10 Tips for a Stress-Free Getaway
It’s the end of the Summer season! We know you’ve been cooling off in the air conditioning, but we also know some of you are going to take advantage of what is left of the warm weather by going on vacation!
It’s time to pack your suitcase and get ready to go on a trip. Maybe you’ll write a check list so you don’t forget a thing. Favorite clothes, shoes, sunglasses and personal items. But, there is another check list that is just as, if not more important. A check list to make sure your home and (we have to say it) your air conditioning system is ready for your vacation. Below are a bunch of tips to help you prepare your home for your departure.
- Alert your alarm company. Be sure to let them know when you are leaving and when you will return so they can be even more aware of suspicious activity.
- Do not post on social media. We are always quick to share our excitement about an upcoming trip and post pictures of our adventures, but this could alert someone with bad intentions to your empty nest.
- Put in a “look out” request with your local police department, if this is something they offer. They will have officers drive by and check on your home more often while you’re away.
- Clean out your refrigerator and take out the trash. You don’t want to come home to pesky insects or other creatures feasting on your leftovers. Also clear the area around your outside air conditioning condenser. Leaves and other fast growing weeds can grow into the unit causing problems while you are away.
- Prepare your plants. Have a friend or neighbor come by to water inside and outside plants. This will also allow them to take a look around to make sure everything is in order.
- Put a hold on your mail, or ask a friend or neighbor to get your mail daily or every other day so it’s not obvious to outsiders you are away.
- Leave a light on. Automatic timers can now be set to go off at random times. Try to avoid setting one light for a specific time as suspicious characters use this to determine when you are away.
- Adjust the thermostat to a warmer temperature, 70° or higher so your air conditioning unit is not constantly on while you are away. You can also use a programmable thermostat and set up a “vacation schedule” such as a ComfortSense or iComfort thermostat. This also applies to your water heater. Set it to “vacation mode” to help cut down on energy costs when you’re not using hot water.
- Unplug small appliances. Even if an appliance is not being used, it can still draw energy.
- Purchase security cameras to help give you some peace of mind while you’re away. No matter where you are (as long as you have a connection) you will have eyes on your home.
As a heating and air conditioning company, we want to make sure you are enjoying the great indoors by keeping your heating and air conditioning systems running smoothly all year long. As a family owned and operated company who considers our employees and customers’ family, we want to make sure you and your home are safe and secure.