📳 Appliance Notifications & Actions - Washing Machine - Clothes Dryer - Dish Washer - ETC

[Blacky]

GitHub Link Click Here

Watts your appliance up to, you’re always in the know from start to finish!

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Version: 3.4

Need help? See our FAQ: Click Here

The Automation Process:

• Appliance Trigger:

  • Enter the power sensor entity that measures the live current draw of the appliance. Common devices with these sensors include smart plugs, energy meters, etc.
  • The automation is triggered when the appliance’s current draw exceeds a set wattage.
  • The automation ends when the appliance’s current draw falls below a set value.

• Notification Options:

  • Send notification messages to one or multiple devices when the appliance starts, finishes or the watchdog is triggered.
  • Your end message can also include estimates of total power consumption and cost.
  • Include duration tracking in your end message to track the appliance’s operational time for the task or cycle.
  • Opt to sends a repeated notifications to remind you when the appliance cycle is complete.
  • Limit when notifications can be sent by using Notify Time Restrictions - helpful for avoiding alerts while you’re asleep.
  • Notifications are compatible with both Apple iOS and Android devices, ensuring universal accessibility.

• Energy Tracking:

  • Use energy tracking to estimate the total energy usage (kWh) for each completed cycle. You can also choose to include the estimated cost of that cycle in the end notification.
  • Or simply update the start and end helpers without including any energy information in the end notification - useful for your own custom actions or other Home Assistant logic.

  Disclaimer - These values are estimates and should only be used as a guide. Please avoid relying solely on these estimates for accuracy and use them at your own risk. We cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies or resulting losses, damages, inconvenience, or anything else that may occur.

• Time Tracking:

  • Runtime Tracking - Records the total runtime of your appliance by updating a text helper each time it completes a full cycle.
  • Duration Tracking - Tracks how long the appliance was running during each individual cycle and includes this duration in the end notification message.

• Cycle Counter:

  • Use the cycle counter to track the total number of cycles completed by your appliance. You can also choose to include this information in your end message.

• Service Reminders:

  • Service reminders help you track appliance usage and perform timely maintenance.
  • Cycle-Based Reminder - Notifies you when a service is due based on the number of cycles completed.
  • Time-Based Reminder - Notifies you when a service is due based on the total time the appliance has been in use since the last service.

• Watchdog:

  • The watchdog option monitors an appliance cycle completion.
  • It sends a notification if a cycle completion fails within the specified time frame.

• Device Tracker:

  • You can choose to use the device tracker for Start, End, and Watchdog notifications.
  • When enabled, only selected devices currently inside the chosen zone will receive those notifications.

• Custom Actions:

  • Tailor custom actions to suit your preferences and needs, enhancing the automation’s functionality.
  • Configure actions such as triggering announcements on platforms like The Voice (HA), Google, Alexa, etc., to keep you informed about appliance events.

• Custom Conditions:

  • Enter any custom conditions to further customize the automation process.

