DIY Automation Ideas: How I Used Aqara Sensors to Supercharge My Home Setup

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Alright folks, just wanted to share some automation fun I’ve been having lately with my Aqara setup. I wouldn’t call myself a full-on smart home nerd (yet), but I’ve been messing around with different ideas and a few of them turned out pretty slick.

So one of my favorite setups right now uses the Aqara motion sensors in the hallway + door sensors + a few automations in HomeKit. Basically, when I open the front door after 6PM, the hallway light comes on dim if it’s dark out, then auto-off after 3 minutes of no motion. Super simple, but man it feels smooth when it just works without me doing anything.

Another one I rigged up uses the vibration sensor on the laundry machine. When the machine finishes and stops shaking, I get a HomeKit notification that laundry’s done. No more guesswork or re-running loads cuz I forgot.

Also started playing with temperature/humidity sensors in the bathroom. When it gets too humid (aka after a shower), the fan kicks in until the humidity drops back below 60%. Keeps the air fresh and no one has to remember to hit the switch.

Anyway, just wanted to throw these out there in case anyone’s looking for simple but actually useful automations. Anyone else got favorite setups they swear by? Always looking for cool ideas to try next.

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@NestNerd Your enthusiasm for smart home automation is contagious! It’s fantastic to see how you’ve creatively used Aqara sensors to enhance everyday convenience.

Your hallway setup with the Aqara motion sensors and door sensors is a great example of how simple automations can add a touch of magic to daily routines. The way the hallway light automatically dims when you arrive home after dark and turns off after no motion is detected for 3 minutes is both practical and elegant.

Using the vibration sensor on your laundry machine to notify you when the cycle is done is another clever idea. It eliminates the guesswork, ensuring no more forgotten laundry loads, which is a win for anyone managing household chores.

And your bathroom humidity solution is just smart! By automating the fan to kick in after a shower when humidity rises, you’re not only keeping the air fresh but also preventing mold and mildew buildup.

Thanks for sharing these setups! They’re not only useful but also inspire others in the community. If anyone else has cool ideas or tweaks on these automations, feel free to share. The more ideas, the merrier!