7 Smart Home Maintenance Habits That Can Help Protect Your Home

Rhea-AI Summary

Mercury Insurance (NYSE: MCY) highlights seven smart home maintenance habits to keep connected devices reliable. Recommendations include enabling automatic software and firmware updates, replacing batteries on schedule, and routinely testing devices like smoke alarms, leak detectors, cameras, doorbells and smart locks.

Homeowners are also urged to confirm Wi‑Fi connections, review account access and notification settings, and conduct an annual review of their smart home ecosystem to ensure every device still works, serves a purpose and helps protect the home.

News Market Reaction – MCY

-0.25%

-0.25% News Effect

On the day this news was published, MCY declined 0.25%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Market Context

Mercury’s latest homeowner advisory emphasizes maintaining smart-home devices so they function when ...

Analysis

Mercury’s latest homeowner advisory emphasizes maintaining smart-home devices so they function when needed. This extends a steady stream of safety-focused outreach; investors may watch how such engagement supports brand strength alongside the company’s existing capital flexibility and low short positioning.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Jul 01 (Neutral)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	24h Move	Catalyst
Jul 01	Home safety analysis	Neutral	+1.8%	Analysis of July 4 homeowner claims and practical risk-mitigation checklist.
Jun 29	Weather risk advisory	Neutral	-0.3%	El Niño outlook with preparation steps for homeowners facing shifting weather.
Jun 24	Summer risk guidance	Neutral	+0.5%	Five overlooked summer home safety risks and checklists for hosts.
Jun 18	Battery fire warning	Neutral	-0.1%	Guidance on lithium-ion battery fire hazards and prevention steps in garages.
Jun 16	Auto safety advisory	Neutral	+1.6%	Education on hidden costs and safety risks of uneven tire wear.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Pattern Detected

Recent homeowner education and safety pieces have produced small, mixed share reactions around publication.

Key Terms

firmware, wi-fi, router, cloud storage

4 terms

firmware technical

"Turn on automatic software and firmware updates."

Firmware is the built-in software that tells a physical device how to operate, stored in the device’s permanent memory rather than on a removable app. Think of it as the instruction manual glued into a gadget’s brain that controls basic functions and features. Investors care because firmware updates or flaws can change a product’s capabilities, security, repair costs, regulatory compliance and customer satisfaction, all of which can affect sales, margins and company value.

wi-fi technical

"Internet provider changes, new Wi-Fi equipment or router upgrades can quietly disconnect"

Wireless networking technology that lets devices connect to the internet and each other without cables, acting like an invisible bridge between phones, computers, sensors and routers. Investors care because Wi‑Fi influences how products and services are used, how much equipment and infrastructure companies must build or upgrade, and where revenue or costs may shift — stronger or wider Wi‑Fi can boost customer engagement, enable new services, and create security and regulatory risks that affect valuations.

router technical

"Internet provider changes, new Wi-Fi equipment or router upgrades can quietly disconnect"

A router is a piece of networking equipment that directs data traffic between different computer networks, like a traffic officer guiding cars to the right roads so messages reach the correct destination. For investors, routers matter because they affect how reliably and quickly businesses operate online, influence cybersecurity risk, and represent a product and revenue source for technology suppliers; changes in demand or supply can impact costs, performance, and company valuations.

cloud storage technical

"review app permissions and verify cloud storage settings where applicable."

Cloud storage is the practice of keeping digital files and databases on remote computers accessed over the internet instead of on a local hard drive, like renting a secure virtual filing cabinet you can open from any device. For investors it matters because it changes how companies spend and earn money — reducing upfront equipment costs while creating ongoing service revenue — and raises considerations about security, regulatory compliance and scalability that can affect profitability and risk.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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Mercury Insurance says keeping connected devices updated, tested and properly
maintained can help ensure they're ready when homeowners need them most.

LOS ANGELES, July 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Millions of homeowners rely on smart technology every day to help protect their homes, from video doorbells and leak detectors to connected smoke alarms and smart locks. But while these devices have become common household tools, many homeowners don't realize they require routine maintenance to continue working as intended.

Mercury Insurance (NYSE/NYSE TX: MCY) encourages homeowners to treat connected devices like any other important home system by installing software and firmware updates, replacing batteries and testing devices throughout the year.

"Smart home technology gives homeowners another layer of awareness, but only if it's working properly," said Adam Bakonis, Homeowners Product Manager for Mercury Insurance. "Too often, people install a device and assume it's protecting their home forever. In reality, these systems deserve the same routine attention as any other part of the home."

Mercury recommends homeowners make these seven smart home maintenance habits part of their regular home care routine.

1. Turn on automatic software and firmware updates.

Manufacturers regularly release updates that improve reliability, fix bugs and enhance performance. Enabling automatic updates helps ensure devices continue operating as intended without requiring homeowners to remember to install each update manually.

