Winter Holiday Travel Checklist for Homeowners

‘Tis the season for traveling. Over the next few weeks, millions of Americans are expected to spend the holidays away from home to celebrate with friends and family. Whether you’ll be leaving for a few days or a few weeks, here are some tips on how to protect your New England home while you’re away and avoid any unpleasant and costly surprises when you return.

1. Protect your pipes from freezing.

Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, no one deserves to experience the stress of burst water pipes. Here are three things you can do to avoid coming home to a frozen pipe disaster:

1.) Insulate any exposed pipes with foam sleeves or a fiberglass wrap, following the

manufacturer’s recommendations.

2.) Open cabinets within your home to facilitate the circulation of warm air

3.) If temperatures are expected to drop below 20°F, turn your faucet on for a slow,

steady drip (about 5 to 10 drips per minute).

2. Adjust your thermostat between 55 and 60°.

This range strikes the right balance between protecting your pipes from freezing and avoiding unnecessary heating costs while you’re away.

NOTE: If temperatures are expected to be dangerously low (single digits or below zero) or if you have a poorly insulated or drafty home, we recommend setting your thermostat closer to 60°.

3. Schedule annual heating system maintenance.

The best way to keep your heating system operating safely and efficiently is to schedule an annual maintenance appointment. This is especially important if your heating system will be unmonitored for an extended period. Our certified technicians will check all components of your system and fix minor issues before they become costly problems.

4. Activate your water heater’s vacation mode.

Yep. That’s a thing. Doing so reduces energy consumption and prevents pipes from freezing while you’re away.

5. Check your sump pump and generator.

We’ve all heard horror stories about malfunctioning sump pumps. Ensure yours is plugged in and functioning properly. If you have a whole-house backup generator, make sure it’s ready to go if the power goes out.

6. Unplug small appliances and non-essential electronics.

You’ll save energy, reduce your utility bill, and minimize the risk of electrical issues.

REMINDER: While it may be tempting, never leave a Christmas tree plugged in when you’re away from home.

7. Discourage home intruders by doing the following:

✓ Hold your mail, newspaper, and other deliveries.

✓ Set light timers, using smart plugs and bulbs.

✓ Hire someone to clear your driveway of snow.

8. Empty trash cans and clean out perishables from your fridge to prevent odors and pests.

9. Tell your trusted neighbors that you’re going away.

Share your travel plans with trustworthy neighbors or friends so they can keep an eye on your property. Give them your contact information in case of an emergency.

REMINDER: Don’t broadcast your holiday plans on social media. Post your photos after your return instead.

10. Consider hiring a house sitter to make it look like you’re home.

This is a good way to discourage would-be intruders, ensure your pets are cared for, and keep your home’s heating systems in good working order.

Protecting Your Home While You Travel

When it comes to traveling over the holidays, a little planning goes a long way. Following these precautions will help protect your home and ensure your heating system is operating safely and efficiently when you return.

Heating Installation, Maintenance, and Repair in MA and NH

Since 1996, Main Stream Mechanical has served the heating needs of

homeowners in Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. Contact us today to schedule a project or service.