Frequently Asked Questions

The AI engine continuously analyzes video feeds and sensor data to distinguish between routine activity and genuine security events. When the system detects an anomaly, it triggers automated responses such as activating alarms, locking entry points, and sending instant push notifications to your phone. Machine learning algorithms improve detection accuracy over time by learning the typical patterns of activity at your specific property. This proactive approach helps prevent incidents rather than simply recording them after the fact, allowing you to take action before a situation escalates.

GI Smart Home Ltd. provides services across all ten Canadian provinces and three territories. Our headquarters are located in North York, Ontario, and we coordinate local specialist teams in major metropolitan areas including Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, Ottawa, Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Halifax. For properties in smaller towns or remote locations, we arrange dedicated installation visits and provide comprehensive post-installation remote support. Our cloud-based management platform works anywhere with a stable internet connection, ensuring consistent performance regardless of your location within Canada.

Intelligent security features can contribute to maintaining and potentially enhancing the perceived value of residential and commercial properties. Buyers and tenants increasingly look for homes equipped with modern security infrastructure. A well-maintained security system signals that a property owner has invested in protection and upkeep. While specific financial outcomes depend on numerous factors including location, market conditions, and overall property condition, integrated AI security is widely recognized as a desirable feature in the Canadian real estate market. We recommend consulting a real estate professional for advice specific to your property and region.

Our team consists of invited experts with specialized backgrounds in AI technology, video surveillance, alarm systems, and smart access control. Each specialist undergoes a thorough vetting process to ensure they meet our quality and professionalism standards. They bring years of hands-on experience with residential and commercial security installations across various Canadian cities. During every project, a dedicated specialist is assigned to handle consultation, system design, installation, and initial configuration. You can learn more about our team structure on our Specialists page.

Data security is a foundational principle of our platform. All video feeds, sensor data, and personal information are transmitted using end-to-end encryption. Our cloud infrastructure employs industry-standard security protocols, including AES-256 encryption for stored data and TLS 1.3 for data in transit. Access to your system requires multi-factor authentication, and all login attempts are logged. We do not share your personal data with unrelated third parties. Our complete data handling practices are detailed in our Privacy Policy.

We install a range of camera types depending on the property layout and your specific needs. Options include indoor dome cameras for discreet monitoring of living spaces, bullet cameras for outdoor perimeter coverage, and PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras for larger properties that require wide-area surveillance. All cameras feature high-definition resolution (minimum 1080p, with 4K options available), infrared night vision, and weather-resistant enclosures rated for Canadian winter conditions. Each camera is equipped with AI-powered motion detection that differentiates between people, vehicles, animals, and environmental changes like wind or snow.

Storage duration depends on the plan and recording configuration you select. Standard cloud storage plans retain footage for 14 to 30 days. Extended plans offer up to 90 days of continuous recording history. For clients who prefer local storage, we install network video recorders (NVRs) with hard drive capacities ranging from 2TB to 16TB, which can hold several months of footage depending on camera count and resolution settings. The AI system optimizes storage by prioritizing event-triggered recordings over continuous idle footage, making the most efficient use of available space.

Yes. Our mobile application provides live streaming access to every camera in your system from anywhere with an internet connection. You can view multiple camera feeds simultaneously on a split-screen layout, switch between live and recorded footage, zoom into specific areas, and take screenshots or short clips directly from the app. The streaming connection is encrypted end-to-end to protect your privacy. The app also supports Apple TV, Android TV, and web browser access for viewing on larger screens when you prefer a full-screen experience at home or at the office.

Our alarm packages include several sensor types to cover different threat vectors. Door and window contact sensors detect unauthorized opening of entry points. Passive infrared (PIR) motion detectors identify human movement within designated zones. Glass break sensors respond to the specific frequency pattern of shattering glass. For enhanced protection, we also offer environmental sensors that detect smoke, carbon monoxide, flooding, and extreme temperature changes. All sensors communicate wirelessly with the central hub, eliminating the need for extensive wiring and making the system adaptable to any property layout.

False alarm reduction is one of the key advantages of our AI-enhanced approach. The system cross-references data from multiple sensors before escalating an alert. For example, if a motion sensor is triggered but the door contact sensor shows no entry and the camera detects no human presence, the event is logged but not escalated to a full alarm. Over time, the AI learns the patterns specific to your household, such as pet movement paths, typical activity hours, and routine deliveries. This multi-layered verification significantly reduces nuisance alerts while maintaining high sensitivity to genuine threats.

