Keeping your home safe while you’re traveling takes on even greater importance as the holidays approach. The season should be a time of surprises, but not when you return and find there’s been a break-in or damage has occurred in your absence because the HVAC system or plumbing malfunctioned. To make sure your homecoming will be as happy as the holiday away, follow these suggestions for keeping your home safe while you’re traveling.

Don’t Announce It

Keep details of your upcoming trip off the Internet. Don’t post information on social media and be careful about making casual mention in public places.

Get the HVAC System Checked

Make sure the furnace is properly maintained to keep the home temperature at a reduced but safely consistent level while you’re gone. If you haven’t installed a programmable thermostat, ask an HVAC contractor for recommendations and utilize the “vacation” program while you’re away. Consider turning off the main water shutoff valve, too.

Have Someone Drop in Daily

Arrange to have a friend or neighbor drop by each day you and the family are gone. A neighbor may be willing to park his or her car in your driveway, as well. Have them pick up your mail and any other items such as door-to-door advertisements that may accumulate outside, as well as roll the trash containers out and in.

Automate the Lights

Put indoor lights on timers that have random settings to vary the on/off times and give the appearance that someone’s home. For a high-tech alternative,  plug lights into a WiFi-enabled smart plug and control them remotely with your smartphone or tablet from anywhere in the world.

Look in From Far Away

WiFi security cameras take home monitoring to a new level. Connected to your home network, these cameras allow you to monitor live video from your home wherever you travel. Most offer motion alarm settings, also, that alert you with a text mail when movement is detected so you can log on for a first-person look.

For more advice on keeping your home safe while you’re traveling, in Jacksonville contact Ocean State Air Conditioning & Heating.

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