Going on Vacation? Here’s What to Do Before You Leave Home
Published on December 7, 2015
The bags are packed, the itinerary is planned… but what about your home?
Before leaving for vacation, a few adjustments to your heating system and water heater can help prevent unnecessary energy consumption while you’re away and ensure a comfortable return home.
The steps you should take depend on the length of your absence and the equipment you have. A weekend getaway doesn’t require the same preparation as a several-week vacation.
Here are the main things to check before you head out.
At a Glance
Before leaving, remember to:
- Adjust your thermostat;
- Check your water heater settings;
- Review the manufacturer’s recommendations for your equipment;
- Make sure you can access connected devices remotely;
- Plan the steps you’ll need to follow when you return.
A few minutes of preparation can improve comfort, reduce energy waste and help avoid unwanted surprises.
1. Adjust Your Heating Before You Leave
If you are leaving for a short period of time, it is generally not necessary to turn off your heating system completely.
A small temperature reduction can help reduce energy consumption while maintaining appropriate conditions inside the home.
If you use a programmable or smart thermostat, take advantage of its scheduling features to adapt the temperature to your absence.
Do You Have a Smart Thermostat?
A connected thermostat allows you to monitor and adjust your home’s temperature remotely.
You can maintain a lower temperature while you are away and gradually increase it before returning home to ensure a comfortable arrival.
2. What Should You Do With Your Water Heater?
Even when no hot water is being used, a storage-tank water heater typically continues to maintain water at the programmed temperature.
That doesn’t necessarily mean you need to turn it off every time you leave home.
The appropriate approach depends on the type of water heater you have and the length of your absence.
Before making any changes, always consult your owner’s manual and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Standard Natural Gas Water Heater
Some natural gas water heaters are equipped with a vacation mode or a low-temperature setting designed for extended absences.
If your unit includes this feature, use it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Depending on the model, it may also be possible to shut off the cold-water supply to reduce the risk of damage in the event of a leak while you’re away.
When you return:
- Perform a visual inspection of the unit;
- Reopen the cold-water supply if it was closed;
- Return the water heater to its normal operating setting.
Power-Vent Water Heaters
Some power-vent water heaters may require a different procedure during extended absences.
Always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer and use the procedure recommended for your specific model.
Upon your return:
- Inspect the water heater;
- Restore the necessary connections and supplies;
- Restart the unit according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Electric Water Heaters
During a long absence, some homeowners choose to shut off both the electrical power and the cold-water supply.
Before turning the unit back on, always ensure the tank has been properly refilled according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
When in doubt, refer to your owner’s manual.
3. Before You Leave: Do a Quick Check
The hours before a trip are often busy. A quick checklist can help prevent overlooked details.
Before leaving, make sure:
- Your thermostat has been adjusted;
- Your water heater settings have been reviewed;
- You have consulted the manufacturer’s recommendations before modifying any equipment;
- You know the steps required to restart equipment when you return.
If you use a smart thermostat or other connected devices, confirm that you can access them remotely.
4. When You Return: Restart Things Gradually
After several days away, it may be tempting to immediately return everything to normal.
Instead, take a few minutes to inspect your equipment first.
If your water heater was shut down while you were away:
- Perform a visual inspection;
- Restore any disconnected water or power supplies;
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions before restarting the unit.
For electric water heaters, ensure the tank is filled before restoring electrical power.
Then return your heating system to its normal settings and allow your home time to gradually reach its usual comfort level.
The Manufacturer’s Instructions Always Come First
Equipment and controls vary from one model to another.
Before turning off, disconnecting or adjusting your water heater, always consult the owner’s manual and manufacturer recommendations.
If you’re unsure how to proceed, it is better to obtain instructions specific to your equipment than to make assumptions.
Keep an Eye on Your Account While Away
Vacation is also a good time to confirm that you can access your account information remotely.
With Enbridge Gas Quebec’s Customer Space, you can view important account information and access your bills wherever you are.
Before you leave, verify that your account access works properly and consider switching to paperless billing if you haven’t already done so.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I turn my heating off completely when going on vacation?
Not necessarily. A moderate temperature reduction is often enough to reduce energy consumption while maintaining appropriate conditions in the home.
Should I turn off my water heater while on vacation?
It depends on the type of water heater you have, the length of your absence and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Always consult your owner’s manual before modifying the operation of your equipment.
Can I put a natural gas water heater in vacation mode?
Some models include a vacation setting or low-temperature mode specifically designed for extended absences. Consult your owner’s manual for the recommended procedure.
Should I shut off the water supply before leaving?
Depending on the type of equipment and the length of the trip, some homeowners choose to shut off the water supply to help reduce risks associated with leaks. Always follow the recommendations for your specific equipment.
What should I check when I return?
Inspect your equipment, restore any disconnected services and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before restarting devices that were shut down during your absence.
Leave With Peace of Mind
A few minutes of preparation can make a big difference before a trip.
By properly adjusting your heating, checking your equipment settings and planning for your return, you can enjoy your vacation knowing that your home will be ready to welcome you back.
