Eight Tips for Preparing the HVAC System for Vacation
Taking a break in summer is a time to relax and enjoy a break from the everyday hustle. But before you leave, ensure that the house and HVAC are prepared for your absence. A bit of planning goes a long way toward lowering your risk of high-cost repairs and keeping your home safe until you’re back home. Try these eight handy tips to get your HVAC system ready for vacation so your first day back is smooth and worry-free.
1. Check that Your Vents are Unobstructed
Blocked vents often result in inconsistent airflow and unnecessary strain on your HVAC system. Before you leave, verify that all vents are clear and not covered up by shelves, rugs or thick, heavy curtains. This maintains proper air circulation and stops any portion of your home from feeling too warm or cold.
2. Fix Air Leaks and Drafts
Check 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. Simple fixes such as caulking fixed joints and adding weatherstripping seal windows and doors better. These easy jobs make a big difference in maintaining stable indoor temperatures.
3. Use Window Coverings Strategically
Strong afternoon sun hitting uncovered windows raises the temperature inside, making your AC system to work harder in the summer. Draw the blinds, window treatments like curtains or even sunshades to block out more of that sunlight during the mid to late afternoon, maintaining a cooler home and reducing the stress it leaves on your cooling.
4. Shut Down Electrical Devices and Water Supply
To save even more energy and minimize the risk of electrical issues, disconnect all unnecessary utilities, appliances and electronics before you leave. This includes things like television sets, laptops, gaming devices and minor kitchen gadgets. Plugging as many of them as you can into surge protectors makes it easy to cut the power to them all simultaneously.
You might also want to shut off the main water valve or cut off the water supply to specific parts of the plumbing with the valve on the wall nearby. This proactive step helps safeguard your home from leaks that could cause significant damage if you’re not there to catch them.
5. Clear Debris from the Outdoor Unit
Alongside a qualified maintenance visit, you can further boost HVAC performance by removing any leaves, dirt or grass clippings or debris near the outdoor cabinet near the house. Ahead of your trip, 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 gone.
6. Use Energy-Efficient Settings for Your Thermostat
Updating the settings on your thermostat is a simple method to conserve power and rein in utility bills while out and about. Keep your thermostat around 85 degrees Fahrenheit when on summer vacation to save on cooling costs without allowing the interior to overheat.
If you haven’t already, consider installing a smart thermostat before your vacation. The programming in these newer thermostats enables you to manage the settings as long as you have an internet connection via a tablet or smartphone. You can fine-tune the settings based on changes in weather and get automatic notifications if any issues pop up.
To ensure a comfortable return, direct your smart thermostat to begin cooling things down for at least a few hours before you get home. If you haven’t installed a smart thermostat yet, reach out to a friend and ask them to set the temperatures while you’re gone. With their help, you can return to a cozy house, while still cutting down on energy costs for the days or weeks during your absence.
7. Tune Up Your HVAC System
A great way to keep your HVAC in top shape is to set up a maintenance visit leading up to your trip. A certified professional will examine your HVAC, clean important parts, and fix any problems they find. This preventive measure lowers the likelihood of unexpected problems and maintains system efficiency.
8. Remember to Make Arrangements for Pets and Plants
If you have pets or even just one or two houseplants that remain in your home while you are gone, take them into account when setting the thermostat during your absence. The official DOE recommendation of 85 degrees Fahrenheit may be too hot for them. Consider boarding any pets, or check with friends and neighbors to look after them and make sure the plants are watered. Offer some directions on paper for adjusting the thermostat if needed.
Ensure a Relaxing Vacation with Environmental Systems Associates
Regardless of if you’re counting down the days before your dream vacation or just returned to find the HVAC isn’t working, Environmental Systems Associates can offer Expert support. We take pride in providing fast, long-lasting solutions to all your comfort problems.
Nothing matters more to our ACE-certified HVAC Experts than your comfort and complete satisfaction. If you need an air conditioning checkup before you leave town, don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more. We’ll go above and beyond to have a positive impact in your life and home comfort.
