@@Gremlin256 That's Home Assistant. Free / Open Source and amazing! What you see there is the "Traces" part - it shows how an automation or script ran. The different branches it took and is very helpful in aiding with troubleshooting.
As home automation progresses it will become increasingly beneficial to to folks with physical disabilities and folks with memory issues just to start.
As an automation engineer in the IT space the rules I follow for automating a process for a client are: (Time it takes to manually complete a task) x (Number of times the task will be done in the next 2 years) If the above is more than the time it takes to automate the thing, it's automatically worth doing. There's other considerations too, such as removing human error from a long process, ensuring things are standardized for the client, etc that also come in. But the above is a base consideration. For some common things we automate (like installing software for newly deployed workstations) the individual time savings is low, but for a large client it can add up fast. For home automation? I'm willing to consider things a lot more frequently because I can automate something while sitting on the couch watching TV, and some items are sooooo handy. My personal favorite is the easiest thing in the world: When I open the back door at night some outdoor lights turn on, so great for letting the dog out. Lock the door and they turn back off. Time saving? Not at all there, since I'm standing next to the light switch, but it's still hella convenient.
My first thought was, well, my porch light switch is there anyway. But your point reigns Supreme. Less touch is more life (truly is healthier if there's less finger contact)
the benefit of automating a lot of tedious tasks so that your mind is free to focus elsewhere is incalculable. Time in hours is (IMHO) just part of the equation. GREAT video!
lol.. So you are free to spend those cycles trying to deal with them for when the automation isn't working or is working but you or a family member doesn't want it to or thinking about other automations or watching youtube videos on home automation.. .
Benefit of automation is not just about time saved -- it's also about quality of life, and less stress, which is a massive health benefit. Also, time spent creating the automations, I could argue, is hobby time. Yes, it can be frustrating at times (often even, lol), but we wouldn't do it if, at the end of the day, we didn't enjoy it. Haters can keep hating -- we're happier and healthier for it🤣
@@SmartHomeSolverNeed one for the damn Ring Alarm!!! it should turn on when it knows all the phones have left and disarm when at least one phone is back. Sadly I don't have Home Assistant yet 😥
@@samadmirza301 What are you waiting for? Home Assistant is free and waiting for you! Once you set it up, even if just on a VM to play with, you'll wonder why you waited so long. You can then copy the config to deploy on a more "permanent" install. Quit reading this message! Go install it! 😜
The Racchio irrigation controller is my favorite smart home edition that I've made. Not having to go out in the pouring rain to turn off the sprinklers is the best thing
I fully agree, since I installed, Smart switches I no longer have to worry about lights being left on. Certain lights are programmed to go off automatically after so many minutes and I absolutely love it. Especially my Tailwind garage door. I absolutely love that and I highly recommend it.
You are correct about time. I want heard to quote that has stuck with me for a long time. “ the one thing people want more of is the one thing they don’t manage wisely. It’s the only thing we can’t ever get back.” GOOD VIDEO!
One key advantage of automation that was not mentioned is the significant time savings it can provide for all the members of the household. I've seen this firsthand in my home, where my wife, two kids, and I all benefit from various automations. When you consider the potential impact of automations for every member of a household, the time savings can quickly add up to 10 or more hours per week. It's worth noting that even visitors who visit our home benefit from these automations and save time, whether they realise it or not.
I just added watering the lawn to my automation log. Turns it on and off on a set schedule. I can skip it or it knows if it is raining and will not go. Not perfect, still have to make sure the sprinklers are out and make sure it is no leaking.. I will also disconnect in the winter.... Cool vid!
As energy prices increased in the last year, I find it is useful to remember there are over 8000 hours in a year (24 * 365) so automations to turn on and off can help save you money as well as time
I've converted electronic devices like fans, air cleaners etc. to operate on a simple wi-fi switch. Most devices cannot do this because when you power them up they default to off. Basically, you put a switch to bypass the electronics and pick a speed on a fan, and when switch is on, it will always be on that speed making wifi switch usable. It all depends on the device and you need some electronics knowledge.
