Smart home maintenance suggestions to keep your Columbia system in top shape

Maintenance is vital to many elements of our lives. You go to the gym to keep yourself in shape and take your car to the service shop so it operates reliably. Your Columbia smart home is no exception. Even though it requires less upkeep than your car, you still need to do several things to keep devices running properly. It’s not challenging, and we’ll make things even simpler with the following smart home maintenance recommendations.

Clean Hardware Is Vital To Reliable Function

Dirt and dust are hazards to sensors, video camera lenses, and all electrical components. How effectively do you think your outdoor surveillance will identify trespassers if it’s covered in cobwebs? Your smart home won’t appear so smart if it’s not functioning as intended. But you’re able to help by doing these simple maintenance tasks:

• Keep your surveillance lenses clear by wiping them regularly with a microfiber towel slightly dampened with an appropriate cleaner. Avoid paper towels that could scratch the lens, and avoid spraying a fluid straight onto the camera.
• Prevent dust from collecting on delicate electronics. If debris make their way inside the protective exterior, it can damage those sensitive electrical components and prevent air from flowing. Even your command hub’s flat, narrow top can accumulate dust.
• When cleaning or dusting, do a brief check to make sure your tools are connected solidly and positioned correctly.

It’s easy to keep your smart home components clean, but you can do a couple of other things to promote proper function.

Perform a quick check of your Columbia security system

Have you not received a smartphone update in a while? Your system may be working great, and your property well protected, but it may also mean something is malfunctioning. Why not see for yourself by conducting a brief assessment of your devices? Here’s how to proceed:

• Play the part of an invader and see if you can trigger your motion sensors, access point sensors, or additional devices you have. You can often put your system into “test mode” to avoid alerting your monitoring company.
• Go into your home security smartphone app and check the video stream. See if the images are crisp and the camera is aimed where it is supposed to be.
• If you have automation set up, verify it. Did the smart thermostat change settings at the proper time? Did your lights come on as expected?
• Ensure batteries are replaced routinely. Many systems will even notify you when they’re getting low.

Assessments may be conducted occasionally or whenever you think a component is not functioning correctly.

Is your system firmware up-to-date?

Those smart tools you have around your house don’t just operate automatically. These integrated components have firmware in place, so they operate properly. In many situations, the firmware will update automatically, but there may be exceptions. Run the updates as soon as they’re released (your system will likely alert you) to avoid security or performance concerns.

Get a dependable smart home in Columbia from Vivint

Looking for an intuitive, low-maintenance smart home in Columbia? Speak to the home security professionals at Vivint. Featuring the latest in home surveillance and automation, we have a solution for your residence. Reach out to (803) 921-0946 now to get started.