If you are going to leave your home unoccupied for a while, it is good to think ahead. Many things could happen to your home during a short (three- to five-day) summer vacation. Don’t let the result of your absence be a disaster.  

• Turn off the main water supply valve. Turn the water heater and water softener to a “vacation” setting if there is one. Inspect and test the main water valve before you plan to shut it off. Because the valve is rarely used, it may be corroded and can even be stuck in the open position.
• If you have central air conditioning, set it to a high temperature (85 degrees or above), or just turn it off.
• Leave the rest of the utilities on for short trips during the summer. Set up timers on some interior lights and ask a neighbor or friend to check on the house. Also, have someone pick up your mail and newspaper to make the house look “lived in.”

Note: Shutting down your house for a whole season or extended absence requires different steps.

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Go Garage Door Wireless

Doing yard work, exterior home maintenance and barbequing are all activities common to the summer months. You naturally find yourself coming and going from your garage for tools or supplies and think nothing of leaving your garage door wide open and unattended. You might occasionally forget to close it when you go back inside.  That could be a huge mistake. Would-be thieves see an open garage as an invitation to help themselves to your belongings including tools, equipment and vehicles.  Fortunately, today’s new technology can help you guard against some of these thefts.

A wireless garage door monitor allows you to monitor your garage door from anywhere in your home. It also alerts you that your garage door is open or confirms that it is closed, by light sensors on the monitor.

With this new technology, homeowners are not left to wonder late at night if their garage door was left open, inviting in unwanted visitors.  Wireless garage door monitors can be found at a local hardware or home improvement store with some models costing under $40.

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