Lane says, “In winter, the most common problem is frozen pipes or burst pipe due to inadequate heating or insulation.” “In the summer heat and high humidity can cause warped material, mold growth and put strain on cooling system. Homeowners should not turn their air conditioner or heat off completely.
A Google Nest thermostat is a great investment for travelers—it lets you control the temperature of your home, and the thermostat monitors your HVAC system and alerts you to any issues. Lane recommends that you set the temperature at 55 degrees Fahrenheit in colder climates or 78 in warmer climates. Apps allow you to set your smart thermostat at your desired temperature a few days before your return.
Mail is important.
There is nothing that says “this house is vacant” like an overflowing mailbox. Overflowing mail boxes are a sure sign that your home is vacant. Sign up to receive the USPS mail hold service You can stop delivery for up to 30 day or use temporary mail forwarding if you are away for longer.
Do you expect something important to arrive soon? Anissia, a life-coach who travels for at least five extended periods per year, suggests a virtual mail box like iPostal1. The company will collect your mail and upload photos through an app. You can then choose to either discard it or forward it. Or you can have it scanned, so that you are able to read your mail digitally from anywhere.
A smart parcel box with a lock is ideal if you need to receive a delivery urgently. Loxx Boxx This will keep your packages out-of-sight and out-of reach from porch pirates. Rod Sides is the president and CEO of Loxx Boxx. According to him, this will reduce not only the risk for theft, but also the damaging effects of weather exposure.
Look like someone else You can learn more about it here. You can also find out more about home
Create the illusion of never leaving home to deter would-be thieves. Royal Williams is an online student and teacher who lives in both the UK and US. She suggests arranging for a regular landscaper to maintain your yard. California You can also find out more about the following: Colombia, goes the extra mile: “To make the house seem lived in, I use light timers—so for a few hours every night, the living room lights turn on.” The light timers can be connected directly to the outlet. this Amazon bestseller, which are inexpensive and simple to use. Smart lightbulbs are a great option for those who want a more sophisticated solution. Philips Hue Have a random vacation mode to program your lights. This way, they won’t turn on and off in the same predictable pattern.
Install smart home security
The days of hiding a spare door key in a flowerpot by the front door are long gone. Invest instead in a smart lock such as this keypad deadbolt from Schlage. Using the dedicated Schlage appYou can create temporary codes to give to pet sitters or neighbors who may be checking on your home. The Schlage app will notify you when your door is unlocked. It also allows you to remotely control it using other home automation systems such as Apple Home, Alexa and Ring. Ring and Nest can help you monitor your home even more with their smart home security features, such as indoor and exterior cameras, motion-activated lights, and other services.
