No-code, plug-and-play monitoring for your heat pump

Mars · 2024-01-26T06:00:00Z

The integration of smart technology in UK home energy management, especially for the control and oversight of heat pump systems, is an evolving field. However, this progress is shadowed by increasing frustration among homeowners due to the inadequacy of current heat pump control and oversight capabilities. As highlighted in multiple discussions on the Renewable Heating Hub forums, some homeowners have ventured into DIY solutions, such as modbus/RS-485 monitoring. However, these endeavours often prove to be complex and intimidating. For example, cathodeRay describes his experience setting up a modbus monitoring system. This process involves intricate steps like hard wiring a RS-485 to USB converter into the heat pump controller and utilising open-source software for data reading. Although this approach could be effective, it's not a feasible or realistic solution for the average homeowner. Amidst these challenges, there is a clear demand for monitoring systems that are both straightforward and affordable. Homeowners are looking for solutions that require minimal hardware and software knowledge. The emergence of smart technologies, like PlanetData by Planet Devices, aims to address these challenges in home energy management. PlanetData functions as a WiFi-enabled Modbus communication gateway, enabling remote access to RTU Modbus enabled heat pumps. It presently supports over 150 heat pump models, with the list continuously expanding, showing its adaptability to various systems. One of the key features of PlanetData is its ease of installation and use. It's a no-code, plug-and-play device that connects directly to the heat pump hardware and only requires power. This simplicity contrasts sharply with the complex DIY solutions some homeowners have attempted, involving intricate wiring and programming. PlanetData not only sends and receives data but also allows users to visualise the performance of their heat pumps via a user-friendly dashboard. This dashboard notifies users of any hardware errors, enabling timely interventions. The device can also handle peripherals like CT clamps and indoor temperature probes, providing additional data points crucial for calculating accurate CoP and other efficiency values. The device also features an optional mains voltage meter to provide a more accurate coefficient of performance calculation. These features empower homeowners with detailed insights into their system’s performance, far surpassing the basic metrics provided by standard heat pump installations. The ability to store historic data – hourly, daily, weekly, monthly and yearly averages – allows homeowners to engage in predictive maintenance. Applications can optimise energy use and predict maintenance needs, enhancing control over energy consumption. For homeowners, PlanetData offers a solution that balances sophistication with user-friendliness. It addresses the gap in the market for an effective, accessible heat pump monitoring system. For installers, it provides a comprehensive tool for tracking, maintaining and controlling installations. PlanetData signifies a significant step in home energy management technology. While innovative, it also focuses on addressing the practical needs of homeowners and installers. As the UK moves towards more sustainable energy solutions, technologies like PlanetData could play a crucial role in making home energy systems more efficient, manageable and user-friendly.

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Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs)

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benson

(@benson)

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27/07/2025 2:34 pm

Posted by: @grantmethestrength

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If there any more sensors that are holding registers that you would like to have a switch for let me know, it is pretty easy to create. Might be worth reaching out to the creator and see if he will update the yaml. It is a cool little family project.

Thanks so much for having a look! Only slight problem is, I have no idea where to access the code for the controller, and how to change it 😆 . Is this all in home assistant somewhere?

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Grantmethestrength

(@grantmethestrength)

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27/07/2025 2:51 pm

It is in the ESPHome settings, click on the device and edit and then add the new code. then do an OTA update

Kind Regards
Si
——————————————————————————
Grant Aerona3 13kW
13 x 435w + 13x 480w Solar Panels
Sigenergy 10kW Inverter
16kW Sigenstor battery

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Grantmethestrength

(@grantmethestrength)

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Joined: 8 months ago

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27/07/2025 3:10 pm

To update an ESP device using ESPHome in Home Assistant, you have several methods depending on how your device is set up:

## Through Home Assistant UI (Easiest Method)

1. **Navigate to ESPHome Dashboard**
- Go to Settings → Add-ons → ESPHome → Open Web UI

1. **Update via the Dashboard**
- Find your device in the ESPHome dashboard
- Click the three dots menu next to your device
- Select “Install” or “Update”
- Choose “Wirelessly” if the device is already connected to your network

If your ESP device is already running ESPHome and connected to WiFi:

1. **Make your configuration changes** in the YAML file
2. Use the “Install” button in the web interface and select “Wirelessly”

This post was modified 2 months ago by Grantmethestrength

Kind Regards
Si
——————————————————————————
Grant Aerona3 13kW
13 x 435w + 13x 480w Solar Panels
Sigenergy 10kW Inverter
16kW Sigenstor battery

👍

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