Get Your Home Ready While You’re Away

With the world reopening post-lockdown, you may be finally taking steps to plan your long-awaited holiday. We’ve prepared a checklist to help you save money and keep your home safe while you’re away.

1. Turn off standby appliances 

Many appliances around the home run background functions utilising power even when they are turned off. Examples include gaming consoles, washing machines, dishwashers and smart TVs. While you’re not home, you could save hundreds on your bills by turning off appliances not in use from the power outlet.

2. Turn off the hot water

If you are going away for a few days or longer, you can save money by turning off your gas or electric hot water. Just remember to turn it back on as soon as you walk in the door to allow time for the hot water system to warm up again. Smart heat pumps not only use less energy to heat your hot water, but you can schedule your heat pumps to turn off for the time you are away and turn on when you come home with your phone.

3. Fire Safety

Portable electrical devices such as smartphones, laptops, e-bikes, and electric cars are powered by lithium-ion batteries that are sensitive to overheating and catching fire. Fortunately, you can reduce the risk of fire by turning off charging appliances when you’re out or on holiday. Ensure devices are not stored in the sun or near flammable materials, as they can sometimes catch alight even when off. Working smoke alarms are your best defences against house fires however a smart smoke alarm system can ensure you will be notified quickly. In conjunction with SafeLink, your Emerald smoke alarms can alert you on the phone in a fire emergency when you’re not home. Read about Emeralds SafeLink and Smart Smoke Alarms System.

4. Prepare your thermostat

If you have been scheduling your air-conditioner in the warmer months, remember to turn it off before heading out. Alternatively, you can turn your air-conditioners into a smart one. With geofencing, your air-conditioner will turn off when you’re not home and cool before you arrive. Set schedules and temperature thresholds to reduce energy consumption and ensure a continuously comfortable home.

5. Put lights on timers

A simple way to deter break-ins is to schedule your lights to turn on at night. This ensures you save money during the day but look like you are home at night. You can do this by plugging a lamp into an analog outlet timer or smart bulbs that can be scheduled to turn at certain times via your phone.

6. Ask a neighbour to keep an eye on your home

If you have a trusted neighbour, friend or family, organise for them to keep an eye on your home and stop by every few days to bring in the mail. Add them as property members to your SafeLink so they will be notified of a fire emergency and can be quickly contacted.