CHANGELOG

• Version: 3.4 - 22 June-25 - Added device tracker and notification icon with colour.
• Version: 3.3 - 10 June-25 - Added notification tags and 2 new options to reminder notifications.
• Version: 3.2 - 6 June-25 - Renamed Time to Notify Time Restrictions. Bug fixes to Notify Time Restrictions.
• Version: 3.1 - 21 May-25 - Renamed Power Tracking to Energy Tracking.
• Version: 3.0 - 18 May-25 - Added new watchdog input for devices to be notified.
• Version: 2.9 - 13 May-25 - Added runtime tracking and a time-based service reminder option. Fix bug that would not update cycle count and service reminder cycle count if time restricted end notification.
• Version: 2.8 - 26 Jan-25 - Added cycle counter and service reminder options. Cleaned up code
• Version: 2.7 - 27 Nov-24 - Update to Home Assistant YAML standards and coding practices.
• Version: 2.6 - 17 Sep-24 - Fix bug in end custom action.
• Version: 2.5 - 7 Sep-24 - Added iOS notification sound and reminder message.
• Version: 2.4 - 25 Aug-24 - Fix bug watchdog high priority.
• Version: 2.3 - 23 July-24 - Notification options for iOS and Android.
• Version: 2.2 - 11 June-24 - Fixed a bug that could stop the automation running.
• Version: 2.1 - 9 June-24 - Added collapsible sections, end repeat count, watchdog notification, watchdog custom action and fixed a bug in time.
• Version: 2.0 - 18 May-24 - Added duration tracking.
• Version: 1.9 - 17 March-24 - Added ability to select an energy sensor for price per kWh.
• Version: 1.8 - 23 Feb-24 - Added power tracking option. New layout.
• Version: 1.7 - 22 Jan-24 - Added a running dead zone
• Version: 1.6 - 13 Jan-24 - Fixed bug in custom action options.
• Version: 1.5 - 5 Dec-23 - Added custom action options.
• Version: 1.4 - 5 Dec-23 - UI Redesign of inputs.
• Version: 1.3 - 4 Dec-23 - Initial release

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[Blacky]

FAQ

Below are the FAQ question. A good starting point is to read “The Settings & Best Practice Guidelines” Click Here.

Q: How do I set up the automation?

A: Please Click Here to see and example of this.

Q: What are the notification options on iOS and Android devices

A: Please Click Here

Q: How do I set up the energy tracking options?

A: Please Click Here

Q: How To Add A Notification to the UI?

A: Please Click Here

[Blacky]

Initial release 1.3

New blueprint Hope you like it

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Enjoy

Blacky

[mistrovly (Marc-Edouard Louis)]

great work on this one. also i was wondering if you can include ALEXA notification to it also.

[Blacky]

@mistrovly

great work on this one.

Thanks

@mistrovly

also i was wondering if you can include ALEXA notification to it also.

I don’t use ALEXA but I will put it on the list of suggestions.

Blacky

[Blacky]

New Update 1.4

UI Update

• Redesign the front end inputs as it was not realy clear on how to use it.

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Enjoy

Blacky

[Blacky]

FAQ - The Settings & Best Practice Guidelines

The below image of our settings shows you the main setup (trigger) for this blueprint. You will need to enter and adjust all the trigger settings for the automation to work.

The Trigger Settings

Power Sensor

Enter the power sensor entity that measures the current power consumption of your appliance. This entity enables notifications when the appliance starts or finishes. Smart plugs are the most commonly used devices for this purpose.

Setting Up Your Appliance Automation

To configure your automation settings, first run your appliance so Home Assistant can collect power usage data. Then, review the power sensor history to identify key points, such as when the appliance starts, its running cycle, and when it finishes.

The example graph below shows a full wash cycle for my washing machine. Red reference lines, labelled A and B, are used for this explanation.

• Start Trigger Settings

  • Start - Appliance Power Setpoint:
    At line A, the washing machine draws approximately 8.4 watts when first turned ON (selecting washing settings) and over 11.2 watts when the washing starts. Set the start setpoint to 10 watts, a value between idle and active power usage, to trigger the automation when it meets the start power time delay.

  • Start - Power Time Delay:
    Since the machine remains above 11.2 watts for at least 5 minutes, setting a delay of 1 minute ensures the cycle starts only when power stays above 10 watts for this duration. This prevents false triggers caused by brief spikes above 10 watts.

• End Trigger Settings

  • End - Appliance Power Setpoint:
    At line B, the washing machine’s power drops from 8.1 watts (idle) to 0.5 watts (OFF). Set the end setpoint to 5 watts to end the automation when it meets the end power time delay.

  • End - Power Time Delay:
    Since the machine remains below 5 watts for at least 1 minute only once during the cycle, setting a delay of 1 minute ensures accurate and reliable end notifications.

• Running - Dead Zone (Optional)

  A dead zone helps prevent false end triggers caused by brief power dips during the cycle.

