When you are going out for vacation, especially for a long time, preparing your home will save it from being vulnerable during your period away. Preparation can help avoid some of the nasty surprises when you return home from your vacation. Such includes high energy consumption, plumbing problems, or even security breaches. Now we discuss how to preparing your home before vacation.
How to Secure Your HVAC System
The air conditioning and heating system is going to play a crucial role in maintaining the climatic condition of your home. Therefore, it has to be well prepared without wasting much energy or encountering the possibility of trouble.
Adjust thermostat settings:
This saves the energy of heating or cooling your house to such high temperatures when the outside environment is warmer in summer (around 85°F) or colder in winter (around 50°F), thus not facing issues of mold formation or pipes getting frozen due to low temperature.
If you haven’t had your HVAC system serviced lately, consider setting up an appointment with your service provider. Clean filters and unobstructed vents ensure the system operates efficiently during your absence.
Invest in a Smart Thermostat:
A smart thermostat allows you to see what the temperature is and set it in your home using a mobile app. So, you can be preparing your home before vacation that you will have some peace of mind in case the weather changes unexpectedly or you change your mind about your trip.
Plumbing Preparation
Plumbing is one of the easiest places to find significant issues especially when you are away because of a leak. Here’s how to prepare for this area before you go.
1. Turn Off the Main Water Supply:
This is the best method of preventing leaking or flooding. When one cannot shut down the mains, ensure that every faucet and appliance which contains water is shut-off-the washer and dishwasher are not left out.
2. Insulate Your Pipes During Winter
You are going to need insulated pipes in winter whenever you go away. With this, you stand fewer chances of frozen bursting, which might cause lots of water damage.
3. Drain Water from Appliances
Drain remaining water left in appliances such as washing machines and dish washers to avoid the event of stagnation, which may create bacteria proliferation or odor.
Lighting and Electrical Appliances
You can help save energy cost and prepare your home to be electric-safe and not vulnerable to security threats by preparing all your electronics and lighting devices.
1. Unplug Non-Essential Electrical Appliances:
Devices like television, computers, or small kitchen appliances consume a lot of energy even when turned off but still plugged on. Unplugging is a way to save this energy and to avoid creating a fire.
2. Timed Lighting
Activate timers or smart plugs by your lights. It looks like someone is home for sure when your lights are on and off. This becomes a deterrent for intruders.
3. Surveillance Cameras
You might install a home security camera or an alarm monitoring system so you can actually view your home from afar. The best ones even boast motion detection and alerting, so you know about whatever has happened in your house.
Security Precautions
The greatest solace is keeping your home safe. If you will enact a few simple practices, the chances of it getting burgled will be very low.
1. Check and relock the doors and windows
Before you leave, check all windows and doors, locking them. You might also consider adding extra locks on the vulnerable entry points.
2. Let Someone in Your Neighborhood Know That You Are Leaving
Tell a trusted neighbor about your plans. They can be in a position to observe your house. Give him/her a key or a code in case of any problem.
3. Send Your Mail Forward
Uncollected mail may point to the house being vacant. Suspend your mail or request a neighbor to collect your mail every day to keep your place from appearing deserted.
Pest Control Tips
A quiet, unoccupied house is an ideal place for pests. Make your house pest-free through the following steps.
1. Clear All Trash and Remove Perishables:
Leaving open foods or trash in trash bins will attract insects and rodents. Dispose of perishable goods and empty the bins before leaving.
Clean the Kitchen Surfaces:
Make sure to clean down the entire kitchen counters, sinks, and stoves from crumbs and spills.
Seal Entry Points:
Check possible entry points for pests, including small cracks in doors and windows or vents. Be more particular with these when preparing for the holidays.
Advantages of preparing your home before the holidays
All these measures help you save energy immediately and in the future too:
Save Energy: Change thermostat settings, unplug appliances, and lock windows. That is sure to save much of your energy money while you leave for vacation.
Decreases House Maintenance Needs:
Advanced preparation ensures less wear and tear on major system parts, such as plumbing and HVAC. When your house is secure, saved energy, and safe from possible dangers, you are sure to spend the rest of your time relaxing during your vacation without stress.
Leave a Reply