08/27/2024
Labor Day Pre-Vacation Checklist π
If you are taking a vacation over the holiday weekend, our home comfort experts have a short checklist of 10 easy tasks that will help prepare your house for your absence while saving you on utility-related energy costs and from stress inducing security issues or household damages!
π‘ 1. LIGHT UP YOUR LABOR DAY - EVEN WHEN YOU'RE AWAY
Pair lighting fixtures with timers inside of your house with motion activated lighting outside of your home to give the appearance that you are home while also scaring off any potential intruders.
π‘οΈ 2. REPROGRAM YOUR THERMOSTAT
An empty house doesn't have the same comfort demands. Reset your thermostat to keep your home around 80-85 degrees during your end of summer absence to save money and energy. And, with a smart thermostat, you can always reset temperature controls from the road if weather conditions shift or your return date changes.
𧳠3. GIVE YOUR WATER HEATER A VACAY, TOO
Traditional water heaters heat and re-heat your homeβs water supply so that you have hot water when you need it. The vacation mode setting on your water heater slows down this process, saving you money and energy while you are away.
π¦ 4. CHECK IN ON YOUR SUMP PUMP
There's always potential for late summer storms and extreme downpours. Be sure to check in on your sump pump before you head out to make sure that it's ready to protect your home from water damage.
π¬ 5. HOLD YOUR MAIL
A stuffed mailbox is a sure sign that you are on vacation. Set up a mail hold with the local post office to keep any mail out of your mailbox while you are vacationing.
π 6. UNPLUG SMALL ELECTRONICS
Unplugging small appliances and electronics can save you a lot of money on your next electric bill (think toasters, cable boxes, video game consoles, etc.). Unplugging also protects them from damage if there is an electrical storm that causes a power surge.
π§ 7. TURN THE WATER OFF
Temporarily turning the water off to unneeded appliances will help protect your home from a potential leak. We suggest starting with your dishwasher, washing machine and sinks.ο»Ώ
π 8. LOCK IT UP
Take the time to lock all entrances to your home - doors, windows, garages, doggie doors, bulkheads, etc. - and arm any security cameras to watch over your home while you are away.
πͺ΄ 9. GO GREEN
Water your houseplants and set them up in a space where they'll receive the ideal amount of lighting.
𫧠10. CLEAN UP
Clear out the fridge, take out the trash and tidy up. No one likes to return from vacation to a dirty house!
Need help? π² Give our Carter Services expert plumbers, HVAC techs, appliance pros and electricians a call today for fast service ahead of Labor Day Weekend!
