5 easy ways you wouldn't think to automate your home - but you really should

2026-04-23 · Source: News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET · Field: Technology & Digital — Internet of Things (IoT) & Connected Devices, Robotics & Autonomous Systems · Depth: Novice, medium

Summary

This ZDNET article by Maria Diaz highlights several overlooked smart devices and automation opportunities to enhance convenience and efficiency in a smart home setup. It details how to automate pantry and closet lights using smart bulbs and motion/presence sensors like the TP-Link Tapo Motion Sensor or Aqara FP300. The article also explains automating exhaust fans with smart switches (e.g., Eve Light Switch) and humidity sensors (e.g., SwitchBot Thermometer Hygrometer) to prevent mold. Furthermore, it covers using smart plugs (like Kasa Smart Plug Mini) and button pushers (SwitchBot Smart Switch Button Pusher) for coffee makers to reduce "vampire device" energy consumption. Pet care automation, including smart feeders (Petlibro Automatic Cat Feeder) and pet doors (High Tech Pet Power Pet), is also discussed, alongside comprehensive bedtime routines and other automations for temperature control, pipe freeze prevention, laundry notifications, leak detection, and yard watering.

Key takeaway

For homeowners looking to optimize their smart home beyond basic lighting, consider automating less obvious devices to save time and energy. You can implement routines for pantry lights, exhaust fans, and coffee makers to handle tasks you often forget. Expanding your bedtime routine to include non-lighting devices like air purifiers and smart plugs for "dumb" TVs can streamline your nightly shutdown, enhancing both convenience and energy efficiency.

Key insights

Automating often-forgotten or repetitive tasks with smart devices significantly enhances home convenience and efficiency.

Principles

• Automate tasks you forget or can't stay on top of.
• Eliminate small, repetitive actions with smart routines.
• Use real-world triggers for device actions.

Method

Identify repetitive or easily forgotten tasks. Select appropriate smart devices (sensors, plugs, switches). Create routines or automations based on triggers like presence, humidity, schedules, or single commands.

In practice

• Use motion sensors for pantry/closet lights.
• Automate exhaust fans with humidity sensors.
• Schedule coffee maker power with smart plugs.

Topics

• Smart Home Automation
• Smart Lighting
• Environmental Control
• Home Energy Management
• Pet Care Automation

Best for: General Interest

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET.