12 Ways to Prep Your Home Before Vacation: A Summer Travel Checklist
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Updated June 2026
Planning a summer getaway? Before you pack your bags, make sure your home is ready, too. Knowing how to prep your home before vacation can help prevent costly damage, reduce energy waste, and keep your home safe while you're away. Use this summer travel prep list as your go-to vacation home check, with practical, easy-to-follow tips that give you peace of mind while you're gone. Looking for more seasonal guidance? Our Summer HVAC Checklist is a great place to start.
Your Summer Vacation Home Prep Checklist
1. Schedule an HVAC Tune-Up Before You Go
Your AC will likely run while you're away, so make sure it's ready and you don't encounter any surprises when you return home.
How to do it:
Book a seasonal AC tune-up before your trip.
Ask for coil cleaning, refrigerant check, and system performance testing.
Schedule at least a week before departure in case repairs are needed.
Why it matters: A breakdown while you're gone can lead to extreme indoor heat and humidity buildup. Staying current on maintenance is one of the best ways to prep your home for vacation in hot weather. For more tips on keeping your system in shape, see our Warmer Weather HVAC Checklist.
2. Set Your Thermostat for Vacation Mode
One question we hear all the time: what should I set my thermostat to while I'm away?
Recommended setting:
ENERGY STAR recommends setting your AC to 78 degrees while home, and between 82 and 85 when away during the summer.
How to do it:
Adjust your thermostat manually or use a programmable/smart thermostat.
If you have a smart thermostat, enable "away mode."
Keep the fan set to "auto."
Why it matters: This saves energy without letting your home get so hot that it damages furniture, flooring, or electronics. For more energy-saving ideas, check out 6 Ways to Save on Air Conditioning.
3. Shut Off Your Main Water Supply
Should I shut off my main water valve? In most cases, yes.
How to do it:
Locate your main shut-off valve (often in the basement, garage, or near the water meter).
Turn the valve clockwise until it stops.
Test by turning on a faucet. Water should stop flowing.
Bonus step:
Turn off your water heater or set it to vacation mode.
Why it matters: Even a small leak can cause major water damage if left unchecked for days. Learn more about putting your plumbing in vacation mode before your next trip.
4. Clean Out Your Kitchen Thoroughly
Prevent odors and pests while you're gone, and avoid coming home to unpleasant smells.
How to do it:
Toss expired or soon-to-expire food from the fridge and pantry.
Wipe down countertops and sweep floors.
Run the garbage disposal with ice and citrus to clean it.
Take out all trash and recycling, including any bags tucked under the sink.
Pour a small amount of baking soda down drains to neutralize odors while you're away.
Leave a box of baking soda open in the fridge to absorb any lingering smells.
Why it matters: Food residue attracts pests, and sealed, warm spaces can develop musty or sour odors quickly in summer heat. A thorough clean before you leave means a fresh-smelling home when you return.
5. Unplug Non-Essential Electronics
Protect your devices from power surges.
How to do it:
Unplug TVs, computers, gaming systems, and small appliances like toasters, coffee makers, and phone chargers.
Leave essential items (like your fridge) plugged in.
Use surge protectors for anything that must stay connected.
Why it matters: Summer storms can cause power surges that damage electronics or create fire risks. Unplugging unused devices is one of the simplest steps in preparing your home for vacation.
6. Make Your Home Look Occupied
Making your home look occupied while you're away may help deter break-ins and is a good idea.
How to do it:
Set indoor lights on timers to turn on at night.
Pause mail delivery or ask a neighbor to collect it.
Park a car in the driveway if possible.
Avoid posting travel plans on social media until you return.
Why it matters: A lived-in look can significantly reduce the risk of break-ins.
7. Check for Plumbing Leaks Before You Leave
A quick inspection of your plumbing can prevent big problems while you're away.
How to do it:
Look under sinks for moisture or drips.
Check around toilets and appliances like dishwashers and washing machines.
Tighten any loose connections.
Why it matters: Catching small leaks early may prevent major water damage while you're away. If you spot anything concerning, schedule a plumbing inspection before you leave.
8. Replace Your HVAC Air Filter
The simplest way to help your system run efficiently while you're gone is to change your air filters.
How to do it:
Locate your air filter and remove it.
Replace it if it looks dirty or clogged.
Make sure it's installed in the correct airflow direction. (Look for arrows on the filter.)
Why it matters: A clean filter improves airflow and reduces strain on your AC system, an easy yet important step in preparing your home for vacation in hot weather.
9. Clear Your Outdoor AC Unit
Your system needs proper airflow to function. Keeping your outdoor unit free of clutter is a must.
How to do it:
Turn off power to the unit.
Remove leaves, dirt, and debris.
Trim plants at least two feet away.
Gently rinse coils with a hose.
Why it matters: Blocked airflow can reduce efficiency and increase the risk of overheating while you're not home to catch it.
10. Improve Indoor Air Quality Before You Go
Stale air can build up quickly in a closed home, especially in summer heat.
How to do it:
Run your HVAC fan periodically (if your system allows scheduling).
Consider installing an air purifier or whole-home air quality system before you leave.
Keep interior doors open for better airflow throughout the home.
Why it matters: Better circulation helps prevent musty odors and maintains a fresher home environment, so you're not hit with stale air the moment you walk back in.
11. Adjust Water Heater Settings
Want to save energy while you're away? Adjust your water heater.
How to do it:
Set your water heater to "vacation mode" if available.
Alternatively, lower the temperature to its lowest setting.
Why it matters: No need to heat water you're not using. It's one of the easiest energy-saving steps on this home prep for vacation checklist.
12. Do a Final Walkthrough
Before you head out for some fun in the sun, do a final house walkthrough to catch anything you might have missed.
How to do it:
Check that all windows and doors are locked.
Confirm thermostat settings and water shut-off.
Make sure lights/timers are set properly.
Double-check appliances are off.
Why it matters: A quick review of how to prep your home before vacation gives you real peace of mind before you leave.
When to Call a Professional
While many items on this home prep for vacation checklist are DIY-friendly, some are best handled by experienced professionals, especially when it comes to HVAC and plumbing systems, where missed issues can lead to costly damage.
That's where A.J. Perri can help. Our trained, skilled professionals can perform a full system check, including air conditioning performance evaluations and plumbing inspections, helping ensure your home is safe, efficient, and ready while you're away.
Call us or schedule your service online before your next trip for added peace of mind.