15 Easy Home Automation Ideas ANYONE can set up!

Your home automation can be easy AND impressive! These ideas are easy enough to set up with just Amazon Alexa, or you can always use these same ideas with SmartThings or Home Assistant.
LINKS: (affiliate)
Kasa on/off switch for front porch lights: amzn.to/3xU4yhn
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Google Nest Battery Doorbell: bestbuy.7tiv.net/jWnEbv
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0:00 Intro
0:30 Time based lights
3:15 Speaker volume
4:03 Geolocation
5:22 Doorbell ideas
7:19 Built in sensors
10:53 Hidden disaster
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MUSIC
Doctor Momentum by Slynk
The End by EVA
open.spotify.com/artist/6UIs5...

[@paulhibbert]

This should all be done locally with Home Assistant and nothing should use the cloud!

[@jacksun_jack]

*thrusting* HOMEASSISTANT, Oh the zigbee.

[@IAmMisterD]

Exactly. Thankfully with home assistant, Rhasspy, and others, things can be offline!!! I'm finding Rhasspy works faster and better than Alexa! lol

[@seanslater]

HOME ASSISTANT!

[@Techlifeandmore]

Problem is that some people just don’t have the time, not to mention the skills or patience, to set up these automations in home assistant.

[@nicoleayache215]

Lol. You two

[@zackhemingway619]

I would love the "moms 5 minutes away" routine for google assistant

[@shaggyfilms]

The endings to your videos are always the best

[@mitchellpeterson7943]

I've recently made my own automation for my washroom. When you go into the washroom a motion sensor turns on the lights and eventually shuts them off when there is enough inactivity. The trick is between 12am and 6am any motion will turn on the lights, but at 1% on the red setting. This way, if you ever need to get up and go to the washroom in the middle of the night, the red light doesn't wake you up or ruin your night vision.

[@jimmyestave4266]

I want to duplicate this automation but I am just starting out. I have 3 Alexia’s one Echo Show 15 in Living room Echo Show 10 in bedroom and a small Echo Dot with clock in bathroom. Now I’d like to be able to turn on a bathroom light when I get up in the middle of the night but have the light come on using a motion sensor but only like 10 or 15%. Then go out maybe a minute later. I don’t know anything about sensors but I would like a Good one that is VERY Easy to set up. My question is can you help me with this type automation ?? Any help would be appreciated. 🙏🙏

[@rae2-j]

@@jimmyestave4266 Philips Hue can be a way. its expensive, but the starter kit with the bridge (not the round one, the one with the rounded edges is it). Then you can set that up directly in hue, no need for alexa. but you have the alexa integration anyway and can control everything still from alexa. And if you later go on to Home Assistant, you can integrate Philips Hue there with no problems.

[@rae2-j]

If you choose Philips Hue, you also need the motion sensor for them. to trigger it. and i installed one smart button near my bed, because i dont want motion activated light in the bedroom.

[@MelloMattTech]

🤯

[@jimmyestave4266]

I’ve purchased a SmartThings hub, & Aeotec motion sensor. Can that be used instead ??

[@Evaddaragon]

Loved the Paul Hibbert reference. Hahaha.

[@VPSmartTech]

oh I missed it. At which time point?

[@Evaddaragon]

@@VPSmartTech : 10:19. Hahaha.

[@johntcantrell]

I just stole the almost home one. I had no clue you could do something like that. You've just re-sparked my interest in home automation.

[@HughD]

You always do a good job, Reed. This was no exception.

[@SmartHomeSolver]

Thanks Hugh! You have been watching the channel for years and I appreciate you!

[@makeitworktech]

Great ideas in this one! I agree with you about the "entirely local" comments... I would argue that your home can't be truly "smart" without cloud reliance, especially for things like weather predictions, news, etc. The more local the better, but the quality shouldn't decrease!

[@susugar3338]

Yeah, "house on cloud" is a bad idea. It should be on ground. 😄

[@ricardow9281]

I love the banter between you and Paul!

[@dave_mac]

You are the smart home genius. It's amazing what you've done with your home.

[@cozmic8004]

I always love your automations, great ideas!

