Summer is here! And with the warmer weather and the sun shining brighter, this becomes the perfect time to get away from daily life and go on a relaxing vacation. However, for many homeowners, the thought of leaving the house unattended can cause some serious worry. Is the front porch light on? Did I lock the back door? What if there's a water leak while I'm gone?

With smart home automation, you can leave those concerns behind and use your vacation time to truly unwind and connect with your loved ones. From lighting schedules to real-time alerts, automated systems make it easy to protect and monitor your home, no matter where your travels take you. Let’s explore how!

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Make It Look Like Someone’s Home with Lighting Schedules

One of the easiest ways to deter potential intruders is to make your home look lived-in, and automated lighting is the go-to solution to achieve that. Smart lighting solutions allow you to create a schedule that turns lights on and off at different times throughout the day and evening, mimicking the same changes you would make if you were home.

Outdoor lighting can illuminate your driveway and pathways at dusk, creating a well-lit exterior that discourages trespassers. Inside, lights can be programmed to switch on in the living room during the evening and in bedrooms later at night. Our clients love this added layer of security because it saves them from manually setting timers, but gives them the peace of mind of having a protected and “lived-in” home.

Check In Anytime, Anywhere with Remote Monitoring

Did you forget you were waiting for a package before packing and leaving? Whether you’re poolside in Maui or sightseeing in Europe, your smart home surveillance's remote monitoring features will ensure you’ll always know what’s happening at home. 

With just a tap on your smartphone, you can view live camera feeds, recorded clips, and even communicate through two-way audio from your smartphone or tablet. Some systems even offer facial recognition and motion zoning to give you a more detailed view of your property. Instant alerts will notify you if doors are opened, motion is detected, or if the alarm is triggered, giving you the power to act fast if needed. It’s like carrying a virtual window into your home, no matter how far you roam.

Catch Problems Early with Leak Detection and Environmental Alerts

Are you worried about coming home after a long trip, only to see your home flooded and your valuable property damaged by a leak? That’s a nightmare no one wants to deal with. Luckily, our team can install smart sensors that detect leaks, fire, and even carbon monoxide. If something goes wrong, you’ll get a real-time alert to notify you. Some systems, such as Alarm.com, can even shut off water valves automatically to prevent major damage.

More advanced setups can also monitor air quality or notify you of power outages—ideal for monitoring HVAC systems, wine cellars, or tech rooms. These environmental sensors are one of the smartest investments in protecting your home because they turn your security system into a comprehensive solution, keeping your spaces safe from all kinds of issues, not just regular break-ins.

One App, Total Control

The beauty of home automation is that we can make all these features work together. Your lights, locks, cameras, thermostats, and sensors can be integrated into a single interface, with no need to juggle multiple apps. 

Set an "Away Mode" before you leave, and your system takes care of the rest: arming the alarm, adjusting the thermostat to save energy, locking all doors, and activating lighting schedules. Some platforms even let you create custom scenes like "Vacation Mode" that combine multiple actions into a single tap, so you can travel confidently knowing your home is fully prepped and protected.

Set an "Away Mode" before you leave, and your system can take care of the rest: arming the alarm, adjusting the thermostat to save energy, locking all doors, and activating lighting schedules. Feeling confident and at peace while you travel is right at your fingertips!

Travel Smart with a Smarter Home

Vacations should be a time to relax, not worry about what’s happening back home. Are you ready to upgrade your home before your next getaway? Contact Custom Home Sound today to discover how a personalized automation system can make your time away truly stress-free!