It’s a frigid January morning, and while you’re warm under the blankets, your smart home is already at work: adjusting temperatures, checking for leaks, and sending you updates before small issues turn into insurance nightmares. Winter weather can be tough on homes, but the right smart technology can help you stay one step ahead of the season. The best part? These devices aren’t just convenient, they can help prevent costly claims and protect your home when you need it most.

Below are some of the smartest (and easiest) ways to winter-proof your home with connected tech that works around the clock.

1. Smart Thermostats: Keep Your Home Warm, Efficient, and Protected

Smart thermostats do far more than keep your house comfortable. They can protect your home from freezing risks, help reduce your heating bills, and give you remote control from anywhere.

These devices learn your schedule, adjust temperatures automatically, and can send alerts if your home’s temperature drops dangerously low. A warning sign that your furnace may have failed or your pipes are at risk of freezing.

Example: If you’re traveling during the holidays and your furnace stops working, your smart thermostat can notify you immediately so you can call for service long before pipes freeze and burst. Preventing a burst pipe is one of the most effective ways to avoid major winter-related insurance claims.

2. Smart Leak & Water Sensors: Early Detection = Thousands Saved

Water damage is one of the most common, and most expensive, home insurance claims. Winter makes this worse due to frozen pipes, snowmelt, and unnoticed leaks in underused spaces like basements.

Smart leak detectors can be placed near water heaters, washing machines, sump pumps, or any vulnerable plumbing. If they detect moisture or freezing temperatures, they send instant alerts to your phone.

Some models can even trigger an automatic water shutoff to stop a leak the moment it starts.

Example: A low-cost water sensor near your water heater can alert you at the first drip, long before you discover a flooded basement. That early alert can prevent thousands of dollars in damage and a major claim.

3. Smart Security Cameras & Doorbells: Winter Visibility Without the Worry

Shorter days and longer nights in winter mean decreased visibility around your home. Smart security cameras and doorbell systems offer live views, motion-activated lights, and instant smartphone alerts, even in heavy snow or darkness.

These devices can help deter porch pirates during holiday package season, monitor your home while you’re traveling, and capture events that might otherwise be missed due to weather conditions. Many cameras now include AI detection, which can distinguish between people, animals, and vehicles, reducing false alerts caused by blowing snow or tree branches.

Example: If a delivery driver accidentally damages your property or someone slips on an icy walkway, camera footage can help document what happened for an insurance claim or liability concern.

4. Smart Plugs & Energy Monitors: Prevent Hazards Before They Start

Winter is prime season for fire hazards: space heaters, holiday lights, and overloaded outlets can create more risk than you might realize. Smart plugs allow you to turn appliances on or off right from your phone and set auto-off schedules to prevent overheating.

Energy-monitoring plugs go a step further by tracking power usage and detecting electrical irregularities before they become dangerous.

Example: Forget to turn off the space heater before leaving home? A smart plug lets you switch it off instantly, giving you peace of mind and reducing fire risk.

5. Smart Alarms & Environmental Monitors: Comprehensive Winter Safety

Winter weather can make carbon monoxide and smoke risk more severe, especially when furnaces and fireplaces run nonstop. Smart smoke and CO alarms send mobile alerts even when you’re not home, offering faster response times during emergencies.

Some systems also integrate with smart thermostats or HVAC sensors to shut down equipment automatically if unsafe conditions are detected.

Thinking of Upgrading? Smart Tech May Benefit Your Insurance, Too

Insurance carriers are increasingly recognizing the value of smart home systems in preventing claims. While coverage and discounts vary, many insurers may offer incentives for devices that reduce the risk of water damage, fire, or theft.

Before investing, it’s worth checking with your Hertvik Insurance agent to understand what devices may add the most value to your coverage.

Have questions about smart home technology and how it connects to your home insurance?
Contact your Hertvik Insurance Group agent today. We’re here to help you choose the right tools to protect your home all winter long.