Master Home Assistant Templates: State Based Entities

This video from Slacker Labs with Jeff dives into the advanced features of Home Assistant, focusing on state-based template entities. It builds upon previous concepts, guiding viewers through the creation of these entities for automation. Jeff introduces a modern template configuration added in 2022, explaining its advantages over the legacy format. He demonstrates how to migrate to the new format by restructuring the configuration and utilizing a 'template.yaml' file. The video also emphasizes the importance of a unique ID for each entity to manage them effectively within the UI.

Jeff explains state-based template entities, which update when the referenced entities change state. He provides examples from his smart home setup, such as monitoring a freezer's temperature with a sensor and creating a binary sensor for alerts. The video showcases how to use device classes to add context and icons to sensors, enhancing user interface elements. Jeff also discusses the use of templates with smart buttons to provide a visual representation of their state and how to set up automations based on these entities.

The script explores various applications of template entities, such as transforming simple buttons into more functional elements with delay mechanisms. Jeff demonstrates creating a binary sensor for a 'Dog mode' button, which stays on for 30 seconds after activation. He also discusses creating a sensor to determine if tomorrow is a school day using calendar events and template logic. The video highlights the utility of these entities in providing contextual information and triggering automations.

Jeff discusses using media players like Roku and PlayStation as presence sensors in Home Assistant. He details setting up binary sensors for these devices, which can indicate usage based on their state. The video explains how to use these binary sensors in occupancy sensors, leveraging their 'running' state to infer human activity. This approach allows for more nuanced automation based on the presence and activities within the home.

The video covers advanced presence detection by creating complex template entities that combine various sensors and device states. Jeff demonstrates building a 'kitchen occupied' sensor that uses a combination of motion, door, and occupancy sensors to determine if the kitchen area is in use. He also discusses using groups to simplify templates and improve Home Assistant's performance, especially when dealing with numerous entities.

Jeff introduces a method for creating countdowns to recurring events like Halloween using template entities. He explains the process of determining the days until an event by manipulating dates and timestamps. The video shows how to set up a sensor that updates annually without manual intervention, providing a dynamic countdown that can be integrated into daily briefings or notifications.

The final part of the script focuses on monitoring battery levels of critical devices in the smart home. Jeff outlines creating a 'critical batteries' area and a script that updates a group of batteries considered critical. He details a template entity that counts batteries with levels below a certain threshold, which is used to trigger notifications. This setup ensures that the homeowner is alerted to low battery levels, helping maintain the smart home's functionality.