Try These Eight Tips to Set Your HVAC System Before a Vacation
Taking a break in summer is a time to unwind and take a much-needed rest from the daily routine. But before you leave, double-check that the house and HVAC are prepared for your absence. Some prep work goes a long way toward avoiding expensive problems and keeping your home safe until you return. Use the following eight useful tips to get your HVAC system ready before a vacation so your first day back is easy and stress-free.
1. Request a Professional HVAC Tune-Up
A great way to keep your HVAC in top shape is to schedule a maintenance visit ahead of your vacation. A qualified technician will check for signs of trouble, clean crucial components, and resolve any issues found during the inspection. This proactive approach minimizes the chance of unexpected problems and maintains system efficiency.
2. Clear Debris from the Outdoor Unit
In addition to a professional tune-up, you can do your part to improve efficiency by clearing out leaves, rocks or grass clippings near the outdoor condensing unit. Before heading to the airport, take a few minutes to rinse dirt and dust off and sweep debris about 3 feet away. This simple step can help protect operational efficiency and avoid any problems while you’re away.
3. Make Sure Your Vents are Open and Unblocked
Blocked vents often result in inconsistent airflow and excess strain on your HVAC system. Before you leave, verify that all vents are fully opened and not obstructed by shelves, rugs or , thick, heavy curtains. This keeps air circulating evenly and prevents any part of your home from being excessively hot or cold.
4. Follow Recommendations for Thermostat Settings During a Vacation
Changing your thermostat is a simple method to reduce energy waste and keep energy costs in check while on vacation. Set your thermostat around 85 degrees when on summer vacation to reduce energy waste without allowing the interior to overheat.
If you want an easier time setting these schedules up, look into adding a smart thermostat before your vacation. The programming in these newer thermostats lets you monitor and control schedules and settings from anywhere via a smartphone app. You can modify any schedules based on changes in weather and receive alerts if any trouble shows up.
To make sure you come back to total comfort, access and adjust your smart thermostat to begin cooling things down for at least a few hours before you get home. If you can’t access your thermostat remotely, ask a neighbor to set the temperatures while you’re gone. This way, you can walk into a comfortable home, while still cutting down on energy costs for the days or weeks during your absence.
5. Plan for Your Pets and Plants
If you have cats, dogs or even just a few houseplants that will be left at home while you’re away, take them into consideration when setting the thermostat’s schedule during your absence. The recommended 85 degrees F may be uncomfortable for them. Consider boarding any pets, or get a friend or neighbor to look after them and tend to your plants. Offer some directions on paper for updating thermostat settings if they need them.
6. Keep the Curtains Closed to Keep Heat Out
Sunlight coming through bare windows adds a lot of heat to your home, making your cooling to run much longer in the summer. Draw the blinds, any curtains or even shades to keep sunlight out during the hottest parts of the day, maintaining a cooler home and lessening the strain on your HVAC.
7. Seal Leaks and Drafts
Check windows and doors for drafts before heading out. Closing up these leaks strengthens the house’s insulation and can help reduce the extra burden on the heating and cooling. Easy solutions like caulking fixed joints and adding weatherstripping help windows and doors close more tightly. These steps can really help in maintaining stable indoor temperatures.
8. Turn Off Electrical Devices and the Water Supply
To further reduce power consumption and avoid any electrical problems, disconnect all unnecessary utilities, appliances and electronics before it’s time to leave. This should include things like television sets, PCs, video game systems and small kitchen appliances. Keeping these devices plugged into surge protectors makes it easy to switch off the power to them all simultaneously.
It’s also a good idea to turn the main water shut-off valve or just the water supply to specific plumbing fixtures and appliances by turning the valve on the wall nearby. This kind of precaution helps protect your home from water damage or broken pipes if you’re unable to catch them.
Ensure a Relaxing Vacation with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing
Regardless of if you’re counting down the days before your dream vacation or just stepped inside to find the HVAC isn’t working, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can offer Expert support. We pride ourselves on delivering speedy, safe solutions to every one of your comfort problems.
Nothing is more important to our ACE-certified HVAC Experts than your complete satisfaction. If you need an HVAC tune-up before you leave town, don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule an appointment. We’re here to have a positive impact in your life and home comfort.