9 ways to protect your home while on vacation

Summer can be the perfect time to take a trip. But before you leave, take a moment to prepare so you can enjoy a stress-free vacation. Use these helpful tips to help protect your home from any unexpected issues while you're away. 

• Hire a house sitter. Enlist the help of a trusted neighbor to manage mail, trash, or even move your car to give the appearance that you’re at home.

• Hold the mail. Place a hold on your mail and deliveries if you can’t find a trusted person to house-sit.

• Time your lights. Explore smart lighting options or set timers to create the illusion that someone is home.

• Keep your trip private. Avoid sharing your travel plans publicly, including on social media. Instead, wait until you return to post your travel photos. 

• Turn off your water. You can prevent leaks by shutting off your main water valve before you leave. This will also disable your sprinkler systems.

•  Set a higher temperature. Program your thermostat to around 80°F to help prevent damage to your furnishings from excessive heat and humidity. Consider a smart thermostat to manage settings from your phone.

• Bring in a pro before you go. Schedule your annual air conditioner maintenance before your trip, ideally ahead of the hottest days of summer.

• Inspect your drains and downspouts. Check for blockages, and ensure that water flows away from your house. This helps prevent water from backing up and seeping into your walls.

• Maintain your AC drains. If your line runs outside, pour a cup of white vinegar into the condensation tray to prevent clogs from mold or algae.

• Trim trees and bushes around your home. This can help reduce the risk of damage to your home from storms or high winds.