Automation Ideas Bank is a fancy name for the list of ideas based on the enthusiasts like you.
We believe there are three gaps in smart home industry (excluding lack of consistency and :
- Too much focus from manufacturers on creating devices and functionality vs practical use cases
- Lack of shopping list of useful ideas you can use in your house
- Simple way to create and customize those automation routines in your home
How does it work?
We documented the initial list of 50 routines that we use in our own house. Each of the automation idea consists of four main blocks:
- High-level use case and how we solved it
- Detailed explanation of how it works
- List of hardware you need
- Detailed step-by-step description of how to set it up in your (not fully ready as of Aug 2019)
Note that almost each of the automation ideas we use require you to have a smart hub (see our review of the best smart hubs you can buy). This is key to integrate all your devices as well as manage complicated rules.
We are using Home Assistant as the smart hub of chose (see the comparison of Home Assistant vs SmartThings and best hardware for Home Assistant)
Where to start?
We grouped the automation by rooms or devices and use cases so you can find what you want.
Need a summary of automation ideas first? We got you covered:
Best Automations for each room
Living Room Automations
- Automate Your Amplifier, AC and TV (And Forget How To Use The Remote) ($30)
- No More Light Switches ($45 – $100 Per Room)
- Dim The Lights When Starting A Movie On TV Or Projector ($35 – $50)
- Control Your Shutters ($100 – $400)
- Play Your Favourite Playlist Once You Back Home ($25)
Kitchen Automations
- Play Your Favourite Playlist Once You Back Home ($25)
- Digital Cuckoo Clock (Free)
- Stop Water Leaks. Forever. ($70 – $400)
- No More Light Switches ($45 – $100 Per Room)
- Get The Weather Forecast As Soon As You Get Downstairs ($120 – $160)
Bedroom Automations
- No More Light Switches ($45 – $100 Per Room)
- Automated Nightlights – No More Stumbling In The Dark ($50)
- Turn On The Fan When It Is Hot ($40)
- Control Your Shutters ($100 – $400)
Bathroom Automations
Study Room Automations
Dining Room Automation Ideas
Laundry Room Automation Ideas
Best Automation for each devices
Automations Using Motion Sensor
- Get A Picture Of People Leaving And Entering Your House ($70)
- Wake Up Easier With The Sunlight Or Natural Light ($150 – $400)
- RainMeter – Know It Is About To Rain Before You Leave ($25 – $100)
- Automated Nightlights – No More Stumbling In The Dark ($50)
- “Good Night” Automation Routine [Essential] ($35 – $100)
Automations Using Smart Bulbs
- How To Stop Your Kids Waking Up Early ($25)
- Control Your Shutters ($100 – $400)
- Notify That Uber Arrived ($25)
- Never Miss A Call Or Delivery While Being In Garden Or Garage ($70)
- Never Forget to Close The Windows ($50)
- Focus Mode In Your Study – Lights And Music ($20)
- No More Light Switches ($45 – $100 Per Room)
Automations Using Voice Assistants
- Never Forget to Close Your Fridge ($20)
- RainMeter – Know It Is About To Rain Before You Leave ($25 – $100)
- Play Your Favourite Playlist Once You Back Home ($25)
- Let Your Kids Play Their Music [And You Still Control It] ($8 – $50)
- Fake Dog Barking To Scare Off Criminals (Free)