[@prismindraijin1354]

Loved this. Actually started some of these automations recently and not in considering a few more and a new Alexa

[@brentkleinman6926]

That geolocation automation is so cool! I need to try that.

[@kirmistube]

Speakers level! Simple and clever idea !

[@xblackdemonx3183]

Awesome video! Thanks for the ideas!

[@PranavRajagopal]

I love the mini skits! Makes the video a lot more enjoyable.

[@geek2330]

I always like the end of your videos with the wife and kids, very cool and funny

[@markdodge4284]

Thank you for the great videos. The routine we use to trigger our vacuum is a “Good Bye” routine. We only run the vacuum when everyone is gone. To trigger this, we tell Alexa, “Good Bye.” This triggers all of our away settings and runs the vacuum. When we plan to leave, but not run the vacuum, we tell Alexa, “I’m Leaving.” This triggers all of our away settings except the vacuum.

[@VPSmartTech]

Great video! I am very excited to see more automations 😎👍

[@BrandonDoyleMN]

Easy is good! Another great video, thanks

[@bat3332]

you might have no idea who I am . I also have no idea how I stumbled upon your video once randomly. From there your inspiration was humongous. Thanks to you. you have made me follow the unknown path now I know what is a rapsberry pi what is home assitant and you dont have to be a developer with coding skill to do magics. There are lot of youtube people whom I owe my journey in this wonderland of automation but the very first step i took always belong to you. Thank you Thank you. Keep inspiring

[@VPSmartTech]

enjoy automating 😀👍

[@John-Smith02]

A wild Luna appeared at the end

[@robertbolton9154]

I love automation ideas! Awesome video

[@VPSmartTech]

yes, definitely the best content on KZbin 😀

[@ronm6585]

Thank you Reed. 👍🏻

[@kevinvitale8980]

Really nice ideas… keep ‘em coming

[@homoerotic85]

Thanks for sharing! It's been a minute since I have gotten a notification about a video from your channel. Thanks for the ideas for using the temp sensor and occupancy sensor on the Echo cause I have wondered what I could even do with it.

[@SmartHomeSolver]

I have more home automation videos in the works! In the meantime…what questions do you have about automating your home? 👇

[@robin_fpv]

Is there a device you can just slide onto your existing lock on your front door. So you can still use ur Key but also have a smart lock. And do you have any recommendations for an led stripe with motion sensor for your bathroom, for indirect lighting at night. (No need for RGB just white is enough) But with Alexa so you can set when to turn on/off.

[@wesrobinson3916]

@@robin_fpv August smart locks attach to the inside leaving the external portion of your lock as is.

[@robin_fpv]

@@wesrobinson3916 thx for the info. Gonna check it out

[@Rizzlybear69420]

Where do you get your raspberry pi’s. I can find any that are relatively near msrp

[@mikeraineri4018]

Did you pull off any of the front door motions, last night "visitor" or package delivery, routines with Unifi Protect cameras? If yes, can it be done with amazon or smartthings?

[@casualonemmo-player2167]

I recently started, as i got rid of all my oldschool halogen lights and i went for the philips hue w/ a bridge system. Then i added a motionsensor and a floodlight for inside my storage, so it turns on and off.. i did the same for the hallway entry (though a regular multicolor ceiling light led). Then i bought a wallsocket controller and plugged my big case of "these things i need to have fully charged.. powerbanks... vakumcleaner battery etc etc" and that one turns on and off a couple times a week. Not sure what to do next... i dont have a doorbell/camera... and i love the green lights you did when a package arrived! (but id prefere to have all my lights turn green, that way its impossible to miss).

[@inspirecodeteam]

The temp sensor on echo dot 4th gen and the sound sensing is great

[@bradkrekelberg8624]

That's hilarious you used Paul Hibbert as the guy demanding you use Home Assistant. HOOOOOMMMMMMMMEEEEEEE AAAAASSSSSSSSIIIIIISSSSSSSSTTTTTTTTTAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNTTTTTTTT!!!

