Vibration Sensors — Next Level Smart Home?
October 29, 2024
Debbie and I spent Saturday morning finalizing some decisions around brick and tile for our home build project. As we get closer to breaking ground, I’m looking at where we’ll be able to automate through smart home technology. The possibilities are practically endless when it comes to home automation — and they get a lot more interesting where sensors are considered. The variety of options opens the door to some imaginative thinking.
I’ve done a lot of thinking about smart home technology for our new home, but I have to admit, vibration sensors are an area I haven’t given a lot of consideration to. The spotlight tends to be on digital assistants, cameras, lighting, locks and other sexier stuff. So I’ve spent some time to learn more about them and where they can lend efficiency to our new home and lifestyle. I’ve found there’s a ton of upside with vibration sensors and basic home automation. Here’s some ideas where you might be able to use them.
Aqara sensors are compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit and Google Home. This makes them an easy add if your smart home is configured around one of those platforms. Other popular sensors include Third Reality and Aeotec. Most can be found online and are fairly inexpensive, which is great if you like experimenting with your smart home setup.
As Debbie is not technical (and ABSOLUTELY does not want to be), she just wants our smart home to work. So she appreciates when I can automate things for her. One of the things on her ‘to do’ list in her busy day to day activities is laundry. With lots going on, being told when the washer or dryer has finished without having to physically check would be huge for her. Cycles can take an extended period of time, and when they’re finished, she’s usually occupied when the machines are done. We can throw dishwashers onto that list as well. This is where vibration sensors could really come in handy.
By attaching one to your dishwasher, washing machine and/or dryer, you can configure an automation to remind you that a cycle has been completed. For example, you could create an automation that monitors continuous activity through the sensor, so if activity is constant for a set amount of time, you can be fairly certain it’s running a cycle. Then, when activity ceases, you can relay that to your device.
Another place I’d love to put a vibration sensor is on my mailbox. Not that get a lot of mail or it’s that important. But I really don’t like checking for mail and wondering if I’m too early (if there’s no mail) or during cold, nasty weather. So, if you want to cut out the trip to the box or simply be notified about activity, using a vibration sensor is a simple way to get updated about deliveries.
The mail notification should be fairly easy if your mail box is near your home. You can create an automation to detect activity and then deliver a notification. If you’re not home when you receive the notification, you’ll still know something was delivered via the app.
Unfortunately, our new development has one of those ‘mail stops’ where everyone’s mailbox is near the entry. The distance from our home network and being adjoined with other boxes will sadly make this automation a non-starter.
One of the chores on my ‘to do’ list is taking out the trash. That activity is not tough but easy to forget to bring the empty bin back to the garage. As I work from home it’s a healthy idea to get away from the desk routinely and walk around so being notified when it’s been emptied helps with that. So, a vibration sensor on the bin, waiting idly, can automate trash collection day.
Here’s another suggestion that may be a little bit out there but might make sense for pet owners. Debbie adopted a kitten a few months ago. So how do you incorporate smart home technology around that? As I don’t mind the cat at all I’m not a big fan of the litter box (or it’s odors). With a vibration sensor, you can mask any bad smells on command.
Attach a sensor to the litter box, and after a set amount of time has passed from activity detection, you can activate an air purifier or some other smell-good device of your choice. You may even wish to turn on a fan for a period of time to help circulation.
If you’re looking to get started or step up your home security, a vibration sensor could be the way to go. Windows are easily the most accessible point of entry into a home for any would-be burglar, so why not protect yourself and your home by picking up a handful of makeshift alarms?
By attaching vibration sensors to windows — especially in vulnerable locations — you can create an automation to alert your to a potential break in. Perhaps even the visibility of a sensor in the corner of your window would be enough to deter opportune criminals. You could also set vibration sensors to monitor doors or gates after a certain time, when you aren’t expecting activity or visitors.
Vibration sensors can play a crucial role in enhancing automation and efficiency in smart home technology. By detecting movement, vibrations, or impacts, these sensors can monitor the status of various appliances, doors, windows, and even structural elements without requiring complex setups. This capability allows smart homes to perform a range of automated tasks, such as turning off lights when a room is unoccupied, notifying homeowners about washing machine cycles, or sending alerts if a window is left open or glass is broken.
In terms of efficiency, vibration sensors can optimize energy use by only activating systems when needed, lowering energy bills and extending the lifespan of home appliances. Additionally, they contribute to predictive maintenance, identifying unusual vibrations that signal mechanical wear or damage, which helps in addressing issues before they become costly. This proactive approach not only boosts home safety but also reduces downtime and repair costs. Overall, vibration sensors add a layer of responsiveness and intelligence to smart homes, making them more self-sufficient, secure, and cost-effective.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on smart home vibration sensors. Have you deployed any vibration sensors in your smart home? Have they performed as expected? Have you thought of any applications for vibration sensors I’ve not addressed here? Let Debbie and I know what you think in the comments, DMs and emails as we really enjoy hearing from you. Thanks again to all those following Debbie and I through our home building journey. It’s great to hear your success stories and suggestions as we move through the process. And if you like the content I’m posting each week, don’t forget to ‘Like’ and ‘Follow.’
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