Smart homes, packed with connected devices, need a seasonal check-up as the nights draw in and temperatures begin to dip. We install smart systems for convenience and energy savings, but these benefits disappear if the devices aren’t properly maintained, especially during winter, when reliability matters most.
This guide covers six simple yet essential steps to prepare your smart home for the colder months, focusing on protecting your technology, improving efficiency, and staying ahead of potential faults. And if you’d prefer professional help, Visual Control Systems offers ongoing home maintenance support tailored to your system and setup.
1. Smart Thermostat: Check schedules and calibration
The smart thermostat is the heart of your winter setup. You need to make sure it’s ready to withstand the demands of colder weather. Check that the temperature readings are accurate and adjust your heating schedules accordingly to match your daily routine. Many thermostats can also integrate with weather forecasts or occupancy sensors to automatically adjust settings. These features can help you save money and keep your home comfortably warm.
2. Outdoor Lighting and Sensors: Test for timing and safety
Outdoor smart lighting often serves dual purposes: visibility and security. With shorter days, your system should be programmed to switch on earlier. Test motion sensors to make sure they’re responsive, and clean any dust or debris from the lights and lenses. If your setup includes pathway lighting or porch sensors, inspect those too. Don’t be left in the dark this winter!
3. CCTV Cameras: Ensure visibility and connectivity
Unpredictable winter weather can bring your smart CCTV system gring to a hault. Check that all outdoor cameras are securely fixed and not at risk from high winds or snow. Clean the lenses and test each unit’s live feed to make sure they’re working correctly. Don’t forget to verify that cloud storage or local backups are functioning correctly, in case you need to access footage during a power cut or connectivity issue.
4. Remote Access and Mobile Apps: Keep everything running smoothly
One of the primary benefits of a smart home is the ability to monitor and control devices remotely. But if your apps are glitchy or the system is lagging, that’s game over. Test all your main functions via your phone or tablet, and ensure your Wi-Fi signal reaches all devices; consider adding a range extender if necessary. Regularly checking mobile app settings can also help with real-time alerts and automation triggers.
5. Firmware and Software: Keep devices up to date
Manufacturers often release firmware updates that improve performance or fix security vulnerabilities. It’s important to check for and install these updates across your devices. You can usually find update options in the device’s companion app. Keeping software current also ensures compatibility between your different smart systems, especially if you’ve recently added new tech to your setup.
6. Power Backup and Surge Protection: Prepare for the unexpected
If your devices rely on battery backups, test them now! Smart locks, CCTV cameras, and sensors should all have a fail-safe in case the mains power goes down. Consider using surge protectors for more sensitive equipment, particularly if you live in an area prone to outages. You can also configure certain devices to resume their previous state automatically when power is restored.
A Smarter Approach to Winter
A smart home can do a lot, but only if the systems behind it are properly maintained and updated. As we head into the coldest months of the year, these six checks can help you stay warm, safe and in control.
If you’d like expert assistance, Visual Control Systems offers dedicated home maintenance services to help you prepare and maintain your smart systems year-round.
You can also find more gadget-focused tips for staying warm this winter in this guide from Tom’s Guide.
Ready to winter-proof your smart home?
Book a winter maintenance check with Visual Control Systems and get peace of mind that your home will stay connected and efficient, whatever the weather brings.