I did that for a dumb TV once to make it work with my smart switch. Turns out all that it took in that case was jamming a screw in the casing to hold the power button down ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
You get a huge like just for that last part. 👍🏾 Oh and automation has been a game-changer for me too. It's just so cool when I'm at work and my Robovac doing its thing, or my curtains close a little after sunset whilst the indoor lights slowly fade on. 😎
Awesome video. I've recently started adding "smart" devices to my home. Just smart bulbs and a MyQ for my garage door both are paying big dividends in time saved already! Love the channel, thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge.
one big thing also not mentioned is how much nicer it is not being constantly interrupted having to do tasks and how much time and energy THAT takes. plus, i enjoy automation. i HATE vacuuming, turning the lights off at night, etc
My problem is that I have to fight home assistant to get all my devices working at the same time. It’s crazy how things just stop working, and to get it fixed I have to reboot the device and/or Home Assistant. Restarting Home Assistant carries a significant risk of a completely different device becoming unresponsive so I have to rinse and repeat. Eventually I either get all the devices working, or I give up because it’s “good enough” (it isn’t).
Another one... Climate is quite extreme in my area, from way below 30 in winter to over 100 degrees in summer. Having my 10 blinds open and close depending on time of day and E/W orientation used to take me ages. Now I can just forget. And gas bill savings have been spectacular.
Automations are really good to save money on the electricity bills. Smart plugs and bulbs, as well as relays are a life saver here in Australia. With the plugs and relays you can avoid turning on devices and white goods during the peak hours (that will cost a lot more money to run them). Lights can be scheduled to turn on and off, as well as other devices, like air purifiers or dehumidifiers, that we really need in Brisbane. Air fryers are also a great alternative to the conventional oven. Automations save me time and money, so I'm more than happy with them.
@@whitenuttergoku7310 I can't complain about something that doesn't exist yet. I don't get charged subscription or membership. Security cameras do, if that's what you're referring to. I heard Eufy and Ring are pretty expensive, one with devices, the other with services offered.
Seeing your timer shortcut automation made me remember something I’ve been wondering about, that maybe you could look into for a future episode: I’ve always thought it would be nice if my Alexa asked follow-up questions relating to different tasks. For example, if there was a football game I wanted to watch, could it announce a game is coming up and ask me if I want to watch it in the den, then turning everything on for me if I responded with “yes.” Even cooler (but not entirely HA related), it could see that you’d be home late and ask if it wanted to order you pizza!
😂😂 I almost dropped my phone when I got the notification that you uploaded a new video. I just stopped everything I was doing just to watch this. Thanks for the ideas.
@@Neptunesalad12 So if you have set up the Alexa integration with HA (there are various RUclips guides on this. I followed m.ruclips.net/video/Ww2LI59IQ0A/видео.html&pp=ygUZQWxleGEgaG9tZSBhc3Npc3RhbnQgZnJlZQ%3D%3D but I’m sure there are others) then you should be able to trigger scripts from Alexa I wrote the following script in HA alias: Random person sequence: - service: alexa_media.update_last_called data: {} - service: notify.alexa_media data: message: >- {% set options = { 3: 'Its John's turn', 2: 'Its Jane's turn', 1: 'Its Julie's Turn'} %} {{ options[(range(1, 4) | random)] }} data: type: tts target: "{{ states('sensor.last_alexa') }}" mode: single Which I then linked to the voice commands “whose turn is it” in the Alexa app.
Another great video - Thank you Reed. A someone retired i do value time more now as I know it is limited. I would be rather spending time with kids or grand kids vs doing these tasks.
Do you have a video or are planning to make a video on the cost of setting up all these automation? From moving into an empty house to having all rooms automated.
It would be a cool video on calculating the cost savings. Everything from automated blinds and set back thermostats, especially in AZ. To automatically shutting lights off when nobody is in the room. Then the residual savings from water sensors which detect leaks. Just one leak prevention could save 10s of thousands of dollars. Just a thought. Thanks for the cool video. So true automations save time each day/week/year.
I could easily pick the low hanging fruits at my place to save time. Cleaning like vacuum or moping floors could save me 3 hours each week. Also mowing the lawn could be 1 hour and watering it another hours. But when I get the money to do just these small items, I will and enjoy the time in a deckchair :D
I save approximately 3 minutes for my Kitchen lights, oven, cooktop, hood. I automated them so if i press a button, everything turns on. Appliances from Samsung and light from IKEA
I'm waiting until the robot vacuum has a connection for the water line to refill the clean water, and a return line to empty the water into the kitchen or washing machine drain. And most important, I want to see all the dirty stuff like hair and everything else it mops up combined with the stuff it sucks up and empty all of that into a drain. Meaning no bags or anyting else to change/ empty out. Complete automation!
