HomeKit Weekly: Essential Accessories for a Stress-Free Vacation

HomeKit can help keep tabs on your home while traveling. The author relies on automating outdoor watering, controlling temperature, and monitoring the home with HomeKit cameras. A HomeKit hub is required for remote access. The author uses a thermostat to save money during the week and automates lights to make it seem like someone is home.

As summer travel season kicks into full swing, homeowners are increasingly turning to smart home technologies to ensure their properties remain secure and comfortable while they are away. HomeKit, Apple's smart home framework, offers a robust solution for managing homes remotely. This article explores how HomeKit can help keep tabs on your home during travel, focusing on automating outdoor watering, controlling temperature, and monitoring the home with cameras.

Automating Outdoor Watering

One of the key aspects of maintaining a home during travel is ensuring that outdoor plants and lawns remain hydrated. HomeKit provides several products designed to work with HomeKit that connect to your hose and allow for manual or automated watering. For instance, the Eve Aqua and meross WiFi Water Timer can be used to automate outdoor watering based on timing or local weather conditions [1].

Controlling Temperature

HomeKit-compatible thermostats, such as the ecobee Smart Thermostat and meross Smart Thermostat, enable users to control their home's temperature remotely. By setting the thermostat to a preferred temperature the night before, homeowners can ensure their home is cool and comfortable upon their return. This not only enhances comfort but also helps save on energy costs [1].

Automating Lights

A common practice to deter burglars while away is to leave lights on, making it appear as if someone is home. However, a light that remains on 24/7 can be counterproductive. HomeKit allows for the automation of lights, enabling homeowners to manually adjust them remotely or set up schedules that mimic natural light patterns. Products like the SYLVANIA SMART+ Bluetooth Soft White A19 LED Bulb and the OREiN Matter Smart Light Bulb can be integrated into these automations [1].

Monitoring with HomeKit Cameras

HomeKit Secure Video allows homeowners to monitor their homes remotely with ease. Cameras like the Aqara 4MP Camera Hub G5 Pro and the Eve Cam can be set up to record and store footage securely in iCloud+. This feature enables users to check on their homes without constant surveillance, providing peace of mind during travel [1].

Enhancing HomeKit Functionality with Controller for HomeKit

For those looking to maximize the potential of their HomeKit setup, the Controller for HomeKit app offers advanced features. This app combines familiar HomeKit features with additional enhancements such as floor plans, complex automations, and custom notifications. It also provides tools for backup, maintenance, and logging, making it easier to manage and optimize home automation [2].

Conclusion

HomeKit offers a comprehensive solution for managing homes remotely during travel. By automating outdoor watering, controlling temperature, automating lights, and monitoring the home with cameras, homeowners can ensure their properties remain secure and comfortable. For those seeking to enhance their HomeKit experience, the Controller for HomeKit app provides advanced features and tools to optimize home automation.

References

[1] https://9to5mac.com/2025/06/06/the-best-homekit-gear-for-summer-travel-season/
[2] https://apps.apple.com/it/app/controller-for-homekit/id1198176727