Traveling for Thanksgiving? How to Prep Your House Before You Hit the Road

As you get ready to pack the car, load up on pumpkin pie, and hit the road for Thanksgiving, don’t forget to show your home a little love before you leave. Whether you’re visiting family for a few days or sneaking in a long weekend getaway, it’s important to make sure your HVAC and plumbing systems are ready to handle your absence.

Here are a few quick home prep tips to help you save energy, avoid emergencies, and come home to comfort, not chaos.

Thermostat Tips

Optimize your thermostat settings for efficiency and freeze prevention.

• In the winter, turn it down: Before you head out, lower your thermostat by 5–10 degrees from your usual setting, but keep it above 60°F. That’s warm enough to protect your pipes while reducing energy waste. (If you have pets staying home, keep the thermostat a bit closer to normal so they stay comfortable too!)
• Upgrade to smart: If you haven’t already made the switch, a smart thermostat is a great investment. You can adjust the temperature from your phone and keep an eye on things no matter where Thanksgiving takes you.
• Atlas Butler tip: Before your trip, ask us about programmable and smart thermostat options. We can help you install one quickly and easily.

Safeguard Pipes Against Freezing Tempratures

Even a short cold snap can cause significant damage if pipes freeze and burst. Protect them before you leave:

• Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
• Insulate any exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, or garages.
• Ensure your outdoor spigots are shut off and drained to eliminate trapped water that can freeze and expand.
• Want to go the extra mile? Atlas Butler offers professional inspections and leak detection services to make sure everything is in tip-top shape before you leave.

Peace of Mind Before You Go

Now is the time to schedule a plumbing inspection before you travel. Our expert technicians can ensure your systems are running smoothly, with no after-hours fees, no stress, and peace of mind while you’re away.

Call 1-800-FURNACE or visit atlasbutler.com today. We’re here 24/7, so your comfort never takes a holiday.

Here’s what our customers are saying:

“Atlas Butler always treats us right. Today was no exception. Nikolai V was awesome! He was a one-man working machine. Swapped out a bad toilet, rusted, falling apart flange and put in a brand new setup in basically two hours. Very appreciative.” — Jeff S

“Arrived within an hour of the request. Very professional. Explained the issue and resolved it promptly. Very happy the issue was addressed and will absolutely use their service again.”
— Peggy K.

“Atlas Butler’s service was absolutely impeccable. They responded quickly, and I was up and running in less than 48 hours. When they said they’d be here at 8 am, they were at my door at 8 am sharp. They respected my home by putting down tarps, keeping everything clean, and tidying up before they left. They sold me exactly the A/C and furnace my house needed – nothing more, nothing less. Great quality, great price, and outstanding service from start to finish.” — Wal O.