Love the time breakdown! I just got a Caseta Wireless dimmer and was trying to decide how far I should go trying to automate it. This is just the video I need to convince me to go for it!
Hi, Reed. I'm pretty sure that robot vacuum saves you much more time than one hour a week. Robot cleans your house several times a week. And if you sweeped and mopped only once a week, your house would be pretty dirty. Especially with your three kids and Loona. Robot vacuums are really cool and help a lot.😊
One awesome integration I don't see mentioned much is Sleep as Android. It attempts to wake you at the point inside a chosen time window where you are the closest to being awake. Enable the setting that forces you to scan an NFC tag to turn the alarm off and place the tag on the wall ourside your bedroom, hook your blinds to the start-of-the-smart-wake-period event and tuen on the coffee maker and lights when you dismiss the alarm... Very cool stuff!
As a smarthome enthusiast myself (in a rented home) I don't think all of these are valid time saves. But imho home automation is not about saving time. It's about not being forced to do all these tiny tasks interrupting your lazy time. Also working with node red is fun so it's not a waste of time.
For me setting up and bug fixing my smart home took at least as much time as it has saved me. But I'd rather spend my time creating an automation for it than pressing the same light switches or remote buttons over and over again.
So I'm pretty tech-savvy and have a decent amount of smart tech (bulbs, smart things hub, hue bridge etc.) But you should do a back-to-school smart home automation video to help get the kids up and ready or get them to bed on weeknights. Otherwise, keep it up
I'd like to be able to automatically run some automation when I get into bed at night without having to manually trigger it, or even using my voice (because my wife is asleep). Have you figured a way of triggering a bedtime routine, perhaps somehow when you plug your phone into the bedside charger or something?
bit random but as you were talking about that vacuum cleaner avoiding stuff, why isnt there such thing that pushes stuff like this aside? like if it made a pile in middle of room and then moved it so it vacuums even under it. it could have some claws/walls that would just pop out when pushing stuff aside at beginning and it could use existing pressure sensors so it would try to move a sofa. but prop stupid idea
Hi, I'm writing from Italy and here we have skyrocketing hub and raspberry prices, and I was wondering if you knew any other way to approach the world of Home Assistants, even something small to manage a dozen devices; and thanks for all your videos, always precise and at the same time pleasant
On the other hand, the time saved is in such short snippets that it really doesn't amount to much. If you save 2 minutes, you won't be reading Harry Potter in 2-minute increments. But automation is worth it just to bring down your annoyances.
Time savings not so much issue as a backup to forgetting something. Like leaving garage door open equals bugs, snakes, thefts. Lights all off. Save water and electricity by using a smart button for a five minute activation instead of running recirc pump for hours a day. Safety having some lights come on out front as we walk up driveway.
Hello Reed, I have learned many things watching your videos, Many thanks for your efforts. Would it be possible to make a video about converting split Mitsubishi split air condition unit to a smart one using a reliable smart controller. Thanks
The electrical monitor you have on your dryer, which one is that? I've been trying to find one to use on my older dryer but haven't found one that seems like it'd work
I just follow XKCD rules on automation (#1319) and I also check whether it is worth the time (#1205). But I normally chose to ignore it anyway because the automation hobby is simple more fun to do xD
Wow I've always believed in automation and optimization but when you lay out the math like that it's insane to think how much time these "minor" tasks actually accumulate.
Turn on ac at night twice scheduled Turn off lights Slow up the fan After 30min turn off ac then gradually ramp up the fan speed This 1 automation saves me about 40-60mins of hassle
Hey Reed, I really like the idea of the dishwasher status display automation. I was wondering how you made the status of it come up based on how many watts are being consumed by the dishwasher. Is there any way that I could get some help with the code for the display? Thanks
The thing about Home Automation and something like Home Assistant is that you can start with nothing. No smart plugs, not smart lights, nor Alexa, Google Home, etc. Just Home Assistant and your mobile. You can then start with simple things like reminders which notify you on your phone, and as soon as you get the "smart" whatever, you can switch from it "reminding you" with a message to actually DOING the reminder. Example: Dumb washing machine... you put in your laundry, you have a button on your phone to "start washing machine" - which just is a timer. It then notifies you to check the washing machine, is it done? Yes/No. Remind 15 minutes later. Is it done? Yes/No. Yes? Send a notification and mark the washing as finished. You take the clothes out, you then press the button for "washing machine empty" - and it goes into "idle". 2 months later, you get the smart socket which measures power, now it can tell you when the washing machine starts/ends. You still have to tell it the washing machine is empty. 1 month later, you buy the door sensor which now allows the whole system to "know" you've emptied the washing machine too...
