6 Things to Do Before Leaving for Vacation
It’s vacation time—August is the perfect month for a getaway before the back-to-school chaos hits! But before you pull out of the driveway for a well-deserved trip, follow the items on this pre-vacation home checklist to ensure you don’t have any surprises when you get back.
Unplug Unnecessary Appliances and Electronics
Unplug everything you can around your home to prevent energy use and protect your appliances from power surges. This includes the TV, computer, router, modem and anything else with a power adapter. Double check that the oven and stove are off and that small heat-generating appliances (such as curling irons and hair dryers) are unplugged. Really the only things you need to keep plugged in are the refrigerator and freezer!
Turn Off the Water
If you’ll be gone for a week or more, shut off the water behind sinks, toilets, the washing machine, dishwasher and refrigerator. You can also shut off the main water supply to prevent an ill-timed leak.
Turn Down the Water Heater
Many models have a “vacation” setting to run the water heater minimally and save energy. Remember to turn it back on right when you get home.
Raise the Thermostat Setting
There’s no need to cool a vacant home. The longer you’re gone, the more you stand to save if you raise the temperature to 85 degrees in your absence. Remember to use the “permanent/vacation” hold to override all pre-programmed settings. Avoid turning the thermostat all the way off to prevent damaging sensitive electronics or finishes in your home. The best thermostat setting while you’re away is between 80 and 85 (it will generally cost you less than it would to try and bring your home down to 72 degrees after the thermostat hits triple digits).
Set the Lights
Leave the porch light on to deter thieves after dark. Also, set a living room light on a timer so it turns on each evening. This gives the illusion someone is home, a safety precaution that’s well worth increasing your energy bills by a few cents while you’re gone. You can also set a radio on a timer to add to the illusion that you’re home.
Have Someone Keep an Eye on Your Home
Ask a friend to mow the lawn, bring in the newspaper and mail, water houseplants, and feed your pet while you’re gone. You might also request that they park their car in the driveway and change its position every few days to make it look like someone is coming and going like normal.
We hope this pre-vacation home checklist gives you the peace of mind you need to enjoy your trip! For more heating and cooling advice, contact Arctic Air Conditioning.
