Planned the perfect extended vacation, but nagging worries about your empty home threaten to spoil your peace of mind? We get it! Arizona homeowners face unique challenges when preparing for extended trips, from intense summer heat to sudden monsoon storms that can wreak havoc on an unattended property. Proper preparation protects your investment and ensures you can truly relax during your time away.
Insurance claims data reveal that unattended homes face significantly higher risks of burglary, water damage, and HVAC failures, especially during Arizona’s extreme weather conditions. When you know how to prep your home for an extended vacation properly, you eliminate these concerns and secure your property against potential disasters.
This comprehensive guide walks you through every essential step to prepare your house for extended absence, from security measures that deter burglars to climate control settings that protect your belongings while saving money on energy costs.
For an enjoyable and stress-free vacation, security preparation should form the foundation of your planning. You need to create the convincing illusion that someone remains home while eliminating obvious signs of your absence. Here are some ideas on how to do that!
Install timer switches or smart plugs on interior lights throughout your house to create the illusion of occupancy.
Program these devices to turn lights on and off at varying intervals rather than leaving all the lights on continuously, which serves as a telltale sign of an empty home.
Smart lighting systems allow you to adjust schedules remotely and randomize patterns, making your home appear naturally occupied.
Focus on at least one light in different rooms - living areas, bedrooms, and bathrooms - to simulate normal evening routines.
Programmable timers offer the most realistic lighting patterns when you set them to mirror your typical daily schedule.
Using programmable timers is an effective way to make your home appear occupied and deter unwanted visitors during your absence. If you don’t have programmable timers installed, Parker & Sons is here to help you strengthen your home’s security and prepare it for your extended vacation.
Another great idea to avoid making it look like you’re not home while on vacation? Contact your postal service to place a hold on your mail or ask a trusted neighbor to collect your deliveries daily.
Unattended mail and packages create a telltale sign that no one is home, and burglars specifically watch for these accumulations.
The U.S. Postal Service offers a “Hold Mail” service for up to 30 days, and you can arrange similar holds with newspaper delivery services.
For longer trips, designate a friend or neighbor to collect mail and store it in a safe deposit box or secure location inside your home.
Simple steps like scheduling your mail to be put on hold help reinforce the appearance that your home is occupied while you’re in vacation mode.
It's always lovely to arrive home to a well-maintained home after a vacation and not an overgrown lawn! Maintain your lawn appearance by programming automatic sprinkler systems before you head out on your vacation.
An overgrown lawn or dying plants broadcast your absence to potential thieves and neighbors alike.
Arizona’s intense heat can destroy landscaping in just a few days, making irrigation essential for maintaining the lived-in appearance of your property.
Smart sprinkler controllers let you adjust watering schedules remotely based on weather conditions, conserving water while keeping your yard in great shape.
When preparing your home for an extended vacation, keeping trusted neighbors informed is a crucial step in ensuring your property remains safe and well-monitored in your absence.
Provide trusted neighbors with your departure and return dates, emergency contact information, and details about anyone authorized to access your property.
This network can take immediate action if it notices suspicious activity or emergencies.
Remove all spare keys from obvious hiding spots like fake rocks or door mats - these locations are the first places burglars check. Instead, leave emergency keys with your trusted neighbor or in a locked key box.
Properly prepping your home for an extended vacation not only safeguards your property but also provides invaluable peace of mind, allowing you to enjoy your time away without worry.
For vacations longer than three weeks, consider hiring professional house-sitting services that provide comprehensive property care.
House-sitters can collect mail, water plants, adjust lights, and provide the security of human presence.
These services offer documented accountability and often include insurance coverage, giving you additional peace of mind during year-long or extended absences.
If you aren't interested in hiring a service, you may ask a friend or relative to stay at your home.
Arizona’s extreme climate demands careful HVAC management to protect your home and control energy costs during extended absences. Here are some things to consider:
Planning a vacation and considering setting your air conditioner to a high temperature to save on your energy bill while you're away? It's essential to know the optimal temperatures to set for your home during your absence to balance energy savings and property protection.
Set your thermostat to 78-80°F during summer vacations or your heating systems to 65°F during winter trips to balance energy savings with property protection.
These temperatures prevent extreme heat from damaging electronics, furniture, and stored items while avoiding unnecessary energy expenses.
You can also adjust settings remotely if weather conditions change during your trip.
With these thorough preparations, you can leave your Arizona home confidently, knowing it’s secure, well-maintained, and ready to welcome you back in great shape after your extended vacation.