I am looking for a recommendation here with home automations and sensing someone's presence in a room. I am looking to install a smart switch in my kitchen where there is an Alexa Show 8 device. I am wondering is it better to utilize the Alexa's motion detection vs. a standalone motion sensor for turning the lights on and off when someone is in/not in the room. I would prefer to not have to do buy a 3rd party motion sensor that I have seen you use in your videos (small square one) if I don't have to. I would prefer for the echo dots and echo shows do it.
The issue I have when it comes to home automation is the constant hit or miss automations that tell me to go into my Alexa app disable the app and re-enable it to get it to work. It is a frustrating task that happens all too often, so do you have any advice?
How does the ring arm/disarm automations work? Is the disarm when home really secure and what happens if my phone is stolen and thief comes home with my phone?
a lot of those tasks could be done from a phone app instead of walking to different rooms. Not as convenient as automations, but not as time wasteful as physically going to the device to turn it on/off.
Roborock anniversary sale starts 8/29: bit.ly/3OCsY7v
Send this video to someone who's been a smart home denier!
What code are you using @8:38 please :)? or what tool? Thank you :)
So how does it work with the mop attachment and carpets? 🤷🏻♂️
@@Gremlin256 That's Home Assistant. Free / Open Source and amazing! What you see there is the "Traces" part - it shows how an automation or script ran. The different branches it took and is very helpful in aiding with troubleshooting.
What program or software do you use to make those automations, ik want to make automations like you do but I don’t know how…
@@Gremlin256do you know what program he is using to make his automations?
As someone who was born with Cerebral Palsy affecting my left side I don't even need to touch a lamp or light switch as motion sensors do it for me
As home automation progresses it will become increasingly beneficial to to folks with physical disabilities and folks with memory issues just to start.
Yes! I’m a disabled vet and can get extra lighting on so I don’t fall. I need more motion sensor set ups!
Oh well, I hope you live a good life buddy.
@@karasummers7286so true. We forget that luxuries for some are huge benefits to others.
I automate because it’s something I enjoy like others enjoy watching sports. It’s something that brings me joy.
Same
As an automation engineer in the IT space the rules I follow for automating a process for a client are:
(Time it takes to manually complete a task) x (Number of times the task will be done in the next 2 years)
If the above is more than the time it takes to automate the thing, it's automatically worth doing.
There's other considerations too, such as removing human error from a long process, ensuring things are standardized for the client, etc that also come in. But the above is a base consideration. For some common things we automate (like installing software for newly deployed workstations) the individual time savings is low, but for a large client it can add up fast.
For home automation? I'm willing to consider things a lot more frequently because I can automate something while sitting on the couch watching TV, and some items are sooooo handy.
My personal favorite is the easiest thing in the world: When I open the back door at night some outdoor lights turn on, so great for letting the dog out. Lock the door and they turn back off.
Time saving? Not at all there, since I'm standing next to the light switch, but it's still hella convenient.
My first thought was, well, my porch light switch is there anyway.
But your point reigns Supreme. Less touch is more life (truly is healthier if there's less finger contact)
I automated lighting up my room to wake up at sunrise... and promptly got much better at sleeping in the light.
the benefit of automating a lot of tedious tasks so that your mind is free to focus elsewhere is incalculable. Time in hours is (IMHO) just part of the equation. GREAT video!
Thanks! I completely agree about being able to focus on other things.
lol.. So you are free to spend those cycles trying to deal with them for when the automation isn't working or is working but you or a family member doesn't want it to or thinking about other automations or watching youtube videos on home automation.. .
