I’m looking for a simple way to keep track of maintenance, like changing HVAC filters every 90 days. So I want a counter that shows how many days are left before the necessary filter change, something that can easily be reset to 90 days. Currently using TimeFlow card but it’s not been ideal for the basic countdown of days.
Hi, another approach: use the calendar and a trigger when the date is due with a notification of some sort.
I just use a sensor (or helper) with a timestamp device class. When you change your filter, have a script set the sensor/helper to 90 days from now.
Many dashboard cards will show the sensor as “x days/weeks from now”. So you don’t even need a sensor that counts down.
You could try this integration:
Seems to work well
Put a barcode or QR on the device to be scanned by the person changing the filter, just to make it even simpler. Some filters have inbuilt NFC chips, depending on how much they cost.
The idea is not new, being quite common in the mining and construction industry. Each grease nipple has a code next to it, and the job is not finished and you are not paid until all the codes are updated in the master maintenance database. The equipment stays in the shed till all maintenance records are clear. For giant tip trucks on mine sites, that cost can be upwards of $6 million per hour they are not working - you make sure each scan works!
I’d just moved my maintenance to my Apple calendar, off of HA, but this might be the answer for HA.
That might be considered a retrograde step by some!
If all you want is a calendar with a reminder, then yes, why reinvent the wheel? If you want database storage with integration to barcodes or QR Codes, then HomeAssidtant may be an option.
It was only a temporary experiment. Ideally, HA would handle this simple task. But at the end of the day, all I need is a reminder of some sort to nag at me when it’s time to deal with these tasks.