Summer vacations are a great time for making memories and bonding with your family. However, have you considered how you’ll keep your home safe in your absence? From saving energy to preventing a break-in, there’s plenty you should do when preparing for your trip besides packing your suitcase.

  • Unplug most appliances: Everything except the fridge and freezer should be unplugged to conserve energy and prevent an electrical disaster. This includes the TV, computer, stereo and small kitchen appliances. Also, double check that the oven and stovetop are turned off before you walk out the door.
  • Turn off the water: Shut off the main water supply if you’ll be gone for a week or more. The worst time for a plumbing problem is while you’re away for several days, since it can cause thousands of dollars in damage by the time you get home. Just make sure shutting off the main water supply doesn’t interfere with the sprinkler system. If it does, simply turn off the water behind the washer/dryer and the refrigerator.
  • Set the water heater on the lowest setting: This keeps it running at the minimum level for energy savings in your absence. Some water heaters have an actual low-temp “vacation” setting.
  • Adjust the thermostat: If you have a programmable thermostat, use the permanent hold setting while you’re away, being sure to program a comfortable temperature an hour or so before you return home. If you have a standard thermostat, you won’t be able to resume a comfortable temperature until you walk through the door.
  • Set up timers on a light or two: A light glowing in the living room deters burglars. Motion sensor lights on the outside keep your home safe by deterring intruders as well.
  • Hire someone you trust to house-sit: Have them walk around the home and make sure everything is in order. Also ask them to mow the lawn, check the mail and bring in the paper.

For additional tips on how to keep your home safe while you’re away with your family on vacation this summer, please contact us at Comfort Systems today. We offer quality, affordable heating and cooling services to residents of the Greater Wichita area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Wichita, Kansas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about home safety and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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