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Preparing Your Home for Vacation

Preparing Your Home for Vacation

Before you leave on vacation, make sure that your house is prepared for your absence.

Taking a vacation is the perfect way to relax and get away from the problems of daily life. But you may be in for a rude awakening when you return if you don't prepare your home before you leave. Once your bags are packed and your keys are in hand, protect your home by preparing your appliances for your absence. 

Adjust your appliances

As you do a final run through of your home before leaving, start with your air conditioner. USA TODAY reported that you should turn your thermostat up to about 85 degrees while you're away. That will decrease your energy bill in your absence without risking damage to your belongings. Make sure to also pull down all of the blinds on your windows to keep the sun from heating up the interior.

Your air conditioner isn't the only thing that should be adjusted before you leave. Turning down your water heater is another way to save on your energy bill. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, water heating can account for 14 to 25 percent of your total energy consumption in your home, and much of that is lost while the hot water is just standing. While you're on vacation, eliminate that wasted energy by keeping the water heater turned down while no one is home to use it. Some newer models even have vacation mode settings specifically for this purpose.

Check the extras

Continue your walk through by taking a quick look at all of the pipes in your bathrooms and kitchen to make sure that nothing is leaking. The last thing you want is to come home to a flooded home. Consider shutting off the water altogether if you don't have any systems that need it while you're away.

Fox Business additionally recommended considering a water detection alarm. While flooding from a leaking or burst pipe can cause a lot of damage while you're home, think about how much destruction it can create if you're away. Some detection systems can be programmed to shut off the water when a leak is detected.

Finally, unplug your smaller appliances, like coffee makers, computers and TVs. The Department of Energy reported that even when turned off, these appliances can use up a small amount of energy. Those small amounts add up over time, so save yourself money by unplugging them before you leave. 

Consider a home warranty

Preparing your home for an absence is a smart move, but it's no replacement for a quality home warranty. Whether you're home or away, protect yourself from costly appliance and system breakdowns with an HMS home warranty. 

Brought to you by HMS Home Warranty.  HMS is an industry leader with over 30 years of creating success for clients and providing peace of mind for customers.  To learn more click www.hmsnational.com.