Here Are Eight Ways for Preparing the HVAC System Before a Vacation
Summer vacations are a time to relax and enjoy a break from the daily grind. Before you head out, make sure that the house and HVAC system are ready for while you’re gone. A little preparation goes a long way toward preventing costly damage and keeping your home safe until you return. Try these eight practical tips to prepare your HVAC system before a vacation so your return home is smooth and stress-free.
1. Tune Up Your HVAC System
A great way to help your HVAC system run smoothly is to set up a maintenance visit leading up to your trip. A qualified technician can inspect your system, clean crucial components, and address any issues they find. This proactive approach reduces the risk of unexpected problems and maintains system efficiency.
2. Tidy Up Around the Outdoor Unit
Alongside a professional tune-up, you can further boost HVAC performance by removing any leaves, dirt or grass clippings near the outdoor condensing unit. Before heading to the airport, take a few minutes to hose down the unit and sweep debris about 3 feet away. This simple step can help your system run more efficiently and prevent any issues while you’re away.
3. Make Sure Your Vents are Open and Unblocked
Blocked vents cause uneven cooling and unnecessary strain on your HVAC system. To avoid this, check that all registers are open and not obstructed by furniture, rugs or curtains. This preserves normal airflow and prevents any specific room of your home from feeling too warm or cold.
4. Set Your Thermostat Wisely
Adjusting your thermostat is an easy way to save energy and rein in utility bills while you’re out of town. Keep your thermostat around 85 degrees when traveling in the summer to save on cooling costs without allowing the interior to overheat.
For even more benefits, consider installing a smart thermostat before your vacation. A smart thermostat lets you monitor and control the settings remotely via a smartphone app. You can fine-tune the settings based on weather forecasts and receive alerts if any unexpected problems appear.
To ensure a comfortable return, direct your smart thermostat to start cooling your home for a while before you’ve arrived. If you can’t access your thermostat remotely, consider asking a friend to adjust the settings for you. That way, you can walk into a comfortable home, while still saving on energy bills for however long you’re gone.
5. Make Arrangements for Pets and Plants
If you have pets or even indoor plants that remain in your home while you are gone, keep them in mind when setting the thermostat’s schedule during your absence. The suggested 85 degrees F may be too warm for them. Arrange boarding for pets if possible, or ask a friend or neighbor to pet sit and water your plants. Provide instructions for adjusting the thermostat if needed.
6. Use Window Coverings Strategically
Sunlight streaming through uncovered windows can significantly raise the temperature, causing your HVAC system to work harder in the summer. Draw the blinds, any curtains or even shades to block out more of that sunlight during the hottest parts of the day, keeping your home cooler and reducing the stress it leaves on your AC.
7. Seal Leaks and Drafts
Inspect all your windows and doors for air leaks before leaving on vacation. Making sure these gaps are sealed improves your home’s insulation efficiency and can help reduce the extra burden on the heating and cooling. Simple fixes like caulking stationary joints and adding weatherstripping help windows and doors close more tightly. These easy jobs make a big difference in maintaining stable indoor temperatures.
8. Turn Off Electrical Devices and the Water Supply
To save even more energy and minimize the risk of electrical issues, unplug non-essential appliances and electronics before it’s time to leave. This means things like televisions, computers, gaming consoles and small kitchen appliances. Keeping these devices plugged into surge protectors makes it much easier to cut the power to them all simultaneously.
It’s also smart to turn the main water shut-off valve or just the water supply to specific plumbing fixtures and appliances with the valve on the wall nearby. This preventive measure helps safeguard your home from leaks that could cause significant damage if you’re unable to catch them.
Let Us Help You Prepare for Vacation
Regardless of if you’re counting down the days before your dream vacation or just returned to find the HVAC isn’t working, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can offer Expert support. We pride ourselves on delivering fast, long-lasting solutions to every one of your comfort problems.
Nothing matters more to our certified technicians than your total satisfaction. If you ready for an HVAC tune-up 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.