Vacation Ready: Easy Home Prep Tips for a Stress-Free Getaway

Planning a getaway is exciting, but many homeowners overlook the importance of prepping their homes for an extended absence. Following a few simple steps can protect your home, save on energy costs, and avoid any unpleasant surprises when you return.

Below are some tips to help you prep your home for vacation or extended time away:

• Adjust Your Thermostat: One of the easiest ways to save energy when you're not home is to adjust your thermostat. Set your thermostat to around 85 degrees in the summer and 55 degrees in the winter. Avoid setting your thermostat more than 20 degrees lower/higher than the outside temperature. This helps prevent your HVAC system from working overtime while still protecting your home from high or low temperatures.
  • Pro Tip: Consider investing in smart thermostat that allows you to monitor and control your home's temperature remotely, giving you peace of mind while you're away.
• Turn Off Water Supply: If you're going to be gone for a prolonged time, it is smart to turn off your main water supply to avoid potential water damage. If you can't turn it off completely, shut off the valve to major appliances like the washing machine and dishwasher. This can help prevent any leaks or burst pipes, saving you from costly repairs and potential headaches.
• Adjust Your Water Heat: Consider turning your water heater to vacation mode or a lower setting. This small step can help save energy and prevent the system from overheating. If you have a tankless water heater, you can turn it off completely.
• Clean and Change Air Filters: Our experts recommend changing your air filters before vacation to help maintain good indoor air quality. A dirty filter can restrict airflow and put unnecessary strain on your HVAC system.
• Schedule Your Maintenance Check: Before leaving, schedule a maintenance check-up with Atlas Butler to ensure your HVAC and plumbing systems are in top condition. Our professionals can detect and fix any potential issues before they become major headaches, providing extra peace of mind while you're away.

Atlas Butler is Here When You Need Us

While we hope this checklist helps reduce some of your pre-vacation planning stress, we understand that unexpected issues can still arise. If you encounter any problems with your HVAC or plumbing upon your return, you can call Atlas Butler 24/7 at 1-800-FURNACE or visit atlasbutler.com to schedule your A/C and plumbing check for peace of mind and uninterrupted comfort this summer.