What to Do Before Leaving Home for a Month

When leaving your house for a month, there are several things that you need to take care of in order to ensure that your property remains safe and in good condition until you return. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

Set Your Thermostat: Lowering the thermostat to around 55-60 degrees can help to save energy and money while preventing pipes from bursting.

Consider Call-In Temperature Monitors: These monitors will alert you if the temperature in your home drops below a certain threshold. This can give you time to address any problems before too much damage is done.

In Most Cases, Turn Your Water Off: Turning off the water at the main valve can prevent leaks and flooding while you’re away. If you have an automatic irrigation system, make sure to turn it off as well.

Wrap Your Toilet Bowls: To prevent any water from evaporating from your toilet bowls while you’re gone, wrap them in plastic wrap or place a small amount of cooking oil on the surface of the water. This will help to create a seal and prevent any unwanted smells.

Properly Set Your Water Heater: Depending on your specific water heater, you may need to adjust the temperature before you leave. Be sure to consult the owner’s manual to determine the best setting for your particular model.

Empty Your Refrigerator: Remove all perishable items from your fridge and freezer and clean them thoroughly. This will help to prevent any unwanted smells or pests while you’re away.

Avoid Stinky Garbage Disposal Syndrome (SGDS): Run your garbage disposal with a mixture of water and baking soda or vinegar to remove any lingering odors. Be sure to unplug it afterwards.

Unplug Almost Everything: To save energy and prevent any potential electrical hazards, unplug all non-essential appliances and electronics. This includes TVs, computers, and small appliances like toasters and coffee makers.

By following these simple steps, you can rest assured knowing that your home will be in good shape when you return from your month-long absence.

Preparing Your Home for a Month-Long Absence:

• Set Your Thermostat

When leaving your home for an extended period, it is important to adjust your thermostat to a suitable temperature to save on energy costs. Set the thermostat at a temperature that maintains a balance between not wasting energy and still maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature. If you are concerned about energy costs, a programmable thermostat is a great investment that allows you to manage temperatures from a remote location. By setting the temperature about 5° higher than usual in the summer or 5° lower in the winter, you can save up to 10% percent on your energy bill.

• Call-In Temperature Monitors

If you live in an area with harsh weather conditions, it is important to have a temperature monitor that you can call into and check on your home’s indoor temperature. This will help you avoid frozen pipes or other temperature-related issues that may cause permanent damage to your home.

• Turn Off the Water

To prevent flooding or water damage, it is important to turn off your home’s main water supply if you are going to be away for an extended period. The last thing you want is to come home to a flooded home – the damage could be severe and costly. Ensure that all faucets are turned off to avoid any leaks.

• Wrap Your Toilet Bowls

To prevent toilet bowls from drying out and causing sewer gases to escape into your home, consider wrapping your toilet bowls with cling wrap. This will help maintain the water in the bowl and prevent any odors from escaping.

• Set Your Water Heater

Adjust your water heater to the vacation or low setting to save energy. This will prevent the water heater from continuously heating water, which can be expensive and unnecessary.

• Empty Your Refrigerator

Before leaving, empty your refrigerator and pantry of any perishable food items. This will help prevent any spoilage or mold growth and also help you save on your energy costs.

• Avoiding Stinky Garbage Disposal Syndrome (SGDS)

Eliminate the risk of unpleasant odors in your home by cleaning your garbage disposal before you leave. Run warm soapy water down the disposal and then follow it with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. After a few minutes, run cold water down the disposal to wash away any remaining residue.

• Unplugging Almost Everything

Electricity can still be consumed while your home is empty, so to save on your energy bill, unplug all unnecessary electronics and appliances. This includes everything from small appliances to larger ones like your TV, computer, and stereo unit. In conclusion, leaving your home for a month-long absence requires proper planning. Preparing your home properly will not only save you money, but it will also prevent any long-term damage from occurring while you’re away. So, take the time to follow these tips and enjoy your time away, worry-free.