10 Things To Do Before You Go On Vacation
Your big vacation is fast approaching, and you’re getting more and more excited to leave the scorching Texas heat. We understand completely. But don’t forget that while you’re on vacation, your home needs to be taken care of.
We have 10 tips for your home you should do before you go on vacation.
1. Get Someone to Keep an Eye on Things
You don’t necessarily have to get a house sitter, but having a trusted friend or family member keep an eye on your home is one of the most important safety measures.
2. Hold Your Mail
If you’re leaving for an extended period of time (and you get mail delivered to the house) – a pile of mail steadily building up is a clear ‘no one is home’ signal.
3. Put Your Lights On Timers
One of the safety measures we recommend is putting your lights on timers. This will give your home the lived-in look.
4. Set Your Thermostat
You don’t want to waste energy and money went you aren’t home, but it is still a good idea to program your thermostat so that your air conditioner occasionally cycles on and off. This will give the impression that you’re home and it’s business as usual, because people will see or hear your outdoor condenser unit.
5. Check All the Locks
This may seem like the most basic tip, but there are a lot of locks in a home. It is important to go around and check every single one before you go on vacation.
6. Unplug
This is both a safety tip and an energy saving one. Make sure to unplug your appliances and electronics before you go on vacation. If no one is at home to monitor them, leaving them plugged in increases the risk that something could happen, like an electrical fire.
7. Security System
Particularly if you are going away for a long period of time, a security system is a great way to protect your home. Systems today can send alerts directly to your cell phone about any unusual activity, including broken windows.
8. Open Cabinet Doors
Especially in the winter, if you have pipes on the outside walls behind kitchen or bathroom cabinets, it may be a good idea to open some cabinet doors.
9. Don’t Shout It From the Rooftops
It’s exciting to go on vacation, no matter where you’re going. You naturally want to share that excitement – and possibly brag a bit – to the people you interact with.
10. Get Your Air Conditioner Serviced Before You Go
The last thing you need while you’re on vacation is an unexpected breakdown. You’ll return to an uncomfortable house and an expensive repair bill. By getting your system serviced pre-vacation, you can leave with the peace of mind that everything is working correctly. Contact us today for an estimate – we are looking forward to hearing from you!
Mike Trombley
Owner, BCS Service Pros
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