Holiday Travel? Protect Your Home While You’re Away
The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and travel. Whether you’re heading across town for a festive gathering or flying to see loved ones across the country, it’s easy to get caught up in packing, planning, and last-minute errands. But don’t forget about your home’s safety and maintenance while you’re away!
At UPKEEP Home Warranty and Maintenance, we want to help you enjoy the season without worrying about what could go wrong at home. Here’s how to protect your house and peace of mind while you’re traveling this holiday season.
1. Check Your HVAC and Plumbing Before You Leave
Cold winter temperatures can be hard on your home. Frozen pipes and malfunctioning heating systems are among the most common causes of damage while homeowners are away.
- Set your thermostat to a safe temperature (typically around 55°F) to prevent pipes from freezing.
- Inspect faucets, shut off outdoor water if possible, and ensure all plumbing is in good working order.
- Make sure your heating system is functioning properly before departure.
Pro tip: UPKEEP’s home warranty coverage can help cover heating system repairs if something goes wrong while you’re away, giving you extra peace of mind.
2. Secure Windows, Doors, and Entry Points
Holiday burglars know when homes are empty, so extra security measures are essential. Consider an app that lets you set a schedule for your home’s lights to make it look like someone is home, and also:
- Lock all doors and windows
- Activate security systems and cameras
- Avoid posting travel plans publicly on social media until you’re back home
Even small fixes like tightening locks, checking deadbolts, or repairing sticking doors can make a big difference.
3. Unplug Unnecessary Appliances
Holiday travel often means an extra electrical load at home from lights and decorations.
- Unplug non-essential appliances to reduce the risk of electrical fires or power surges.
- Ensure sump pumps, refrigerators, and other essential appliances remain connected and functioning.
Don’t forget, UPKEEP coverage can help with appliance breakdowns.
4. Notify a Trusted Neighbor or Friend
Having someone check your home occasionally is one of the simplest ways to prevent small issues from becoming disasters.
- Ask them to check mail, water plants, and walk around to look for signs of damage.
- Provide emergency contact info and instructions in case something goes wrong.
With UPKEEP, if an appliance or system does fail, you’ll have coverage in place to quickly get a licensed technician out to your home.
5. Schedule Preventative Maintenance Before You Go
A quick pre-trip maintenance check, like inspecting your HVAC, water heater, and plumbing, can prevent inconvenient breakdowns.
If you have a home warranty through UPKEEP, you don’t need to stress. UPKEEP’s warranties include maintenance, so our experts are already coming to your home four times a year to make sure everything is working perfectly.
Travel With Peace of Mind This Holiday Season
Nothing should get in the way of your holiday joy—not a broken heater, a frozen pipe, or a malfunctioning appliance. With some careful preparation and the protection of a home warranty from UPKEEP, you can enjoy your time away while knowing your home is safe, warm, and covered.
Make this season stress-free. Contact UPKEEP today to learn more about our home warranty plans. Own your home with confidence.