Your internet goes down, and you have a smart home automation system set up–what could be worse? Will it affect your security, your lighting, and even your entertainment? The short answer is yes. Smart home automation relies almost entirely on the internet to deliver its services and features, affecting some basic features during power outages or internet service disruptions.
These days, the internet plays a vital and integral role in people’s lives. It’s no longer used just for browsing or checking emails but for almost everything. Communication, shopping, managing finances, and controlling home automation systems are all dependent on having an internet connection.
However, does this mean that you should avoid smart home technology altogether? Not necessarily. Remember, you’re only temporarily missing a few features, but it doesn’t significantly affect how your appliances, switches and door locks work. Keep reading to learn more about what happens to your smart home if the internet goes down.
The Truth About Smart Homes
A smart home automation system is reliable insofar as the internet connection is reliable. A wireless internet connection is the heart of any smart home setup, and it needs to be reliable and secure.
However, as mentioned earlier, a smart home isn’t considered completely useless when the internet connection is down. In most cases, smart devices will continue to work. However, you won’t be able to control them or access any features that require an internet connection.
List of Smart Home Appliances Work Even Without Internet
Home automation is supposed to make lives easier. Despite the “common fear” of internet outages, there are still plenty of smart devices and appliances that work even without an internet connection. Here’s a list of the most common ones:
1). Smart Lights
With smart lights, you can get used to control the brightness and dimness of your lights with a single tap on your phone. When the internet is down, you can easily switch your lights on and off with a physical switch. This means that you won’t have to fumble in the dark when looking for a flashlight.
2). Thermostat
Thermostats are commonly known as “smart” home devices, but they can actually be operated manually without an internet connection. You can adjust the temperature of your home with the help of a physical dial or switch.
3). Smart Locks
Keeping your home secure even when the internet is down is an understandable non-negotiable for many people. The good news is that you don’t have to worry about this. Most smart locks can be operated manually with a physical key or code, making sure that your home remains secure during an internet outage.
This means that you won’t be locked in (or out) of your home if the power or internet connection goes out. You just won’t have the convenience of using your phone as your “key.”
Things You Should Do To Prepare For an Internet Outage
No one likes the thought of their smart home system failing, so it’s important to prepare in advance. Here are a few things that you can do to minimise the impact of an internet outage:
1). Get a Backup Generator
A backup generator is essential for any home especially if you have connected devices and appliances. This will ensure that you have a reliable power source, even if the internet goes down.
2). Set Up Local Networking
If you want to be able to control your smart home devices when the internet is down, it’s essential to set up a local networking system. This will allow you to create your own wireless network and access all of your connected devices without relying on an external internet connection.
If you’re not familiar with how this works, you can avoid the hassle altogether by making sure that you let the professionals do this. This includes setting it up from the get-go.
3). Be Prepared With a Backup Plan
If you have smart home devices that rely on an internet connection, then it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan in place. This includes having access to traditional appliances and tools such as manual locks, flashlights, regular light switches, etc.
Final Thoughts
Generally speaking, your smart home will continue to function despite the lack of an internet connection. It’s just that there are some features that will be temporarily unavailable to you, which means that some appliances need to be manually controlled.
Other than that, a few simple preparations such as setting up a local networking system and having a backup plan can go a long way towards making sure that your home remains safe, reliable, and secure. You have to know what will work and what won’t just in case an internet outage occurs.
Contact Advanced Living Solutions Today!
To help you set up your smart home automation system, or if you have further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at Advanced Living Solutions. We are here to help. Speak with one of our trained professionals today and get started on creating a secure and efficient smart home.
To get started on your smart home journey, Advanced Living Solutions is your one-stop shop for everything home automation. Please call us today at (03) 9212 7999 or leave an enquiry to learn more!
