Smart home automation can offer homeowners peace of mind, convenience and efficiency. But make sure it’s SECURE home automation. Follow the tips below to automate systems and equipment ranging from home security alarm systems to thermostats safely.
With your smartphone acting as a control center, homeowners can remotely monitor video cameras, lock or unlock doors, turn on lights or automatically shut off the water to their home if a leak is detected.
With so many possibilities, there are a number of decisions to make. Following are some important safety considerations when getting secure home automation.
1. Which features matter most?
Firstly, many consumers look for specific solutions, which can lead to a number of gadgets that do not communicate with each other. Choosing them on an individual basis could leave a homeowner with a dozen different apps and ways to control their home.
There are two typical types of home automation options: service provider solutions and individual smart products, such as smart TVs and thermostats. Individual devices can be connected by a smart home automation hub, but it is important to select a hub that supports all of the devices that you wish to control.
2. Smart sensors protect the home.
These smart home devices can help homeowners manage their risk by enabling remote monitoring, alerts and control of a home’s systems. If they were to fail and go unnoticed, it could result in costly consequences.
Thermostats can also be smart. They can provide alerts if a home loses power or if the temperature in the home falls below or rises above a set threshold. Water sensors can detect unwanted water in the home, alerting the owner to potential leaks.
3. Smart security systems:
- Remotely control and monitor home entry with smart locks.
- Smart light bulbs remotely control or program lights when you are away, in order to make a home appear occupied.
- Remotely program and monitor smart motion lights and exterior lighting.
- Connected security cameras monitor a home, while connected motion sensors can provide alerts.
- Smart doorbell monitors and alerts activity at the front door and allows homeowners to remotely view and/or photograph visitors.
- Garage door smart technology delivers alerts when the door is left open and allows a homeowner to close it remotely.
4. Understand privacy policies with home automation.
With the Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring, sharing and potentially selling consumer data, some smart coffee makers, dishwashers and thermostats now come with privacy policies. Without strong privacy laws, it is up to the consumer to read agreements for each individual device. It is important to be comfortable with how data from smart home devices are used and shared.
5. Secure your network.
Lastly, it’s also important to secure devices to help protect against hackers and other intrusions. Safety and security features can vary widely by manufacturer and by individual product. Before buying, evaluate each smart device for potential safety and security issues.
Remember that passwords are the first line of defense and be sure to create a strong password for each smart device. Be aware that many devices ship with the same default passwords, or none at all. If you want more information regarding safe and secure home automation, contact us today to speak with one of our experts.