Spring break is right around the corner, and as the weather turns warmer, it’s important to keep energy saving tips in mind for while homes are empty for weeks at a time. Help your customers prepare their home for vacation with the tips below.
Don’t leave clues for thieves.
Have you seen Home Alone? Vacation season (whether it’s the holidays or spring break) is prime time for criminals to pay an unwanted visit to your home. Take a few precautions to make your home look lived-in while you’re away:
- Park at least one car in the driveway to make it look like someone’s home
- Have the post office hold your mail/packages or ask a neighbor to bring it in
- Collect spare keys you may have under doormats or on sconces near your doors
- Put indoor and outdoor lights on a timer to mimic your family’s typical schedule
- Set up smart locks for helpful neighbors and pet sitters
- Don’t mention your travel plans on social media if you have a public profile – thieves watch for posts like this
Clean your Home
Nobody wants to come home to a mess. Cleaning and tidying up before you head out allows you to come home to a fresh, clean slate instead of a messy situation.
- Clean out your refrigerator and freezer (before you take out the trash!)
- Take out the trash, even bathroom garbage
- Vacuum, dust and wipe down counters and sinks
- Make your bed and tidy up your room
- Catch up on laundry, since you know you’ll have to do more when you get home!
Energy Mode Saves even more.
If you’re gone for more than a couple days, give your electric bill a break by:
- Setting thermostats up to 85 degrees in the summer and as low as 55 degrees in the winter. If you have pets staying at home while you’re gone, choose a setting that will still keep them comfortable.
- Unplugging small electronics which continually draw electricity and can increase your electric bill. These items, in extenuating circumstances, have the potential to start a fire.
- Closing blinds and curtains to keep your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
- Putting your water heater on vacation mode if it has that option, so it operates more efficiently.