Before Leaving Your Home Unoccupied
Apr 5, 2024
Planning to be away from home for an extended period? Whether you’re heading out for a long vacation, seasonal travel, or a business trip, home watch services while you are away can give you peace of mind. These services ensure your property stays safe, well-maintained, and free from unexpected issues while you’re gone.
Shut off water and adjust water heaters
When leaving home, start by turning off the water at the main valve and draining the lines. Next, switch off electric water heaters at the circuit breaker in the panel box. For gas water heaters, either turn them off completely or set them to vacation mode. Additionally, make sure to turn off any re-circulation pumps.
Maintain your air conditioner
Keep your air conditioner in good working order by cleaning and checking it once or twice a year. Also, be sure to change the filters regularly. Inexpensive, pleated filters are usually sufficient and easy to replace. As a result, your system will run more efficiently and last longer.
Control humidity levels
Monitor your home’s humidity and aim to maintain a level of 55% or lower. To help with this, set your thermostat between 76–78 degrees. Set it to AUTO-FAN and avoid using the ON setting, as that only circulates moist air. Furthermore, do not open sliders or windows when the AC is running.
Check for leaks and water damage
Regularly brush, flush, and inspect plumbing fixtures—especially in infrequently used bathrooms. Pay close attention to leaks behind toilets and under sink drains. Discolored grout lines may suggest water is leaking from a toilet or shower and seeping under the floor. To prevent potential failures, consider replacing rubber supply lines with stainless steel braided lines.
Conduct a home watch inspection
Walk through your home and inspect ceilings, walls, and baseboards for anything unusual. Spots or stains could indicate moisture or a leak. Baseboards that appear separated from the wall may be another sign of water damage.
Prepare your home for extended absences
In addition, clean out your pantry and remove anything perishable or likely to melt from your fridge before leaving for an extended period. Moreover, take time to learn how your home works and where key equipment is located so you’re prepared in case of an emergency.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Always feel comfortable reaching out to a home watch professional if needed. These guidelines are meant to raise awareness and serve as a general checklist. However, the ultimate responsibility lies with the homeowner—every home is unique.
Home watch services while you are away
Hiring a professional to monitor your home in your absence offers significant benefits. Home watch services while you are away provide routine inspections that help catch potential issues early — such as leaks, pest infestations, or AC failures — before they become expensive problems.
In addition, a trained eye helps ensure your home remains secure, with visual checks for signs of forced entry, broken windows, or storm damage. If something does go wrong, a trusted home watch provider can act quickly on your behalf and coordinate repairs.
Ultimately, it’s about peace of mind — knowing your home is in good hands while you’re away.