Mental fatigue is real! Especially with covid, my brain is tired from all the extra decisions
putting that LTT easter egg in a video now needs really big balls, kudos! :)))
Benefit of automation is not just about time saved -- it's also about quality of life, and less stress, which is a massive health benefit. Also, time spent creating the automations, I could argue, is hobby time. Yes, it can be frustrating at times (often even, lol), but we wouldn't do it if, at the end of the day, we didn't enjoy it. Haters can keep hating -- we're happier and healthier for it🤣
Ok we NEED a tutorial on the phone automations! That seems so key!
I wrote out some steps in the description, but I’m planning to do another video with lots of phone automations too!
@@SmartHomeSolverNeed one for the damn Ring Alarm!!! it should turn on when it knows all the phones have left and disarm when at least one phone is back. Sadly I don't have Home Assistant yet 😥
@@samadmirza301 What are you waiting for? Home Assistant is free and waiting for you! Once you set it up, even if just on a VM to play with, you'll wonder why you waited so long. You can then copy the config to deploy on a more "permanent" install. Quit reading this message! Go install it! 😜
The Racchio irrigation controller is my favorite smart home edition that I've made. Not having to go out in the pouring rain to turn off the sprinklers is the best thing
I fully agree, since I installed, Smart switches I no longer have to worry about lights being left on. Certain lights are programmed to go off automatically after so many minutes and I absolutely love it. Especially my Tailwind garage door. I absolutely love that and I highly recommend it.
When i woke up at midnight for washroom my lights will glow slowly that feeling u have at that time is insane ❤
You are correct about time. I want heard to quote that has stuck with me for a long time. “ the one thing people want more of is the one thing they don’t manage wisely. It’s the only thing we can’t ever get back.” GOOD VIDEO!
Fantastic video Reed, really drives home the benefits of home automation for the most valuable resource any of us have TIME
One key advantage of automation that was not mentioned is the significant time savings it can provide for all the members of the household. I've seen this firsthand in my home, where my wife, two kids, and I all benefit from various automations. When you consider the potential impact of automations for every member of a household, the time savings can quickly add up to 10 or more hours per week. It's worth noting that even visitors who visit our home benefit from these automations and save time, whether they realise it or not.
I just added watering the lawn to my automation log. Turns it on and off on a set schedule. I can skip it or it knows if it is raining and will not go. Not perfect, still have to make sure the sprinklers are out and make sure it is no leaking.. I will also disconnect in the winter.... Cool vid!
our old irrigation system had an outside "rain sensor" that would prevent the irrigation system from turning on when "wet"
As energy prices increased in the last year, I find it is useful to remember there are over 8000 hours in a year (24 * 365) so automations to turn on and off can help save you money as well as time
I've converted electronic devices like fans, air cleaners etc. to operate on a simple wi-fi switch. Most devices cannot do this because when you power them up they default to off. Basically, you put a switch to bypass the electronics and pick a speed on a fan, and when switch is on, it will always be on that speed making wifi switch usable. It all depends on the device and you need some electronics knowledge.
I did that for a dumb TV once to make it work with my smart switch. Turns out all that it took in that case was jamming a screw in the casing to hold the power button down ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
What ever works, without smoke@@CalebTerryRED
You get a huge like just for that last part. 👍🏾
Oh and automation has been a game-changer for me too. It's just so cool when I'm at work and my Robovac doing its thing, or my curtains close a little after sunset whilst the indoor lights slowly fade on. 😎
Awesome video. I've recently started adding "smart" devices to my home. Just smart bulbs and a MyQ for my garage door both are paying big dividends in time saved already! Love the channel, thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge.
Would love to see more on how to get the notification that the washer/dryer are finished. I need that!
one big thing also not mentioned is how much nicer it is not being constantly interrupted having to do tasks and how much time and energy THAT takes. plus, i enjoy automation. i HATE vacuuming, turning the lights off at night, etc
I agree completely. Even if the same savings was 0 at least I’m doing something I enjoy!
Problem solving is fun esp when there is no negative consequences. Oh darn I can't figure out how to make an automation work the way I want. Oh well
My problem is that I have to fight home assistant to get all my devices working at the same time. It’s crazy how things just stop working, and to get it fixed I have to reboot the device and/or Home Assistant. Restarting Home Assistant carries a significant risk of a completely different device becoming unresponsive so I have to rinse and repeat. Eventually I either get all the devices working, or I give up because it’s “good enough” (it isn’t).
