If you’re planning a holiday visit to relatives or maybe just a winter getaway to someplace warmer, first think about the day you return home. When you open the door, you’ll want to be welcomed by the sight of your household and possessions still secure, the way you left them. You don’t want to be greeted by damage caused by malfunctions in heating or plumbing systems, or worse, signs of intrusion and the loss of valuables.
Here are some tips to make sure your homecoming from a winter getaway is as happy as the time you spent away:
- Keep indoor temperatures in the safe range. Leave the heat on and set your thermostat to keep the core temperature of the home above 60 degrees to prevent frozen pipes in unconditioned zones around the perimeter of the house. It’s a good idea to schedule a furnace check-up with your HVAC contractor before you leave if your system hasn’t been inspected this year.
- Turn off water at the main valve. It’s usually located close to the water meter. After the main water is shut off, open a few taps around the house to bleed off the excess pressure, then close the taps.
- Discontinue regular mail and newspaper deliveries. The sight of mail stacking up in your box or newspapers accumulating is a signal to burglars who are especially active this time of the year.
- Arrange for daily checks. Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to visit the premises daily, preferably at varying times, to check for leaks, damage, or any signs of intrusion.
- Light up the house. Put a few indoor lights in various locations on timers to sustain the appearance that the home is occupied. Use the “random” setting on timers to vary the on/off sequence. Leave a radio on indoors near the front door to add more signs of life.
Established in the Wabash Valley since 1922, Paitson Bros. Heating and Air Conditioning offers heating and cooling expertise for year-round home comfort. Before you leave on that winter getaway, ask us for more advice about keeping your home safe while you’re gone.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Terre Haute, Indiana about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Image courtesy of Shutterstock
Jeff Paitson is a third generation business owner who continues to run the business with the same values that have been passed down from previous generations since 1922.
Jeff’s belief is that the business belongs to Jesus Christ; therefore 10 percent of the company’s profits go toward the Maryland Community Church.
Jeff is a Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce member and in his spare time, he enjoys 
Ethan Rayburn is a lifelong resident of Terre Haute and a 2005 graduate of Purdue University.
An Eagle Scout, Ethan spent four years as a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America before joining Paitson Bros. as a comfort advisor and later General Manager. In that role, Ethan has brought a renewed enthusiasm for customer care, integrity, value, and service to Paitson Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ethan enjoys singing and was a member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He also enjoys playing and coaching soccer, spending time with his family and two young boys, and volunteering his time and resources with his church, Terre Haute First Baptist Church, which he has attended from a very young age.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922