You’ve probably been anticipating your winter vacation plans for months. You’re excited to see your family and enjoy some time off work during the holidays. With the flights booked, suitcases packed and your itinerary set, there’s still one more thing to check off your list: getting your home ready for your absence. Here’s what you need to do.
- Set the thermostat back: Your home will be vacant, so there’s no need to heat it to a comfortable 70 degrees. However, you also don’t want the pipes to freeze, so plan to keep the thermostat no lower than 60 degrees.
- Address the water: Consider turning off the main water valve. If you choose to keep it on, at least turn off the water behind key appliances that could leak while you’re gone, including the dishwasher, washing machine, toilets and ice-making freezer. Also, turn back the water heater temperature to the “vacation” setting to save energy without completely shutting it off.
- Unplug appliances: Unplug just about every appliance in your home except the fridge and freezer to prevent power-draining energy vampires from raising your utility bills while you’re away.
- Leave a key and your HVAC contractor’s information with a neighbor or house sitter: Ask them to check on the house once a day. If something goes wrong with the plumbing or heating, ask them to call you as well as your trusted HVAC contractor so things can be taken care of in a timely manner.
- Make the house secure: Lock all windows and doors and set your home’s security alarm if you have one. Leave the blinds the way you normally do. If you usually open and close the blinds daily, consider keeping them closed in the rear of the house and open in the front. Set a light and the TV on a timer so it appears someone’s home.
With these extra preparations complete, you’re ready to enjoy your winter vacation plans to the fullest. For more expect heating and cooling tips, please contact James Lane Air Conditioning & Plumbing Co. We proudly serve residents in the Wichita Falls area.