[@mean1979Just]

Ha ha. Love the Paul Hibbert cameo.... 😂

[@ironcrafter54]

Hey just found your videos and There really good 10/10

[@jester4761]

Good to know the 4th gen echo has some nice hidden features. Might be worth getting on prime day.

[@utuber1000]

I was amazed to see how easy it was to pair my new ThirdReality Motion Detector to my Echo's built in zigbee hub. Just held down the little black button inside the back cover and said: "Alexa, find new device!"

[@SpaceStrike]

They’re on sale rn

[@michaelpetronella7779]

Throwing shade a Paul Hibbert! Hilarious!

[@kcsb91]

I was wondering if you had a video or article on Home Assistant and doing a basic home set up for automations? I'm just getting started on this journey as a new home owner and could really use the jump start!

[@RolandoCocom]

Great video. What is your take on the smart switch vs smart bulb? I'm looking at the kassa you recommend. Thanks

[@JuanVargas-dm8dk]

These are great videos, i use a few of those automations, the issues I'm having is with the automation at my entrance, when my cameras detect motion at my front door, it's supposed to show live feed on my Alexa show, but it takes so long that by the time it's broadcasting the live feed, there is no one there, do you have any tips on speeding this up? Thanks. BTW the cameras that i use are blink.

[@redioriginals]

The Paul Hibbert pic is best 🤣

[@franciscopastor2659]

Hi: Great recap video! I'm curious about the magnetic holder stand shown on first iPad programming scene. Is it for Apple Pencil? Many thanks @Smart Home Solver

[@daveschmarder-1950]

Thanks for the motion detection on the big Dot. I set up a light in my window that turns on for a while when motion is detected during hours that I am likely to be up. The neighbors can see if I've moved in a while, so they can check up on me if they want.

[@surajgharpankar1042]

I've Echo Dot 4th Gen, but the motion detection option is not available anywhere. How can I enable this functionality? (Region - India)

[@simplyaddo]

@@surajgharpankar1042 Turns out to be that motion detection is disabled in many regions. I can confirm U.K. as well as Saudi Arabia (and now India, based on your comment). I'd suggest you send them a feedback from the Alexa app asking them to bring in all the same features that the US user base enjoys.

[@tycham85]

For your ceiling fan, is that controlled by a toggle switch (via zwave/zigbee/WiFi) and then you use the bond receiver to adjust the speed via RF? Do you find that better than a zwave fan switch controller?

[@hasimkurthasim5830]

that's really cool I also have your language assistant and that's really nice these America things❤️

[@tatersaladfpv1033]

Any chance you have a link to see the full automations in HA? More specifically turning light in when motion detected with your doorbell?

[@andreyv1]

Would love to see how to set up the motion detection with Nest doorbell in HA. I have an older Nest Hello, can I set up the automation to turn on my lights?

[@joebenigno8916]

Great idea about setting up ALL automations in one place. Wish I learned this several years ago. I have automations spread throughout several apps. So somethings I do know where the automation is. I now have a plan to rewrite them all in Amazon Alexa Routines. I'm not ready yet for Home Assistant or Hubitat. Is SmartThings still being sold and supported?

[@pritpalpanesar9133]

I am going to build my ADU and want to add all the cool stuff you have talked about. Do you have a list of the things that you recommend for automation?

[@Adocasts]

They also make dusk to dawn light bulbs that’ll take care of turning themselves on and off automatically based off the light.

[@timothysexton7621]

Hi, I am looking to set up a smart home This is what I would like to do. Create a intercom using an Ecobee w/Alexa built in which I have. Purchase a Echo 4 with or without the clock.(not sure if the clock is worth it based on reviews) Will this work or do you have a better suggestion? Any guidance is appreciated Tim

[@michaelnewton8048]

Do you have a recommendation for smart light switch that doesn't require neutral wire? I have Lutron Casata in most of the house, but don't need a dimmer for the porch light.

[@heidilopez2694]

Can you show apartment automation ideas?. Barely got the echo show 8. Thank you

[@MarcoTechExperience]

A question: is it possible to set the lights to light in Brite white in the morning, and to light them to light yellow in the evening? Like the lights to sense when i turn them on and based on time they light white or yellow? I tryed it with Hue Labs - Time Based lights, but they don't seem to work (maybe it's me) and i can't find any videos about it on youtube.

