Vacation with Peace of Mind

Vacation with Peace of Mind

Ready to finally take that extended vacation this summer? Since it’s probably been a minute (or 751,680 minutes) since you’ve last traveled, here are a few helpful reminders for ensuring your home stays mishap free while you’re away.

Set Your Thermostat

If you have an AC, heatpump, or evaporative cooling unit, make sure to leave it on to prevent mold, mildew, and other conditions caused by heat and humidity. Adjust your thermostat to 4 degrees higher than you would if you were home, which will reduce energy use while ensuring that the unit runs periodically. If you can, invest in a smart thermostat, which will allow you to monitor and control conditions at home via a handy smartphone app wherever you are.

Turn Water Off

When you are going to be away for an extended period, it’s a good idea to turn off your main water line. This can prevent plumbing leaks from occurring in your absence, which otherwise could result in significant water damage and costly repairs. After shutting off the main water valve, let your kitchen and bathroom faucets run dry, ensuring that no water is left in the pipes.

If shutting the water off isn’t an option due to sprinklers or other considerations, consider investing in some water leak detection sensors. Modern water detectors connect to your smartphone and will notify you if a leak is detected, and since kits start at around $40, they can be a smart investment whether you’re traveling or not.

Double Down on Smart Security

As with water sensors and smart thermostats, other smart security devices are now more affordable than ever. To give the appearance that someone is home, use smart plugs to toggle lights, fans, or a radio while you’re away. Also consider a smart security system – modern systems feature contract-free, affordable monitoring, quick DIY installation, and remote monitoring notifications.

Empty the Fridge, Take Out the Trash

No one wants to come home to a moldy, stinky science experiment in their fridge, so make sure to dump anything perishable from the refrigerator and take the garbage out. Your future-self will thank you.

Phone a Friend

One of the easiest ways to give you piece of mind when you are away is to know you have an extra pair of eyes on your place. If you live in a neighborhood, it’s a good idea to let your neighbors know you are going on vacation, so if they see any unusual activity at your place they can let you know or notify authorities. Some towns will offer an away from home routine watch of your home by the local police department. Reach out to yours to see if they offer that service. And of course a house sitter is a great option if you plan to be away for a long time, they can get your mail, water the plants, and keep an eye on the place while you’re away.