Keep Your Home Running Smoothly & Efficiently While You’re Away
It’s officially summer in Southeast Michigan! That means road trips, long weekends Up North and extended stays at well-appointed cottages. Whether you’re headed to Traverse City, Saugatuck, Mackinac Island or the U.P., one thing’s for sure—before you settle into your home away from home, your actual home needs a little attention.
When you’re preparing to leave town, it’s easy to focus on the essentials—pet accommodations, travel snacks, making a comprehensive packing list—but don’t forget, your house needs a checklist, too. A bit of preparation now can go a long way in avoiding unpleasant surprises when you get back, such as mystery smells, flooded basements or a leaky water heater.
Speaking of water heaters, if you haven’t had yours serviced in a while, this might be a great opportunity to have our team of professionals check for small leaks or other concerns that could have you returning home to a real mess. We specialize in water heater service in Bloomfield Hills, so you know your home is in trusted hands. Relax, buy the fudge, check out every Cherry Republic you stumble upon and enjoy the beach—we’ve got you covered.
Before You Pack the Bags, Check These Boxes
Here are a few expert-approved steps you can take to give your plumbing, HVAC and overall home a vacation game plan of its own.
- Your main squeeze. Turn off your main water supply before you head out—especially if you’ll be gone more than a couple of days. This simple move can save you from a disaster, helping prevent leaks, floods or burst pipes from wreaking havoc while no one’s home to notice. If you’re not sure where your shut-off is or how to use it, we’re always happy to help.
- Straight flush. Before leaving, run some water down infrequently used drains and flush the toilets. This keeps water in the traps, which helps block sewer gases from creeping up into your home while you’re away. Coming home to your own bed? Amazing. Coming home to a house that smells like rotten eggs or worse? Not so much.
- Don’t be a drip. Take a quick lap around the house to check for running toilets, dripping faucets or suspicious puddles under sinks and appliances. These little issues might not seem like a big deal now, but give them a week alone and they can turn into full-blown problems. If you spot anything concerning, shut off the individual valve and call in a pro when you’re back.
- Waste not, want not. Do you see that? It’s your hard-earned money flying out the window! There’s no need to keep your AC running at normal temps while you’re away. We recommend setting your thermostat between 78°–80°F. It keeps your energy bill in check while still protecting electronics, pets (if they’re staying behind) and anything sensitive to heat. Have a smart thermostat? Set it to vacation mode or adjust it remotely once you’re on the road.
- #NoFilter. While this may accompany all of those fantastic sunrise/sunset photos you post on Facebook or Insta, your HVAC’s air filter should be checked before you leave for a lengthy period. A clean filter helps your system run more efficiently and prevents dust from building up while you’re gone.
- Pump it up. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: never underestimate a Michigan storm—or the importance of testing your sump pump. A sudden downpour while you’re out of town can lead to a soggy mess if it’s not working properly. To test it, pour a bucket of water into the pit and make sure it turns on, drains and shuts off correctly. If it doesn’t, give us a call before you hit the road.
- Unplug before you unplug. TVs, toasters, coffee makers—basically anything that doesn’t need to stay plugged in should be powered down. It’s good for your energy bill and protects against power surges during summer storms.
- Curtain call. Keep most of your curtains and blinds closed to block heat and deter peeping eyes. But leave one or two open slightly so it looks like someone’s home. It’s a small step that can help keep your home off a would-be burglar’s radar.
- Timing is everything. Putting a few lights on timers is a simple way to make your home look lived-in while you’re away. Consider using a smart home app that lets you control lighting and check in from anywhere.
- That’s mighty neighborly. Nothing beats a trusted set of eyes on the ground. Ask a neighbor or nearby family member to stop in periodically while you’re away. They can take a peek around and let you know if anything seems off.
Safe Travels. Safer Home.
Matheson wishes you a fantastic vacation season, and we hope these pointers allow you the peace of mind you need to travel worry-free. And, remember, if you need a little HVAC or plumbing TLC before you make your way out, our team is at the ready and willing to help put your mind at ease.
While we’re on the subject of your HVAC system, how’s your AC doing? If it’s getting “up there” or has you calling us in for repairs more often than you’d like, it may be time for a system replacement. Our team specializes in air conditioning installation and can find you a system that’s the right fit for your home, your budget and your efficiency needs.
To schedule your next appointment, please feel free to use our convenient scheduling tool or call us at 248.971.2994.