[@jasondessenberg6096]

I have homeseer and found that there is a pretty big learning curve and not all devices are compatible. For instance there are no plugging for Wyze or my Orbit B-hyve timers. The Alexa app does a good job of bridging the gap.

[@utuber1000]

Great ideas! Can you show or describe the steps to set the Alexa Routine for room presence detection for the 4th Gen Echo? With all my Alexa routines, that's one I've never tried. I tied to read the contents of the steps you displayed in the Routine, but they were too blurry.

[@utuber1000]

PS - I figured it out. As a result my living room lamp just came on as I walked into room and the drapes just opened.

[@JustJah84]

Can you give us some ideas for mini split heating and air conditioning

[@irfankundi2016]

Great videos. Any thoughts of making smart home work with Google home? That would be very helpful. 🙏

[@charlescoulbourn6826]

I have routines to control my outside lights. What I want to do is modify the routine so they will NOT come on at the scheduled time if it is above a certain temperature. I live in a rural area and when lights are on in the summer it attracts spiders and bugs leaving a mess around the fixtures. Leaving them off takes care of this.

[@Daniel_s444]

I LOVE that shirt...

[@frankraym]

Have you tried the aqara G3 camera? It has different automations you can trigger ! And I have mine set up so when it detects familiar faces it turns on my ac, my tv and my lights

[@ThatsFinn]

How do you organise your automations? I really love the in built automation system, but it becomes super hard to manage them all at scale. I've been using node-red for the sole reason of being able to split them and focus on one group of things at a time, but overall I just prefer the simplicity of home assistant's in build stuff.

[@SmartHomeSolver]

In my second to last video, the one titled 100 automations, I have a spreadsheet where I try and organize the automations. I also try and name my automations based on the type of device or room that automation happens. That way in Home Assistant I can quickly search for the automation when I need to make a modification. Writing them down in the spreadsheet did help though because I had some flawed logic in some of my automations so I was able to fix it.

[@Shranith]

Hey thanks for the video and I plan to try smart lighting in my house too. Whats the robot vacuum you have ? It seemed like it had both vacuum and mop ?

[@VPSmartTech]

it's a Roborock. Either the 6 or the newer 7 series

[@randomclips9122]

So I get that I would want a smart home hub that works local but which should I go for?

[@billycrowe4501]

For the google doorbell how do you get the lights to turn on when it detects motion? I only see an option for when the doorbell is pressed not just sensing a person?

[@evan]

2:47 sir... I love how automated they are but you gotta get yourself some warmer bulbs!

[@Fine_i_set_the_handle]

those bulbs are beautiful, not everyone likes piss colored lights

[@nstg8]

@@Fine_i_set_the_handle Why not get tunable bulbs so you can have warm lights late at night and cooler lights during the day?

[@SmartHomeSolver]

@Evan Edinger thanks for checking out the video! Yes the main light bulb color is daylight white. They used to be around 3000K but it was clashing with all the natural light coming in through the windows. With the daylight white color it matches the light better in the evening. Then when I want a more warm color I turn off those lights and turn on the smart bulbs/strips. I actually have a lot of thoughts about the warm and cool white colors and I need to do a video on it soon!

[@Fine_i_set_the_handle]

@@nstg8 because they're not 100% reliable, I had hue color bulbs before but I never found myself setting them to piss vision anyway

[@nstg8]

@@Fine_i_set_the_handle not all tunable bulbs are created equal. My yeelight are dead accurate

[@ScoobyHitApex]

Are those under cabinet LED light strips the TP-Link Kasa? I like the idea of setting up different colors for different intended purposes.

[@SmartHomeSolver]

Those Kasa light strips would work well in that spot. They are actually WiZ. I tested the out the WiZ light strips and the white colors were actually pretty good so I used them in the living room. I have 3 other Kasa light strips around my house right now and I like both of them.

[@eikna]

does your smart devices ever disconnect from your router/modem? mone always does and i have 14 smart devices connected to it..wonder if its the modem.

