You don’t state where in the world you are. This will have a major impact on product selection. The following recommendations are assuming the U.S. market.
[quote=“qiuzman, post:1, topic:189692”]Schedule the electric hot water heat to run at certain times-- What would be needed and can an average non electrician set this up?[/quote]You’ll need a Z-Wave controlled contactor like the Intermatic CA3750 or the newer Aeon Labs ZW078-A Heavy Duty Appliance Swicth An electrician is not required, but if you are inexperienced, I would strongly recommend an electrician.
Motion detection lights-- What would be needed?
You'll need a motion sensor, such as the [url=http://amzn.to/1WVELPN]Schlage RS200 Z-Wave Motion Sensor[/url] and a Z-Wave light switch such as the [url=http://amzn.to/1kZmLml]GE 12722 On/Off Switch[/url] or a dimmer like the [url=http://amzn.to/1kZmUWM]GE 12724 Smart Dimmer[/url] or any of several other brands and models. The motion sensor alerts Vera that there is motion and then a scene on Vera turns on lights or whatever you want.
Real time electric usage statistics-- Seems useful
[url=http://amzn.to/1WVFh0h]Aeon Labs Aeotec Z-Wave Home Energy Meter, 2nd Edition (DSB28-ZWUS)[/url]
HVAC control - Electric heat pump so would be nice to control this remotely if no one is home
[url=http://amzn.to/1WVFMHD]Honeywell YTH8320 Z-Wave Enabled Programmable Thermostat[/url] or [url=http://amzn.to/1WVFUGY]TRANE XR524 Nexia Home Intelligence Z-Wave Thermostat[/url] or several WiFi thermostats including Nest, though I don't share the enthusiasm for the Nest products.
Moisture levels - Has a basement and would like to keep an eye out for possible mold growth conditions
[url=http://amzn.to/1WVGd4I]Everspring Z-Wave Wireless Temperature / Humidity Sensor[/url]
Pellet Stove - I am having a pellet stove installed in an existing fire place. Can this be controlled remotely or is that a fire hazard?
I have no experience with pellet stoves. I feel that remotely controlled fireplaces and space heaters are a major safety hazard that should be avoided.
Home security - Would like to possibly set up a home security system which has windows sensors, door sensors, etc, but do not want a monthly fee so if there are any known systems to work with vera edge that would be great
DSC Alarm systems are popular for this purpose. Combined with a [url=http://amzn.to/1WVGGUs]Envisalink Internet Alert Module for DSC[/url] network module it can be integrated into Vera and make all sensors available for Vera automation.
Be forewarned, that unless your family has the bad habit of always leaving all the lights on, automation is not likely to have a major impact on energy savings. These Z-Wave devices don’t use less energy than a regular switch, in fact they each use one watt more than a regular switch.
Even switching off a modern water heater that is properly insulated for many hours each day will not likely produce a measurable difference than its built-in thermostat. You won’t notice an appreciable energy usage difference until you are regularly turning it off for many days at a time. This works for vacation homes and rentals, but isn’t practical when you live in the house.
Z-Wave A/C thermostats are neat and can be convenient, but they are no more energy efficient than a properly setup 7 day programmable thermostat.
I have a somewhat larger than average modern U.S. house that is fully automated and I don’t think I’ve seen a 10% reduction in energy use over my non-automation consumption. ‘Will you kids turn off the damn lights, when you’re not in the room!’ You’ll see your best energy conservation from efficient insulation, windows, heat pumps, LED bulbs.