When you’re making your plans and preparations for your vacation, be sure to give some thought to what you’re leaving behind. Namely, your home. Follow these tips to make sure it stays secure and energy-efficient while you’re gone.
Timed lights make a house looked lived-in
Connect a few lamps around the house to plug-in timers, and set them on a schedule consistent with your family’s usual activity. With lights going on and off on a regular basis, your home will appear occupied. So criminals will move on.
Protect against unexpected leaks
If you’re going to be gone for a long vacation, it may make sense to temporarily shut off the water supply to major appliances like washing machines and ice makers. That way, there’s no chance of a leak occurring, and no chance you’ll come home to a kitchen full of water. You can also turn off your hot water heater, just remember to turn it back on when you return!
Ask a friend to check on your home
Get a trusted friend to check on your home while you’re away. This will discourage potential crime since someone will be visiting your home regularly and bringing in your mail and paper for you. They can also water your houseplants and take care of pets, giving you fewer things to worry about during your trip.
Keep the details to yourself
Social media can be a great way to share your vacation memories as they happen. However, by letting everyone know that you’re having a great time far away, you’re also pointing out the fact that your home is empty. Save the vacation photo sharing until you’re back home.
Unplug small electronics
Many household devices like coffee makers, televisions and DVRs can continue to draw current even when switched off. Unplug them to save energy. Furthermore, unplugging your garage door can protect your home from criminals using universal garage door remotes.
Turn off your computer
If your computer isn’t on, it can’t be hacked. Make sure computers, tablets and laptops are powered down before you leave, eliminating the chance that your information can be compromised while you’re away.
Don’t waste energy heating and cooling an empty home
There’s no use cooling your home when there’s nobody there to feel it. A thermostat like the Lennox iComfort W-Fi Enabled Thermostat can be programmed to drastically reduce your energy waste while you’re away. The iComfort Wi-Fi even features a simple One-Touch Away Mode that can send your heating and cooling system into an extremely energy-efficient mode with just a touch.
Call Bob!
Our final tip is to call us for a tune-up on your HVAC system. Now is the time to make sure it is in good working order before the heat sets in!