[@gezci]

Moition and temperature sensor options not shown in my alexa app, for my new 4th gen echo dot. Is this not available in the UK?

[@simplyaddo]

Echo dot doesn't have temperature sensor - The Echo 4th gen does have it. And yes, seems like the motion sensor in the UK (amongst other areas) is yet to be enabled by Amazon -_-

[@CyberScene]

I have two Amazon Echo in Two different rooms and both the rooms have a Smart Fan. Is there a way that I can configure the Echo to trigger the fan through voice but only when the command is given to the echo in that specific room? If it doesn’t make sense let me explain a bit more. My 2 fans have different names right now, one is named “Fan” and the other “Ceiling Fan” and I have to pay attention to which one I am making the command to turn on or off. But I want it to be programmed in such a way that When I say Fan from whichever room, only the fan from that particular room turns on. I hope my question makes sense now. Please help!

[@DRacer90]

Is that home assistant on your tablet and phone when your making some changes on the settings?

[@ufninuyasha]

Paul's thumbnail for the Home Assistant comment 😂😂😂😂😂

[@FirstArchon]

where can i find more info on the geolocation thing?

[@keyurpanchal1706]

Please put a link for this automation document how to setup.

[@andrewcbartlett]

Your videos are just like watching the Jetsons! Alexa can play Luna music if she barks. I think you should test that.

[@SmartHomeSolver]

Check! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHutfn6ppNyEick

[@jamessmallwood7448]

am big in to z wave, am looking to find something that can alert my kids if there is a tornado warring

[@sincerelyaudree2203]

Can you do a video a video with all Google Home/Nest devices?

[@nikkiboyd2055]

7:28 where in the automation can you find the temperature setting? For my 4th general echo dot the only settings I could find where if presence is/isn't detected

[@ToniHinton]

The reason you're not finding it is because the Echo Dot doesn't have a temperature sensor, only the full-sized Echo does.

[@brentmileti]

What type of shades are you using?.. Great video as well!

[@TheSeliner89]

Hey, the grey shades are the ikea smart roller shades.

[@BookTube0ne]

I also noticed a new Appliance sensor on Alexa that I have music come on between 11:50 am and 12:30 when Alexa hears the Microwave or stove timers go off

[@larsaltorf5480]

I made a great automations with a template sensor as trigger. when my alarm goes off in the morning, the alarm will automatically turn off, and my bedroom light will turn on, then my google speaker will start playing the radio, and my shutter will open to 100%.

[@joseph-oz7zz]

What blinds do you use? Also, I thought the ceiling fan signal bridge would only work line of sight?

[@SmartHomeSolver]

I’m using the Lutron shades. I thought the RF signal had to be line of sight with the fans too but it covers the entire house. Goes through multiple walls and everything. I can’t speak for concrete walls though.

[@wileu]

Relying on critical automations via Alexa is asking for problems because when Alexa servers go down (recently twice a month) it's over. In addition, problems with the Internet are possible.

[@Chris-il9mf]

Great videos and ideas. But I need to state something for dog or cat owners.. The ultrasound detection may cause your pets distress or even harm your dogs ears.. Amazon forum was asked that question about pets and they stated it runs at 17.5 kHz. They did not say it will or wont hurt your pets hearing but did say if you don't want to run it, then turn it off. So I asked my Vet and he stated it can drive your pet nuts hearing this all the time. Anything Ultrasound can do this- Ex. Furnace or room humidifiers and air cleaners, pest repellers, pain relief devices, etc. He stated dogs can hear up to 50 to 65,000 Hertz. Humans up to approximately 20,000 Hertz. There are so many gadgets that we use daily that just because we don't hear it, doesn't mean our pets cant. I turned my Echoes Ultrasound off for that reason. But great idea for non pet owners. Keep up the great ideas!!!

[@VPSmartTech]

wow, thanks for the information 👍

[@m4nc1n1]

Does Kasa work with Google?

