Home efficiency and security are daily routines for many homeowners, such as turning back the thermostat during working hours and locking doors. If you are taking a vacation from the daily routine and grind this winter, make sure you put in place proper home efficiency, prevention and security measures while you are away. To make it easy, you can use this handy winter vacation checklist:
Winter Vacation Checklist
Thermostat settings are important for comfort and efficiency any time of year. When you are away on vacation, there are specific settings which, rather than completely turning off the heating system, you can use in order to save energy and prevent damage to home systems. Consider these recommended thermostat settings, and other helpful tips for combustion appliances:
Set the heating thermostat to 62 degrees. You don’t want plumbing issues (pipes freezing/bursting) by turning off the heat completely.
Put your combustion water heater on "vacation" setting (i.e., continuous pilot). If your system does not have a vacation setting, lower the thermostat to 70 degrees.
Turn off electric water heaters at the circuit panel.
Turn off the water main to the home. Run the water from an indoor fixture for a minute to relieve pressure.
For older appliances with a standing pilot light, turn the gas valve off.
Home Security
It’s normal to be concerned about your home when you are away. Use these tips so you may rest a little easier on your vacation:
Place your mail and newspaper delivery on hold, or have a neighbor retrieve it daily.
Use timers for lights, TV and radio to make your home appear occupied.
Consider placing valuables, such as jewelry, in a safety deposit box or safe.
Take out the garbage before you leave.
Unplug electronics.
Close window coverings at the rear of the home.
Make sure your homeowner’s insurance is up to date.
Leave emergency contact numbers -- including the number of your HVAC professional -- with your neighbor or house-sitter, and have a great time on your vacation!
For more winter vacation checklist tips, contact Air Assurance. We serve homeowners in Broken Arrow and the greater Tulsa area.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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