As an outsourced programmer, most of my day revolves around code and development for clients. But beyond my work, I have a personal passion: using programming and tech knowledge to automate repetitive tasks in my daily life. These small automations save me time, make my routines more efficient, and, if I’m honest, bring me a bit of joy.
The Roots of My Automation Obsession
Over time, I’ve realized that my drive for efficiency probably comes from my dad. He was a physicist with a logical mind, always aiming for peak efficiency—even for the simplest tasks like washing dishes or sweeping the floor. This focus on optimization might sound quirky to some, but it made a huge impression on me. Over a decade ago, when smart homes were still a novelty in Vietnam, my dad installed motion-sensor lights throughout our house. Today, these are fairly common, but back then, it felt like we were living in the future. Visitors were often amazed as lights turned on automatically when they entered a room.
When I moved into my own home recently, I felt strangely out of place having to flip switches manually. The convenience I grew up with left a lasting mark, and with the range of smart devices available today, it’s now easier than ever to make any space “smart.”
Balancing Smart and Simple
Now, before you think I’m all about tech for tech’s sake, I should clarify—I’m not a “smart home freak.” I don’t believe every single device in the home needs to be automated. Some items in my home still work manually, and I prefer it that way. The curtains, certain light switches, and other frequently handled items don’t require automation because they’re simple enough to operate by hand. Sometimes, I even think it’s good to leave a few things as they are—just to avoid the risk of an all-smart-device uprising someday!
But for certain areas, automation can really make life easier. It’s not just about convenience; it can also save energy, improve efficiency, and even reduce risks.
Automating for Safety and Efficiency
One memorable example: my wife and I returned from a short trip one day to a strange noise coming from our bathroom. When we went in, we found water spilling across the floor, almost reaching our bedroom! The spray head had snapped off, causing water to run continuously. This incident left us cleaning for hours, but if I’d had a water leak detector installed, it might have prevented the mess. And if we hadn’t been home yet, a smart lock passcode could have allowed a family member to come in and take care of the issue. These small investments in automation can make a huge difference in peace of mind and protection against unexpected situations.
And who hasn’t had those “Did I forget to turn it off?” moments? Wondering if you left the air conditioner on, or if you forgot to lock the door, can be stressful. Sometimes people even turn back home just to double-check. But with smart devices and cameras, these questions are easy to answer—and handle—from wherever you are.
My Smart Home Setup
When I moved into my current home, it was an ordinary house. Now, it’s a blend of smart devices from Aqara, Xiaomi, and Broadlink, creating a connected and easily manageable environment. With a Google Nest Hub, I can control multiple devices by voice command or with just a tap on my iPhone. Most of my devices are compatible with Google Home, and some also sync with Apple’s HomeKit. Setting up automations on Aqara’s app, Google Home, or HomeKit is incredibly easy and versatile.
One of my favorite automations is to have lights in the hallway and bathroom turn on when motion is detected. This is convenient at night and saves electricity by turning off automatically. I also set up a rule to switch off all lights and devices after midnight to prevent anything from staying on by accident. And there’s much more you can do! Once you get started, you’ll find that the possibilities are endless—your creativity can transform your everyday life.
Living with Automation: Simple, Safe, and Efficient
Incorporating automation into my home has simplified my daily life, made it safer, and increased efficiency. Thanks to these easy-to-set-up technologies, I can save time, energy, and gain peace of mind every day. And the best part? It’s fun to see how small tech changes can make a big difference, both in how I live and in how I approach challenges.
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