How to prepare your home for vacations away

Some people feel uneasy without anybody to keep an eye on their home. A smart home can remove some of this worry.

A smart home is a secure home

A property that takes care of itself – without anyone needing to be home – is practical and makes life more comfortable. A smart home can take care of everything from lighting to sun protection, while well-placed cameras can keep an eye on things.

With a smart home, you can control the lighting from wherever you are. Smart lighting can also be programmed so that it turns on at sunset and off at sunrise. Or at any other times of your choosing. Selecting a few different light sources to turn on and off at different times gives the impression of someone being at home.

If you combine smart lighting with smart sun protection, your home can look even more inhabited. You can specify that the blinds should come down as the lights turn on in the evening, so it looks like someone is home. If an outdoor sensor is combined with a motorized curtain, then the curtain can automatically be opened if the sensor detects movement. You can also make a light turn on at the same time.

Simulating occupancy is a smart way to let outsiders think someone is home. Turning the lights on and off at different times makes the house feel alive. If you want even more control, you can connect both indoor and outdoor cameras to your smart home.

Activate vacation mode in the Somfy TaHoma switch

The TaHoma switch from Somfy acts as the brain of your smart home. The switch has a vacation mode that can be activated before the trip. In the latest update to the TaHoma app, it’s now possible to set the dates when you’re away, and to choose which devices in the home should be activated and what they should do.

The app is a shortcut to simulating presence in the home while you and your family are somewhere else enjoying the holidays. In the simulated presence mode, the system makes sure to activate your devices at irregular times based on your wishes. It’s also possible to combine planned events with simulated presence for maximum effect!

Security cameras are a great addition to a smart home

A security camera starts recording when its built-in motion sensor detects movement. The recorded video clips are accessible via a cloud service and can be downloaded to a smartphone.

It’s also possible to connect to the camera at any time with your smartphone, so you see live what the camera sees. It’s not always uninvited guests that you may want to check on – people also want to keep an eye on their pets during the day when at work.

During their vacations people may want to take a quick look at the garden or the garage to make sure everything looks ok. With a smart camera inside the house you can check that space too.

Outdoor cameras from Somfy can also be connected to outdoor lighting, so it comes on if the camera detects any motion. This is a good way of letting an intruder know that they’ve been seen. If the lighting does not scare them away, you can always activate the powerful built-in siren.

Make your home safer with an easy-to-install home alarm

Although a smart home can give the impression that it has occupants, an alarm provides extra protection for if someone tries to get in.

Somfy offers a range of alarm packages that are subscription-free and easy to install. In less than 30 minutes the alarm is installed, and you can monitor your home via a free app on your smartphone.

A home alarm from Somfy can easily be expanded with more components. You can do everything yourself, so there is no need to call in a technician or anyone else to install the alarm. Clear instructions in the app guide you through the process. Indoor and outdoor cameras can be connected to the home alarm too for increased security.

You can also share your alarm notifications with a neighbour or a friend when you’re away. It’s simple, smart and practical.

Tips for securing your home before the holidays:

• Make sure all doors and windows are shut and locked
• Inform your neighbours about being away and ask them to keep an eye on your property
• If possible, try to ensure that someone stays in the home
• Cut the lawn before you leave
• Preferably do not leave your curtains or blinds drawn. Ask a friend or neighbour to draw them at night
• Program the lighting so that it turns on and off at different times
• Keep your holiday plans to yourself as much as possible. Don't share your plans on social media! The more people who know you will be away, the greater the risk of being the victim of a crime
• Check that your home insurance is paid and valid
• Make sure valuables are locked in a safe place
• Activate the home alarm as you leave

We wish you a happy, safe holiday!