Ask HN: what features would you put into your home automation system?

[mgse]

Close garage door or verification it is closed. Turn off outlets (parasitic devices or just something I forgot). Drop water heater temperature when away assuming not tankless. Pet feeder/treats. Close/open shades depending on temperature and time of year. Water shutoff (burst pipe? leaky toilet? bad neighbor?). Watering plants (bonus if based on soil moisture). Run dehumidifier based on moisture. Control ceiling fan speed in bedrooms rather than air conditioning entire house. Turn off gas if pilot light goes out (furnace, oven). Warning on radon, CO2, smoke, etc

Of the above, the dehumidifier is one that I'd really like living in Minnesota. My dehumidifier's built in threshold for running is poor so I use a timer. It is far from optimal.

[mooism2]

To start with, let me control everything through a web browser. The usability of our heating system is appalling.

[hedgehog]

I'd like AC, lighting, and stereo to turn on and off automatically based on whether I'm home.

[T-zex]

All stuff that stereotypical wife is supposed to do.