Try These Eight Tips to Set the HVAC System for Vacation

Summer vacations are the perfect chance to unwind and break away from the day to day. Prior to departure, double-check your home and HVAC system are ready for while you’re gone. A bit of planning goes a long way toward lowering your risk of costly damage and ensuring a safe, comfortable home until you’re back home. Here are eight handy tips to get your HVAC system ready for vacation so your first day back is seamless and trouble-free.

1. Stay on Top of Routine HVAC Maintenance

One of the best things you can do to keep your HVAC in top shape is to set up a maintenance visit ahead of your vacation. A certified professional will check for signs of trouble, clean crucial components, and address any issues they find. This preventive measure lowers the likelihood of surprise equipment failure and ensures best performance.

2. Clear Debris from the Outdoor Unit

Alongside a professional tune-up, you can also help protect system performance by clearing out leaves, rocks or grass clippings near the outdoor unit of the HVAC system. Before heading to the airport, spend some time to hose down the unit and clear any remaining debris. This easy DIY chore can help your system run more efficiently and avoid any problems while you’re away.

3. Check that Your Vents are Unobstructed

Closed vents lead to uneven temperatures and excess strain on your HVAC system. To avoid this, ensure that all registers are open and not blocked by shelves, the carpet or curtains. This maintains proper air circulation and stops any part of your home from being excessively hot or cold.

4. Use Your Thermostat Efficiently

Changing your thermostat is an effective option to save energy and lower those energy costs while on vacation. Set your thermostat around 85°F when on summer vacation to minimize cooling an empty house without overheating your home.

If energy efficiency is a top priority, think about getting a smart thermostat before your vacation. The programming in these newer thermostats enables you to manage your home’s temperature while you’re gone via a tablet or smartphone. You can fine-tune the settings based on weather forecasts and receive alerts if any issues pop up.

To ensure a comfortable return, direct your smart thermostat to start cooling your home a few hours before you get home. If you haven’t installed a smart thermostat yet, ask a neighbor to adjust the settings for you. That way, you can return to a cozy house, and still be cutting down on energy costs for the duration of your trip.

5. Don’t Forget About Pets and Houseplants

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 during your absence. The suggested 85 degrees F might be uncomfortable for them. Board your pets if you can, or get a friend or neighbor to pet sit or tend to your plants. Offer some directions on paper for changing the temperature if they need them.

6. Use Window Coverings Strategically

Sunlight coming through bare windows increases the indoor temperature, making your air conditioning to work harder in the summer. Pull down the blinds, window treatments like curtains or even shades to avoid extra heat in your home during the afternoon, keeping your home cooler and reducing the stress it leaves on your AC.

7. Close Gaps and Drafts

Inspect all your windows and doors for cracks or gaps before you leave. Making sure these gaps are sealed strengthens the house’s insulation and helps ease some of the stress on the HVAC. Quick DIY fixes include applying caulk to the joints and installing weatherstripping tighten up the window and door seals. These easy jobs make a big difference in maintaining stable indoor temperatures.

8. Power Down Electronics and Turn Off the Water Supply

To conserve additional energy and lower the chances of electrical damage, unplug the appliances and other electronics you won’t use before it’s time to leave. This includes things like televisions, PCs, gaming devices and most small household appliances. Keeping these devices plugged into surge protectors makes it a breeze to turn off the electricity to everything all at once.

It’s also a good idea 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 closest to them. This preventive measure 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

Whether you’re eagerly awaiting your dream vacation or just returned to find the HVAC isn’t working, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can offer solutions. We take pride in providing fast, long-lasting solutions to all your comfort problems.

Nothing matters more to our ACE-certified technicians and installers than your complete satisfaction. If you decide you need an air conditioning checkup before you leave town, don’t hesitate to contact us to arrange for a technician to come out. We’ll go above and beyond to have a positive impact in your home and for your peace of mind.