Lights On When You Enter The House ($35)

Turns on/off lights in the corridor, hallway or foyer when you came to the house late.

This routine is part of the Automation Bank, a community-driven list of over 50 practical automation ideas for your smart home. Read more about Automation Bank or search ideas by room, by device or by use case. Also, have a look at best home automation ideas as voted by our users.

How Does It Work?

Trigger: A motion sensor in your hallway, and a door sensor on your front door
Condition: Should only work at dark and the lights are not on
Action: Switch on and off lights or smart switch

What Do You Need?


    		    
                
			                
			                
			                
			        
		

                                                        Device Our Recommendation Price



        
            IR hub
A dedicated bridge
that emulates your 
IR remote 
Broadlink RM Mini3 Black Bean Universal Remote  ($23.99) is best IR blaster to use. It is simple to install and easy to operate. We also do not recommend to buy Broadlink 2018 New RM33 RM Pro+  ($39.99) even if it combines RF and IR. Sonoff RF bridge is easier to use (see below)
$10 - $30         
            
            Comms Sticks
Use Z-wave and Zigbee with your smart hub 
Aeotec Z-Stick Gen5, Z-Wave Plus  (from $43.99) a Z-wave stick that we have but not deserve. reliable, easy and practical 
dresden elektronik ConBee II ($37.45) even if it combines RF and IR. Sonoff RF bridge is easier to use (see below)
$40 - $50         
            
            Home Assistant Server
Use Z-wave and Zigbee with your smart hub 
If you are new to Home Assistant, start with Raspberry Pi 3 B+ ($79.99). It will cover your basic needs and easily expand. 
Intel NUC NUC8i3BEK, i3 (8GB Ram + 128GB SSD) (from $43.99) once you understand how cool Home Assistant is, go for NUC. There are dedicated images for NUC which makes it great to use and simple to set up. 
$80 - $400         
            
            RF hub

RF bridge that emulates your Remote

  
Sonoff RF Bridge ($23.99) is our favourite RF bridge. The first thing you need to do is to flash it with Tasmota. This will allow you to connect to your bridge but also just control the bridge better.
$20 - $30         
            
            Shut off valve

A valve that will close and open water supply 
Dome Home Automation Water Shut-Off Valve - for Pipes up to 1 1/2", White (DMWV1) ($94.95) is the most affordable option. Easy to install (you do not need a plumber) and operate. Requires Smart Hub


leakSMART Water Leak Detection Kit ($364.73) is a more expensive option. It has all you need to set you up shut off valve. There are some negative comments on the hub but it works well in general.


Grohe 22503LN0 (from $14.00) is even more expensive. For the additional price, you have flow sensors capable to detect the pipe bursts without the sensors and better overall build quality. At the same, it has fewer options for integrating with your smart hub.
$99 - $400         
            
            Door/Window Sensor
Reports if a door or window is open or closed 
Zigbee:  SmartThings Multipurpose Sensor ($19.99) is the best sensor by Samsung. Reliable, good battery life and looks amazing
Z-wave:  Z-Wave Door & Window Sensor ($29.00) is the sensor we recommend by Ecolink. It is easy to install, has up to 3 years of battery life and great customer feedback
$20 - $30         
            
            Motion Sensor 

Detects any motion. Ideally combined with luminance sensor. A relatively simple device, with the price mainly dependent on the protocol you are using:


Z-wave Motion Sensor: Our favouritez-wave sensor is Dome Motion and Light Sensor ($34.97) for a good battery life, responsiveness and price. It also has luminance sensor built in. For a multisensor we recommend Zoos 4 in 1 multisensor ($36.95) or Aeon 6 in 1 ($59.99).


Zigbee Motion Sensor: SmartThings sensor ($24.99) is the best for its price and stability.
$25 - $60         
            
            Multisensor 

Measure several environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, or light levels This is a more complicated device than a motion sensor and can be used where multiple environmental factors need to be detected:


Z-wave: Our favourite z-wave sensor is Aeon 6 in 1 ($59.99) for its reliability and flexibility in use. It detects motion, humidity, temperature, light lux, UV, vibration sensor and has 2-year battery life
Zigbee: Samsung SmartThings Multipurpose Sensor ($19.99) give you open/close, vibration, orientation, angle (tilt), and temperature measures for multipurpose functionality

$20 - $60         
            
            Water leak detector
A sensor that will trigger the shut-off valve to work

Samsung Leak Detector ($19.65) is the most affordable and simple solution. At this price, you should cover all the areas in your house. Requires A Smart Hub


FIBARO Flood Sensor ($54.99) is a very good Z-wave leak detector. It has great battery life, easy to pair and very accurate at alarms. Requires A Smart Hub
$20 - $55         
            
            Outlet 

Allows you to remotely switch on and off. Can be retrofitted to any existing devices.  
Wifi outlet: Kasa Smart WiFi Plug (price for 2 - $36.99) is the best for price and local connectivity.


