The following contribution is from another author.
Getting ready for a big trip is exciting, but concerns about leaving your home unattended can make it harder to fully relax. Taking a few steps to get your home ready doesn’t just keep your stuff safe; it lets you truly relax and enjoy your time away. With a smart plan, you can make sure your house runs smoothly and stays secure while you’re gone.
Adjusting Thermostats for Savings
One of the easiest ways to save money and energy while you’re traveling is to tweak your thermostat. There’s no need to keep an empty house perfectly cozy. If you have a smart thermostat, just use its “away” or “vacation” mode. For a programmable one, set it to a single, steady temperature.
If you’re traveling in summer, set the AC to about 85°F. That’s warm enough so it won’t run all the time, but cool enough to protect your electronics and wood furniture from getting too hot. In winter, 50-55°F is perfect for keeping pipes from freezing without wasting heat. Doing these basic things, like following energy-saving tips, can really cut down your utility bills. Lots of guides for vacation smart energy savings suggest these simple changes for big savings.
Securing Your Water Systems
A water leak in an empty house can be a huge headache. The best way to avoid this is to just turn off your main water supply. If you’re not sure where that valve is or how to use it, now’s a great time to figure it out. If you have any drips, slow drains, or concerns about your plumbing before a trip, it’s worth having a plumber take a look before you leave. Addressing small issues ahead of time can help prevent larger problems while the house is sitting empty. After you turn off the water, open the faucets on the lowest and highest floors of your house to drain any water left in the pipes. For extra peace of mind, think about putting smart water leak detectors near your washing machine, water heater, and sinks.
Protecting Against Power Surges
Electrical surges can happen anytime, especially during storms, and they can zap your expensive electronics. The simplest thing to do is unplug anything that doesn’t absolutely need to be on. This means your TV, computers, coffee maker, and other small gadgets. Not only does this protect them from surges, but it also stops them from using “phantom load” energy, which they draw even when they’re off. For things you can’t unplug, like your fridge or security system, make sure they’re plugged into good-quality surge protectors. For even more protection, you might look into a whole-home surge protector installed at your electrical panel.
Cleaning and Appliance Care
Coming home to a clean house is awesome, but preventing pests and bad smells is even better. Before you head out, deal with anything that could go bad or attract unwanted visitors.
- Empty the fridge: Toss out any food that will spoil, like milk, leftovers, and fresh produce. If you’re going away for a really long time, you might even want to empty, clean, and unplug the fridge completely, leaving the door a little open to stop mildew.
- Run the dishwasher and garbage disposal: Get rid of any food bits that could start to smell. A neat trick for the disposal is to run some ice cubes and citrus peels through it for a final clean.
- Take out the trash: This one seems obvious, but it’s easy to forget when you’re rushing to get out the door. Empty all the trash cans in your house, including those in bathrooms and offices.
Returning to a Comfortable Home
The last step in getting your home ready happens right before you get back. Thanks to smart home tech, you don’t have to walk into a dark, stuffy house. A few hours before you arrive, use your phone to set your smart thermostat back to a comfy temperature. You can also turn on a few lights, so you’re not fumbling around in the dark. This little bit of remote control makes coming home from vacation a bit smoother and more welcoming.
With these tasks checked off your list, you can jet off on your adventure knowing your home is safe, secure, and running efficiently.
