Here Are Eight Ways to Prepare Your HVAC System Before a Vacation
Taking a break in summer is an opportunity to unwind and take a much-needed rest from the everyday hustle. But before you leave, ensure your home and HVAC system are prepared for your absence. A bit of planning goes a long way toward preventing costly damage and keeping your home safe until you return. Try these eight useful tips to get your HVAC system ready before a vacation so your return home is easy and trouble-free.
1. Schedule an HVAC Tune-Up
One of the best ways to help your HVAC system run smoothly is to set up a maintenance visit before your trip. A professional HVAC technician will examine your HVAC, clean crucial components, and resolve any issues found during the inspection. This forward-thinking strategy lowers the likelihood of unexpected problems and maintains system efficiency.
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 around the outdoor unit of the HVAC system. A few days before you leave, set aside a few moments to spray it with the hose and clear any remaining debris. This simple step can help protect operational efficiency and limit the risk of problems while the house is empty.
3. Make Sure Your Vents are Open and Unblocked
Obstructed vents often result in inconsistent airflow and excess strain on your HVAC system. To avoid this, verify that all registers are fully opened and not obstructed by large pieces of furniture, the carpet or heavy drapes. This ensures steady airflow and prevents any specific room of your home from becoming too warm or cold.
4. Follow Recommendations for Thermostat Settings During a Vacation
Tweaking your thermostat settings is an effective option to conserve power and rein in utility bills while on vacation. Set your thermostat around 85°F when traveling in the summer to minimize cooling an empty house without allowing the interior to overheat.
If energy efficiency is a top priority, think about getting a smart thermostat before your vacation. A smart thermostat lets you monitor and control the settings no matter where you are via a smartphone app. You can fine-tune the settings based on the day’s weather and be alerted right away if any unexpected problems appear.
To guarantee a pleasant return home, direct your smart thermostat to start cooling your home 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 handle changing the thermostat. That way, you can walk into a comfortable home, even after cutting down on energy costs 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 suggested 85°F may be too hot for them. Board your pets if you can, or check with friends and neighbors to look after them and make sure the plants are watered. Offer some directions on paper for changing the temperature if needed.
6. Use Your Curtains and Drapes Wisely
Sunlight coming through open windows adds a lot of heat to your home, making your HVAC system to work much longer and harder in the summer. Draw the blinds, window treatments like curtains or even sunshades to avoid extra heat in your home during the afternoon, maintaining a cooler home and lessening the strain on your cooling.
7. Close Gaps and Drafts
Inspect all your windows and doors for drafts before you leave. Closing up these leaks improves your home’s insulation efficiency and lowers some of the strain on the HVAC. Easy solutions like caulking fixed joints and installing weatherstripping tighten up the window and door seals. These easy jobs can really help in ensuring consistent temperatures while you’re gone.
8. Make Sure Electronics Are Unplugged, and the Water Main Shut Off
To save even more energy and avoid any electrical problems, disconnect all unnecessary utilities, appliances and electronics before you leave. This should include things like televisions, computers, video game systems and most small household appliances. Plugging as many of them as you can into surge protectors makes it much easier to turn off the electricity to everything all at once.
You might also want to close the valve for your water main or just the water supply to specific plumbing fixtures and appliances using the valve on the wall nearby. This proactive step helps safeguard your home from potential leaks and major water damage if you’re unable to get to them in time.
Allow Us to Help with Vacation Prep
Whether you’re counting down the days before your dream vacation or just came back to discover the HVAC isn’t working, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can offer solutions. We are proud to provide fast, long-lasting solutions to all your comfort problems.
Nothing is more important to our certified HVAC Experts than your comfort and complete satisfaction. If you ready for an HVAC tune-up before you leave town, don’t hesitate to contact us to arrange for a technician to come out. We’re here to have a positive impact in your life and home comfort.