Zigbee outlet: Sylvania Smart Plug ($18.79) is also a good option for ZigBee outlet


Z-wave outlet: GE Enbrighten Z-Wave Plus Smart Plug ($36.99) is good practical device that do not take a lot of space and work perfectly
$20 - $35         
            
            Plug with Energy Monitoring

Reports the power consumption 
Wifi outlet: Kasa Smart WiFi Plug ( $22.49) is the best for price and local connectivity.


Z-wave outlet: HAOZEE Z Wave Plus Mini Smart Power Plug (from $62.99) is a good practical device that does not take a lot of space and work perfectly

$23 - $32         
            
            Smart Color Bulb
A colour bulb you can remotely control  
Wifi: Kasa Smart Light Bulb, Multicolor  (from $19.99) is best wifi colour LED bulb. We recommend TP-link devices for a great value, easy integration with almost any smart hubs and excellent quality.
Zigbee: Sengled E11-N1EA Smart LED Multicolor Bulb (from $19.99) is the most practical RGB smart bulb around
$24 - $35         
            
            White Bulb
Practical bulb that would work for majority of use cases 
Wifi: Kasa Smart WiFi Light Bulb (from $16.99)
Zigbee: Sengled Smart LED Soft White A19 Bulb (from $8.99))
$10 - $20         
            
            Switch US
Switch to turn on and off lights. Require neutral wire in the box. 
Zigbee: HOUSEYAS ZigBee Smart Light Switch (from $28.99) is a great device. It does not require neutral wire so will be really easy to install. 
Z-wave: Honeywell Z-Wave Plus On/Off Switch (from $19.99) is a switch that easy to install and operate. Works with all the major hubs and looks great.
Z-wave Dimmer: GE Enbrighten Z-Wave Plus Smart Dimmer Switch ($42.93) in addition to being a great dimmer can also act as extender.  
Wifi: Wemo Light Switch ($37.99) is really good if you do not have Z-wave of ZigBee and not planning to buy. 
$30 - $45         
            
            Voice assistant:
AI driven device that can respond to voice commands There is no right answer which Voice Assistant to choose, but we have the following recommendations:

The most comprehensive: Amazon Alexa ($99.99) has a lot to offer. Zigbee radio means potentially one hub less (although we still recommend getting a dedicated hub). It also has the biggest ecosystem to tap into (including Ring, Phillips Hue, TP-link)
The most intelligent: Google Home is using the brains behind the biggest search engine in the world to deliver the best answers for your questions. It is definitely more capable compared to Alexa
$100         
            
            Smart Blinds
Motorised shades that automatically open and close the blinds 
Best DIY Blinds: Rechargeable Wireless by RollerHouse (from $39.99)
Best Horizontal Blinds: MySmartBlinds Automation Kit Bundle (from $159.00)
Best Vertical Blinds: Somfy Sonesse ST30 ($303.50)

Read more: Best Motorized Blinds $40 - $279         
            
            Smart Buttons
A convenient way to trigger routines and specific actions 
Zigbee: Sylvania 8 Functions 4 Buttons (from $27.95)
Z-wave: Aeotec NanoMote Quad, 8 scenes, ($44.99)
$8 - $50         
            
            Irrigation System
Make sure your plants are always watered 
Best for most users: RainMachine Touch HD-12 (from $277.91) is our top irrigation system pick due to complete independence from cloud, good integrations and great quality
Alternative: Rachio 8ZULW-C Sprinkler Controller ($222.13) is another good option for irrigation system
$180 - $220         
            
            Outdoor Lights
Lightning for your garden protected from water 
Zigbee: SYLVANIA 9 Color Changing and Dimmable LED Spots (from $13.00) is a very convenient way to bring smart lights to your garden. Easy to install and integrate. GLEDOPTO Outdoor Smart LED 9W  ($59.99) is also a good option and has more brigness and metal chasis. 
Z-wave: Z-wave is not great with lights, but GE Enbrighten Z-Wave Plus Outdoor Smart Plug Switch  ($37.41) would work great to control existing lightning solutions. 
$49 - $70         
            
