Home LivingSmart Home5 ways to extend the lifespan of your outdoor smart home gadgetsIf you use your outdoor gadgets on a day-to-day basis, you should be doing these five thingsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Home LivingSmart Home5 ways to extend the lifespan of your outdoor smart home gadgetsIf you use your outdoor gadgets on a day-to-day basis, you should be doing these five thingsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
If you use your outdoor gadgets on a day-to-day basis, you should be doing these five things
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Amazon)
(Image credit: Amazon)
With smart technology becoming more and more popular, it’s easier than ever to keep our homes convenient, safe and comfortable. These days, there’s a huge variety of gadgets that do exactly this without even entering the house, including thebest security camerasandbest video doorbells.
Outdoor smart home devices are specifically designed to operate in all weather conditions, including anything from torrential rain to scorching temperatures. However, this doesn’t mean their lifespan is infinite. There are still many things we can do to keep them operating as they should, especially if used on a day-to-day basis.
Keep reading to find out the five things you can do to extend the lifespan of your outdoor smart home gadgets.
1. Keep them out of the sun
Like any piece of tech, it’s important to keep your outdoor smart home gadgets directly out of the sun. Outdoor devices are designed to withstand sustained sunlight, but this kind of exposure does speed up the amount of time they’re able to last.
Try to keep your security cameras or video doorbells under a porch or awning, and they’ll certainly thank you for it.
2. Get rid of any dust and dirt
Keeping your outdoor smart home devices clean and well-ventilated is an important habit for prolonging their life. This is particularly significant if you live near a busy road or in a city, as dust and pollutants can easily settle and infiltrate the gadgets.
Once a week or so, take a microfibre cloth and just wipe them down gently.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
3. Clear local storage regularly
4. Invest in insurance and warranties
There isn’t necessarily a limit to how long your outdoor smart home devices can last, but without proper insurance or a warranty in place, you never know if you’re purposefully shortening their lifespan.
If you’re in the process of choosing a new device, go with a brand that offers a warranty or returns policy. Some even offer a lifetime guarantee which is ideal if you live in an area with extreme weather. If you already own your device, make sure it’s added to your home insurance policy.
5. Keep them up to date
One of the best ways to increase the lifespan of your outdoor smart home devices is to keep them up to date and install any software update that becomes available. This is essential to improve the efficiency of your devices, especially if you use them on a day-to-day basis.
One way to keep on top of this is to check your device’s app regularly and make sure all software notifications are turned on.
Check out ourfavourite outdoor smart lightsfor 2024 next.
These open-ear headphones could light up your life (and your ears)Samsung isn’t the only tech firm that wants to illuminate your lugs
Samsung isn’t the only tech firm that wants to illuminate your lugs
Forget spotlights – EZVIZ’s new outdoor security camera excels in low-light detectionIt delivers high-res footage without the need for additional lighting
It delivers high-res footage without the need for additional lighting
Waking up for work is tough in the winter – but smart tech can help you avoid that snooze buttonHow smart tech makes winter mornings run smoother
How smart tech makes winter mornings run smoother
Withings’ smart mirror combines a smartwatch and scales into a full-length health scannerWithings debuts new conceptual smart health mirror at CES 2025
Withings debuts new conceptual smart health mirror at CES 2025
LG’s latest smart lamp grows indoor plants and sets the mood – but you might not get oneLG combines smart lighting with indoor gardening
LG combines smart lighting with indoor gardening
Samsung announces new AI home screens for its smart fridges and laundry appliancesSamsung previews its CES launches, including new AI Home screens
Samsung previews its CES launches, including new AI Home screens
I’m a smart home expert – these are the best smart home releases from 202411 smart home releases from 2024 actually worth buying, including Amazon Echo and Google Nest
11 smart home releases from 2024 actually worth buying, including Amazon Echo and Google Nest
Homey launches affordable smart home hub for less than $200It’s available to preorder from today
It’s available to preorder from today
Hisense’s CES smart home launches have been revealed – and they’re about to make household chores a lot easierThere are five new products altogether
There are five new products altogether
New study reveals the huge security flaw that homeowners are overlooking in the winterYale experts reveal how safe your home is in the winter – and how to improve your security
Yale experts reveal how safe your home is in the winter – and how to improve your security
