Hidden gem ideas for home automation according to Redditors

While smart lights, locks, and thermostats are common in many automated homes, some Redditors have come up with creative and lesser-known ideas to take their smart homes to the next level. Here are some hidden gem automation ideas that go beyond the basics:

Clever Security Measures

One Redditor implemented an ingenious door lock status notification system using a contact switch on the deadbolt. When the deadbolt engages, they receive a notification confirming the door is locked, eliminating the need to double-check.

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Another user set up an automation to lock doors at specific times and intervals:

“My 2 doors start at 12am and if they are closed and unlocked, they will lock them selves. Then it checks every thirty minutes until 5 am. And as of yesterday, they now wait 15 minutes after my cellphone leaves the house to see if they are locked and will lock themselves if they aren't at anytime of the day.” - user, TTdriver

Enhancing Daily Routines

Several users shared automations that make daily life more convenient:

• A robot vacuum that only runs when the TV is off, avoiding disruptions during relaxation time.

• Children's white noise fans that activate when they enter their rooms at night.

• Bathroom light dimming after midnight to avoid blinding during late-night visits.

• Smart speaker volume reset after periods of inactivity to prevent unexpected loud sounds.

Learn how to enhance your daily life even more with these 12 creative smart home tips and tricks.

Creative Lighting Solutions

Lighting automations can go far beyond simple on/off schedules:

• Kitchen lights turn blue if a leak is detected in the house, providing a visual alert.

• Lights turn red if the cat's litter box door is shut, reminding owners to check it.

• Color temperature of lights changing based on time of day to match natural light cycles.

• Stairway lighting activated by door opening for safe nighttime navigation.

Unique Entertainment Setups

Home entertainment systems benefit from clever automations:

• Theater lighting that dims when a movie plays and brightens when paused.

• Gaming consoles automatically turn off when the TV goes off, saving energy.

Water Management and Safety

Several Redditors shared ideas for managing water usage and preventing damage:

• Automatic water shutoff to prevent pipe freezing in winterized homes.

• Leak detection triggering water valve shutoff and power cut to water heater.

• Sprinkler system activation when motion is detected at night, deterring intruders or wildlife.

Fun and Festive Ideas

Home automation can add a touch of magic to holiday traditions and family routines. One creative Redditor shared an ingenious solution for the popular "Elf on the Shelf" tradition:

“I created a virtual switch that turns on every night at 8:30 after [the kids] go to bed. When the switch turns on, it turns the LED light on a bunch of my wall switches red. I have to move the elf and turn off the switch for all the LEDs to go back to blue like they normally are.” - user, BreakfastBeerz

This creative use of smart lights adds an interactive element to holiday traditions. Here are some more festive automation ideas inspired by this concept:

• Create a "Santa's coming" scene that dims lights and plays soft Christmas music on Christmas Eve.

• Set up motion sensors to trigger holiday music or lighting effects when someone enters a room.

• Program smart lights to display a countdown to a special event or holiday.

• Use voice commands to activate pre-set holiday lighting scenes or start a holiday playlist.

• Automate outdoor decorations to turn on at sunset and off at a specified time.

• Set up a smart doorbell to play seasonal greetings or sounds when visitors arrive.

The Key to Successful Automation

While these ideas are inspiring, it's important to remember that automation should serve a purpose. As one Redditor wisely noted:

“As others have said, don't automate just for the sake of it. But as you work on one project, inspiration of other projects tends to bloom naturally” - user, grtgbln

The best home automations are those that genuinely improve your daily life, enhance security, or bring joy to your household. As you explore these hidden gems, consider how they might fit into your own smart home ecosystem and what unique automations you can create to suit your lifestyle.

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