The central hub includes a built-in battery backup that maintains full functionality for up to 8 hours during a power outage. Individual sensors operate on long-life batteries (typically 2 to 3 years per charge) and are not affected by mains power interruptions. If the internet connection drops, the system continues to record events locally on the hub and synchronizes everything to the cloud once connectivity is restored. You receive a push notification the moment power or internet is lost and again when it returns, so you are always aware of the status of your security infrastructure.

Yes, our smart lock system supports time-limited digital keys that you can generate and share directly from the mobile app. You set the valid time window (for example, Tuesday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM) and the key automatically expires after that period. This is particularly useful for cleaners, pet sitters, contractors, and short-term rental guests. Every access event is logged with a timestamp and paired with the nearest camera footage, so you have a complete record of who entered your property and when. You can revoke a temporary key at any time with a single tap.

Our smart locks are designed with extended battery life, typically lasting 12 to 18 months under normal usage. The app sends you a low-battery notification well in advance, usually when approximately 20% charge remains, giving you several weeks to replace the batteries. In the event that the battery is completely depleted, most of our lock models include an emergency micro-USB or 9V battery contact port on the exterior, allowing you to provide temporary power to unlock the door. Additionally, a physical key backup is provided with every smart lock installation for use in any emergency scenario.

All exterior smart locks we install are rated for Canadian climate conditions, including extreme cold. The models we select for exterior doors have operating temperature ranges from -35C to +50C. The internal mechanisms are sealed against moisture and frost, and the touchscreen keypads (where applicable) feature anti-icing coatings. We have successfully installed these locks on properties in Winnipeg, Edmonton, Ottawa, and other cities that experience harsh winter weather without experiencing cold-related failures. During the design phase, our specialist will recommend the most appropriate model based on your specific climate zone and door type.

Yes, our mobile application provides full control from any location with internet access. You can view live camera feeds, lock or unlock doors, arm or disarm the alarm system, and review event history. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices and connects securely to your home system via encrypted cloud infrastructure. All control actions are confirmed with haptic feedback and visual indicators so you know exactly when a command has been executed. You can also set up geofencing rules that automatically arm the system when you leave a defined area and disarm it when you return.

The notification system is fully customizable. You can configure separate notification profiles for different times of day, such as receiving all alerts during nighttime hours but only critical alerts during the day when your home is occupied. Filters are available by device type (cameras, sensors, locks), event severity (informational, warning, critical), and specific zones within your property. You can also designate secondary contacts, such as a family member or a trusted neighbor, who receive parallel notifications for high-priority events. Notification preferences can be adjusted at any time through the app settings without needing technical assistance.

Yes, our platform supports multiple user accounts with role-based access control. The primary account holder (administrator) can invite additional users and assign different permission levels. For example, adult family members can receive full control access, while children might be given view-only permissions. Each user logs in with their own credentials and receives their own notifications. The administrator can see an activity log of all user actions, including lock/unlock events, alarm changes, and setting modifications. There is no additional charge for adding household members to the system.

No specialized knowledge is required. The mobile interface is designed to be intuitive and accessible for users of all technical backgrounds. Large, clearly labeled buttons, guided setup wizards, and contextual help tips make it straightforward to manage every aspect of your security system. Our specialists handle the full installation, configuration, and provide a comprehensive walkthrough so you can start using the system immediately. If questions arise later, our technical support team is available to assist with adjustments, answer questions, or walk you through any new features added via software updates.

Installation time depends on the scope of the system and property size. A standard residential package (4 cameras, 8 sensors, 2 smart locks, and a central hub) typically requires 4 to 6 hours for a single-family home. Larger properties or commercial installations may take a full day or extend into a second day for comprehensive coverage. Our specialists schedule installations at a time that is convenient for you and work efficiently to minimize disruption. After physical installation, system configuration, mobile app setup, and your personal walkthrough are completed before the team leaves, ensuring everything is fully operational from day one.

Our security solutions are engineered for compatibility with popular smart home ecosystems. Whether you use smart thermostats from Ecobee or Nest, automated lighting from Philips Hue or LIFX, voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Home, or other connected devices, our platform can integrate with your existing setup. During the design phase, we map out all connected devices in your home to ensure seamless interoperability. Common integrations include triggering lights when motion is detected, adjusting thermostat settings when the alarm is armed for away mode, and using voice commands to check system status or lock doors.

We provide ongoing technical support through multiple channels. Our support team is available via email at [email protected] and through the in-app help center. Software updates are delivered automatically to keep your system running with the latest AI models, security patches, and feature enhancements. For hardware issues, we coordinate on-site service visits with our regional specialist teams. Annual system health checks are recommended and can be scheduled through the app or by contacting our team directly. These reviews ensure all devices are functioning optimally, firmware is current, and your security configuration still matches your household needs.