Heading South for the Winter? Keep Your Home Safe with These Tips
If you’re planning to head south for the winter, you might be wondering how to keep your home safe, secure, and energy-efficient while you’re away. Fortunately, smart home technology provides several effective ways to monitor and control your property remotely. Here are some tips and tools to give you peace of mind while you enjoy the warmer weather.
1. Stay in Control with Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats are a great way to ensure your home stays at the right temperature while you’re away. They offer several benefits that can help you maintain comfort, prevent costly damage, and save on energy costs.
- Remote Temperature Control: With a smart thermostat, such as ecobee, you can adjust your home’s temperature from anywhere using your smartphone or tablet. If an unexpected cold snap hits, you can raise the temperature to prevent pipes from freezing.
- Alerts for HVAC Issues: Smart thermostats can send you alerts if something goes wrong with your HVAC system, such as a sudden drop in temperature or a malfunction. This allows you to act quickly before a minor issue becomes a major problem.
2. Smart Security Systems and Video Surveillance
A smart security system is a must-have for any homeowner leaving their property for an extended period. Here’s how you can keep an eye on your home, even when you’re hundreds of miles away:
- Smart Security Systems: Modern security systems offer 24/7 monitoring and can send instant alerts to your phone if any unusual activity is detected, such as a door or window being opened.
- Video Surveillance: We can install smart cameras, to monitor both the interior and exterior of your home. These cameras provide live feeds and record any activity, allowing you to check in on your property anytime. Some cameras even have two-way audio, so you can communicate with anyone at your door.
3. Keep Your Home Comfortable with Smart Shades
Smart shades offer both privacy and energy efficiency, making them a valuable addition to your home when you’re away for the winter.
- Privacy Control: Smart shades from Lutron, for example, can be programmed to open and close at specific times to create the appearance that someone is home. This can deter potential intruders by simulating normal daily activity.
- Energy Efficiency: During sunny winter days, smart shades can open to let in natural heat, reducing heating costs. At night, they can close to retain warmth, ensuring your home stays energy-efficient.
4. Deter Intruders with Smart Security Lights
Smart security lights can help protect your home from potential intruders by illuminating dark areas and simulating occupancy.
- Motion-Activated Lights: Install smart security lights that automatically turn on when they detect motion around your home. This can scare off would-be burglars and alert neighbors to unusual activity.
- Scheduled Lighting: Set your lights to turn on and off at random intervals to make it appear as if someone is home, even when you’re not.
5. Protect Your Home from Water Damage with Auto Shut-Off Valves
Water damage from burst pipes is a common problem for homes left unattended during the winter months. Auto shut-off valves can prevent a minor leak from turning into a major disaster.
- Leak Detection and Shut-Off: Smart valves can detect leaks and automatically shut off your water supply to prevent flooding. Some systems will also send you an alert, allowing you to take further action.
Additional Tips for Keeping Your Home Safe
Beyond smart home technology, here are some additional steps to ensure your home stays safe while you’re away:
- Sign Up for a Snow Removal Service: A snow-covered driveway can be a clear sign that no one is home. Arrange for a snow removal service to keep your property looking occupied.
- Manage Your Mail and Packages: Don’t let mail and packages pile up, which can signal to potential burglars that you’re not home. Temporarily stop or forward your mail, or ask a trusted neighbor or family member to pick it up.
- Keep Travel Plans Off Social Media: Avoid posting your travel plans or location on social media. Sharing this information publicly can make your home a target for break-ins.
- Avoid Hiding a Key Near Your Entry Doors: Instead of hiding a key outside, consider installing a smart lock that allows you to provide temporary access codes to trusted individuals, like house sitters or neighbors.
