How to Keep Your Home Safe When You’re NOT Home for the Holidays

For those of us who have to spend the holidays traveling away from home, leaving your possessions behind can be stressful! The good news is, there are a number of ways to use smart technology to keep your home and your family safe while you’re away.

Start with the security basics

The best way to ensure your home is safe from unwanted visitors is to have a home security system. Whether that’s just an alarm that sounds when your door is opened, or if you’d like all the bells and whistles like a digital doorbell or lock, sensors on every entrance and cameras throughout and outside your home, make sure your belongings are safe! 

Make it look like you’re home

Another tried and true way to deter any potential intruders is to make it look like you haven’t left. Taking small steps like adding timers to some of your lighting can be a huge help. If you’d like to take it a step further, consider smart shades for your windows! Having settings based on the time of day can not only make it look like you’re home, but also help you save on energy and heating costs. 

Beyond its practicality, a timer can be programmed into your home automation system to help create “scenes” in conjunction with your window shades. Factoring in lighting level and window shades can make your home appear more “lived in” and less like a static light going on and off at the same time each day. Additionally, you can tie in your lighting with your security system for an added layer of deterrence. 

Connect with an app so you can check in

By incorporating the right smart tech and having that connectivity to your home no matter how far away you might be, you’ll be able to keep tabs on everything that’s happening in your home. Double-check that the garage door is closed, the thermostat is lowered to cut down on heating costs, the appliances in your kitchen are off and chat with anyone who rings the doorbell - whether you’re across town or across the country. 

Ask the pros 

Whether you’ve already outfitted your home with some safety technologies or looking to start from scratch, make sure you let us help you find the best technology for your needs. Our team of smart home automation and security specialists at Automation Design + Entertainment will make sure that you’ve got all the features you’re wanting and that they work together as one seamless system. Call today! Wishing you a safe holiday season.