Effective Ways to Protect a Home During Travel

Traveling should be a joyous experience, but leaving your home unattended can be a major source of stress. Protecting your home while you’re away is essential for peace of mind and security. Fortunately, modern technology offers various smart solutions to keep your home safe. This article will guide you through some of the most effective smart devices, from smart plugs and security systems to smart thermostats and doorbells. Whether you’re new to smart home technologies or an experienced user, these tips will help ensure your home is secure and efficient while you’re off exploring the world.

Smart plug

The TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim (EP25) offers an affordable and convenient way to manage appliances in your home while you’re away. This smart plug can be controlled remotely through an app, allowing you to turn devices on or off from anywhere in the world. You can even schedule devices to operate automatically, creating the illusion of an occupied home.

Integration with voice-controlled assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant provides hands-free management. This feature is particularly beneficial when your hands are full or when you’re multitasking. By controlling energy use, the smart plug can help reduce your electricity bills while ensuring your home doesn’t appear vacant.

Smart LED light bulb

The WiZ 60W A19 Color LED Smart Bulb allows you to control lighting through your smartphone or voice assistant. These bulbs can be set on a timer or scheduled to switch on and off at preset times, making it easy to simulate your presence at home. Such functionality not only deters unwanted visitors but also conserves energy.

Additionally, you can customize the lighting color and intensity to match your preferences or adapt to your home’s lighting patterns. This can be particularly useful for seasonal changes when you might want your home to reflect different lighting moods even while you’re not there.

A smart shade

IKEA’s Fyrtur smart shades are a perfect solution for those seeking privacy and security. These motorized shades can be scheduled to open and close at certain times to simulate normal daily activities. Whether it’s blocking out the sun to protect furniture or offering privacy from prying eyes, these shades are a versatile addition to any smart home setup.

Aside from enhancing security through simulation of activity, Fyrtur shades also contribute to energy conservation. By automatically adjusting based on sunlight exposure, they help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, reducing the need for heating or cooling.

Smart lock

The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi smart lock provides cutting-edge security for your home. With features like fingerprint access, smartphone entry, and remote locking/unlocking, you can ensure that your home remains secure even from afar. The device also sends real-time notifications about who enters and exits your home, adding an extra layer of surveillance.

This smart lock allows you to grant temporary access to guests or service personnel, offering both flexibility and control. With options for PIN codes and two-factor authentication, the U-Bolt Pro ensures that only authorized individuals gain entry, making your home much less vulnerable during your travels.

Smart doorbell camera

The Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell is an excellent first line of defense for home security. This device allows you to see and communicate with visitors in real-time via your smartphone, giving the impression that you’re just inside the house. The HD video quality and night vision capabilities provide clear visuals of activity around your entryway.

The doorbell’s motion detection alerts keep you informed of any unusual activities, allowing for prompt responses. Integration with other smart home devices enables a seamless security system, ensuring that you can monitor and control access from virtually anywhere.

DIY security system

The Ring Alarm Pro offers an excellent DIY option for homeowners seeking comprehensive security solutions. This system incorporates sensors for doors and windows, motion detectors, and even environmental monitors. It’s easily customizable, allowing you to choose the setup that best fits your home’s needs.

With professional monitoring services available, Ring Alarm Pro provides peace of mind with 24/7 protection. You can also manage the system via a smartphone app, ensuring you remain informed about any security breaches or emergencies at home.

Indoor security camera

The Eufy Indoor Cam C120 is perfect for monitoring the interior of your home from afar. This camera offers high-resolution video streaming and records motion events in real time. Incorporating features such as two-way audio, it allows you to check in and even communicate with anyone present in your home.

The Eufy Cam C120 is compatible with major smart assistants, ensuring integration with broader smart home ecosystems. With options for cloud or local storage, video footage remains secure and accessible, providing a reliable security solution while you travel.

Fortify your castle

Before deploying high-tech solutions, consider quick, non-technical fixes such as ensuring all potential entry points are secured, spare keys are hidden safely, and your home appears lived-in. Simple actions like mowing the lawn and stopping mail delivery can also deter potential intruders.

Overlay these precautions with technological solutions, creating a multi-layered security approach. Camouflage your absence with automated lights or smart blinds to simulate routine activities, boosting the illusion of an occupied home.

Protect against the whims of nature (and chance)

The D-Link DCH-S1621KT Whole Home Smart Wi-Fi Water Leak Sensor Kit is essential for homes vulnerable to water damage. By detecting early signs of leaks, it helps prevent costly water-related incidents, ensuring peace of mind while you’re away.

Google Nest Protect adds another layer of protection by offering intelligent smoke and carbon monoxide detection. This device provides immediate alerts to your smartphone in case of emergencies, allowing you to take corrective action swiftly.

Smart thermostat

The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced can regulate your home’s climate efficiently, even when you’re away. By learning your habits and preferences, it ensures energy savings without compromising comfort. Additionally, you can manage settings remotely via a companion app, maintaining optimal temperatures regardless of your location.

Integration with other smart systems and voice assistants allows for seamless control of all your climate-related devices, demonstrating how interconnected technology can simplify home management tasks.

Mentioned above

The technologies mentioned above integrate effectively to bolster home security and efficiency while traveling. By combining different smart devices, you create a holistic approach to home protection, tackling various concerns from security to energy management.

Choosing a combination of these devices tailored to your specific home environment offers the best defense against potential risks, making your travel experiences worry-free.

Further reading

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  Smart Home for Apartments and Renters
  
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Future prospects

Device	Primary Benefit
TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim (EP25)	Remote appliance management
WiZ 60W A19 Color LED Smart Bulb	Simulate presence and conserve energy
IKEA Fyrtur	Privacy and energy conservation
Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi	Secure access control
Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell	Real-time visitor interaction
Ring Alarm Pro	Customizable DIY home security
Eufy Indoor Cam C120	Interior monitoring and communication
D-Link Water Leak Sensor Kit	Protection against water damage
Google Nest Protect	Advanced smoke and CO detection
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced	Energy-efficient climate control