Another one... Climate is quite extreme in my area, from way below 30 in winter to over 100 degrees in summer. Having my 10 blinds open and close depending on time of day and E/W orientation used to take me ages. Now I can just forget. And gas bill savings have been spectacular.
I mean you could also turn off the lights when you're leaving a room too lol
For sure. But I'm mainly counting the time when all the lights need to be turned off. Or if you have to stop what you are doing and adjust the lights.
I would love to see a breakdown of all your automations!
Automations are really good to save money on the electricity bills. Smart plugs and bulbs, as well as relays are a life saver here in Australia. With the plugs and relays you can avoid turning on devices and white goods during the peak hours (that will cost a lot more money to run them). Lights can be scheduled to turn on and off, as well as other devices, like air purifiers or dehumidifiers, that we really need in Brisbane. Air fryers are also a great alternative to the conventional oven.
Automations save me time and money, so I'm more than happy with them.
Until ifttt want subscription
@@whitenuttergoku7310 I can't complain about something that doesn't exist yet. I don't get charged subscription or membership.
Security cameras do, if that's what you're referring to. I heard Eufy and Ring are pretty expensive, one with devices, the other with services offered.
Seeing your timer shortcut automation made me remember something I’ve been wondering about, that maybe you could look into for a future episode:
I’ve always thought it would be nice if my Alexa asked follow-up questions relating to different tasks. For example, if there was a football game I wanted to watch, could it announce a game is coming up and ask me if I want to watch it in the den, then turning everything on for me if I responded with “yes.” Even cooler (but not entirely HA related), it could see that you’d be home late and ask if it wanted to order you pizza!
😂😂 I almost dropped my phone when I got the notification that you uploaded a new video. I just stopped everything I was doing just to watch this. Thanks for the ideas.
We have a script that picks randomly between our household members.
"Alexa, whose turn is it?" saves an eternity of arguing
How does it work
@@Neptunesalad12
So if you have set up the Alexa integration with HA (there are various RUclips guides on this. I followed m.ruclips.net/video/Ww2LI59IQ0A/видео.html&pp=ygUZQWxleGEgaG9tZSBhc3Npc3RhbnQgZnJlZQ%3D%3D but I’m sure there are others) then you should be able to trigger scripts from Alexa
I wrote the following script in HA
alias: Random person
sequence:
- service: alexa_media.update_last_called
data: {}
- service: notify.alexa_media
data:
message: >-
{% set options = { 3: 'Its John's turn', 2: 'Its Jane's turn', 1: 'Its Julie's Turn'} %} {{ options[(range(1, 4) | random)] }}
data:
type: tts
target: "{{ states('sensor.last_alexa') }}"
mode: single
Which I then linked to the voice commands “whose turn is it” in the Alexa app.
Another great video - Thank you Reed. A someone retired i do value time more now as I know it is limited. I would be rather spending time with kids or grand kids vs doing these tasks.
Do you have a video or are planning to make a video on the cost of setting up all these automation? From moving into an empty house to having all rooms automated.
I don't know if I've done a video like that yet. That could be fun to do though.
It would be a cool video on calculating the cost savings. Everything from automated blinds and set back thermostats, especially in AZ. To automatically shutting lights off when nobody is in the room. Then the residual savings from water sensors which detect leaks. Just one leak prevention could save 10s of thousands of dollars. Just a thought. Thanks for the cool video. So true automations save time each day/week/year.
Minus the cost of electricity and batteries to power these devices. 1W equals 8.76KWh per year = about $2.50
I could easily pick the low hanging fruits at my place to save time. Cleaning like vacuum or moping floors could save me 3 hours each week. Also mowing the lawn could be 1 hour and watering it another hours. But when I get the money to do just these small items, I will and enjoy the time in a deckchair :D
The energy monitoring plugs for washer/dryer/dishwasher are also super effective because I can immediately go do it when I have an opportunity.
Which ones do you have to monitor dryer energy? The Kasa ones I have don't seem to track usage although they say they do
That's obviously the best wifey math ever! 😄
Thanks a lot!
Get a Netro water system, set it and forget it, app on your phone if adjusting needed. Have my mom next door on the same app.
More shortcuts! The only one that I have used was a days until feature. The examples on the home page were anything I would use.
