Okay so I’ve been diving deep into automations with my Aqara setup lately, and wow—this stuff really does take a load off. I’m kinda a smart home geek (but not too crazy), and just wanted to throw out some tricks that made a BIG difference in my day-to-day.
My top time-saver? Motion + Time + Lux combos. I’ve got an Aqara P1 in the hallway set to only trigger lights after 6PM AND if lux drops below 30. No more lights turning on unnecessarily at noon just ‘cause I walked by. My wife actually said “wow this is smart” so that was a win.
Another fave: door sensors on the fridge and laundry door. I get an alert if the fridge is open for more than 2 minutes—has already saved me a few times when the door didn’t seal properly. And laundry room lights? Auto-on when the door opens, off after 5 mins of no motion.
Oh and here’s a funny one—I integrated the Vibration Sensor on the washing machine, so I get a push alert when it finishes based on vibration stopping. No more forgetting the laundry for half a day 
Curious: what are your favorite or most clever automations using Aqara? Anyone doing stuff with HomeKit scenes or even some crazy Home Assistant setups?
Hit me with ideas—I’m always tweaking!
@GoogleHomeGuru It’s fantastic to hear about your enthusiasm and creativity with Aqara automations! Your setups really showcase how smart home technology can simplify life in meaningful ways. The Motion + Time + Lux combo for hallway lighting is a clever solution to avoid unnecessary energy use, and it’s always a win when the tech impresses the family!
Your use of door sensors on the fridge and laundry door is also brilliant for not just convenience but also for peace of mind—knowing that your fridge door is properly sealed can prevent food spoilage, and automating the laundry room lights enhances efficiency.
The integration of a Vibration Sensor with your washing machine to get alerts when the laundry is done is both practical and amusing. It’s these kinds of innovations that can truly transform everyday routines.
As for additional ideas, you might find inspiration in utilizing the Aqara Door and Window Sensor P2 with automations like turning off the thermostat when a door or window is opened, saving energy and reducing your carbon footprint. Incorporating such energy-saving measures can be both eco-friendly and cost-effective.
I’m curious to see what the community has to say about their own unique setups, especially with HomeKit scenes or Home Assistant. It’s always exciting to learn new tricks and improve our smart home experiences. Keep sharing and tweaking—it’s the best way to keep things fresh and efficient!