2. Replace batteries before they fail.

Many smart locks, leak detectors, cameras and sensors rely on batteries. Waiting for a low-battery alert may leave little time to respond, particularly if you're away from home. Replace batteries according to the manufacturer's recommendations and before extended vacations.

3. Test devices, not just the app.

Opening an app and seeing a device listed isn't the same as confirming it's working. Test smoke alarms, water leak sensors, cameras, doorbells and smart locks periodically to verify they trigger alerts and function as expected.

4. Make sure your devices are still connected.

Internet provider changes, new Wi-Fi equipment or router upgrades can quietly disconnect smart devices. After making changes to your home network, confirm that every connected device has successfully rejoined the network and is communicating with its app.

5. Review who has access.

As families grow and change, so do the people who have access to smart home accounts. Remove outdated users, old devices and unnecessary permissions to keep your connected home organized and easier to manage.

6. Check your notification settings.

Phone operating system updates, app changes and new devices can affect notification preferences. Confirm that important alerts from leak detectors, security cameras and smoke alarms are still enabled and reaching your phone.

7. Review your smart home ecosystem once a year.

Take time to remove devices you no longer use, confirm automations still work, review app permissions and verify cloud storage settings where applicable. An annual review helps ensure every connected device is still serving a purpose and protecting your home as intended.

"Homeowners already understand the importance of cleaning gutters, servicing HVAC systems and testing smoke alarms," Bakonis said. "Connected technology has become another important home system. Spending just a few minutes maintaining it throughout the year can help ensure it's ready to perform when it matters most."

As smart home technology continues to evolve, Mercury encourages homeowners to think beyond installation. Making connected devices part of a regular home maintenance routine can help ensure they're ready to help protect what matters most.

For additional home maintenance tips and insurance resources, visit the Mercury Insurance's Resource Center.

About Mercury Insurance

Mercury Insurance (NYSE: MCY) is a multiple-line insurance carrier predominantly offering personal auto, homeowners, renters and commercial insurance through a network of independent agents in Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia, as well as auto insurance in Florida. Mercury writes other lines of insurance in various states, including commercial, business owners and business auto, landlord, home-sharing, ride-hailing and mechanical protection insurance.

Since 1962, Mercury has provided customers with tremendous value for their insurance dollar by pairing ultra-competitive rates with excellent customer service, through more than 4,200 employees and a network of more than 6,340 independent agents in 11 states. Mercury has earned an "A" rating from A.M. Best, as well as "Best Auto Insurance Company" designations from Forbes and Insure.com. For more information visit www.MercuryInsurance.com or follow the company on LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook.

Media interested in receiving updates from Mercury can learn more at the Mercury Newsroom.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/7-smart-home-maintenance-habits-that-can-help-protect-your-home-302819321.html

SOURCE Mercury Insurance

FAQ

What smart home maintenance habits does Mercury Insurance (MCY) recommend for homeowners?

Mercury Insurance recommends seven smart home maintenance habits focused on updates, testing and organization. According to Mercury Insurance, key steps include enabling automatic updates, replacing batteries early, testing devices, checking network connections, managing user access, reviewing notifications and conducting an annual ecosystem review.

How can automatic updates help protect smart home devices, according to Mercury Insurance (MCY)?

Automatic updates help keep smart home devices reliable by installing manufacturer fixes and improvements. According to Mercury Insurance, turning on automatic software and firmware updates ensures devices receive bug fixes and performance enhancements without homeowners needing to remember each individual update.

Why does Mercury Insurance (MCY) advise testing smart home devices and not just the app?

Mercury Insurance advises testing devices directly because an app listing does not guarantee proper function. According to Mercury Insurance, homeowners should physically test smoke alarms, leak sensors, cameras, doorbells and smart locks to confirm alerts trigger and each device responds as expected.

How often should homeowners review smart home access and permissions for MCY-recommended security?

Homeowners are encouraged to review smart home access regularly and during life changes. According to Mercury Insurance, removing outdated users, cleaning up old devices and simplifying permissions helps keep accounts organized and smart home management easier as families and living situations evolve.

What annual smart home ecosystem review steps does Mercury Insurance (MCY) suggest?

Mercury Insurance suggests a yearly review of the entire smart home ecosystem. According to Mercury Insurance, homeowners should remove unused devices, verify automations, review app permissions and check cloud storage settings so every connected device still serves a purpose and helps protect the home.

Why does Mercury Insurance (MCY) compare smart home upkeep to traditional home maintenance?

Mercury Insurance compares connected technology to systems like gutters, HVAC and smoke alarms requiring routine care. According to Mercury Insurance, spending a few minutes throughout the year maintaining smart devices helps ensure they work properly when they are most needed to protect the home.