  • When to Use:
    If the power dips below the end setpoint after the start trigger but rises again… typically at the same point in the cycle.

  • How It Works:
    Configure the dead zone to extend from the start trigger through the cycle and beyond any dips, but before the actual endpoint. For example, if power dips for 10 seconds and your end time delay is set to 1 minute, no action will be triggered. However, if the power stays below the end setpoint past the end time delay at a consistent point in the cycle, setting a dead zone beyond this point will prevent false end notification.

• End - Repeat Count (Optional)

  This option is useful for cycles with multiple brief dips below the end setpoint.

  • How It Works:
    If your appliance drops below the end setpoint (including the end time delay) multiple times, the Repeat Count ensures the notification triggers only after the specified number of occurrences.

  • Example:
    If dips occur twice per cycle and meet the end trigger settings, set the Repeat Count to 2. You’ll receive the end notification on the second occurrence. By default, the count is 1, meaning the end notification is sent on the first occurrence.

  Fine-Tuning Your Automation

  Once the start and end triggers are configured, your automation should work reliably. You may need to adjust setpoints, time delays, the dead zone, or the repeat count to match your appliance’s behavior. With fine-tuning, this setup will effectively track appliance cycles.

  

  Below is a history graph of a wash cycle.

  

Notification Settings

• Use The Start Notify Options (Optional)

  Select enable if you would like to be notified when the appliance starts.

  • Start Notify - Devices Notified When Started - Select the devices to be notified when the appliance starts.

  • Start Notify - Title - Enter in the notification title that you would like to receive when the appliance starts.

  • Start Notify - Message - Enter in the notification message that you would like to receive when the appliance starts.

• Use The End Notify Options (Optional)

  Select enable if you would like to be notified when the appliance finishes.

  • End Notify - Devices Notified When Finished - Select the devices to be notified when the appliance has finished.

  • End Notify - Title - Enter in the notification title that you would like to receive when the appliance has finished.

  • End Notify - Message - Enter in the notification message that you would like to receive when the appliance has finished.

Enable Power Tracking Option

This feature can include power information in your end notify message, or you can choose to only update the start and end helpers for use in your custom actions. The end notify options are to receive either the total kWh used in the cycle or the total kWh used along with an estimated cost for the cycle

• Disclaimer - These values are estimates and should only be used as a guide. Please avoid relying solely on these estimates for accuracy and use them at your own risk. We cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies or resulting losses, damages, inconvenience, or anything else that may occur.

For more information on how to create a number helper please Click Here

Custom Action Options

You can add any action you would like to perform at the start and / or the end. This is normally used if you would like to play an announcement on The Voice (HA), Google, Alexa, etc when the appliance has started and / or finished.

Use The Time Options (Optional)

Use the “Start Time”, “End Time” and “Weekdays” values to only run the automation between the time periods. This can be useful if you ever run an appliance at night when you are sleeping and don’t want to be notified.

• Start Time - Set the start time.

• End Time - Set the end time.

• Weekdays - Select the days of the week you would like the automation to run. You must select “Enable the time options” above for the weekdays selections to work.

Global Conditions

• Enter any global conditions you would like to apply to the automation.

Hope this helps to explain some of the settings

Enjoy

Blacky

Back to FAQ: Click Here

[Littlejoe (Vanhack)]

Ok ive setup automations for my washer before, the only issue is that the power drops between cycles of rinse and spin. So I have to set it to alert only if power is off for a good 5 minutes. I see you accunted for this. Great job. I use my speakers to announce its done, that would be a nice addition

[Blacky]

@Littlejoe

Great job

Nice one, thanks

@Littlejoe

I use my speakers to announce its done, that would be a nice addition

I am looking into this. What do you use google Alexa… as I am looking for some beta testers.

