I’ve recently been exploring ways to enhance my home’s security using smart technology, and I wanted to share my experience with creating a door open automation. If you’re looking to add an extra layer of security or peace of mind, this might be the project for you!A few weeks ago, I decided to set up an automation that sends a notification if both my garden doors remain open for more than five minutes. The idea is simple but effective: if I accidentally leave the doors open for an extended period, I want to be alerted so I can address it immediately.**Setting It Up:**I used my smart home hub to create this automation. The process involved identifying the sensors on both doors and setting a trigger that activates when both are open simultaneously. After some research, I found that setting a delay of five minutes was a good balance—long enough to avoid false alarms but short enough to catch any oversight.Devices Used:- Garden Sliding Door Contact Sensor: Tracks the state of my sliding door.- Garden Screen Door Contact Sensor: Monitors the screen door.- Smart Home Hub: Serves as the central controller for the automation.**Tips for Success:**1. Test Your Setup: Before finalizing, test the automation by opening both doors and checking if the notification triggers after the set time. This ensures everything is working as intended.2. Adjust the Timer: If five minutes feels too short or too long for your needs, tweak the timer to suit your lifestyle.3. Consider Multiple Notifications: Some users set up multiple notifications at different intervals (e.g., 5 minutes, 10 minutes) to ensure they don’t miss the alert.**Personal Experience:**Implementing this automation has given me a greater sense of security. It’s especially reassuring when I’m juggling multiple tasks and might forget to secure the doors. Plus, it’s been a fun way to integrate technology into my daily routine!If you’re thinking about similar automations, I’d love to hear your ideas or any questions you might have. Happy tinkering! 