Whether you're departing for some fun in the sun or you have some extended business travel coming up, it's important to prepare your home ahead of time. When you take a few steps to keep your home safe and energy efficient while you're away, you can enjoy peace of mind during your travels and return to a home that's as comfortable as when you left.
Here are a few ways to keep your home safe, clean and healthy when you're away.
Alert necessary people of your travels. While you might not want to broadcast details about your two-week-long overseas vacation on social media, it's a good idea to inform a trusted neighbor along with your local police department. A neighbor can help you tend to your lawncare and keep an eye on your property. Many police departments will also perform courtesy drive-by inspections of your home. If you have your home monitored by an alarm company, you can alert a representative that you'll be away from home for an extended period of time.
Prepare your home for possible inclement weather. If a storm blows in, make sure your property and belongings are safe. Secure your grill, patio tables and chairs, and check that your screen doors are latched shut. If you have a pool or spa, use a cover to keep out leaves and other debris.
Take a few minutes to unplug. Give some of your electronics and appliances a break while you're out of the house. Unplug microwaves, coffee makers, floor lamps, gaming consoles and other items that won't be in use. While you don't want to unplug your refrigerator, you should rid your fridge of perishable items that will spoil while you're gone.
Adjust your thermostat. Program your smart thermostat, such as the iComfort® S30 from Lennox, to lower your air conditioning usage while you're away. Using GPS in your smartphone, the iComfort® S30's Smart Away Mode detects when you leave and automatically increases system efficiency. When you come home, Smart Away returns your home to a comfortable temperature.
Think ahead. Ensure you have a clean home awaiting you by taking care of a few to-do items before you go. Launder your sheets so you return to a fresh bed, sweep or vacuum your floors, tidy up your kitchen and bathrooms, and ensure your dishes and laundry are put away. You could also stock your kitchen with packets of oatmeal, cold cereal and shelf-stable milk for a hassle-free breakfast on your first morning back home.
You can keep that vacation glow and eliminate post-travel stress by preparing your home in advance. Use the tips above to take the best care of your home before your next trip.