Blacky

[Littlejoe (Vanhack)]

Sonos. And tts.cloud_say Here my action

- service: media_player.volume_set
    data:
      volume_level: 0.55
    target:
      entity_id: media_player.move
- service: tts.cloud_say
    data:
      cache: false
      entity_id: media_player.move
      message: The washer is finished
- service: tts.cloud_say
    data:
      cache: false
      entity_id: media_player.office
      message: The washer is finished

[Blacky]

New Update 1.5

New Feature

• Custom Action Options (Optional) - You can add any action you would like to perform at the start and / or the end. This is normally used if you would like to play an announcement on The Voice (HA), Google, Alexa, etc when the appliance has started and / or finished.

If you like this blueprint? Consider hitting the button in the top post

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Enjoy

Blacky

[hazio]

Nice Blueprint. Just wondering does it support Washer/Dryers with WiFi enabled integrations (no need for smart plug) i.e LG ThinkQ Washer?

Thanks

[Blacky]

This will work of power measurement (numeric state). I think there is a HACS integration for this. Just google “LG ThinkQ home assistant”.

Blacky

[Littlejoe (Vanhack)]

Thanks again for adding the custom actions for notifications.

Another idea I had is adding in a filter/maintenence reminder. Instead of having seperate blueprints. Example, I have an ice machine and I added it to this blueprint. Adding another trigger for input_number 90 days everytime I change its filter would be nice. So it would tell me everytime it finishes a cycle and when it needs a new filter. Some things like the fridge I don’t need to know when it’s turned off, but I can still use the filter alert setting.
There are some BPs that do this but I’d like it centralized and Appliance notifications and actions BP seems like a perfect place.

Hvac
Filter: yes
Threshold: 90 days
Power Sensor: none
Washer
Filter: none
Power sensor: sensor.washer_power
Threshold: 15 watts
Ice Machine:
Filter: yes
Threshold: 90 days
Power sensor: sensor.ice_power
Threshold: 6 watts
Etc

[Blacky]

@Littlejoe

If you are looking for some type of notification on dates / time then have a look at my Calendar Notifications & Actions blueprint. Try and set up a calendar for service ( I have one for home and one for service) then put in you calendar events in service when you change the filter + 90 day and then it will notify you when to do it No need for input number. In this blueprint it can work of a key word or not. That is why it so good to set up a calendar for service and dont use key word, then every event you put into service you will get notified. One blueprint, one automation covers every service item. Just use the the title and description sensors built in so you know what your being notified of. Example

1. Ice machine filter
2. Fridge filter
3. Bins rubbish reminder
4. Fertilise lawn
5. Clean gutters
6. Check pool
7. Clean range hood filters
8. Change oil in lawnmower
9. Service XYZ
10. etc

Or you can use key word and have a custom automation tailored to your event

Blacky

[Littlejoe (Vanhack)]

Yeah I saw that one too. There is another one out too but again i like one the idea of one , I’ll eventually edit this one myself. Just been busy. Thanks.

[hazio]

Yeh, I use that integration already. It’s just a faff setting up automations and notifications with it, would’ve been nice to use a blueprint instead, no worries.

[Blacky]

@Littlejoe @hazio

Okay looks like I should expand this to give more options. I think I am understanding what you are trying to do and see this can be a nice option to have.

If I need your help I will PM you to see if you would like to work through this with me and maybe beta test it.

If you are reading this and would like to be involved then let us know.

@hazio if you can PM me we will work through the wifi intergradation.

Blacky

[nicknol]

Now your blueprint for appliances is available - super!

I noticed that you use ‘minutes’ as the unit for ‘Power Time Delay’, that works perfect for dishwashers and dryers. When it comes to my (well known) coffee machine, I would need ‘seconds’ as unit.

[Blacky]

@nicknol

You can do some maths and just type the number you would like. Example

5 seconds would be: 5 X 0.0166 = 0.083 or just enter in 0.08
or
30 seconds would be: 30 X 0.0166 = 0.498 or just enter in 0.5

It should be close

Blacky