During the summer, everyone’s schedules tend to get off-track. Between family vacations, kids being out of school, and holidays, it can seem like things have no sooner settled down than you have to start packing for the next thing again!
Even if you’re in a hurry to get on the road, it’s important to take a few essentials steps to ensure your home is protected from fire hazards, water damage, or other home disasters while you’re away.
Here are a few tips from the professionals at Donnelly’s Plumbing Heating and Cooling:
- Make sure to set your thermostat no lower than 78 degrees in the summertime, especially if you are going to be gone longer than a few days. In the winter, set the heat to about 55 degrees – warm enough to keep the pipes from freezing, but cool enough to save on your energy bill.
- During a short trip, leave a few lamps on throughout the house to make it look occupied. For a longer vacation, invest in random-access timers that can turn our lights on and off making it seem that someone is home. You never want to leave a lamp or flood lights burning all week long as it’s a fire hazard.
- Unplug all unnecessary appliances (except those on timers, of course) to protect your home from an electrical fire or power surge. These appliances include stereos, televisions and computers, as well as smaller appliances like coffee makers, toaster ovens, microwaves. This will save you money while you’re gone and eliminate the worry that you’ve accidentally left them on by mistake.
- Turn your water heater to “pilot” mode and turn your water off from the main valve. If you decide to do this, make sure you open up your faucets and drain the remaining water out.
- Turning off your garage door is also an effective way to keep thieves from opening it with a universal remote.Be sure you have a secondary entrance for when you return home.
- Run some ice cubes and cold water through your garbage disposal before you leave. This will push any food particles down the drain so they can properly wash away. You can thank us later!
BONUS: If you have a neighbor or dear friend you trust, it’s always best to leave a spare key with them and have them keep an eye on your house. If the unexpected happens while you are away, you’ll want someone to have access in the house to check for any issues, or just to make sure your house is safe.
Call Donnelly’s For All Your Plumbing and HVAC Needs
Located in the Greater Philadelphia area, PA, Donnelly’s Plumbing Heating and Cooling not only focuses on quality workmanship and value, but we believe we offer the highest level of service available to our customers in the Suburban Philadelphia area.
If you need for us to check your home’s plumbing, heating, and cooling systems please contact us at (215) 855-2014 or click the banner below.
