I recently tackled a smart home project that I’m really proud of—automating the bathroom fan and lights. It’s a small space, but the automation has made a big difference in convenience and energy efficiency. Here’s how I approached it and what I learned along the way.First, I identified the main goals: ensuring the fan turns on automatically when someone enters, adjusting the lights based on the time of day, and making sure everything shuts off properly when no one is around. I decided to use a combination of motion sensors, humidity sensors, and smart switches to achieve this.The setup involved installing a Tuya bulb over the shower and regular lighting over the vanity, all controlled by Z-Wave switches. I also integrated the Smarter Humidity Fan app to handle the fan automation based on humidity levels. The app uses a virtual switch that activates when the humidity threshold is breached, which is perfect for ensuring the fan runs long enough to clear the steam after a shower.For the lights, I set up a rule that detects motion and adjusts the lighting color depending on the time of day. During the day, the shower light is set to white at full brightness, while at night it switches to red for a softer glow. This not only enhances the ambiance but also helps conserve energy by avoiding unnecessary bright lights when it’s dark.One of the challenges was ensuring the system handles prolonged inactivity gracefully. I programmed the system to wait a few minutes before turning off the lights, giving people time to finish their business without the lights cutting out too soon. This feature has been a lifesaver, especially for those late-night trips to the bathroom.The payoff has been fantastic. The lights always come on when someone enters, with the appropriate color for the time of day. The fan runs efficiently, and I no longer have to worry about forgetting to turn it off. It’s a small victory, but it contributes significantly to the overall smart home experience.Looking ahead, I’m thinking about adding a feature that remembers the light color before switching to night mode and restores it in the morning. This would make the transition even smoother. I’m also curious if there’s a way to automatically detect when someone is filling the bathtub and adjust the fan accordingly, but that’s a project for another day.Overall, this project has been a great learning experience and a testament to how smart home automation can enhance daily routines. I’m excited to see how I can expand on this in the future and share my journey with the community. Thanks for reading, and I’m happy to answer any questions you might have!