Hey Reed. Thank you very much. Especially "too much media" part helped me a lot :)
I save approximately 3 minutes for my Kitchen lights, oven, cooktop, hood. I automated them so if i press a button, everything turns on. Appliances from Samsung and light from IKEA
I didn’t see any blind automations, that alone for me in my house saves me 15 minutes a day, or over 90 hours a year!
I'm waiting until the robot vacuum has a connection for the water line to refill the clean water, and a return line to empty the water into the kitchen or washing machine drain. And most important, I want to see all the dirty stuff like hair and everything else it mops up combined with the stuff it sucks up and empty all of that into a drain. Meaning no bags or anyting else to change/ empty out. Complete automation!
That would be amazing 😮
Its also quite fun to automate smart devices.
Yes it’s a lot of fun! Saving time is just a bonus 🤓
Here we go ! 🎉
It's honestly helped me a lot and I still have so much more to automate
Love the time breakdown! I just got a Caseta Wireless dimmer and was trying to decide how far I should go trying to automate it. This is just the video I need to convince me to go for it!
Would love to see more phone automation tips!
A tasker video would be much appreciated!
Hi, Reed. I'm pretty sure that robot vacuum saves you much more time than one hour a week. Robot cleans your house several times a week. And if you sweeped and mopped only once a week, your house would be pretty dirty. Especially with your three kids and Loona. Robot vacuums are really cool and help a lot.😊
You’re right! And I do run it more often than that. I’m just rounding down because I didn’t want people to say I was inflating the numbers 😂
Love your energy. Great posts.
One awesome integration I don't see mentioned much is Sleep as Android. It attempts to wake you at the point inside a chosen time window where you are the closest to being awake.
Enable the setting that forces you to scan an NFC tag to turn the alarm off and place the tag on the wall ourside your bedroom, hook your blinds to the start-of-the-smart-wake-period event and tuen on the coffee maker and lights when you dismiss the alarm... Very cool stuff!
Had me with Barbenheimer already.
You could save a Million years in a single Epoch with automation...
This is some amazing data!
As a smarthome enthusiast myself (in a rented home) I don't think all of these are valid time saves. But imho home automation is not about saving time. It's about not being forced to do all these tiny tasks interrupting your lazy time. Also working with node red is fun so it's not a waste of time.
Awesome video, man! Thanks!
Big fan! I've been watching your stuff for ages. Can we get some more of the siri shortcut stuff?
For me setting up and bug fixing my smart home took at least as much time as it has saved me. But I'd rather spend my time creating an automation for it than pressing the same light switches or remote buttons over and over again.
Not the LTT sub with the current situation 😂
So I'm pretty tech-savvy and have a decent amount of smart tech (bulbs, smart things hub, hue bridge etc.) But you should do a back-to-school smart home automation video to help get the kids up and ready or get them to bed on weeknights. Otherwise, keep it up
That music playlist 😍
I'd like to be able to automatically run some automation when I get into bed at night without having to manually trigger it, or even using my voice (because my wife is asleep). Have you figured a way of triggering a bedtime routine, perhaps somehow when you plug your phone into the bedside charger or something?
So technology is the cause of and solution to my problems!
bit random but as you were talking about that vacuum cleaner avoiding stuff, why isnt there such thing that pushes stuff like this aside? like if it made a pile in middle of room and then moved it so it vacuums even under it. it could have some claws/walls that would just pop out when pushing stuff aside at beginning and it could use existing pressure sensors so it would try to move a sofa. but prop stupid idea
Great music playlist!
You're the best! Love your videos, keep it going!
idk man I'm gonna need some more time comparisons to really understand your point
Cool and helpful video. IMO cool lighting effects and the like are automated homes. Efficiency is what qualifies as a "smart home." Thanks
Hi, I'm writing from Italy and here we have skyrocketing hub and raspberry prices, and I was wondering if you knew any other way to approach the world of Home Assistants, even something small to manage a dozen devices; and thanks for all your videos, always precise and at the same time pleasant
On the other hand, the time saved is in such short snippets that it really doesn't amount to much. If you save 2 minutes, you won't be reading Harry Potter in 2-minute increments. But automation is worth it just to bring down your annoyances.
