Here Are Eight Ways to Prepare Your HVAC System Before a Vacation
Summer vacations are a time to unwind and take a much-needed rest from the everyday hustle. Prior to departure, make sure your home and HVAC system are ready for your absence. A little preparation goes a long way toward lowering your risk of high-cost repairs and keeping your home safe until you return. Try these eight handy tips to set up your HVAC system before a vacation so your first day back is smooth and stress-free.
1. Schedule an HVAC Tune-Up
One of the best things you can do to ensure your HVAC runs efficiently is to set up a maintenance visit before your trip. A certified professional will check for signs of trouble, clean crucial components, and address any issues they find. This forward-thinking strategy minimizes the chance of unexpected problems and ensures best performance.
2. Clear Debris from the Outdoor Unit
Along with a qualified maintenance visit, you can further boost HVAC performance by clearing out leaves, dirt or other yard debris near the outdoor condensing unit. A few days before you leave, spend some time to hose down the unit and clear any remaining debris. This basic task prevents yard waste from impacting system efficiency and prevent any issues while you’re away.
3. Make Sure Your Vents are Open and Unblocked
Closed vents cause uneven cooling and excess strain on your HVAC system. Before you leave, verify that all the ventilation registers are open and not covered up by large pieces of furniture, rugs or heavy drapes. This ensures steady airflow and prevents any specific room of your home from feeling excessively hot or cold.
4. Set Your Thermostat Wisely
Tweaking your thermostat settings is a simple method to conserve power and rein in utility bills while on vacation. Set your thermostat around 85 degrees when traveling in the summer to save on cooling costs without letting the indoor temperature skyrocket.
If you haven’t already, think about getting a smart thermostat before your vacation. The programming in these newer thermostats lets you monitor and control schedules and settings remotely via a smartphone app. You can keep an eye on the temperature based on the day’s weather and receive alerts if any issues pop up.
To make sure you come back to total comfort, set your smart thermostat to begin cooling things down for at least a few hours before you’ve arrived. If you don’t have a smart thermostat, consider asking a friend to set the temperatures while you’re gone. That way, you can walk into a comfortable home, and still be cutting down on energy costs for the duration of your trip.
5. Make Arrangements for Pets and Plants
If you have cats, dogs or even just one or two houseplants that remain in your home while you’re on vacation, keep them in mind when adjusting the temperature during your absence. The suggested 85°F may be uncomfortable for them. Arrange boarding for pets if possible, or get a friend or neighbor to pet sit and make sure the plants are watered. Offer some directions on paper for adjusting the thermostat if you need to.
6. Use Window Coverings Strategically
Strong afternoon sun hitting uncovered windows can significantly raise the temperature, making your cooling to run much longer in the summer. Draw the blinds, any drapes or even shades to block out more of that sunlight during the mid to late afternoon, avoiding the extra heat and lessening the strain on your HVAC.
7. Seal Leaks and Drafts
Examine the windows and doors for drafts before you leave. Closing up these leaks improves your home’s insulation efficiency and can help reduce the extra burden on the HVAC. Simple fixes like applying caulk to the joints and using weatherstripping help windows and doors close more tightly. These steps make a big difference in maintaining stable indoor temperatures.
8. Power Down Electronics and Turn Off the Water Supply
To further reduce power consumption and lower the chances of electrical damage, unplug the appliances and other electronics you won’t use before you leave. This should include things like television sets, laptops, gaming devices and small kitchen appliances. Keeping these devices plugged into surge protectors makes it easy to cut the power to everything all at once.
It’s also smart to turn the main water shut-off valve or cut off the water supply to specific plumbing fixtures and appliances with the valve on the wall closest to them. This preventive measure helps secure your house from potential leaks and major water damage if you’re unable to catch them.
We Can Help You Get Ready for Vacation
Whether you’re eagerly awaiting your dream vacation or just stepped inside to find the HVAC isn’t working, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can help. We take pride in providing fast, long-lasting solutions to every one of your comfort problems.
Nothing matters more to our certified technicians than your complete satisfaction. If you need an air conditioning checkup before you leave town, don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more. We’ll do whatever it takes to make a meaningful difference in your home comfort and day to day.