Automating Lights-off Verification with Rule Machine

I’ve always been a fan of hands-off home automation, so I wanted to share a neat rule I created using Rule Machine. My goal was to ensure that all my lights turn off when I say “Good Night” via Alexa. Sometimes, especially with external Wi-Fi lights, one or two might stay on, and I end up having to manually check them in the morning. Not ideal!

Here’s what I did:

  1. Context Setup: I have an Alexa routine that switches the mode to Night and turns off all internal lights. I also use Hubitat to control my Wi-Fi devices via the Home Assistant Device Bridge.

  2. Group Creation: I created three zones in Hubitat—Living Area, Sleeping Area, and Outside. Each group includes relevant devices and is set to indicate if any member is on.

  3. Rule Implementation: The rule checks if any devices in Zones 1 (Living Area) or 3 (Outside) are still on after the Good Night routine. If they are, it logs the issue and sends a verbal warning to my bedroom.

This setup has been a lifesaver! It not only reduces the chances of lights staying on but also gives me peace of mind. I’m now looking to expand this automation to other areas of my home. If anyone has similar automations or tips, I’d love to hear about them!