HomePod mini temperature sensors

I don’t think these sensors are intended to control other devices in your home, such as heating or aircon. I tried an automation with it, but the sensors in HomePod mini:

1. are too slow to react/measure
2. are too inaccurate (only in 0.5C or 5% steps)
3. do not provide an offset to fix any actual or placement inaccuracy
4. are not accessible by 3rd party apps (shame on you once again Apple)

I tried to have it manage my heating but the range between on and off is too large to achieve a comfy constant temperature. They are too slow, I ended up freezing and sweating. I use them just for info purposes and some light automations. Not for actual climate control. I use a 3rd party HomeKit sensor which immediately responds to an open window or when my temp is reached, accessible as well in more powerful 3rd party apps. Likewise my humidifier runs all day on HomePod sensors versus 2-3 hours tops on third party sensors. It’s quite embarrassing 5 years into HomeKit to have to write something like this, but typical: a lot of fuss about nothing.

I guess the only thing you can do is put another device close to the suspect HomePod and monitor it over a few days to see if the HomePod always gives the same value, tracks at a consistent offset, or does something random.

tt2

Absolutely. Let’s hope apple gets sufficient feedback to trigger improvements. But I highly doubt these embedded sensors are on people’s priority list. Or HomeKit for that matter. I’ve brought up a VM with Home assistant yesterday. Takes a lot of work to integrate things, plus backup strategy, but once it’s there and assuming Nicla Voice works well (waiting to see a review) I’m considering tossing the whole apple kit. Though, to be fair, I can’t decide that on my own… family has a say.

Hi

I’ve noticed a similar issue with the temperature. Our HomePod Mini is in the kitchen. It consistently registers the temperature as a couple of degrees higher than it is.

I’ve compared with with three other thermometers.

It currently says 18 degrees Celsius whereas other measures say 16 degrees. (trying to save on the fuel bills).

Tony

I’ve got the same issue. HomePod mini says temperature is 18.6C - 19C. In fact I have a very accurate gauge which shows 20.2C right next to my two HomePods. If there was a means of calibrating the temp this could be corrected.