The Laundry Challenge

Like many people (I hope it’s not just me…), I occasionally forget about my laundry, especially when I’m multitasking or caught up in other activities. Leaving damp clothes in the washer overnight is not only inconvenient but can also lead to unpleasant odors and wrinkled garments.

The Solution

To tackle this problem, I decided to leverage the power of automation. Here’s how I set up my laundry notification system:

1. Zooz Zen15 Power Switch

The Zooz Zen15 is a Z-Wave power switch that allows you to control and monitor the power usage of connected devices remotely. It’s a versatile device that can be integrated into various home automation systems. I use it with Home Assistant, but it should work with any home automation software if you have it set up with a Z-wave hub.

2. Z-Wave Technology

Z-Wave is a wireless communication protocol designed for smart home automation. It enables devices to communicate with each other and with a central hub, providing seamless control and automation capabilities.

3. Home Assistant in Docker

Home Assistant is an open-source home automation platform that runs on various systems, including Docker containers. It serves as the central brain of my home automation setup, allowing me to integrate and control various devices and services.

The Automation

1. Zooz Zen15 Power Switch Integration

I connected the Zooz Zen15 power switch to my washing machine. This device measures the power draw of the washer, and its Z-Wave capabilities allow it to communicate with my Home Assistant hub.

2. Home Assistant Configuration

I set up Home Assistant in a Docker container on my home server. This platform serves as the central control hub for my smart home devices. Using Home Assistant, I integrated the Zooz Zen15 power switch into my automation setup.

3. Power Draw Monitoring

Home Assistant continuously monitors the power draw of the washing machine. When the power draw drops significantly, it means the washer has finished its cycle and is no longer actively washing or spinning.

4. Push Notifications

The magic happens when Home Assistant detects the drop in power draw. It sends a push notification to my phone, alerting me that the laundry is done. This timely reminder ensures that I don’t forget about my laundry and allows me to take action promptly.

The Benefits

Implementing this home automation solution has brought several advantages to my daily routine:

• No More Forgotten Laundry: I no longer leave damp clothes in the washer overnight. The push notification serves as a gentle reminder to attend to my laundry.

• Convenience: Whether I’m in another room or away from home, I receive notifications on my phone. To get the away from home part working, I had to set up a VPN, but that’s a story for another post…

Home automation isn’t just about gadgets; it’s about making our lives more efficient and convenient. I love building automations to solve these small problems that I come across in my life.