Smart home technology has made it easier than ever to stay connected to your property while you're away. Cameras, smart thermostats, leak detectors, door sensors, and connected lighting can all help homeowners monitor what's happening at home from virtually anywhere.
But here's something worth considering: Are your smart home devices actually ready to do their job when you're not there?
A camera that loses its Wi-Fi connection, a notification setting that's turned off, or a sensor with a dead battery may leave you thinking your home is protected when it isn't.
At DCN Property Management, we believe smart technology can be a valuable part of a home protection plan. But having the devices is only half the equation. Knowing they're working properly is just as important.
Before your next extended trip, take a few minutes to check these eight things.
1. Test Your Wi-Fi Connection
Most smart home devices depend on a reliable internet connection to communicate with your phone.
Before leaving, check that:
· Your router is working properly.
· Cameras and sensors are connected to your network.
· Devices are showing as online in their respective apps.
· Your Wi-Fi signal reaches the areas where devices are installed.
If your router is in one part of the house and your outdoor camera is at the opposite end, a weak signal could interrupt monitoring.
For larger homes, a mesh Wi-Fi system or additional access point may help improve coverage.
2. Make Sure Notifications Are Turned On
This one is easy to overlook.
You may have cameras, motion sensors, and leak detectors installed, but if notifications aren't enabled, you might never know when something happens.
Open each device's app and review:
· Motion detection alerts.
· Door and window notifications.
· Water leak alerts.
· Temperature warnings.
· Device offline notifications.
Also check your phone settings. Make sure notifications from your smart home apps aren't being silenced or blocked.
Consider having a second trusted person receive important alerts, particularly when you're traveling across time zones.
3. Check Batteries and Power Sources
A smart device is only useful when it has power.
Some devices are plugged into an outlet, while others rely on batteries that may need periodic replacement.
Before leaving:
· Check battery levels on wireless cameras and sensors.
· Replace batteries that are running low.
· Make sure plugged-in devices are securely connected.
· Check that outdoor equipment is protected from weather as intended.
· Confirm that devices restart and reconnect properly after a power interruption, where applicable.
Don't assume a device will send you a warning before its battery runs out. Check it yourself.
4. Review Camera Placement and Coverage
Installing a camera doesn't automatically mean you're monitoring the areas that matter most.
Take a look at what your cameras actually see.
Consider whether you're covering:
· Front and back entrances.
· Driveways and garage doors.
· Side entrances and less visible access points.
· Areas where deliveries are typically left.
· Other vulnerable exterior areas.
Check the nighttime view, too. A camera that provides a clear picture during the day may have limited visibility after dark.
Trim back branches or vegetation that may obstruct the view, and make sure outdoor cameras are positioned to withstand the conditions they're designed for.
Be mindful of neighbors' privacy and applicable recording rules when positioning cameras.
5. Set Temperature and Water Alerts
Security isn't just about unexpected visitors. Some of the most expensive problems in an unattended home have nothing to do with intruders.
For New England homeowners, temperature and water monitoring deserve special attention.
Consider setting alerts for:
· Indoor temperatures falling below a safe threshold.
· Unusually high temperatures during warmer months.
· Water detected near sinks, appliances, or water heaters.
· Unusual humidity levels in basements and other moisture-prone areas.
If you have a smart thermostat, review your settings before leaving. Make sure your temperature schedule is appropriate for the season and your home's needs.
A notification about a heating failure or water leak can give you valuable time to arrange for someone to investigate.
6. Understand What Happens During a Power or Internet Outage
This is one of the most important things homeowners should consider.
What happens to your monitoring system if the power goes out?
Some devices may have battery backup, while others stop working immediately. Your internet router may also lose power, interrupting communication with connected devices.
Think about:
· Whether your router has backup power.
· Which devices continue operating during an outage.
· Whether your system notifies you when a device goes offline.
· How devices reconnect when power and internet service return.
Remember that a power outage can affect more than your security system. Heating equipment, sump pumps, refrigerators, and other important household systems may also be affected.
Having a plan for someone to check the property during an extended outage is particularly important during New England storms.
7. Review Account Access and App Settings
Smart home technology is convenient, but it's important to know who has access to your devices and accounts.
Before an extended absence:
· Confirm that you can log into your apps.
· Make sure your account recovery information is current.
· Use strong, unique passwords.
· Enable two-factor authentication when available.
· Review who has permission to view cameras or control devices.
· Remove access for anyone who no longer needs it.
If a family member or trusted home watch professional needs access to certain features, understand the available sharing permissions and establish access ahead of time.
You don't want to be figuring out passwords or app permissions from an airport halfway around the world.
8. Have Someone Who Can Respond to an Alert
This is where technology and professional home watch really come together.
Your smart home devices can tell you when something changes. They can send a notification about motion, a temperature drop, or water detected near an appliance.
But an alert doesn't tell you the entire story.
If a camera detects unexpected activity, someone may need to visit the property. If a temperature sensor reports a problem, someone needs to determine whether the heating system is working. If a leak detector sounds an alarm, someone needs to locate the source and determine what should happen next.
Before leaving, establish who will be your local point of contact.
For homeowners who travel frequently or leave their properties unattended for extended periods, regular home watch visits provide an additional layer of oversight.
At DCN Property Management, our home watch visits include a 21-point property checklist and updates following each visit. We look for visible signs of problems, unusual conditions, and maintenance concerns that may need attention.
Technology helps keep you informed. A physical property check helps confirm what's actually happening.
Build a Smarter Home Protection Plan
Smart home technology doesn't have to be complicated. You don't need dozens of devices or an elaborate system to benefit from remote monitoring.
Start with the areas that matter most to your home. Make sure your devices are connected, alerts are configured, batteries are maintained, and someone is available to respond when necessary.
Most importantly, don't assume everything is working simply because it worked the last time you checked.
A little testing and preparation can make a big difference when you're miles away from home.
Want another set of eyes on your property while you're away?
DCN Property Management provides professional home watch services throughout Acton, Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Stow, Sudbury, and Westford, Massachusetts.
We help homeowners stay connected to their properties with regular visits, detailed checklists, and updates while they're away.
Learn more about DCN Home Watch Services
Check out our Home Hub Blog: How Smart Devices and Home Watch Work Together to Protect Empty Homes
DCN Property Management, LLC | Your Home. Our Expertise. Your Peace of Mind.