If you've ever looked into smart home, you've almost certainly heard: "This only pays off in new builds." That used to be true — but not anymore. The Loxone Air technology is the answer to exactly this problem: the full functionality of the Loxone system is available without cables, in an existing house.
Why do most people think this only works in new builds?
Loxone's traditional (Tree) system is indeed wired: every switch, sensor, and motor communicates over a dedicated two-wire cable with the Miniserver. This provides maximum reliability but requires cable installation — which in an existing house means serious wall cutting.
That's where the myth comes from. However, Loxone developed the Air technology specifically for this problem — and the result: the same system, the same functions, without cables.
🔑 In one sentence: Loxone Air is not a cheaper compromise — it's the wireless version of the same premium system, specifically designed for existing buildings.
What is Loxone Air?
Loxone Air is Loxone's own 868 MHz radio protocol with AES-128 encryption and bidirectional communication. It is neither WiFi, nor Bluetooth, nor Z-Wave — but a stable and secure protocol specifically designed for building automation.
What Air devices exist?
The Loxone Air device lineup is broad — almost every function has a wireless solution:
Nano Dimmer Air
Installs into existing switch box, dims existing lamps
Touch Pure Air
Touch wall panel, installable without cables
Motion Sensor Air
Presence sensor, mounts to ceiling, battery-powered
Temperature Sensor Air
Per-room temperature measurement, also battery-powered
Jalousie Air
Shutter and shading control for existing motors
Door & Window Sensor Air
Door/window sensor, adhesive mount, 2-year battery life
How does it get installed in an existing house?
The installation process is much easier than you'd think — and involves no wall cutting:
✅ No cutting, no painting, no dust. The Nano Dimmer Air fits into the existing switch box, sensors can be adhesive-mounted or screwed in. The entire installation typically takes 1–2 working days.
Loxone Air vs. Loxone Tree — which to use when?
The two systems don't compete — they complement each other. In many cases they're used together in a single house.
| Aspect | Loxone Tree (wired) | Loxone Air (wireless) |
|---|---|---|
| Ideal for? | New build, major renovation | Existing house, retrofit |
| Cable installation required? | Yes | Nem |
| Device power supply | Via cable | Battery or existing 230V network |
| Reliability | Maximum | Excellent (bidirectional, acknowledged) |
| Expandability | Unlimited | Flexible |
| Combinable? | ✓ Yes — both work mixed within a single Miniserver | |
What can a Loxone Air system do in an existing house?
Exactly the same as the wired version — no compromises:
3 myths about wireless smart homes
❌ "WiFi-based solutions are unreliable"
This may be true for cheap WiFi devices — but Loxone Air is not WiFi. The 868 MHz protocol is far less crowded than the 2.4 GHz WiFi band. Every message gets bidirectional acknowledgement: if a packet is lost, it's automatically resent. That's industrial-grade reliability.
❌ "Battery-powered devices require constant maintenance"
Loxone Air sensor batteries last 2–5 years under normal use. The system monitors battery level and sends a notification when a replacement is needed — you'll never be caught off-guard by a dead device.
❌ "Fewer features than the wired system"
No. Loxone Air devices are equally programmable and support the same automations, scenes, and schedules as Tree devices. The only difference is the communication method.
💡 Note on other systems: Fibaro's Z-Wave-based system is also suitable for retrofit and is a good solution for smaller projects. However, if you want to stay within the Loxone ecosystem — and enjoy the benefits of a unified app, advanced automation, and premium quality — Loxone Air is the best choice for an existing house.
Summary
A Loxone Air technology has bridged the single major obstacle that constrained Loxone smart home systems: the need for cable installation. Today, even an existing, decades-old house can be made smart with full Loxone functionality — without cutting, painting, or demolition.
If you're planning a smart home in Sopron or the surrounding area — whether new build or existing house — visit our smart home installation service page, or contact us directly.
Want to make your home smart?
Free on-site visit in Sopron and within 30 km. We'll show you what's possible and how — no obligation.
📞 +36 30 522 7954 ✉️ Get in touch