Are you planning a vacation this summer? As you’re preparing for your trip, it’s important to make sure your home is ready for your vacation as well. You already know it’s important to secure your home against criminals, but it’s just as critical to check on your home’s plumbing and HVAC systems.
Preparing Your Home for Vacation
With these pro tips, you can protect your home and conserve energy while you’re away. Keep them in mind anytime you’re getting ready to leave your home for more than a day.
Turn off the Main Water Supply
A water leak can cause major damage over the course of a few days. Before you leave for your trip, turn off your main water supply to ensure that you won’t have any nasty leaks while you’re away.
Check Your Sump Pump
Make sure your sump pump is working properly to ensure that, if a storm blows in while you’re away, you won’t end up with a flooded basement. If the pump isn’t working, have it repaired before you leave.
Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
Cleaning your gutters and downspouts ensures that rainwater is diverted away from your home. You may want to check floor drains in your basement as well.
Turn Your Water Heater Off
You won’t be using hot water at home while you’re away, so why leave the water heater turned on? Turn your water heater off before you hit the road to save a considerable amount on your energy bill while you’re away.
Other Things to Consider When Going on Vacation
- Don’t share your vacation plans on social media. Wait until you’re back home to post pictures and let people know you were away.
- Stop your mail and newspaper deliveries or have a neighbor pick them up daily.
- Trim your bushes to eliminate hiding spots around doors and windows.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a journey around the world or anything in between, don’t get so caught up in packing your bags and planning your itinerary that you forget to get your home ready for your time away. If you need help with plumbing or HVAC maintenance before you leave, contact Larry & Sons now.