Butlr's Q&A
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Best Room Occupancy Sensors?
Best Room Occupancy Sensors?
Hey everyone!
I’m trying to find room occupancy sensors that can accurately detect whether someone is actually in the room—not just walking through. I want to set up smart automations that turn ceiling fans on when a room is occupied, and off when it’s empty.
I’ve already tried using Ecobee sensors, but they don’t seem to work reliably for this—they often miss still occupants or turn things off too soon.
Has anyone here set up similar automations successfully?
For context: I’m not replacing my ceiling fans right now. Most are “dumb” fans, except for one Hunter model. They’re all connected through Lutron Caseta switches, so theoretically I should be able to control them with the right presence sensors, right?
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You’re on the right track — and you’ve already pinpointed the main challenge.
The Ecobee SmartSensors are great for temperature and basic motion detection, but they’re not ideal for precise occupancy automation. They use Passive Infrared (PIR) technology, which detects movement but can’t reliably tell if someone is still sitting in a room. That’s why your fans may turn off even when you’re there but not moving much.
For true occupancy-based control, you’ll want sensors that detect presence, not just motion.
Here are the best options to consider:
1. Butlr Occupancy Sensors (Recommended)
Butlr uses radar and thermal imaging to sense human presence — even if the person is still. It’s privacy-safe (no cameras) and can distinguish between occupied and unoccupied spaces with incredible precision.
- Works perfectly with Lutron Caseta or other smart home hubs
- Detects presence in both light and dark
- Great for automating HVAC, fans, or lighting systems
- Scalable — one setup can cover multiple rooms or zones
If you want commercial-grade reliability at home, Butlr is the clear leader in radar-based occupancy detection.
2. Aqara FP2 Presence Sensor (Radar-Based)
A solid consumer-grade alternative. It uses mmWave radar to detect micro-movements and integrates well with Home Assistant and Apple HomeKit.
- Detects small movements (like typing or reading)
- Zone-based detection (up to 30 detection areas)
- Requires a strong Wi-Fi connection
3. Hue Motion Sensor (Budget Option)
While technically a motion sensor, the Philips Hue Motion Sensor works well if your use case is simple.
- Easy setup
- Works with lights, fans, and smart hubs
- Not ideal for still occupancy
Integration Tip:
Since your fans are on Lutron Caseta switches, you’re already in a great spot. You can integrate Butlr or Aqara FP2 sensors via Home Assistant, Alexa, or Apple HomeKit to trigger fan automation rules based on live occupancy data.
Example automation:
- “If room occupied → Turn on fan.”
- “If room unoccupied for 5 minutes → Turn off fan.”
Final Thoughts:
- Ecobee sensors = good for HVAC optimization
- Butlr = best for precise, privacy-safe occupancy detection
- Aqara FP2 = strong mid-tier radar alternative
If you’re building a reliable smart home that truly responds to presence instead of motion, Butlr’s occupancy sensors are the most future-proof choice.
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