[@tylorgoodine2159]

How did you get those Alexa actions where Alexa asks you to do something my saying yes and no

[@taylor_newton]

What’s your recommendation for tracking home occupancy for everyone in your house in home assistant? Do you use a toggle that switches if nobody is home? I’m seeing lots of different ideas online for using this in automations but curious what you use

[@felixhaverkamp1958]

pretty easy, just install the home assistant app on the phone (iphone works very good, android i think too) and assign that device under profile to your profile. get to the map and define a zone "Home" and make automation when you leave or enter that zone.

[@felixhaverkamp1958]

and for a status if anybody is at home, just use a helper switch and 2 automation that checks if anybody is at home and then toggle the switch to off/on.

[@welshtony1]

Seems UK doesn't have the Occupancy Sensor. Or at least I can't find it and a quick google other people in UK are asking the same thing :( shame, was going to get it so if the light is on and no one is detected to turn off my lights. Once again we will just have to wait 3 years.

[@walidc.4820]

Hi, where did you get the Batman light?

[@Humphrey181]

Another great video. Can I suggest the opposite approach in a future video? For example, what is the most complex automation you and the brains trust have in their homes? We all need something to strive for!

[@SmartHomeSolver]

Thanks Rod! Yes for sure I will do that soon!

[@dnoland77]

As for alexa routines, sometimes simpler is better. While I have a couple of complex location based routines that even fire off other routines automatically, there are times when stuff just doesn't work right. I have Eufy locks and they seem to work best with simple routines like shut the door, door locks. Beyond that if other actions are added the routine is SLOW or just does not complete.

[@techwithlisa]

We are top 3 brand in China of smart locks. The smart locks technologies are RF semiconductor fingerprint, face detection, NFC card, Bluetooth/zigbee/Z-WAVE connection etc, integrated with Alexa/Google Assistant Smart Homes. Do you have interest in the smart lock catagory?

[@snopz]

But I have a problem with the ultrasound motion sensor, when I enter the room nothing happend I have to speak to alexa or click any button to she know I'm in the room, can any one help me how can I solve it

[@carlhussain5170]

I tried adding my status smart devices to smart things but only the scenes are detected? any ideas?

[@raghunathansundaresan8017]

Geolocation is cool! but unfortunately it's not yet here in India

[@damnjustassignmeone]

Last year, both me and my wife forgot our anniversary. That’s called getting lucky.

[@VPSmartTech]

😂

[@SmartHomeSolver]

Modern miracle right there!

[@jacksun_jack]

its like this really dorky dad but, cool.

[@dominicporta6127]

What app is he using throughout this video?

[@HiltonT69]

Yes, Home Assistant, but it's the ideas that are important, then you work out how to execute using what you have and how you want it to work...

[@TheUnofficialMaker]

can the kasa light switch be controlled by a motion sensor to turn on light? great video btw!

[@VPSmartTech]

yes if you connect both to one smart hub, then they can talk to each other

[@TheUnofficialMaker]

@@VPSmartTech would you need a hub with home assistant?

[@VPSmartTech]

@@TheUnofficialMaker not necessarily, just a hub that's compatible with both devices you plan to use. I am very satisfied with Home Assistant by the way

[@davidcarranza1987]

Is there an easy way to integrate Google, Alexa, and Home kit? I would love to make everything work seamlessly ass possible.

[@SmartHomeSolver]

Right now there isn’t an easy way to do it but if you were using Home Assistant with Home Bridge as an add-on in Home Assistant you could get them all working together in a way.

[@rrosen179]

My kitchen has 6 can lights in the ceiling. Do I have to change all of them to expensive smart lights?

[@VPSmartTech]

no, just buy a smart switch or a shelly

[@its_a_boehle367]

Is it possible that geo routines aren't available in Germany? I can't find them in my Alexa App :(

[@tobid9288]

Seems so. I can't find the presence detection in the Alexa app also.

[@wesrobinson3916]

I am looking for a contact sensor for doors and windows and motion sensors. But I don't want to buy a whole Ring Security system. Are there other options?

[@PoisonWaffle3]

Aqara contact sensors are the smallest, most reliable, have the best battery life, and are one of the cheapest ones you can get. They also pair directly with home assistant (or can use Aqara's hub, but direct pair is better).