Hi everyone, I wanted to share a simple yet effective setup I’ve created to monitor open doors in my home. We often leave our doors open for airflow and outdoor access, but it’s easy to forget if they’re still open, especially when we’re heading out or going to bed. Here’s how I turned this into a handy visual indicator!
The Problem:
We have several doors (front, back, and garage) that are frequently left open. It’s easy to overlook them, especially when they’re out of sight.
The Solution:
I decided to use contact sensors on each door and an RGB bulb as a visual indicator. The idea is simple: when any door is open, the bulb changes color to alert us. If all doors are closed, it returns to a neutral white light.
Setup Details:
- Contact Sensors: I went with Thirdreality sensors for their reliability and ease of installation.
- RGB Bulb: The IKEA Tradfri bulb was perfect for this since it supports color changes and integrates seamlessly with Hubitat.
- Automation Rule: Using Hubitat’s Rule Machine, I set up a rule that checks the state of all door sensors. If any door is open, the bulb turns red. If all are closed, it switches back to white.
How It Works:
- When a door is opened, the contact sensor triggers the rule.
- The rule checks the status of all door sensors.
- If any door is open, the RGB bulb turns red.
- If all doors are closed, the bulb reverts to white.
Additional Tips:
- Location: Place the RGB bulb in a central location where it’s easily visible, like near your main entrance or kitchen.
- Brightness: Adjust the bulb’s brightness to ensure it’s noticeable but not too harsh, especially at night.
- Customization: You can customize the colors based on your preferences or the specific needs of your home (e.g., blue for garage doors, green for front doors).
Why This Works:
This setup is not only practical but also visually intuitive. The color change acts as a quick reminder without needing to check each door individually. It’s a great way to combine smart home technology with everyday convenience!
I’d love to hear if anyone has similar setups or suggestions for improvement. Happy automating! 