100 is a valuable addition to any HomeKit setup. It delivers precise temperature and humidity readings, boasts a clear LCD display, and features three programmable buttons for triggering various automations. Its compatibility with both Zigbee and Thread protocols provides flexibility for integrating into different ecosystems, and the anticipated battery life is impressive.
However, it has its drawbacks. The choice of LCD instead of an E-Ink display may deter some users, and the functionality of the buttons can vary depending on the platform you utilize. I would appreciate more features being directly accessible within HomeKit. Nevertheless, if you’re seeking a dependable climate sensor that works seamlessly with HomeKit and offers additional control options, the Aqara W100 is definitely worth considering. I do wish it felt more like a HomeKit-focused product rather than primarily an Aqara one, but I understand the company’s decisions.
You can purchase it from Amazon or directly from Aqara.
