Don't Forget to Prepare the Home Before Leaving for Summer Vacation

"Summer is the perfect time for families to take a much-deserved vacation," said Darrin Gilmore, general manager of Gilmore Heating, Air, Solar. "For a carefree vacation and homecoming, what you do before you leave home can be as important as what you do when you are away."

Gilmore recommends the following tips to prepare the home before leaving for vacation:

Save energy
If homeowners follow these simple tips, Gilmore says they can save money that could be used on the vacation:

• The air conditioning unit uses a significant amount of electricity. To save energy while the home is vacant turn your temperature up 10 degrees higher than the standard setting, or have a professional install a programmable or Wi-Fi thermostat that can be adjusted to turn on and cool the home just before returning from vacation.
• The water heater continues to keep the water warm even when no one is home to use it. Gilmore suggests setting the water heater to vacation mode or lowering the temperature before leaving home.
• Electronics and appliances continue to use energy even when not in use. Unplug all televisions, toaster ovens and phone chargers. This will not only prevent unnecessary energy usage, but it will also prevent these electronics from being damaged by lightning and power surges.

Simple housekeeping
To avoid unpleasant odors from developing in the house, complete these tasks before leaving home:

• Turn the garbage disposal on and flush it with ½ cup of white vinegar and hot water. This will decrease the buildup of residue.
• Stagnant water in toilets can cause a nasty odor and a ring in the bowl. To prevent this from happening, place ½ cup of bleach in the toilet bowl.

Prevent damage to the home
Many of the insurance claims filed by homeowners after returning home from a vacation could have been avoided if the proper measures were taken before leaving the home empty.

• Turn off the main water valve that enters the home. This will prevent thousands of dollars in damage that could occur while the homeowner is away. A small leak left unattended for several days can cost more than the vacation to repair.

Give the illusion that the home is occupied
Burglars look for homes that appear empty. It is important to make the home appear that someone is home.

• Stop mail and newspaper delivery.
• Set at least two lamps on timers that will come on during the evening and turn off in the morning.
• Keep blinds and curtains open or closed the way you would if someone were home.
• Alert the alarm company that the home will be unoccupied. They will send assistance right away if the alarm is triggered instead of calling the homeowner first.
• Mow the grass.

For Sacramento residents who would like help and suggestions for preparing their homes for vacation, the professionals at Gilmore Heating, Air, Solar are ready to assist. To find out more, visit www.gilmoreair.com or call (800) 200-9696.

About Gilmore Heating, Air, Solar
Gilmore Heating, Air, Solar has been serving the Sacramento area since 1979, when John Gilmore took his years of experience in designing heating and air conditioning systems and opened his own company. It was, and continues to be, a family business. The business has grown to more than 90 employees, all dedicated to the "Get More with Gilmore" motto that promises outstanding customer service with a commitment to environmental protection and community service. To find out more, visit www.gilmoreair.com or call (800) 200-9696.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Heather Ripley
Ripley PR
865-977-1973
[email protected]

SOURCE Gilmore Heating, Air, Solar

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