Planning a vacation this year? Getting your home ready should be part of your preparation! We've teamed up with our sister brands One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, Mister Sparky Electric, and Screenmobile to put together this handy Vacation Preparation Checklist!

Vacation Preparation Checklist

  • Schedule an HVAC tune-up. This ensures there are no surprise HVAC disasters while you are gone.
  • Ensure all vents throughout your home are open and clear so no part of the house rises or falls to an extreme temperature.
  • Clear debris from the area near your outdoor AC unit to eliminate potential blockages.
  • Set Smart Alarms from your smartphone when you are away from your property to prevent intruders from entering your house. Smart Alarms help you safeguard your family and belongings while you are away. 
  • Use Smart Lights to schedule your house lights to go on at night, giving the impression that someone is there. You can preset your lights to come on at a certain time and save money on your electricity bills as a result.
  • Shut off your water, then your water heater. This is especially important if you live in a climate where the temperature drops below freezing during the winter months and you have to worry about frozen pipes. 
  • Drain all of your house’s water supply lines. You can drain your pipes, sinks, and other plumbing appliances by turning on the faucets once you have your main water supply shut off.
  • Test your sump pump to ensure that it is in proper working condition before leaving to prevent potential flooding. A malfunctioning pump can lead to water damage, especially during heavy rains.
  • Unplug appliances to not only conserve energy but also reduce the risk of electrical fires or damage caused by power surges.
  • Seal your windows to keep your home energy-efficient and secure. By ensuring a tight seal, you can prevent drafts, conserve energy, and deter pests.
  • Easily secure your home with security screens or rolling security shutters.
  • Add sun control screens to prevent UV damage to your home interior.

You can count on these tips from the professionals to keep your home running smoothly while you are away. Should you ever have any home service needs, each of these brands are just a phone call away. Find out if you have a location near you at www.authoritybrands.com/map.