Try These Eight Tips for Preparing the HVAC System for Vacation
Summer vacations are the perfect chance to relax and take a much-needed rest from the daily grind. Prior to departure, double-check that the house and HVAC are set for while you’re gone. A little preparation goes a long way toward preventing costly damage and ensuring a safe, comfortable home until you return. Here are eight handy tips to prepare your HVAC system for vacation so your first day back is smooth and trouble-free.
1. Schedule an HVAC Tune-Up
A great way to keep your HVAC in top shape is to set up a maintenance visit ahead of your vacation. A qualified technician will inspect your system, clean crucial components, and resolve any issues found during the inspection. This proactive approach reduces the risk of surprise equipment failure and keeps your system running efficiently.
2. Clear Weeds and Yard Debris from the Outdoor Unit
In addition to a qualified maintenance visit, you can do your part to improve efficiency by removing any leaves, rocks or grass clippings near the outdoor cabinet near the house. A few days before you leave, spend some time to rinse dirt and dust off and clear any remaining debris. This basic task can help your system run more efficiently and prevent any issues while you’re away.
3. Check the Ventilation Registers to Make Sure They’re Open and Unobstructed
Closed vents often result in inconsistent airflow and excess strain on your HVAC system. Before you leave, verify that all registers are clear and not blocked by large pieces of furniture, the carpet or heavy drapes. This maintains proper air circulation and stops any specific room of your home from feeling excessively hot or cold.
4. Use Your Thermostat Efficiently
Adjusting your thermostat is an effective option to conserve power and keep energy costs in check while you’re out of town. Keep your thermostat around 85 degrees when away during the summer to minimize cooling an empty house without overheating your home.
For even more benefits, think about getting a smart thermostat before your vacation. This device lets you monitor and control your home’s temperature while you’re gone via a smartphone app. You can modify any schedules based on weather forecasts and get automatic notifications if any problems happen.
To make sure you come back to total comfort, set your smart thermostat to start the AC a few hours before you get home. If you can’t access your thermostat remotely, reach out to a friend and ask them to handle changing the thermostat. This way, you can walk into a comfortable home, even after cutting down on energy costs for however long you’re gone.
5. Make Arrangements for Pets and Plants
If you have pets or even indoor plants that stay at home while you’re on vacation, take them into consideration when setting the thermostat during your absence. The suggested 85°F may be excessive for them. Arrange boarding for pets if possible, or check with friends and neighbors to take care of them and water your plants. Write down a few guidelines for changing the temperature if they need them.
6. Use Window Coverings Strategically
Sunlight streaming through open windows raises the temperature inside, forcing your air conditioning to run much longer in the summer. Pull down the blinds, any drapes or even shades to block out more of that sunlight during the afternoon, avoiding the extra heat and lessening the strain on your HVAC.
7. Fix Air Leaks and Drafts
Examine the windows and doors for drafts before you leave. Fixing drafty windows strengthens the house’s insulation and can help reduce the extra burden on your HVAC system. Easy solutions such as applying caulk to the joints and adding weatherstripping tighten up the window and door seals. These easy jobs make a big difference in keeping indoor temperatures more consistent.
8. Shut Down Electrical Devices and Water Supply
To conserve additional energy and minimize the risk of electrical issues, unplug the appliances and other electronics you won’t use before it’s time to leave. This includes things like TVs, PCs, video game systems and minor kitchen gadgets. Using surge protectors for these devices makes it a breeze to switch off the power to them all simultaneously.
It’s also smart to shut off the main water valve or cut off the water supply to specific plumbing fixtures and appliances with the valve on the wall behind them. This proactive step helps secure your house from potential leaks and major water damage if you’re not there to address them right away.
Ensure a Relaxing Vacation with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
Whether you’re counting down the days before your dream vacation or just came back to discover the HVAC isn’t working, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can help. We pride ourselves on delivering fast, long-lasting solutions to every one of your comfort problems.
Nothing matters more to our ACE-certified HVAC Experts than your comfort and complete satisfaction. If you decide you need an air conditioning checkup before you leave town, don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule an appointment. We’ll go above and beyond to make a meaningful difference in your life and home comfort.