How to Prepare Your Home For Vacation

So, you’ve finally booked that tropical vacation you’ve been dreaming of and the days til you depart are slowly but surely counting down. You’ve double and triple checked your flight and hotel arrangements, purchased a few new bathing suits, and dusted off those old suitcases in the attic. While it may seem like you’re ready to fly the coop, there’s one important thing you’re forgetting to prepare — your home!

 

Make safety arrangements. While you’re out enjoying some fun in the sun, it’s important that you make sure your home is safe. One of the best ways to avoid a break-in, is by making sure your home remains “active,” even while you’re not there. This means asking a neighbour to park in the driveway and take in the mail, as well as installing motion sensor with timer outdoor lighting.

Turn off the water. A tiny leak can cause big problems if left unnoticed for even 24 hours. To avoid any mishaps, switch off your home’s water supply before you head off to paradise. After all, while you might enjoy lounging by the pool, you definitely don’t have plans to install one indoors any time soon!

Unplug your appliances. Just like leaks, fire hazards can cause mayhem while you’re out. To avoid any surprises, make sure small appliances like coffee machines, TVs, computers and the like are all unplugged before you depart. All it takes is one power surge coupled with one spark!

Turn down the water heater. There’s no reason for your tank to be continuously heating water if no one will be there to use it. Save yourself the money and either lower the temperature or turn it off completely. Many electronic water heaters even have a specified “vacation mode” setting.

Adjust your thermostat. It’s true, there’s nothing quite like a nice, air conditioned home, but there’s also no better feeling than saving on your energy bills. Unless you’re leaving pets at home (to be fed and cared for by a friend while you’re gone of course!), there’s no reason to have your air conditioner on full blast while you’re not there. Instead, set your thermostat to 85-degrees or higher, so you’ll cut costs while you vacation.

Are you heading out for a summer getaway soon? If so, give Tyler Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration LLC a call to check that water heater or central air conditioner that’s been on the fritz lately. You may even consider installing a programmable thermostat so you can make sure your home’s temperature remains regulated while you’re gone.

For more information about our heating and cooling services, call 203-378-4700 today.