Try These Eight Tips to Prepare the HVAC System for Vacation

The summer break is an opportunity to recharge and take a much-needed rest from the daily grind. But before you leave, ensure that the house and HVAC system are set for your absence. A bit of planning goes a long way toward lowering your risk of high-cost repairs and ensuring a safe, comfortable home until you’re back home. Try these eight useful tips to set up your HVAC system for vacation so your first day back is easy and stress-free.

1. Tune Up Your HVAC System

One of the best ways to help your HVAC system run smoothly is to schedule a maintenance visit before your trip. A professional HVAC technician will inspect your system, clean important parts, and resolve any issues found during the inspection. This proactive approach reduces the risk of unexpected problems and ensures best performance.

2. Tidy Up Around the Outdoor Unit

Along with a technician’s inspection, you can do your part to improve efficiency by removing any leaves, rocks or grass clippings near the outdoor condensing unit. Ahead of your trip, set aside a few moments to rinse dirt and dust off and clear any remaining debris. This easy DIY chore can help protect operational efficiency and limit the risk of problems while you’re away.

3. Check that Your Vents are Unobstructed

Blocked vents often result in inconsistent airflow and excess strain on your HVAC system. Before you leave, ensure that all vents are clear and not obstructed by shelves, the carpet or , thick, heavy curtains. This maintains proper air circulation and prevents any specific room of your home from being too warm or cold.

4. Use Your Thermostat Efficiently

Adjusting your thermostat is a simple method to save energy and rein in utility bills while out and about. Keep your thermostat around 85 degrees Fahrenheit when traveling in the summer to reduce energy waste without allowing the interior to overheat.

If you want an easier time setting these schedules up, consider installing a smart thermostat before your vacation. The programming in these newer thermostats allows you to adjust schedules and settings as long as you have an internet connection via a smartphone app. You can modify any schedules based on changes in weather and get automatic notifications if any unexpected problems appear.

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, consider asking a friend to handle changing the thermostat. That way, you can walk into a comfortable home, even after cutting down on energy costs for the duration of your trip.

5. Make Arrangements for Pets and Plants

If you have pets or even just one or two houseplants that stay at home while you’re away, take them into account when adjusting the temperature during your absence. The suggested 85°F might be too warm for them. Arrange boarding for pets if possible, or check with friends and neighbors to pet sit or water your plants. Write down a few guidelines for adjusting the thermostat if necessary.

6. Use Window Coverings Strategically

Direct sunlight hitting any bare windows can significantly raise the temperature, causing your HVAC system to run much longer in the summer. Pull down the blinds, window treatments like curtains or even sunshades to avoid extra heat in your home during the hottest parts of the day, maintaining a cooler home and reducing the stress it leaves on your air conditioner.

7. Seal Leaks and Drafts

Examine the windows and doors for drafts before you leave. Making sure these gaps are sealed strengthens the house’s insulation and helps ease some of the stress on the HVAC. Easy solutions include applying caulk to the joints and installing weatherstripping help windows and doors close more tightly. These easy jobs can have a significant impact in ensuring consistent temperatures while you’re gone.

8. Make Sure Electronics Are Unplugged, and the Water Main Shut Off

To further reduce power consumption and lower the chances of electrical damage, disconnect all unnecessary utilities, appliances and electronics before it’s time to leave. This includes things like televisions, laptops, gaming consoles and small kitchen appliances. Using surge protectors for these devices makes it easy to cut the power to them all simultaneously.

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 closest to them. This kind of precaution helps safeguard your home from water damage or broken pipes if you’re unable to get to them in time.

Allow Us to Help with Vacation Prep

Regardless of if you’re looking forward to your dream vacation or just stepped inside to find something about the HVAC system isn’t working, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can offer Expert support. We pride ourselves on delivering fast, long-lasting solutions to any and all your comfort problems.

Nothing matters more to our ACE-certified technicians than your comfort and complete satisfaction. If you ready for an air conditioning checkup before you leave town, don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more. We’re here to have a positive impact in your life and home comfort.