As summer rolls in and the holiday season approaches, Aussies everywhere are preparing for their annual escape—whether it’s gathering around the barbecue, heading to the coast or simply enjoying the festive spirit at home. It’s a season filled with joy, relaxation and celebration.
But with homes left empty, decorations lighting up our living rooms and visitors coming and going, it’s also a time when the risks of fires, electrical mishaps and burglaries increase.
Fortunately, 2024 offers something previous years didn’t: accessible and affordable smart home technology. These advancements can help keep your home safe, secure and energy-efficient, ensuring you enjoy a stress-free holiday. Here’s how to protect your home and loved ones this festive season.
Start with smart lighting
Few things capture the magic of Christmas like twinkling lights, but they can pose serious risks if they’re outdated or poorly maintained. Frayed wires, loose plugs and overloaded power sockets can quickly turn a beautiful display into a fire hazard.
This year, make the switch to smart lighting. Inspect your lights for any signs of wear and if your plug adapter feels hot, it’s likely overloaded and needs attention.
Smart power sockets are a game-changer, allowing you to schedule lights to turn on and off automatically. You’ll no longer need to worry about forgetting to switch them off when you leave home. Apps like Wiser even let you control your lighting remotely from your smartphone, giving you peace of mind wherever you are.
Create the illusion of an occupied home
Burglars are opportunists, and the holidays offer plenty of opportunities with many homes left empty. But you don’t need a house sitter to keep your home safe. Smart switches can simulate daily routines by turning lights on and off at different times, creating the impression that someone is home.
For added security, consider installing motion-sensor floodlights and smart cameras around your property. These devices not only deter intruders but also send real-time alerts and live footage to your smartphone, allowing you to monitor your home remotely. Smart locks and remote-access systems provide even more control, letting you lock doors, open garages or grant temporary access to friends and family while you’re away.
Mind your Christmas tree
Whether you opt for a real tree or an artificial one, safety should be a top priority. Real trees, though beautiful, can dry out quickly and become highly flammable. To reduce the risk, keep your tree well-hydrated and check its needles – if they snap or fall off easily, it’s time to reconsider your choice.
Artificial trees, while often labelled flame-retardant, are not flameproof. Keep them away from heat sources like candles, fireplaces and heaters. And don’t forget to test your smoke alarms – it’s a small task that could save lives.
The holiday season is the perfect time to check their batteries and replace them if needed. All smoke alarms have a limited-service life of ten years. After that period, the entire smoke alarm unit must be replaced with a new one
Think before you post
Social media has become an integral part of our lives, but sharing too much can put your home at risk. Announcing your holiday plans or posting real-time photos of your travels may inadvertently alert burglars to an empty house.
Before you post, consider waiting until you’re back home to share your holiday highlights. Additionally, review your privacy settings to ensure that only trusted friends and family can see your posts.
Update your home security system
If it’s been a while since you last updated your home security system – or if you’ve recently moved – now is the time for an upgrade. Change your access codes and update permissions to ensure that only trusted individuals can enter your home.
Modern smart alarms offer real-time alerts and live monitoring via smartphone apps, giving you control and oversight no matter where you are. For added peace of mind, consider hiring a professional electrician to conduct a security audit of your home’s electrical system, especially if you’re adding extra holiday lighting and appliances.
Enjoy smart comfort and energy efficiency
Smart home technology isn’t just about safety – it’s also about convenience and energy savings. Imagine returning from holiday to a cool home because you were able to turn on the air conditioning remotely. Or granting temporary access to a friend to feed your pets and monitor their visit through your security cameras to ensure everything is locked up afterwards.
You can also reduce your energy consumption by programming appliances, TVs and gaming consoles to turn off when not in use, helping to lower your electricity bill during a time when energy use tends to spike.
A safer, smarter holiday season
Aussies have always been early adopters of technology, and smart home innovations are no exception. This holiday season, leverage these tools to protect your home, save energy and enjoy the festivities with peace of mind.
By embracing smart technology, you’re not just safeguarding your property, you’re investing in a lifestyle that prioritises safety, convenience and sustainability. So, as you gather with loved ones and create new memories, rest easy knowing that your home is secure, no matter where the holiday season takes you.
This article was written by Clipsal by Schneider Electric chief executive Chris Kerr.
