Summer is the perfect time for residents in Fort Collins, Denver, and Commerce City to pack up and head out on a well-deserved vacation. However, nothing spoils a relaxing trip faster than coming home to a high utility bill, a fried appliance, or a flooded basement.
Before you load up the car or head to the airport, it takes only a few minutes to ensure your house remains safe, efficient, and secure while you are away. Use this quick guide from the home service experts at Allen Service to make your property vacation-ready.
Is your home truly ready for your next trip? Do not risk unexpected breakdowns while you are away. [Book a preventative maintenance checkup online using our online contact form] or call us directly at (970) 431-6574 to ensure total peace of mind.
Cooling: Smart Thermostat Strategies for an Empty House
It can be tempting to turn your air conditioner completely off when you leave for vacation to save money. However, doing so can actually harm your property.
Colorado summers bring intense afternoon heat. If your AC is off, indoor temperatures can easily skyrocket, placing extreme stress on your home electronics and causing your refrigerator to work twice as hard, which risks appliance failure.
Instead of turning the system completely off, practice these smart energy habits:
Set your thermostat to a conservative 26°C to 28°C (78°F to 82°F).
Keep the system running on "auto" so it only kicks on when absolutely necessary to regulate extreme heat.
Close your blinds and curtains to block out the harsh afternoon sun and keep natural heat gain to a minimum.
If you want to keep your home perfectly balanced while keeping your monthly costs low, consider upgrading to a smart, programmable system. Learn more about how modern units optimize your energy usage by exploring our professional air conditioning services.
Plumbing & Water Heaters: Preventing Costly Leaks and Wastage
A hidden water leak can cause catastrophic property damage in a matter of hours, let alone a week. To completely eliminate the risk of an unexpected pipe burst, locate your main water valve and turn it off entirely before you leave.
In addition to shutting off the water, remember these essential plumbing steps:
Set vacation mode: Adjust your traditional or tankless water heater to its designated "vacation mode." This ensures you are not wasting money heating water that nobody is using.
Clear the disposal: Run your food disposal with plenty of cold water and a little dish soap before you walk out the door. Clearing out leftover food scraps prevents foul, stagnant odors from greeting you when you return.
Electrical: Shielding Your Electronics from Summer Storms
Sudden summer thunderstorms are incredibly common across the Front Range. These severe storms often bring lightning strikes that cause severe electrical power surges. If a power surge travels through your home's electrical grid, it can instantly fry sensitive electronics and expensive appliances.
Protect your home with these simple electrical safety steps:
Unplug non-essentials: Unplug small appliances, televisions, computers, and chargers from the wall. If they are not plugged in, they cannot be damaged by a surge.
Use dedicated protection: Ensure that major, essential appliances—like your refrigerator—are plugged into high-quality, dedicated surge protectors.
Let Allen Service Protect Your Colorado Home
Whether you need a quick pre-trip plumbing inspection, electrical surge protection advice, or an AC tune-up, our friendly and experienced team is here to help families across Fort Collins, Denver, and Commerce City. Have a wonderful and safe vacation! If you want to make sure your home is in tip-top shape before you depart, reach out to the pros at Allen Service today by filling out our convenient [online contact form] or calling us at (970) 431-6574.