exergyheat · EthnTuttle · Feb 26, 2026
diff --git a/src/SUMMARY.md b/src/SUMMARY.md
@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@
     - [Raspberry Pi](./diy/brains/rpi-ha.md) <!--overview of building a pi based ha-->
       - [Hardware Setup](./diy/brains/rpi-ha-hardware.md) <!--hardware setup guide for pi based ha-->
       - [System Configuration](./diy/brains/rpi-ha-config.md)<!--software config guide for pi based ha-->
+  - [Install HACS](./diy/brains/install-hacs.md)
   - [Exergy HA Integrations](./diy/integrations/overview.md)<!--overview of exergy ha integrations-->
     - [Canaan Avalon Home Miners](./diy/integrations/exergy-canaan.md) <!--overview of canaan home miner ha integration-->
       - [Canaan Avalon Mini 3](./diy/integrations/avalon-mini-3.md) <!--mini 3 setup guide with exergy ha integration-->

diff --git a/src/diy/brains/install-hacs.md b/src/diy/brains/install-hacs.md
@@ -0,0 +1,63 @@
+# Install HACS
+
+HACS (Home Assistant Community Store) is required for installing Exergy custom integrations. HACS is not included with Home Assistant by default and must be installed once, regardless of what hardware your Home Assistant runs on.
+
+---
+
+## Prerequisites
+
+Before installing HACS:
+- Home Assistant version **2024.4.1 or newer** (Settings → About to check)
+- A **GitHub account** (free) - [Sign up at github.com](https://github.com/signup)
+- Stable internet connection
+
+## Install the Get HACS Add-on
+
+1. **Open the add-on repository link**
+   - Click this link from your Home Assistant browser session: [Add HACS Repository](https://my.home-assistant.io/redirect/supervisor_add_addon_repository/?repository_url=https%3A%2F%2Fgithub.com%2Fhacs%2Faddons)
+   - Or manually: Go to **Settings → Add-ons → Add-on Store** (three dots menu) → **Repositories** → Add: `https://github.com/hacs/addons`
+
+2. **Install the Get HACS add-on**
+   - In the Add-on Store, search for **Get HACS**
+   - Click on it, then click **Install**
+
+3. **Start the add-on**
+   - After installation, click **Start**
+   - Click the **Log** tab to see the output
+   - Follow any instructions shown in the log
+
+4. **Restart Home Assistant**
+   - Go to **Settings → System → Restart**
+   - Click **Restart** and wait for Home Assistant to come back online
+
+## Configure HACS
+
+1. **Add the HACS integration**
+   - Go to **Settings → Devices & Services**
+   - Click **+ Add Integration** (bottom right)
+   - Search for **HACS** and select it
+   - If HACS doesn't appear, clear your browser cache and try again
+
+2. **Accept the terms**
+   - Read and check all the acknowledgment boxes
+   - Click **Submit**
+
+3. **Authenticate with GitHub**
+   - You'll see a device code (e.g., `ABCD-1234`)
+   - Click the link or go to: [github.com/login/device](https://github.com/login/device)
+   - Sign in to GitHub if needed
+   - Enter the device code
+   - Click **Authorize HACS**
+
+4. **Complete setup**
+   - Back in Home Assistant, the setup will complete automatically
+   - Assign HACS to an area if desired
+   - Click **Finish**
+
+HACS is now installed. You'll see it in the sidebar menu.
+
+---
+
+## Next Steps
+
+Continue to **[Exergy HA Integrations](../integrations/overview.md)** to connect your bitcoin miners.
diff --git a/src/diy/brains/rpi-ha-config.md b/src/diy/brains/rpi-ha-config.md
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 # System Configuration
 
-This guide walks through installing Home Assistant OS on your Raspberry Pi and configuring it for Exergy integrations.
+This guide walks through installing Home Assistant OS on your Raspberry Pi and completing initial setup.
 
 **Prerequisites:**
 - Assembled Raspberry Pi hardware ([Hardware Setup](./rpi-ha-hardware.md))
@@ -187,72 +187,14 @@ Home Assistant may find devices on your network. You can skip this for now - we'
 
 ### 6. You're In!
 
-You're now in the Home Assistant dashboard. From here, you can explore the interface before proceeding to install HACS.
+You're now in the Home Assistant dashboard. From here, you can explore the interface before proceeding to install HACS. See [Install HACS](./install-hacs.md) for that step.
 
 ![Home Assistant dashboard](../../assets/diy/brains/ha-setup-step6.png)
 
 ---
 
-## Step 5: Install HACS
-
-HACS (Home Assistant Community Store) is required for installing Exergy custom integrations. HACS is not included with Home Assistant by default.
-
-### Prerequisites
-
-Before installing HACS:
-- Home Assistant version **2024.4.1 or newer** (Settings → About to check)
-- A **GitHub account** (free) - [Sign up at github.com](https://github.com/signup)
-- Stable internet connection
-
-### Install the Get HACS Add-on
-
-1. **Open the add-on repository link**
-   - Click this link from your Home Assistant browser session: [Add HACS Repository](https://my.home-assistant.io/redirect/supervisor_add_addon_repository/?repository_url=https%3A%2F%2Fgithub.com%2Fhacs%2Faddons)
-   - Or manually: Go to **Settings → Add-ons → Add-on Store** (three dots menu) → **Repositories** → Add: `https://github.com/hacs/addons`
-
-2. **Install the Get HACS add-on**
-   - In the Add-on Store, search for **Get HACS**
-   - Click on it, then click **Install**
-
-3. **Start the add-on**
-   - After installation, click **Start**
-   - Click the **Log** tab to see the output
-   - Follow any instructions shown in the log
-
-4. **Restart Home Assistant**
-   - Go to **Settings → System → Restart**
-   - Click **Restart** and wait for Home Assistant to come back online
-
-### Configure HACS
-
-1. **Add the HACS integration**
-   - Go to **Settings → Devices & Services**
-   - Click **+ Add Integration** (bottom right)
-   - Search for **HACS** and select it
-   - If HACS doesn't appear, clear your browser cache and try again
-
-2. **Accept the terms**
-   - Read and check all the acknowledgment boxes
-   - Click **Submit**
-
-3. **Authenticate with GitHub**
-   - You'll see a device code (e.g., `ABCD-1234`)
-   - Click the link or go to: [github.com/login/device](https://github.com/login/device)
-   - Sign in to GitHub if needed
-   - Enter the device code
-   - Click **Authorize HACS**
-
-4. **Complete setup**
-   - Back in Home Assistant, the setup will complete automatically
-   - Assign HACS to an area if desired
-   - Click **Finish**
-
-HACS is now installed. You'll see it in the sidebar menu.
-
----
-
 ## Next Steps
 
-Your Home Assistant is configured and ready for Exergy integrations.
+Your Raspberry Pi is set up and Home Assistant is running.
 
-Continue to **[Exergy HA Integrations](../integrations/overview.md)** to connect your bitcoin miners.
+Continue to **[Install HACS](./install-hacs.md)** to set up the Home Assistant Community Store, required for Exergy integrations.