            Smart TRV
Thermo Regulator Valve that can be controlled remotely 
US: tado Smart Radiator Thermostat ($199.00) is part of Tado which is great heating system with local controls
UK: No products found. () is a decent solution with good installations options.
$60 - $200         
            
            Outdoor Outlets
Protected plugs for outdoors 
Wifi: Kasa Smart WiFi 2 Outlet Outdoor Plug by TP-Link (from $22.99) is a great outdoor plug and wifi connection would work great for the majority of users
Z-wave: GE Enbrighten Z-Wave Plus Outdoor Smart Plug Switch ($37.41) is a well functioning outdoor plug with good range.
$40         
            
            Outdoor Cameras
Cameras that would work well outdoors 
Best Overall Outdoor Camera: Amcrest UltraHD 4MP Outdoor POE Camera ($79.98) is a great quality outdoor camera. It has 4k resolution making it perfect for large outdoor areas. It is ONVIF protocol compliant making it easy to connect to almost any NVR

More: Detailed Review of 4 Best Outdoor Cameras $70         
            
            Outdoor Sensors
Protected sensors for your garden HomeSeer HS-FLS100+ Z-Wave Plus Outdoor Floodlight Sensor ($42.95) is a AC powered motion and lightning sensor. It would work with your smart home but also control floodlights. $40         
            
            Moisture Sensor
Reports the level of humidity 
Best for most users: HHCC Xiaomi 4 in 1 Plant Flower Care Smart Monitor ($25.88) is a Bluetooth device that can monitor moisture as well as Sunlight, Temperature, and Soil Fertility
$30         
            
            Security Alarm System
System to alarm you of any unauthorized entry to your house 
The best for the majority users: SimpliSafe Wireless Home Security System The Knox 2018  ($309.00) has all the main things for a good security system. Great customer service, main sensors included for the most users and good quality hardware.
More affordable security system: Thustar Home Alarm System Wireless  (from $9.99) is a cheaper no-monthly-fee system. It will be more difficult to integrate to your hub but can be done with Sonoff Bridge. 
More affordable security system: LifeShield, an ADT Company - 14-Piece Easy, DIY Smart Home Security System ($229.99) is a middle option. The system has good integration with hubs, no-monthly-fee system, and a well designed mobile application. 
$89 - $300         
            
            Robot Vacuum
Little helper to clean your house 
Best Overall: iRobot Roomba 690 (from $318.74) for great value, good quality and connectivity to all major smart hubs
$300