Time savings not so much issue as a backup to forgetting something. Like leaving garage door open equals bugs, snakes, thefts. Lights all off. Save water and electricity by using a smart button for a five minute activation instead of running recirc pump for hours a day. Safety having some lights come on out front as we walk up driveway.
I agree completely! There are lots of benefits.
Do you have 3 AC units in your house? If not, why are the 3 controllers for Ecobee? Thank you
What about opening/closing windows. How do we automate that for people that use a whole house fan?
Hello Reed,
I have learned many things watching your videos, Many thanks for your efforts. Would it be possible to make a video about converting split Mitsubishi split air condition unit to a smart one using a reliable smart controller.
Thanks
The electrical monitor you have on your dryer, which one is that? I've been trying to find one to use on my older dryer but haven't found one that seems like it'd work
What program or software are you using? I want to make some automations like you but I don’t know how
Great video! Keep up the good work
Can you show how you are doing the alarm in HA with the Ring keypad?
How do you automate the DND light turning red based on if you have a called scheduled i your calendar? Love that one
Another great video. Thanks!
I just follow XKCD rules on automation (#1319) and I also check whether it is worth the time (#1205). But I normally chose to ignore it anyway because the automation hobby is simple more fun to do xD
the xbox start up sound always triggers something in my wife lol
Wow I've always believed in automation and optimization but when you lay out the math like that it's insane to think how much time these "minor" tasks actually accumulate.
Turn on ac at night twice scheduled
Turn off lights
Slow up the fan
After 30min turn off ac then gradually ramp up the fan speed
This 1 automation saves me about 40-60mins of hassle
Great insight!!
Hey Reed, I really like the idea of the dishwasher status display automation. I was wondering how you made the status of it come up based on how many watts are being consumed by the dishwasher. Is there any way that I could get some help with the code for the display?
Thanks
My smart google thermostat knows when I leave and returning home
The thing about Home Automation and something like Home Assistant is that you can start with nothing. No smart plugs, not smart lights, nor Alexa, Google Home, etc. Just Home Assistant and your mobile. You can then start with simple things like reminders which notify you on your phone, and as soon as you get the "smart" whatever, you can switch from it "reminding you" with a message to actually DOING the reminder. Example: Dumb washing machine... you put in your laundry, you have a button on your phone to "start washing machine" - which just is a timer. It then notifies you to check the washing machine, is it done? Yes/No. Remind 15 minutes later. Is it done? Yes/No. Yes? Send a notification and mark the washing as finished. You take the clothes out, you then press the button for "washing machine empty" - and it goes into "idle". 2 months later, you get the smart socket which measures power, now it can tell you when the washing machine starts/ends. You still have to tell it the washing machine is empty. 1 month later, you buy the door sensor which now allows the whole system to "know" you've emptied the washing machine too...
I love this! Starting with what you already have and building slowly is the way to go!
I am looking for a recommendation here with home automations and sensing someone's presence in a room. I am looking to install a smart switch in my kitchen where there is an Alexa Show 8 device. I am wondering is it better to utilize the Alexa's motion detection vs. a standalone motion sensor for turning the lights on and off when someone is in/not in the room. I would prefer to not have to do buy a 3rd party motion sensor that I have seen you use in your videos (small square one) if I don't have to. I would prefer for the echo dots and echo shows do it.
The issue I have when it comes to home automation is the constant hit or miss automations that tell me to go into my Alexa app disable the app and re-enable it to get it to work. It is a frustrating task that happens all too often, so do you have any advice?
That to list redirect is actually dope.
Doesn't your LG washer/dryer have wi-fi? They have push notifications and remote control. You can even get it to work with Home Assistant.
Lol. Thanks Reed.
What was the ui You used for automating this since it looks special
The cost of all that kit you will need to stay on at work and do 6 hours overtime per week tp pay for it all.
How does the ring arm/disarm automations work? Is the disarm when home really secure and what happens if my phone is stolen and thief comes home with my phone?
a lot of those tasks could be done from a phone app instead of walking to different rooms. Not as convenient as automations, but not as time wasteful as physically going to the device to turn it on/off.
Yes, so that would still count as your smart home saving you time since the apps are making it way more convenient!
Make a video about the to do list please.
my house is 126 squared meters, so it doesn't take too long :D
X-box does have some educational content on it. I support the time on X-box
Haha good point!