Prepare Your Home for Vacation

Whether you’ve planned a weekend getaway or a weeks-long vacation, there’s plenty you need to do around your house before you can depart. It’s easy to get caught up in the preparation of your trip (booking flights, hotels, rental cars, etc.) and forget about all you need to do at home to make sure that your house is in one piece when you return.

When you’re getting ready to go on vacation, your home is the last thing you want to worry about. So take these few simple steps to prepare your home before you leave so that you can relax and enjoy your time away.

Clean Your House

Start with a deep clean of your entire house. This way, you won’t have to come home to a messy house after your vacation. Declutter every room and make sure that all surfaces are clean. Then, do a quick sweep or vacuum each room to pick up any dirt or dust you may have missed.

Prepare Your HVAC

If you’re leaving town for an extended period of time, it’s important to prepare your home’s HVAC system for your absence. If you have a central air system, set the thermostat to a temperature that will minimize energy usage while keeping your home comfortable in case of extreme weather changes. In general, a setting of around 78 degrees is ideal.

If you have a heat pump, it’s a good idea to switch the system into "vacation mode." This will ensure that the pump doesn’t run unnecessarily while you’re away and rack up a high energy bill.

Finally, be sure to replace the air filters before you leave. This will help keep your HVAC system running smoothly and efficiently while you’re away.

By taking these simple steps to prepare your home’s HVAC system for vacation, you can relax and enjoy your time away, knowing that your house will remain efficient while you’re away and comfortable upon your return.

Take Care of Your Plumbing

While you’re on vacation, the last thing you want to worry about is your plumbing. To prevent any issues, follow some of these tips:

• First, turn off the water to your home at the main shut-off valve. This will help prevent any water damage in case of a leak or burst pipe while you’re away.

• Next, flush all toilets and drains to clear out any debris that could cause problems while you’re gone. Then, run all faucets for a minute or two to clear out any remaining water in the pipes.

• Finally, be sure to turn off any automatic sprinklers or drip irrigation systems. This will help conserve water while you’re away.

Clear Out the Fridge

Avoid weird smells by tossing any perishable food items in your fridge. If you aren’t gone for more than a week, you can probably just leave everything as is. But if you’re going to be gone longer, it’s a good idea to either use up all of the perishable food before you go or donate it to a friend or neighbor.

Care for the Plants

If you have any plants in your home, make sure to water them before you leave. If possible, ask a friend to check on them while you’re gone. Or, consider investing in a self-watering system so your plants will stay healthy and hydrated while you’re away.

Ensure Security

Finally, take some time to secure your home against burglars. Make sure all doors and windows are locked. If you have an alarm system, set it before you leave. And if you’ll be gone for an extended period of time, consider stopping your mail and newspaper delivery or asking a neighbor to keep an eye on your home.

With these simple steps, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your time away, knowing that your house is in good hands. If you need assistance preparing your HVAC and plumbing systems, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Wilbur’s Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing!