Calling all snowbirds! Have you started using “smart” devices in your home? If not, it’s time you start looking at transforming your properties into smart homes! Smart devices are typically controlled through an app on your phone, which means you never have to step foot on your property to do things like control your lights, thermostat, and much more.

For individuals that vacate their homes for long periods of time, smart homes are making it easier to manage, and keep a closer eye on their properties! Here are a few smart devices you can’t afford to keep out of your home.

Thermostats

Keeping an eye on the temperatures and humidity levels in your home can help prevent a slew of different problems. Extreme humidity can lead to mold and mildew problems, warped woodwork, musty smells, and much more.

Cold temperatures can increase the likelihood of frozen pipes, which can eventually cause them to burst and lead to water damage. A programmable WIFI thermostat can not only monitor the humidity levels in your home, but it will also allow you to adjust the temperatures – all from the convenience of your phone or a computer.

• Turn the air conditioning off (or on!) if things get too warm and humidity raises.
• Raise the heat if you fear things are cooling off a little too much in the winter time.
• Set alerts and get notified if the temperatures get too high or too low – all based on your preferences.

Cost varies on these units, depending on what type of features you’re looking for.

Water Alarms

When you’re away from home for long periods of time, you have to have a lot of trust in your home that pipes are solid and secure, appliances are securely installed, or that your sump pump isn’t going to decide to take the night off.

Water alarms are a cost effective way to send an alert to your phone that will allow you to monitor your home for unwanted water. Sensors placed in strategic areas around your home will kick in and send a text message to your phone in the event of a water leak, allowing you to alert the right people to stop the water before the damage becomes too great.

Many alarms do monitor other things as well. Not only will they help you prevent flooding, but they can also help with:

• Temperature
• Light
• Movement
• Humidity Levels
• Doors Opening and Closing

Security Alarms

Keeping out unwanted guests while you’re away from home is safety 101. A smart alarm will guard your property against intruders and send you alerts as well as pictures to your phone and computer, depending on the model.

Security systems can be installed around your property and will alert you at the first sign of:

• Movement on Your Property
• Doors Opening or Closing
• Windows Opening
• Glass Breaking
• Attempted Damage to Doors or Windows
• Much more

While the price of the security system will vary, installing a unit that can notify local authorities at the first sign of trouble will save you time (and ultimately damage and money).

Need Emergency Restoration Services?

If your home has already been hit by mother nature before you could turn it into a smart home, don’t panic. McMahon Services is here to help. We have emergency fire and water damage teams standing by to help with your Chicago, and other Illinois homes.

Call us today for more information on our emergency restoration services, or to schedule a walk through.