Away from home and vacation
Updated
Leak, freeze and power alerts, lights that look lived-in, thermostats in away mode and remote monitoring for cabins and second homes.
The devices that matter while you are away are the ones that warn you early: water leaks, freezing temperatures, power outages and doors left open. Lights on a varied schedule and an away mode on the thermostat come next.
For a second home or cabin, plan for the internet going down: local automations, battery backup for the router and, if there is no wired internet, a cellular connection.
Calculators 1
Kits 3
KitWater leak protection kit for a houseFive leak sensors, an automatic shutoff valve and a hub: the shopping list to catch leaks early and stop them before they flood the floor, with…KitVacation home monitoring kitLeak and freeze sensors, a power-loss alert, cameras, a router on a UPS and cellular backup: the kit that lets you watch an empty home or second…KitPower outage backup kit: keep your smart home and Wi-Fi goingSix essentials to keep Wi-Fi, lighting, phone charging and alerts working when the power fails, plus options for a longer outage. Prices, sizing…
Guides 10
GuideWildfire smoke: keeping indoor air cleanerDuring wildfire smoke, a sized air cleaner, MERV 13 filters and a closed-up room can lower indoor particles. Follow the EPA’s steps for CADR, HVAC…GuideSmart home setup for Airbnb and short-term rental hostsShort-term rental hosts need codes per booking, temperature limits, noise alerts and leak sensors, without breaking platform rules on cameras.…GuideFreeze alerts for pipes: sensors that warn you earlySet the alert well above 32°F, put the sensor where the cold gets in and know what to do when it fires. Here is how to choose thresholds, places…GuideSmart home checklist before a vacationSet the thermostat, water, lights, alerts and cameras before you leave, then test the alerts so they reach the right phones. A one-week timeline…GuideRemote monitoring for a cabin without internetNo broadband at the cabin? A cellular router, LTE cameras or low-power LoRa sensors can still send temperature, leak, power and camera alerts.…GuideGeofencing in a smart home: setup and fixesGeofencing runs your smart home when phones arrive and leave. Learn how it works, set it up for a whole household, fix the usual failures and use…GuideDoes your smart home work without internet?Some devices keep running when your internet drops and some stop at once. See what works locally with Matter, Zigbee, Home Assistant and Apple…GuideTemperature alerts for pets home aloneA temperature sensor can warn you when the house gets too hot or cold for a pet. Choose the sensor, set thresholds with your vet, and plan for…GuideGoogle Home presence sensing: how “home” and “away” workGoogle Home can tell when you are home or away from phones, Wi-Fi and device activity, then run automations. Learn how it decides, how to set it…GuideWhat size portable power station do you need for a router, fridge and smart home?Size a power station in watt-hours, not by the box. Add up what you run, multiply by hours, then allow for losses. Examples for a router, a…