diff --git a/server.py b/server.py
index 70da40e..de5b1a2 100644
--- a/server.py
+++ b/server.py
@@ -38,13 +38,18 @@ OPEN_ALERT_THRESHOLDS_MINUTES = [5, 15, 30, 60, 120]
 OPEN_ALERTS_SENT_FOR_CURRENT_OPENING = []
 
 
-def controller_message(message):
+async def controller_message(app, message):
     payload = {mysecrets.CONTROLLER_KEY: message}
     logging.info('Controller message: %s', message)
-    r = requests.post(mysecrets.CONTROLLER_URL, data=payload, timeout=10)
-    if r.status_code == 200:
-        return True
-    else:
+    session = app['client_session']
+    try:
+        async with session.post(mysecrets.CONTROLLER_URL, data=payload, timeout=10) as response:
+            if response.status == 200:
+                return True
+            else:
+                logging.error(f'Unable to communicate with controller! Message: {message}, Status: {response.status}')
+                return False
+    except Exception:
         logging.exception('Unable to communicate with controller! Message: ' + message)
         return False
 
@@ -199,7 +204,7 @@ async def monitor_state_transitions(app):
                 for threshold in OPEN_ALERT_THRESHOLDS_MINUTES:
                     if open_duration_minutes >= threshold and threshold not in OPEN_ALERTS_SENT_FOR_CURRENT_OPENING:
                         msg = f"ALERT: Garage door has been open for {threshold} minutes."
-                        controller_message(msg)
+                        await controller_message(app, msg)
                         logging.info(msg)
                         OPEN_ALERTS_SENT_FOR_CURRENT_OPENING.append(threshold)
             elif current_state == 'closed':