Hey everyone! I wanted to share a fun and practical automation project I recently completed. It’s been a great way to combine motion detection with door status monitoring, and I’d love to hear your thoughts or suggestions for improvement!
The Setup:
I’ve been using Arlo cameras for a while now, and I’ve always loved their integration with smart home systems. A few months ago, I decided to create an automation that would notify me if the laundry room door was left open during a wash or dry cycle. This was partly for convenience and partly to reduce noise in our living area.
The Automation:
Here’s how it works:
- I installed an energy monitor on my washing machine and dryer. This helps me detect when a cycle starts and ends.
- I added a door hinge sensor to the laundry room door. This sensor tracks whether the door is open or closed.
- Using CoRE (Create Rules for Everyone), I set up an automation that does the following:
- Monitors the energy usage to detect when a cycle starts.
- Waits for 3 minutes to allow time for the cycle to begin.
- Checks the door sensor. If the door is open, it sends a push notification to my wife’s phone.
The Results:
This automation has been a lifesaver! My wife now gets a gentle reminder if she forgets to close the door, which has significantly reduced background noise in our living room. It’s also been a great way to ensure energy efficiency, as keeping the door closed helps maintain optimal temperature levels.
Tips and Tricks:
- Energy Monitors: These are incredibly useful for detecting appliance activity without needing direct integration with the device.
- Door Sensors: Look for hinge sensors that are easy to install and provide reliable readings.
- Automation Platforms: CoRE is fantastic for creating complex rules without needing deep technical knowledge.
Lessons Learned:
While setting this up, I encountered a few hiccups, like false notifications when the door was briefly opened during a cycle. However, adjusting the timing and sensitivity of the sensors helped resolve these issues. It’s also important to test each component individually before integrating them into the full automation.
I’d love to hear if anyone else has similar automations or if you’ve found creative ways to combine motion detection with door status monitoring. Let’s keep the ideas flowing!
Cheers,
[Your Name]