Appliance automations
The latest generation of appliances have WiFi connectivity and phone apps. But you may want deeper integration with your smart home, or you may have “dumb” appliances that need creative solutions. Here are ways to automate any appliance.
Why appliance automation?
Never Forget — Get notified when washer, dryer, or dishwasher finishes
Hands-Free Operation — Robot vacuum runs automatically when you leave
Perfect Timing — Coffee ready exactly when you wake up
Energy Monitoring — Track power usage of any appliance
Smart Scheduling — Run appliances during off-peak electricity hours
Any Appliance — Even “dumb” appliances become smart with power monitoring
🌟 Essential Automations
Washer done notification
Get notified when the washing machine cycle completes so you can transfer clothes to dryer promptly.
Auto-start robot vacuum when away
Robot vacuum automatically cleans your home when everyone leaves.
Fridge or freezer door left open alert
Get notified when your refrigerator or freezer door is left open too long to prevent food spoilage.
Robot vacuum only when empty
Start your vacuum only when the house is truly empty and finish before anyone returns.
Common use cases
Completion notifications
- Washer/dryer cycle finished
- Dishwasher clean and ready
- Coffee maker brewing complete
- Bread machine finished baking
Scheduled operations
- Robot vacuum runs when away
- Dishwasher starts during off-peak hours
- Coffee maker on timer for morning
- Slow cooker timed start
Energy monitoring
- Track appliance power usage
- Detect always-on power drains
- Identify malfunctioning appliances
- Monitor monthly consumption
Safety automations
- Auto-shutoff for heaters after X hours
- Notifications if oven left on
- Alerts for abnormal power draw
- Disable appliances when away
Best practices
Power monitoring tips
- Watch full cycle to learn patterns
- Use 3-5 minute delays to avoid false triggers
- Set conservative thresholds
- Test multiple times before trusting
Smart plug selection
- Check maximum amperage rating
- Verify power monitoring accuracy
- Consider local vs. cloud processing
- Ensure it won't block other outlets
Notification strategy
- First: Informational ("Washer done!")
- 30 min: Reminder ("Don't forget wet clothes")
- 2 hours: Urgent ("Mildew risk!")
- Mute audible between 10 PM - 7 AM
Safety considerations
- Never: Gas appliances, high heat unsupervised
- Safe: Coffee makers, robot vacuums
- Safe: Dishwashers, washing machines
- Safe: Electric kettles (with auto shut-off)
Troubleshooting
Power monitoring not detecting cycle end
- Lower the power threshold (try 15W instead of 10W)
- Increase delay time (try 5 minutes instead of 3)
- Check if appliance has standby power draw
- Verify smart plug power monitoring accuracy
False "done" notifications
- Increase delay before triggering (5+ minutes)
- Raise power threshold slightly
- Check for power fluctuations in your home
- Use additional verification (vibration sensor)
Vibration sensor triggers too often
- Adjust sensitivity in sensor settings
- Add "for: 2 minutes" delay to automation
- Relocate sensor to less vibration-prone spot
- Combine with door sensor for verification
Robot vacuum starts at wrong time
- Verify presence detection is accurate
- Add 15-minute delay after away mode
- Check for motion sensors that could indicate presence
- Use time-based conditions (only 9 AM - 6 PM)