Traveling this winter in search of warmer climates? Have a vacation house you know will sit unused most of the winter? In both cases, it’s important to prepare your property for an extended absence. The guide below offers advice for protecting everything from your plumbing to your HVAC. 

Preparing for a Short Term Vacation

While shorter getaways, ranging from one to two weeks, require less extensive preparation, it is still wise to take proper precautions in safeguarding your home during the winter. Prevent frozen pipes by setting your thermostat to at least 55°F. You should also keep all interior doors open to allow your HVAC system to properly circulate.

Avoid leaks and busted pipes by shutting off the water supply to your washing machine and dishwasher. Also, consider shutting off the heat and water supply that feeds your water heater. On Gas water heaters you can switch your water heater’s thermostat to vacation mode and with electric water heaters it’s often easiest to turn off the breaker dedicated to the water heater. Empty your exterior water lines by having your sprinkler systems blown out and shut off your outdoor water supply to prevent damage caused by freezing.

Preparing for an Extended Getaway

Leaving your home for an extended period often requires more upfront preparation. To avoid costly plumber repairs, shut off your water at its main source, then run every faucet to drain the water lines completely. Flush all toilets, drain your water heater, and turn off its heat source.

Reduce the risk of power surges from electrical storms or pest interference by unplugging all electrical devices, including microwaves, TVs, your oven, and refrigerator. Don't forget to unplug small appliances such as toasters and blenders, in addition to phone chargers, blowdryers, and curling irons. Otherwise, they could prove to be a fire hazard.

Avoid potential disasters while you're away from home by contacting the professionals at Bryant Air Conditioning, Heating, Electrical & Plumbing in Lincoln, NE, for a thorough inspection of your HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems before you leave. With an unwavering commitment to customer service, their skilled team provides a wide variety of services designed to meet the needs of all of their customers. Contact them today at (402) 467-1111 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online to learn more about their capabilities.