Of all the sensors you can integrate into your smart home ecosystem a door sensor or window sensor can have the most uses. You can utilize the door sensor beyond the basics of letting you know if a door has been opened to really take your home automations to another level. In this article we'll cover our choices for both z-wave and zigbee door sensors and the top uses for door and window sensors in home assistant or other smart home software.

Top Door and Window Sensors

Zigbee Aqara Door and Window Sensor

The Aqara door and window sensor is a top performing sensor that pairs well in a zigbee device network. The battery life should last up to 2 years giving you long term set it and forget it controls. You are able to install the device with adhesive that should hold onto most most surfaces as long as you properly clean them before application. The device allows for up to a 22mm (almost an inch) gap between the sensor and magnet allowing you to use it in situations with awkward trims. The sensor typically is available for less than $18 on amazon. Check current prices.

Z Wave Zooz 700 Series Z-Wave Plus Open|Close

Zooz is one of the top manufacturers of z wave equipment. The 700 series open|close sensor uses the latest z wave protocol which provides improved battery life over older versions of the z-wave protocol. You should see over a year of life on each battery. The device has two mounting options. The first is regular adhesive tape which is great for indoor applications. The second is a screw mounting option that will allow you to use the device outdoors when you pair it with a weatherproof case. The device has a smaller gap tolerance than the zigbee aqara sensor; only allowing a gap up to 1/4 inch but it should be very usable in most situations. It is typically available for under $30 on amazon. Check current prices.

Top Uses For Door and Window Sensors in Home Assistant

Light Automation

Combine your door sensor with smart lights or switches to trigger your lights to turn on if you arrive home after sunset. This will allow you to enter the house with your arms full of grocery bags without having to fumble for a light switch in the dark.

Heat Control

Pair your sensors to automatically shut off your smart thermostat such as an ecobee or nest when a window or door is opened for more than 5 minutes. This will allow you to save money by not wasting energy if a door or window is left open. It will also simplify the process of opening up the house a nice day by taking care of the HVAC for you. Combine this automation with a phone notification to let you know when a door or window is left open to help take care of accidents.

Mail Notification

Install your door sensor in your mailbox to let you know when the mail has arrived. Trigger your automation to run at most once a day to avoid duplicate notifications when you go and get the mail. You'll avoid unnecessary trips to the mailbox.

Fridge Automation

Install the sensor on your fridge door to have your house start your morning routine when you open your fridge door in the morning. Have your smart assistant read the weather, the latest news and your daily schedule. Also create a routine to let you know if the fridge is open more than 5 minutes and avoid spoiling food.

DIY Security

Combine window and door sensors with device presence detection to send you notifications when a door or window is opened and one of your phones is not connected to the network. You can pair this with cameras to provide you with a live camera feed of your house when you are not home if a door or window is opened.

Coffee Automation

If you have a variable wake time in the morning you can use a door sensor to turn on your coffee pot when your bedroom, closet or bathroom door is opened in the morning. This will allow you to get a fresh cup of coffee without leaving it cook on the hot plate or having to wait for it to brew if you wake up early. You can pair this with a smart coffee maker like the Keurig K-Supreme, Atomi Smart Coffee Maker for app based control. For a more affordable option you can use a basic switch powered coffee maker with a smart outlet.