Regina Home Owners Guide to Protecting Your Home While On Vacation

Posted by Joyce Tourney on Monday, November 26th, 2018 at 9:04am.

 

Regina Home Owners Guide to Protecting Your Home While On Vacation
As soon as winter comes and the temperature drops we begin to dream about leaving Regina for warmer destinations. One thing we may forget to do is to prepare our home for our absence so that when we come back our home is just as we left it.
Here are some things to consider before you depart:

House Checks -
Have a trusted friend or family check on your house daily or at the least every other day. There are also professional companies you can hire to do this. The Commissionaires, for example, offer a HomeWatch Service.
https://www.commissionaires.ca/en/south-saskatchewan/service/individual/homewatch-services

Some of things you might want to have your Home Checker do include:
1. Make sure that all systems are operational (heating/cooling, plumbing, electrical, etc).
2. Clear any frost/ice from exterior exhaust pipes/vents for the furnace and water heater
3. Make sure that there is no damage to the house
4. Pick up mail and flyers
5. Shovel walkways and driveways

Security -
A vacant house is an attractive and easy target for burglars, but there are some easy ways to make it look like you are still home and also to protect your house.
1. Install an alarm system. An alarm system can alert you to intruders, and some systems can send an alert when the temperature drops too low inside the house. The alarm system may also warn you if it detects water in the basement.
2. Have your Home Checker turn on/off different lights or
3. Put a lamp or light on a timer.
4. Delay posting any vacation photos on social media until you return.

Water Shut Off -
One of the biggest causes of property loss in the winter is the result of frozen water in pipes. In an unoccupied home, pipes can leak for days before they are detected.
Before you head to the airport remember to:
1. Shut off the main water valve to your house
2. Drain pipes by running all fixtures until the water stops

Save Money -
Why not save a little money while you are gone?
Here are some things you can do - unplug and save:
1. Turn your water heater to the coolest temperature setting. When you get home turn it back up an hour before you plan to use hot water.
2. Unplug major appliances like your stove, washing machine, and dryer.
3. Unplug electronics and other small items. (This will also protect you in case of a power surge)

Now don’t forget the sunscreen!

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