Hey everyone, I wanted to share my experience with setting up bathroom automation. It’s been a fun and educational journey, and I hope my insights can help others looking to do the same!
My Setup
I have a bathroom extractor fan connected via ESPBathroom, which also has a DHT22 sensor for temperature and humidity readings. I also have a door sensor attached to the bathroom door. My goal was to automate the extractor fan based on door status and humidity levels.
Challenges
Initially, I tried setting up automations that turned the fan on when the door was closed and off when open, depending on humidity. However, the results were inconsistent, especially when considering weather fluctuations that affected humidity readings. I realized I needed a more reliable approach.
Solution
After some research and experimentation, I found that using a combination of fixed thresholds and dynamic adjustments worked best. Here’s what I did:
- Fixed Thresholds: I set a base humidity level above which the fan would turn on if the door was open. If the humidity was below this level, the fan would turn off.
- Dynamic Adjustments: To account for weather changes, I incorporated a daily humidity log and adjusted the thresholds slightly based on historical data.
This approach reduced the number of automations needed and improved reliability.
Tips and Tricks
- Simplify Automations: Start with basic rules and gradually add complexity. This makes troubleshooting easier.
- Test Extensively: Check your system under different conditions (e.g., after a shower, on a humid day) to ensure it behaves as expected.
- Log Data: Keeping track of sensor readings over time can help you fine-tune your settings.
Looking Ahead
I’m excited to explore more advanced automation features, such as integrating voice commands or mobile app controls. If anyone has tips on optimizing these setups, I’d love to hear them!
Thanks for reading, and happy automating! 