Summer is the busiest travel season of the year next to the holidays. It’s a time for making memories with family and friends and enjoying the warm weather. While preparing to leave for a vacation always includes packing your suitcase, most people don’t realize it’s important to prepare your home for your departure.
Here are some helpful tips to prepare your home before you head out of town:
1. Turn off your water supply before a long vacation
When you turn off the main water supply to your home prior to a long vacation (at least a week), you are saving yourself from a potential headache if you were to have a burst pipe while you were gone. While we don’t recommend this during the winter months because of possible frozen pipes, during the summer it’s beneficial and can save you money too if you have any leaky faucets. If you plan on leaving home for several weeks, it is probably a good idea to have a trusted neighbor or friend check in on things at home to make sure everything is in order.
2. Turn your thermostat up while you are away
Even when a vacation is just a long weekend, it will save on energy costs if you turn your thermostat up a couple of degrees. If you keep your home at 80 degrees, that will be significant savings to your wallet. In addition, if you have a Smart Thermostat then you can turn the temperature back down from your smartphone or tablet prior to your arrival so it is cooled down when you return.
3. Invest in a security system to have peace of mind while you are out of town
If you don’t have a security system or camera system on your property, look at what is on the market within your budget and install one prior to leaving for vacation. If you have remote access to it via a smartphone or tablet, that will give you peace of mind that you can check on your home at any time. Most systems also have a monthly cost as well depending on what your family’s needs are, so make sure to do research before you purchase. Many security companies will provide free equipment if you sign up for their service.
4. Schedule light timers before your departure
When you turn off the main water supply to your home prior to a long vacation (at least a week), you are saving yourself from a potential headache if you were to have a burst pipe while you were gone. While we don’t recommend this during the winter months because of possible frozen pipes, during the summer it’s beneficial and can save you money too if you have any leaky faucets. If you plan on leaving home for several weeks, it is probably a good idea to have a trusted neighbor or friend check in on things at home to make sure everything is in order.
5. Turn off electronics and appliances before your vacation
Before you leave for vacation, take the time to unplug small appliances and electronics. This will protect the appliances and electronics in case of a power surge and your home in case a fire is started from a power surge spark. You may also save on your energy bill, because leaving these devices plugged in uses a small amount of energy while they rest in standby mode.
6. Schedule your HVAC tune-up
Take advantage of our Five Star maintenance plans and have your air conditioning checked prior to leaving for vacation. When you have your HVAC system checked every fall and spring, the technician will have the opportunity to check all parts and as your HVAC system ages, it is beneficial to be aware of worn parts before they break. The investment in a maintenance plan will give you peace of mind that one of the most expensive appliances in your home is being taken care of twice a year.
7. Final tip…don’t forget to clean out your refrigerator before you leave!
No smell is worse than opening your refrigerator to find moldy food. Yuck!
Contact Five Star Today for all your plumbing, heating and air, electrical, insulation, and indoor air quality needs. We have convenient locations servicing you in Greenville, Spartanburg, Oconee, and Charleston, SC; Henderson, NC; and surrounding areas.