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What's the best way to detect when I'm taking a shower? (lemmy.world)

submitted 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) by batshit@lemmy.world to c/homeassistant@lemmy.world

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I would like to turn on mood lighting automatically when I'm taking a shower, what's the best way to detect that?

I've considered humidity sensors, but that will take a while to kick in and not immediately when the shower starts.
I've also considered a water leak sensor but those are not meant to be trigger every day for a long time like 10-15 minutes. That would kill the battery, right?
Smart valves can kind of work, but it feels like overkill because I don't care about the valve functionality.

I would prefer the solution to be battery powered (don't want to be messing with too many cables around a shower), but I can't seem to find one.

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[–] lyralycan@sh.itjust.works 4 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) (1 children)

I use a humidity sensor, motion sensor and a helper that shows the change over a period of time. If the humidity raises fast (+2%/5m) and goes over a certain amount (unique, depending on your room's climate) the bathroom automation changes tracks to hold the light at 100%, turn the extractor fan on, and well, how you stop the automation depends on you. I let it stay on for 15 minutes before waiting for motion. Small tips: For me the humidity triggers the automation within 15s-1m of showering, which is okay for me. Motion sensors typically use IR to see movement. If the room is too steamy it might struggle to see you. Also, it cannot penetrate glass. It must have a line of sight to you.

The best alt I think would be mmwave presence sensors, but they're pricy and require a wired connection.

[–] batshit@lemmy.world 4 points 3 days ago (1 children)

I already have a presence sensor (Tuya) in my bathroom. Maybe I can use that + humidity sensor, everyone is saying it's faster than you expect so I'll give it a shot.