Create useful home automation scenarios (Departure, Night, Vacation)
Home automation is not just about turning on a lamp with your phone. It’s life-changing automation.
Recommended Materials
- Home automation box or App (Google Home, Alexa, Home Assistant)
- Connected objects
Steps to follow
Step 1
What is a scenario? : It is a series of actions that are automatically triggered on an event (a time, a sentence, a sensor). This is where the home really gets 'smart'.
Step 2
Scenario 1: 'I'm leaving for work' (The classic). Trigger: A phrase to Google/Alexa (“I’m leaving”) or a button near the door. Actions: 1. Turn off all connected lights. 2. Switch the heating to Eco mode (17°C). 3. Turn off the sockets of the devices in standby (TV, console). 4. Activate alarm or cameras.
Step 3
Scenario 2: 'Wake up gently' (Comfort). Trigger: 7:00 a.m. (weekdays). Actions: 1. Turn on the bathroom heating 30 minutes before. 2. Open the shutters gradually to 50%. 3. Turn on the bedside lamp to 10% brightness. 4. Start the radio or the 'Morning' playlist on the connected speaker.
Step 4
Scenario 3: 'Presence simulation' (Security). Trigger: Sunset + 'Vacation' mode activated. Actions: 1. Close the shutters. 2. Turn on the living room light for 45 min. 3. Turn on the bedroom light for 15 min. 4. Turn everything off. (To make burglars believe that someone is there).
Step 5
Scenario 4: 'Cinema Evening' (The atmosphere). Trigger: 'Alexa, Cinema mode'. Actions: 1. Lower the living room shutters. 2. Turn off the ceiling light. 3. Turn on the LED strip behind the TV in subdued blue. 4. Put the phone on silent.
Step 6
How to do it? : Use the 'Google Home' (Routines), 'Amazon Alexa' (Routines) or 'Apple Home' (Automations) applications. It's very visual and easy to program (If...Then...).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need everything from the same brand ?
No, if you go through Google/Alexa/Apple, they make the link between your Philips bulbs, your Netatmo heating and your Somfy shutters.
Precautions
- Test scenarios to avoid bugs (shutters that open at night!).
- Think about guests who don't know the house.
