Home automation has afforded us all kinds of cool conveniences and creature comforts, many of which rely upon sensors to operate. While most of us are familiar with using sensors for home security and protection purposes (e.g., a motion sensor is triggered when a window is opened, etc.), there are a variety of creative ways in which these handy little devices can be utilized throughout the home. Below are 5 unique uses for sensors to spark your home automation imagination.
1. Turning on the bathroom fan
Make it easy for people to discreetly answer nature’s call by installing a motion sensor that will turn on the exhaust fan when someone enters the bathroom. Not only does this help keep the bathroom smelling fresh, but it can eliminate those post-shower foggy mirrors as well.
2. Detecting pests in attics and basements
Mice and rats are notoriously elusive, so if you suspect that you might have an unwanted houseguest, it might be a good idea to install motion sensors in your attic or basement to help you catch the little critter in the act. By setting up a camera to take still images and/or record video footage when motion is detected, you can identify what type of pest you’re dealing with, as well as its typical patterns of movement.
3. Creating “smart” nightlights
Most of us are at our absolute groggiest when we have to wake up in the middle of the night to use the restroom, check on a crying newborn, etc. Consider installing a motion sensor under your bed (aimed outward) that is programmed to only work during the overnight hours (e.g., between midnight and sunrise), so that you can have some nightlight help when your spatial awareness is not at its sharpest. As soon as your feet hit the floor, the motion sensor can trigger a mild nightlight to illuminate your footpath, greatly reducing your risk of an unpleasant toe-stubbing experience as you make your way to the desired room.
4. Monitoring kids’ activity around the house
Motion sensors can especially come in handy when you have curious young children toddling around the house. If there are specific areas that you don’t want your children wandering into unattended (e.g., swimming pool, utility closet, etc.), you can set up motion sensors that will trigger a text or email alert (or some other type of notification) whenever a certain perimeter is breached. This can easily be set up through the BeHome 247 home automation system using a Z-Wave-enabled motion detector such as the Linear WAPIRZ-1.
5. Activating closet lights
If one of the more frequently-trafficked closets in your home has a traditional light switch that’s notoriously difficult to locate – or worse, has a pull string – no doubt you’ve probably grown tired of fumbling around trying to find it every time you need to turn the light on. Using a motion sensor, you can trigger a smart light bulb to illuminate every time the closet door is opened, saving you lots of time and hassle.
The list above is just a small fraction of the many potential uses you can discover for smart home sensors. Check out the variety of home automation sensors we offer, and feel free to let those creative juices flow!
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