How to Prepare Your Home Before Holiday Travel
The winter holidays bring joy, celebration, and per PwC's Holiday Outlook travel for nearly half of all Americans. If you're leaving your Atlanta home unattended this season, proper preparation will help keep your property safe, secure, and energy-efficient until you return.
Below are the 10 most important steps to prepare your home before holiday travel, along with smart electrical upgrades and safety tips from the licensed electricians at Estes Services.
1) Install Smart Devices Throughout Your Home
Smart home technology provides an additional layer of comfort and security. Today's connected devices include:
- Home security cameras
- Smart doorbells and smart locks
- Smart plugs and automated lighting
- Smart smoke and CO detectors
- Voice-controlled assistants
Many systems allow real-time monitoring from your smartphone, immediate alerts, and automated responses.
Need help choosing or installing smart home devices? Estes Services provides professional smart home installation and electrical upgrades.
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2) Deploy Energy-Saving Practices Before Leaving
Reduce unnecessary energy use by:
- Turning off lights and ceiling fans
- Unplugging small appliances or switching off power strips
- Closing blinds and curtains to maintain indoor temperature
Small adjustments can substantially reduce your energy bill while you're away.
3) Install Indoor & Outdoor Security Cameras
Strategically placed indoor and outdoor cameras help protect your home. Consider installing them near:
- First-floor windows and doors
- Living room and main hallway
- Driveway and garage
- Front and back yard
These devices strengthen security and provide peace of mind throughout your trip. For electrical and wiring support: Electrical Repairs & Inspections
4) Use LED Holiday Lights for Safety and Festivity
Holiday lights create a cheerful atmosphere and can help deter intruders.
However, extension cords and overloaded circuits can become a safety hazard.
Before installing outdoor lighting, ask Estes Services to assess whether your home requires a wiring upgrade.
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5) Add Smart Plugs for Automated Lighting
Smart plugs let you turn lights on/off remotely or schedule them automatically.
This helps your home appear occupied, even when you're not there.
6) Upgrade to Smart Smoke & CO Detectors
Smart detectors add strong safety benefits:
- Instant alerts when smoke or CO is detected
- Self-testing and reporting
- Mobile notifications
- Integrated night lighting
These are invaluable when your home is unoccupied.
7) Install Outdoor Smart Wall Lighting
Outdoor smart lighting enhances safety, improves visibility, and allows remote control from your mobile device.
Need support installing outdoor fixtures or verifying safe electrical load capacity?
Schedule an Electrical Service
8) Schedule an Electrical Inspection Before Traveling
Before leaving your home, ensure your electrical system is safe and up to code.
An Estes Services electrician will check:
- Electrical wiring
- Breaker panel
- Outlets and circuits
- Potential safety hazards
This is especially important if your home is older or has had recent renovations.
9) Limit Who Knows Your Travel Plans
Avoid sharing detailed travel dates publicly especially on social media.
Keep your plans within trusted circles to reduce risk.
10) Enjoy the Holidays
After preparing your home, relax and enjoy your trip.
Estes Services is always here to help keep your home safe, festive, and comfortable.
Choose Estes Services for Electrical Safety This Holiday Season
As a trusted electrical contractor serving Metro Atlanta since 1949, Estes Services provides:
- Electrical repairs
- Home wiring upgrades
- Smart home installations
- Breaker panel services
- Safety inspections
- Lighting solutions
Serving Atlanta neighborhoods including Alpharetta, Buckhead, Decatur, Druid Hills, Dunwoody, Fayetteville, Johns Creek, Kennesaw, Marietta, Midtown, Peachtree City, Roswell, Sandy Springs, and Virginia Highland.
Schedule service today It's That Easy; It's Estes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Holiday Travel & Electrical Safety
1. Should I turn off all lights before traveling?
Not necessarily. Instead, use smart plugs or smart lighting to automate indoor outdoor lights. This boosts both energy efficiency and security.
2. Do I need an electrical inspection before going out of town?
It's highly recommended. A professional electrical inspection identifies wiring issues, overloaded circuits, or hazards that could cause problems while your home is unattended.
3. Can holiday lights overload my home's electrical system?
Yes. Plugging multiple extension cords or large light displays into outdated circuits can cause overloads or fire risks.
Schedule an electrical safety check
4. Are smart smoke detectors worth it?
Absolutely. They provide mobile alerts, self-monitoring, and early warning even when you're hundreds of miles away. Estes can install or check compatibility with your electrical system.
5. Which smart devices help protect my home while I travel?
Top options include:
- Smart plugs
- Security cameras
- Smart locks
- Automated lighting
- Smart smoke/CO detectors
- Video doorbells
For installation support:
Smart Home Electrical Services
6. Should I unplug appliances before I leave?
Yes. Unplug electronics such as TVs, computers, countertop appliances, and chargers to prevent electrical fires and reduce phantom energy consumption.
7. Can Estes Services help with outdoor lighting and décor safety?
Yes. Our licensed electricians can assess your home's electrical load, ensure safe installation, and recommend wiring upgrades if needed.
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