Device	Our Recommendation	Price
IR hub A dedicated bridge that emulates your IR remote	Broadlink RM Mini3 Black Bean Universal Remote ($23.99) is best IR blaster to use. It is simple to install and easy to operate. We also do not recommend to buy Broadlink 2018 New RM33 RM Pro+ ($39.99) even if it combines RF and IR. Sonoff RF bridge is easier to use (see below)	$10 - $30
Comms Sticks Use Z-wave and Zigbee with your smart hub	Aeotec Z-Stick Gen5, Z-Wave Plus (from $43.99) a Z-wave stick that we have but not deserve. reliable, easy and practical dresden elektronik ConBee II ($37.45) even if it combines RF and IR. Sonoff RF bridge is easier to use (see below)	$40 - $50
Home Assistant Server Use Z-wave and Zigbee with your smart hub	If you are new to Home Assistant, start with Raspberry Pi 3 B+ ($79.99). It will cover your basic needs and easily expand. Intel NUC NUC8i3BEK, i3 (8GB Ram + 128GB SSD) (from $43.99) once you understand how cool Home Assistant is, go for NUC. There are dedicated images for NUC which makes it great to use and simple to set up.	$80 - $400
RF hub RF bridge that emulates your Remote	Sonoff RF Bridge ($23.99) is our favourite RF bridge. The first thing you need to do is to flash it with Tasmota. This will allow you to connect to your bridge but also just control the bridge better.	$20 - $30
Shut off valve A valve that will close and open water supply	Dome Home Automation Water Shut-Off Valve - for Pipes up to 1 1/2", White (DMWV1) ($94.95) is the most affordable option. Easy to install (you do not need a plumber) and operate. Requires Smart Hub leakSMART Water Leak Detection Kit ($364.73) is a more expensive option. It has all you need to set you up shut off valve. There are some negative comments on the hub but it works well in general. Grohe 22503LN0 (from $14.00) is even more expensive. For the additional price, you have flow sensors capable to detect the pipe bursts without the sensors and better overall build quality. At the same, it has fewer options for integrating with your smart hub.	$99 - $400
Door/Window Sensor Reports if a door or window is open or closed	Zigbee: SmartThings Multipurpose Sensor ($19.99) is the best sensor by Samsung. Reliable, good battery life and looks amazing Z-wave: Z-Wave Door & Window Sensor ($29.00) is the sensor we recommend by Ecolink. It is easy to install, has up to 3 years of battery life and great customer feedback	$20 - $30
Motion Sensor Detects any motion. Ideally combined with luminance sensor.	A relatively simple device, with the price mainly dependent on the protocol you are using: Z-wave Motion Sensor: Our favouritez-wave sensor is Dome Motion and Light Sensor ($34.97) for a good battery life, responsiveness and price. It also has luminance sensor built in. For a multisensor we recommend Zoos 4 in 1 multisensor ($36.95) or Aeon 6 in 1 ($59.99). Zigbee Motion Sensor: SmartThings sensor ($24.99) is the best for its price and stability.	$25 - $60
Multisensor Measure several environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, or light levels	This is a more complicated device than a motion sensor and can be used where multiple environmental factors need to be detected: Z-wave: Our favourite z-wave sensor is Aeon 6 in 1 ($59.99) for its reliability and flexibility in use. It detects motion, humidity, temperature, light lux, UV, vibration sensor and has 2-year battery life Zigbee: Samsung SmartThings Multipurpose Sensor ($19.99) give you open/close, vibration, orientation, angle (tilt), and temperature measures for multipurpose functionality	$20 - $60
Water leak detector A sensor that will trigger the shut-off valve to work	Samsung Leak Detector ($19.65) is the most affordable and simple solution. At this price, you should cover all the areas in your house. Requires A Smart Hub FIBARO Flood Sensor ($54.99) is a very good Z-wave leak detector. It has great battery life, easy to pair and very accurate at alarms. Requires A Smart Hub	$20 - $55
Outlet Allows you to remotely switch on and off. Can be retrofitted to any existing devices.	Wifi outlet: Kasa Smart WiFi Plug (price for 2 - $36.99) is the best for price and local connectivity. Zigbee outlet: Sylvania Smart Plug ($18.79) is also a good option for ZigBee outlet Z-wave outlet: GE Enbrighten Z-Wave Plus Smart Plug ($36.99) is good practical device that do not take a lot of space and work perfectly	$20 - $35
Plug with Energy Monitoring Reports the power consumption	Wifi outlet: Kasa Smart WiFi Plug ( $22.49) is the best for price and local connectivity. Z-wave outlet: HAOZEE Z Wave Plus Mini Smart Power Plug (from $62.99) is a good practical device that does not take a lot of space and work perfectly	$23 - $32
Smart Color Bulb A colour bulb you can remotely control	Wifi: Kasa Smart Light Bulb, Multicolor (from $19.99) is best wifi colour LED bulb. We recommend TP-link devices for a great value, easy integration with almost any smart hubs and excellent quality. Zigbee: Sengled E11-N1EA Smart LED Multicolor Bulb (from $19.99) is the most practical RGB smart bulb around	$24 - $35
White Bulb Practical bulb that would work for majority of use cases	Wifi: Kasa Smart WiFi Light Bulb (from $16.99) Zigbee: Sengled Smart LED Soft White A19 Bulb (from $8.99))	$10 - $20