Dirty filters restrict airflow, increase energy consumption, and can cause system failures when your air conditioner runs continuously in Arizona’s heat.
Clean filters improve system efficiency by up to 15% according to the Energy Department, reducing electricity costs and preventing potential breakdowns that could create expensive emergency service calls.
Taking these comprehensive steps to prepare your home ensures maximum security, efficient energy use, and allows you to fully enjoy your extended vacation without worrying about your property.
System management is a critical aspect of preparing your home for an extended vacation. It's important to:
Clear all debris from your outdoor air conditioner units and trim vegetation within two feet of the equipment.
Remove leaves, gravel, desert plant matter, and other items that could block airflow or create fire hazards during your absence.
Proper clearance ensures your heating system and cooling equipment operate efficiently while preventing pest harborage around your home’s exterior.
Preparing your home thoroughly before an extended vacation is essential to protect your property and maintain its condition.
Close or partially draw blinds and curtains to reduce solar heat gain and protect interior furnishings from UV damage. However, maintain your usual window covering patterns to avoid signaling your absence to potential burglars.
Consider leaving blinds in semi-open positions for a more natural, lived-in appearance while still protecting your belongings from Arizona’s intense sunlight.
Properly preparing your home with these comprehensive steps ensures maximum security, energy efficiency, and peace of mind, allowing you to fully enjoy your extended vacation without worrying about unexpected issues upon your return.
Proper management of your home's water system is crucial when preparing for an extended vacation, especially in Arizona's unique climate, where preventing leaks, pipe damage, and water waste can save you from costly repairs and headaches upon your return.
For complete water system management needs or questions, call Parker & Sons for expert assistance with any of the following procedures!
Properly managing your home's water system is a critical step in preparing for an extended vacation, especially in Arizona's climate, to prevent costly damage and ensure everything runs smoothly while you're away.
Arizona’s hard water and extreme temperatures increase the risk of pipe failures and connection problems during extended absences.
Leave water on only if you need to maintain automatic sprinkler systems or other irrigation equipment.
In these cases, conduct a thorough leak inspection before departure and arrange for a neighbor to check your property periodically.
For winter trips, leave your water on but open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air circulation around pipes.
While complete pipe freezing is rare in most Arizona locations, it can occur during unusual cold snaps, especially in higher elevations or poorly insulated homes.
Keep your heat set to at least 65°F and ensure adequate airflow to plumbing areas throughout your home.
Turn off your water heater or set it to vacation mode to save energy during extended absences.
For trips exceeding four weeks, consider turning off the heater entirely at the circuit breaker to eliminate any risk of malfunction or leaks.
Verify that shutting down your heater won’t affect other systems like pools or irrigation before making this adjustment.
Water system management is a vital part of preparing your home for an extended vacation, helping to prevent leaks, pipe damage, and costly repairs while you're away.
Run each faucet for 30 seconds before leaving to clear pipes of stagnant water and reduce sediment buildup. This simple step prevents bacterial growth and maintains water quality for your return.
Empty your garbage disposal of any leftover remnants.
Conduct a final leak check around toilets, faucets, supply hoses, and visible plumbing connections.
Address any slow leaks or loose fittings that could worsen during your absence and cause significant water damage.
Proper electrical preparation is essential to reduce fire risks, prevent surge damage, and save energy during your vacation. Taking these steps ensures your home’s electrical systems remain safe and efficient.
Heading out on an extended vacation? Properly prepping your home beforehand is key to keeping it safe, energy-efficient, and in great shape until you return.
Unplug all non-essential electronics, including TVs, computers, microwaves, chargers, and kitchen appliances, to eliminate fire risk and reduce energy consumption.
Standby power can account for up to 10% of residential electricity use, so comprehensive unplugging provides meaningful savings during extended absences.
Leave essential items like security systems, refrigerators, and HVAC equipment connected, but protect them with surge protectors rated for Arizona’s storm-prone climate.
Leave your refrigerator running but adjust internal temperature settings to energy-saving levels - around 38°F for refrigeration and 0°F for freezer compartments. This maintains food safety while reducing energy consumption.
For trips exceeding one month, consider emptying, cleaning, and unplugging your fridge entirely, leaving the door propped open to prevent mildew and odors.
Set your dishwasher to energy-saving mode or unplug it entirely if you won’t need it during your absence.
