Best IFTTT Recipes for Linking Smart Devices in a Temporary Rental Setup
In the era of smart homes, temporary rentals can benefit immensely from interconnected devices. IFTTT (If This Then That) is a powerful service that allows users to create conditional statements, or “recipes,” to automate tasks between different smart devices and apps. Here are some of the best IFTTT recipes to consider for optimizing the smart technology in a temporary rental setup.
1. Smart Light Automation Based on Sunset/Sunrise
Utilize smart bulbs from brands like Philips Hue or LIFX to create a seamless transition between natural and artificial light. This recipe can automate your lights to turn on at sunset and off at sunrise.
Recipe:
- Trigger: Sunset
- Action: Turn on lights in the living room
- Additional Trigger: Sunrise
- Action: Turn off lights in the living room
2. Temperature Control with Smart Thermostats
Make your temporary rental more comfortable by integrating a smart thermostat, such as Nest or Ecobee, with your device’s location. Set rules that adjust the temperature based on the arrival and departure of guests.
Recipe:
- Trigger: Arriving home
- Action: Set thermostat to 72°F
- Additional Trigger: Leaving home
- Action: Set thermostat to 62°F
3. Smart Locks with Guest Notifications
With smart locks from August or Schlage, you can enhance security and convenience. Create a recipe that notifies you when guests enter or leave, providing peace of mind.
Recipe:
- Trigger: Guest unlocks smart lock
- Action: Send a notification to your phone
- Additional Trigger: Guest locks smart lock
- Action: Send another notification
4. Welcome and Goodbye Messages
Use smart speakers like Amazon Echo or Google Nest to create welcoming atmospheres. Automatically trigger messages that greet guests upon entry and bid farewell when they leave.
Recipe:
- Trigger: Unlocking smart lock
- Action: Play a “Welcome” message through smart speaker
- Additional Trigger: Locked smart lock
- Action: Play a “Thank you for visiting” message
5. Water Leak Detection Alerts
For properties equipped with smart water sensors, set up an alert system to monitor potential leaks. This can prevent significant damage and mitigate risks for both you and your guests.
Recipe:
- Trigger: Water detected by sensor
- Action: Send SMS alert
- Additional Trigger: Water no longer detected
- Action: Send a positive confirmation SMS
6. Environmental Monitoring for Air Quality
Smart devices like Eve Room can monitor indoor air quality. This recipe alerts you when air quality drops below a certain threshold, ensuring a comfortable environment.
Recipe:
- Trigger: Air quality level falls below 50
- Action: Send mobile notification
7. Home Security Alerts Based on Motion Detection
Integrate motion sensors with your IFTTT setup to enhance security. When motion is detected when the property is vacant, receive immediate notifications.
Recipe:
- Trigger: Motion detected when smart lock is locked
- Action: Send an alert via email/SMS
8. Remote Control for Security Cameras
If your rental includes security cameras, automate capturing footage when motion is detected. This can be useful for security and holds guests accountable.
Recipe:
- Trigger: Motion detected by security camera
- Action: Record video for specified duration
9. Smart Hub Control for Multi-Device Management
Create a central command for your smart devices. Use recipes that link multiple smart devices so that one command can turn on multiple gadgets.
Recipe:
- Trigger: Voice command to smart speaker (“Movie Mode”)
- Action 1: Dim living room lights
- Action 2: Lock smart doors
- Action 3: Adjust thermostat to 68°F
10. Automated Coffee Maker
For a more welcoming touch, automate your coffee maker using a smart plug. When guests arrive in the morning, they can smell fresh coffee without any effort.
Recipe:
- Trigger: Sunrise
- Action: Turn on smart plug for coffee maker
11. Reminders for Guest Check-In/Check-Out
Automate reminders related to check-in and check-out to streamline the process for both you and your guests.
Recipe:
- Trigger: Daily at 11 AM (check-out time)
- Action: Send email reminder to guests
12. Connection to Weather Updates
Link your smart devices to real-time weather updates for enhanced convenience. This can help adjust heating or cooling based on the weather forecast.
Recipe:
- Trigger: Weather report indicates it will rain later in the day
- Action: Set thermostat to a more comfortable temperature
13. Grocery List Creation for Guests
Guests may need supplies. Set up a smart assistant integration so guests can add items to their grocery list directly via voice command.
Recipe:
- Trigger: Voice command (“Add milk to grocery list”)
- Action: Update grocery list app
14. Home Serenity with Ambient Sounds
Create a tranquil environment by automating white noise or ambient sounds when it’s time for sleeping. This can be particularly appealing in noisy city environments.
Recipe:
- Trigger: After sunset
- Action: Play white noise via smart speaker
15. Integrate Smart TVs for Entertainment Automation
Configure your smart TV settings to improve guest experience by automating activities like turning on Netflix when the TV is powered up.
Recipe:
- Trigger: Smart TV turned on
- Action: Open Netflix app
16. Energy Monitoring and Reduction
Use smart plugs that monitor energy usage and create alerts for excessive energy consumption, saving both money and ensuring an eco-friendly environment.
Recipe:
- Trigger: Energy consumption exceeds 500 watts
- Action: Send alert to mobile device
17. Managing Smart Fans with Temperature Control
Automate ceiling fans to support air conditioning, effectively distributing air throughout the rental space.
Recipe:
- Trigger: Temperature rises above 75°F
- Action: Turn on smart fan
18. Home Automation Routine for Different Times of Day
Set up routines that cater to different parts of the day. For instance, automate security systems for night time and relaxation settings during the day.
Recipe:
- Trigger: Time set to 10 PM
- Action 1: Lock smart doors
- Action 2: Dim living room lights
19. Dynamic Notifications for Air Purifiers
Integrate smart air purifiers that send notifications when air quality worsens, ensuring the property remains a healthy environment for guests.
Recipe:
- Trigger: Air quality monitored by sensor
- Action: Send real-time notification to the owner
20. Customizable Welcome Mat Notifications
If the rental uses a smart welcome mat, create an automation that notifies you every time someone steps on it, providing insight into guest activity.
Recipe:
- Trigger: Footsteps detected on smart mat
- Action: Send SMS alert
21. Adjustable Nightlighting Based on Guest Activity
Automate soft night lights to turn on when guests get out of bed, making midnight trips around the home much safer.
Recipe:
- Trigger: Motion detected in the bedroom after 10 PM
- Action: Turn on night lights
22. Centralize Event-Based Notifications
Integrate calendars with IFTTT to receive notifications about upcoming bookings, allowing for efficient preparation.
Recipe:
- Trigger: New event added to calendar
- Action: Send an email notification to ensure readiness
23. Smart Appliances Management with Scheduling
For appliances like dishwashers, automate their use based on peak hours or when guests are out, ensuring efficiency and convenience.
Recipe:
- Trigger: Guests leave for the day
- Action: Power on dishwasher via smart plug
24. Create a Safety Checklist for Guests
Automate sending a safety checklist to guests upon check-in. This may include instructions on how to use smoke detectors and other safety features.
Recipe:
- Trigger: Guest unlocks smart lock
- Action: Send PDF checklist via email
25. Remote Monitoring of Property
Set up a centralized dashboard for overseeing various devices in different rooms, allowing easy management from any mobile device.
Recipe:
- Trigger: Scheduled check-in (daily/weekly)
- Action: Send a summary report of device status
Implementing these IFTTT recipes can lead to a better experience for both hosts and guests in temporary rental setups. The smart integration of devices achieves greater convenience, safety, and connectivity, adding significant value to your rental property. Utilizing these recipes ensures your temporary rental stands out and creates a welcoming and efficient environment.
