It could be Cuba or the Dominican Republic, Mexico or Florida. It may even be a cruise. Whichever southern climate you favour, if you’re one of the lucky ones, you’ll be departing shortly for a much-needed break from our lingering winter (even though it’s technically spring!)
Whether you’re planning to be away from home for a week or a month, you’ll want to prep your home to save you costs and ensure your equipment will be in good working order for your return. To do this, we have a couple of suggestions:
- Lower the temperature in your home to a setting that will protect plants, furniture, and other contents. 15⁰ C is a good level that will keep things from freezing and ensure the furnace will come on from time to time for brief periods. In the event you have a manual thermostat, simply set the dial to the desired temperature. If you use a programmable unit, use the HOLD function so the setting stays at the temperature you wish without entering the variable day/night program used when you’re at home.
- Keep doors inside your home open to allow good circulation of air and temperature. Closing off rooms over garages, basements, and overhangs may isolate these areas and potentially cause freeze-ups.
- Make sure all windows are shut and blinds drawn to help keep heat contained within your home.
- Turn down your water heater to its lowest level or “VAC/ vacation” mode if that is an option. This will reduce the cost of continually heating water that will not be used while you are away and allow the water heater to stay in good order while it works from time to time to maintain a low temperature.
At Scotia Fuels, we’re home heating oil specialists. You might have heard of other common practices to prepare your home for vacationing, such as emptying the refrigerator of perishable items;having at least one timed inside light working;taking out all inside trash before you leave; cancelling the newspaper; and having a friend or neighbour check on your house, if only to water your plants. If you do have someone checking, you may want to give them the Scotia Fuels emergency telephone number just in case anything happens to your furnace. Rest assured, we will have one of our expert technicians or dedicated oil delivery drivers at your home in no time, day or night. Now that’s peace of mind.
So … enjoy your vacation and rest assured we have you covered!
Not yet a Scotia Fuels’ customer? It’s so easy … just visit us at https://scotiafuels.com/contact-us/ for a free furnace and tank inspection. Or, call us at 902 453 2121. One of our local customer service folks will always answer the phone.