If your property includes a well pump or water pump, set the timer to activate for 15 minutes every three days. This periodic operation keeps mechanisms lubricated and prevents stagnation that could lead to bacterial buildup in your water system.
For vacations exceeding four weeks, turn off your water heater at the circuit breaker to eliminate any risk of malfunction, leaks, or energy waste. This precaution provides extra security for extended absences while generating significant energy savings.
Ensure that shutting down your water heater won’t affect other systems before making this adjustment.
Thorough cleaning and exterior preparation protect your property from pests, weather damage, and maintenance issues during extended absences.
Deep clean your refrigerator and dispose of all perishable foods with expiration dates during your absence. Spoiled food attracts pests and creates persistent odors that can be difficult to eliminate upon your return.
Empty all trash cans throughout your home and run your garbage disposal to eliminate food residue that might attract insects or rodents. This preparation is essential in Arizona’s warm climate, where pest activity increases rapidly.
Vacuum all floors thoroughly and dust surfaces throughout your home to reduce allergen buildup and discourage pest infestations. Pay special attention to areas where food particles might accumulate, including kitchen corners and dining areas.
Clean air vents and replace any remaining air filters to maintain good air quality and prevent dust circulation during your absence.
Trim all tree branches within six feet of your house and roof to prevent storm damage during Arizona’s monsoon season. High winds can turn untrimmed trees into projectiles that damage siding, windows, or roofing.
Store outdoor furniture in your garage or secure it with heavy, weatherproof covers to prevent wind damage and protect it from sun exposure.
Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage during sudden heavy rains that characterize Arizona’s summer storm season.
Arrange for lawn care service to maintain your yard’s appearance during extended absences. An unkempt property signals vacancy and may violate homeowners association requirements in many Arizona communities.
Store any valuable outdoor equipment in your garage and ensure that your driveway remains accessible for emergency services if needed.
Modern technology provides powerful tools for monitoring and protecting your property during extended vacations.
For any of your tech and communication needs, call Parker & Sons. Whether you need assistance setting up programmable timers, smart alarms, or remote access controls, Parker & Sons has you covered to ensure your home stays protected and in great shape throughout your extended vacation.
Set up smart home monitoring systems with motion detectors and door sensors that send real-time alerts to your mobile device. These systems allow you to monitor your property and respond quickly to security breaches or environmental issues.
Install security cameras with mobile alert capabilities for comprehensive monitoring of your home’s exterior and interior spaces.
Program smart sprinkler systems to maintain your landscaping on schedule while adjusting for weather conditions automatically. These systems conserve water while ensuring your property maintains its lived-in appearance.
Smart thermostats provide remote climate control, allowing you to adjust temperatures based on changing weather conditions or utility rate schedules.
Set up automatic bill payments for all utilities due during your absence to prevent service interruptions or late fees. Include electricity, gas, water, internet, and security service payments in your automatic payment arrangements.
Create an emergency contact list that includes your travel information, trusted neighbors, repair services, and utility companies. Provide this list to anyone watching your home and store copies in accessible but secure locations.
Complete these final steps to ensure comprehensive protection for your home during an extended vacation.
Confirm that all windows and doors are locked with deadbolts engaged throughout your home. Check sliding doors and ensure secondary locks are secure on all accessible entry points.
Test your security system and verify that your monitoring service has current emergency contact information, including your travel contact details and local emergency contacts.
Take photos of all valuable possessions and store them securely in cloud storage for insurance purposes. This documentation provides critical evidence if theft or damage occurs during your absence.
Leave detailed emergency instructions with trusted neighbors or house watchers, covering procedures for HVAC failure, power outages, plumbing leaks, or security breaches.
Unplug your garage door opener and lock your garage manually to prevent unauthorized access through automatic systems.
Set out-of-office email replies and update your voicemail with your return date and emergency contact information.
Store important documents in a safe deposit box or fireproof safe within your home to protect them from theft or damage during your absence.
Taking these extra precautions ensures your home remains secure and well-maintained during extended vacations, allowing you to enjoy your trip with complete peace of mind. Proper preparation protects your investment and prevents the costly emergencies that can turn a relaxing vacation into a financial disaster.
When preparing to leave on an extended vacation, Parker & Sons is here to support you with all your home's important systems. Whether it's HVAC maintenance, electrical system checks, or plumbing preparations, our skilled technicians provide thorough inspections and services to ensure your home is secure and well-maintained during your absence. Visit parkerandsons.com or call us today to schedule your pre-vacation service.
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