Why Smart Home Security is More Than Theft Protection
This article is sponsored by Notion. All opinions are my own.
I used to travel often; conferences, business meetings, and family vacations outside of the US meant I was gone for days, if not a week or two at a time. The pandemic halted travel for most of us, and in 2020, I did not travel at all. Fast forward to July 2021, my family and I finally decided to go on vacation. Coming back from that vacation made me realize how much peace of mind smart home security provided and appreciate the real benefits of connected devices.
Protecting the safety of your home from burglary is crucial, but smart home security offers much more than that. Protection from fire, water damage, and temperature can damage belongings and have a significant financial and emotional impact.
Heading home from vacation that week, I knew exactly the state my house would be in when I walked through the front door. I didn’t have to worry that I would walk into a flooded basement or burglarized home. It solidified the practical advantages and value that smart home tech provides. Whether you are a mile or a thousand miles from home, you can have peace of mind.
DIY Monitoring
Smart tech has allowed us to interact with our homes in a new way. In some ways, it feels like breathing life into an object or place. When it comes to products that keep your home safe and reduce threats, the perfect place to start is with Notion’s Smart Starter Kit. I’m not kidding when I say it’s easy to install; with the peel and stick sensors, you can install the system in less than 15 minutes! The sensors are multi-functional, and you can set the sensor to monitor for water, temperature, opening/closing doors or windows, and sounding CO/smoke alarms. Talk about smart!
It keeps your loved ones safe
The highest homeowner losses are from fires, costing an average of $78,838. There is no such thing as having too many smoke alarms, and every home should have at least one carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed even when you don’t have gas appliances. Fireplaces and attached garages can be a source of carbon monoxide making its way into the home. Installing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms where needed keeps your loved ones safe, and it has the potential to save you from tremendous loss.
It can prevent water damage
Ten percent of homes in the US have leaks that waste at least 90 gallons of water a day, so in addition to theft protection, smart home security can help you avoid costly water damage by catching it early. Each year, one in fifty homes has a water/freeze damage claim, resulting in an average insurance claim of $11,098. Smart water sensors will detect leaks and alert you immediately. Detecting water leaks and taking early action is key to lessen the damage.
It helps maintain your home
When you hear “smart home security,” you most likely think about the threats we’ve covered above, like theft and fire. However, you can cover all your bases using sensors that detect extreme temperatures. A temperature sensor under the sink or laundry room on the outside wall can help you avoid frozen pipes. Think of it as your first line of defense from water damage. Maintaining the proper temperature in your home also preserves precious items from degradation like art, wine, and important documents. Smart temperature sensors are also useful for keeping an eye on a second home that may not be occupied at all times.
It can save you money
Did you know that you can save money on your homeowner’s insurance by installing products that keep your home safe? Water damage in your home is 8x more likely than theft, so insurers reward homeowners by offering programs that decrease premiums to homeowners proactively protecting their homes. Make sure to check with your insurance provider to see if you qualify for the discount on your monthly bill. Some companies even provide smart home packages to their customers for free!
I’ve had connected devices in my home since before the term “smart home” became mainstream. Playing with the tech and trying new devices has always been fun, but it comes with real-life benefits. Safety and security are the top priorities, but there are so many more benefits to installing a smart home system when it comes to protecting your home, loved ones, and your belongings. My recent vacation was a great reminder of the peace of mind these devices provide, and we can all use one less worry!