I’ve been diving into the world of smart home automation lately, and I’m absolutely thrilled with how much I’ve been able to streamline my daily life. One area I’ve been particularly focused on is energy monitoring, especially with propane gas. I stumbled upon the Tank Utility integration in Home Assistant, and it’s been a game-changer for me. 
I’ve got a 500-gallon propane tank, and keeping track of its usage has always been a bit of a puzzle. The Tank Utility integration provides a pressure reading every 24 hours, which gives me a clear picture of how much propane I’m using over time. However, I’ve been trying to figure out how to incorporate this data into my energy monitoring setup. The challenge is that the tank refills periodically, which resets the pressure reading, and I don’t want that refill to be counted as energy consumption. It’s been a bit of a brain teaser, but I’m determined to crack it!
I’ve spent hours researching and experimenting with different approaches. One idea I’ve been exploring is using the pressure readings to calculate energy usage over time. For example, if the pressure drops by a certain percentage, I can estimate how much propane has been consumed. It’s a bit technical, but I think it’s doable with some custom scripting. I’m also considering integrating this data into my existing energy dashboard so I can get a comprehensive view of all my energy usage in one place.
Another thing I’ve been working on is automating my outdoor lighting. I’ve got a set of Govee smart plugs that I’ve been using to control my outdoor lights, and they’ve been performing exceptionally well. I’ve set up schedules so the lights come on automatically at dusk and turn off at dawn, which has been a huge convenience. I’ve also integrated motion sensors so the lights come on when someone approaches the house, adding an extra layer of security. It’s amazing how these small automations can make such a big difference in daily life.
I’d love to hear from others who are also working on similar projects. How have you approached propane monitoring? Have you found any innovative ways to integrate it into your energy tracking setup? I’m always on the lookout for new ideas and tips to improve my smart home setup. Let’s keep the conversation going! 