The best vacations are all about fun, and you can enjoy your trip to the fullest if you know matters are taken care of back at home. Below, our home experts will share some tips for securing your home, preventing accidents, and keeping your energy bills low while you’re enjoying yourself out of town.
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOME BEFORE YOU LEAVE FOR VACATION
Add these items to your to-do list before you head out of town!
1. Set up your thermostat.
If you own a programmable thermostat, make sure to set it to your preferred “away” setting. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, you won’t want to shut your system off entirely. Doing so will make your HVAC system work extra hard to overcome the temperature difference once you come home, straining the parts and using a lot of energy.
Instead, set your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher during the warmer months of the year. During the colder months, set it lower than 65 degrees.
2. Shut off your home’s main water shut-off valve.
No one wants to come home to a leak all over the floor. If you plan to be away for several days, it’s smart to shut off your home’s water at the source. Start by turning off the main valve, and then turn on all the faucets until water stops coming out. This will empty the water from your home’s supply pipes and prevent any major leaks while you’re away.
3. Ask a neighbor to collect your mail.
Most of the time, no one is away long enough to justify contacting the post office. Instead, just ask a neighbor or your housesitter to collect your mail and newspapers to prevent mail theft and to keep your home looking lived-in.
4. Unplug electronics.
Even when electronics are in standby mode, they still use energy while plugged in. Shave some money off your electric bill by unplugging them or shutting off the switch of the power strip they’re plugged into.
5. Install some smart light bulbs.
Smart light bulbs can be programmed on a timer. This allows the lights to come on at various times around your home, giving the appearance of someone living there without leaving the lights on the entire time you’re away.
6. Make sure all of your doors and windows are locked.
You’ll want to make sure every point of entry into your home is secure before leaving. Thieves can even enter through second-story windows, so make sure to check absolutely every window and door. If there are any outdoor gates to your property that need to be locked, check those as well.
At JSP Home Services, we’re proud to offer quality HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services throughout Kingston and beyond. Please don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more about how we can help you: (845) 250-6470.