Switch US Switch to turn on and off lights. Require neutral wire in the box.	Zigbee: HOUSEYAS ZigBee Smart Light Switch (from $28.99) is a great device. It does not require neutral wire so will be really easy to install. Z-wave: Honeywell Z-Wave Plus On/Off Switch (from $19.99) is a switch that easy to install and operate. Works with all the major hubs and looks great. Z-wave Dimmer: GE Enbrighten Z-Wave Plus Smart Dimmer Switch ($42.93) in addition to being a great dimmer can also act as extender. Wifi: Wemo Light Switch ($37.99) is really good if you do not have Z-wave of ZigBee and not planning to buy.	$30 - $45
Voice assistant: AI driven device that can respond to voice commands	There is no right answer which Voice Assistant to choose, but we have the following recommendations: The most comprehensive: Amazon Alexa ($99.99) has a lot to offer. Zigbee radio means potentially one hub less (although we still recommend getting a dedicated hub). It also has the biggest ecosystem to tap into (including Ring, Phillips Hue, TP-link) The most intelligent: Google Home is using the brains behind the biggest search engine in the world to deliver the best answers for your questions. It is definitely more capable compared to Alexa	$100
Smart Blinds Motorised shades that automatically open and close the blinds	Best DIY Blinds: Rechargeable Wireless by RollerHouse (from $39.99) Best Horizontal Blinds: MySmartBlinds Automation Kit Bundle (from $159.00) Best Vertical Blinds: Somfy Sonesse ST30 ($303.50) Read more: Best Motorized Blinds	$40 - $279
Smart Buttons A convenient way to trigger routines and specific actions	Zigbee: Sylvania 8 Functions 4 Buttons (from $27.95) Z-wave: Aeotec NanoMote Quad, 8 scenes, ($44.99)	$8 - $50
Irrigation System Make sure your plants are always watered	Best for most users: RainMachine Touch HD-12 (from $277.91) is our top irrigation system pick due to complete independence from cloud, good integrations and great quality Alternative: Rachio 8ZULW-C Sprinkler Controller ($222.13) is another good option for irrigation system	$180 - $220
Outdoor Lights Lightning for your garden protected from water	Zigbee: SYLVANIA 9 Color Changing and Dimmable LED Spots (from $13.00) is a very convenient way to bring smart lights to your garden. Easy to install and integrate. GLEDOPTO Outdoor Smart LED 9W ($59.99) is also a good option and has more brigness and metal chasis. Z-wave: Z-wave is not great with lights, but GE Enbrighten Z-Wave Plus Outdoor Smart Plug Switch ($37.41) would work great to control existing lightning solutions.	$49 - $70
Smart TRV Thermo Regulator Valve that can be controlled remotely	US: tado Smart Radiator Thermostat ($199.00) is part of Tado which is great heating system with local controls UK: No products found. () is a decent solution with good installations options.	$60 - $200
Outdoor Outlets Protected plugs for outdoors	Wifi: Kasa Smart WiFi 2 Outlet Outdoor Plug by TP-Link (from $22.99) is a great outdoor plug and wifi connection would work great for the majority of users Z-wave: GE Enbrighten Z-Wave Plus Outdoor Smart Plug Switch ($37.41) is a well functioning outdoor plug with good range.	$40
Outdoor Cameras Cameras that would work well outdoors	Best Overall Outdoor Camera: Amcrest UltraHD 4MP Outdoor POE Camera ($79.98) is a great quality outdoor camera. It has 4k resolution making it perfect for large outdoor areas. It is ONVIF protocol compliant making it easy to connect to almost any NVR More: Detailed Review of 4 Best Outdoor Cameras	$70
Outdoor Sensors Protected sensors for your garden	HomeSeer HS-FLS100+ Z-Wave Plus Outdoor Floodlight Sensor ($42.95) is a AC powered motion and lightning sensor. It would work with your smart home but also control floodlights.	$40
Moisture Sensor Reports the level of humidity	Best for most users: HHCC Xiaomi 4 in 1 Plant Flower Care Smart Monitor ($25.88) is a Bluetooth device that can monitor moisture as well as Sunlight, Temperature, and Soil Fertility	$30
Security Alarm System System to alarm you of any unauthorized entry to your house	The best for the majority users: SimpliSafe Wireless Home Security System The Knox 2018 ($309.00) has all the main things for a good security system. Great customer service, main sensors included for the most users and good quality hardware. More affordable security system: Thustar Home Alarm System Wireless (from $9.99) is a cheaper no-monthly-fee system. It will be more difficult to integrate to your hub but can be done with Sonoff Bridge. More affordable security system: LifeShield, an ADT Company - 14-Piece Easy, DIY Smart Home Security System ($229.99) is a middle option. The system has good integration with hubs, no-monthly-fee system, and a well designed mobile application.	$89 - $300
Robot Vacuum Little helper to clean your house	Best Overall: iRobot Roomba 690 (from $318.74) for great value, good quality and connectivity to all major smart hubs	$300

How To Set It Up?

Section below will have step by step instructions how to set this automation routine in the most popular smart hubs like SmartThings, Home Assistant, HomeSeer and Hubitat

Please leave comments below if you have any questions, or interested in the instruction for a specific system. This will help us to better focus our effort.

Lights On When You Enter The House ($35)

How Does It Work?

What Do You Need?

IR hub

Comms Sticks

Home Assistant Server

RF hub

Shut off valve

Door/Window Sensor

Motion Sensor

Multisensor

Water leak detector

Outlet

Plug with Energy Monitoring

Smart Color Bulb

White Bulb

Switch US

Voice assistant:

Smart Blinds

Smart Buttons

Irrigation System

Outdoor Lights

Smart TRV

Outdoor Outlets

Outdoor Cameras

Outdoor Sensors

Moisture Sensor

Security Alarm System

Robot Vacuum

How To Set It Up?

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