Try These Eight Tips for Preparing Your HVAC System for Vacation

Summer vacations are the perfect chance to unwind and take a much-needed rest from the daily grind. Prior to departure, double-check your home and HVAC are set for while you’re gone. A little preparation goes a long way toward avoiding high-cost repairs and ensuring a safe, comfortable home until you return. Here are eight practical tips to get your HVAC system ready for vacation so your first day back is easy and worry-free.

1. Stay on Top of Routine HVAC Maintenance

One of the best ways to ensure your HVAC runs efficiently is to set up a maintenance visit ahead of your vacation. A qualified technician can inspect your system, service key components, and fix any problems they find. This preventive measure lowers the likelihood of sudden breakdowns and keeps your system running efficiently.

2. Tidy Up Around the Outdoor Unit

Alongside a professional tune-up, you can do your part to improve efficiency by removing any leaves, rocks or grass clippings near the outdoor cabinet near the house. Ahead of your trip, set aside a few moments to hose down the unit and sweep debris about 3 feet away. This easy DIY chore prevents yard waste from impacting system efficiency and avoid any problems while you’re away.

3. Check the Ventilation Registers to Make Sure They’re Open and Unobstructed

Obstructed vents cause uneven cooling and extra stress on your HVAC system. To avoid this, ensure that all registers are open and not obstructed by large pieces of furniture, rugs or curtains. This preserves normal airflow and keeps any specific room of your home from feeling excessively hot or cold.

4. Use Your Thermostat Efficiently

Tweaking your thermostat settings is an easy way to conserve power and rein in utility bills while you’re out of town. Keep your thermostat around 85°F when away during the summer to save on cooling costs without allowing the interior to overheat.

If you haven’t already, look into adding a smart thermostat before your vacation. The programming in these newer thermostats lets you monitor and control your home’s temperature no matter where you are via the mobile app. You can modify any schedules based on changes in weather and receive alerts if any unexpected problems appear.

To make sure you come back to total comfort, access and adjust your smart thermostat to start the AC a few hours before you’ve arrived. If you don’t have a smart thermostat, consider asking a friend to adjust the settings for you. This way, you can come back to a comfortable home, while still minimizing energy waste for however long you’re gone.

5. Don’t Forget About Pets and Houseplants

If you have a dog or even indoor plants that stay at home while you’re away, take them into consideration when adjusting the temperature during your absence. The recommended 85 degrees Fahrenheit may be too warm for them. Arrange boarding for pets if possible, or get a friend or neighbor to take care of them and make sure the plants are watered. Provide instructions for setting the thermostat if they need them.

6. Keep the Curtains Closed to Keep Heat Out

Direct sunlight hitting any uncovered windows increases the indoor temperature, making your HVAC system to work harder in the summer. Pull down the blinds, window treatments like curtains or even sunshades to block out more of that sunlight during the mid to late afternoon, keeping your home cooler and lessening the strain on your air conditioner.

7. Close Gaps and Drafts

Check windows and doors for air leaks before leaving on vacation. Making sure these gaps are sealed improves your home’s insulation efficiency and helps ease some of the stress on the HVAC. Simple 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 ensuring consistent temperatures while you’re gone.

8. Shut Down Electrical Devices and Water Supply

To save even more 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 means things like televisions, computers, gaming devices and small kitchen appliances. Keeping these devices plugged into surge protectors makes it much easier to turn off the electricity to them all simultaneously.

It’s also smart to shut off the main water valve or just the water supply to specific fixtures of your plumbing system by turning the valve on the wall behind them. This proactive step helps secure your house from leaks that could cause significant damage if you’re unable to get to them in time.

Ensure a Relaxing Vacation with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

Regardless of if you’re looking forward to your dream vacation or just arrived home to find something about the HVAC system isn’t working, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can offer Expert support. We take pride in providing speedy, safe solutions to all your comfort problems.

Nothing is more important to our ACE-certified technicians than your total satisfaction. If you need an HVAC tune-up before you leave town, don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more. We’re here to make a meaningful difference in your home and for your peace of mind.