Eight Tips for Preparing Your HVAC System for Vacation
The summer break is an opportunity to unwind and break away from the day to day. Before you head out, make sure that the house and HVAC are prepared for while you’re gone. Some prep work goes a long way toward avoiding expensive problems and ensuring a safe, comfortable home while you’re away. Use the following eight useful tips to set up your HVAC system for vacation so your return home is smooth and trouble-free.
1. Ensure Your Vents are Clear and Open
Obstructed vents lead to uneven temperatures and excess strain on your HVAC system. Before you leave, ensure that all the ventilation registers are open and not blocked by large pieces of furniture, the carpet or curtains. This maintains proper air circulation and stops any specific room of your home from becoming too warm or cold.
2. Fix Air Leaks and Drafts
Check windows and doors for cracks or gaps before heading out. Fixing drafty windows strengthens the house’s insulation and lowers some of the strain on the heating and cooling. Quick DIY fixes like applying caulk to the joints and adding weatherstripping seal windows and doors better. These easy jobs make a big difference in keeping indoor temperatures more consistent.
3. Keep the Curtains Closed to Keep Heat Out
Strong afternoon sun hitting bare windows can significantly raise the temperature, making your air conditioner to run much longer in the summer. Draw the blinds, any drapes or even sunshades to block out more of that sunlight during the hottest parts of the day, keeping your home cooler and lessening the strain on your cooling.
4. Turn Off Electrical Devices and the Water Supply
To further reduce power consumption and avoid any electrical problems, unplug non-essential appliances and electronics before it’s time to leave. This should include things like television sets, PCs, video game systems and small kitchen appliances. Using surge protectors for these devices makes it much easier to switch off the power to them all simultaneously.
It’s also a good idea to close the valve for your water main or just the water supply to specific plumbing fixtures and appliances by turning 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.
5. Tidy Up Around the Outdoor Unit
In addition to a technician’s inspection, you can also help protect system performance by clearing out leaves, rocks or other yard debris around the outdoor condensing unit. Before heading to the airport, spend some time to spray it with the hose and sweep debris about 3 feet away. This basic task prevents yard waste from impacting system efficiency and prevent any issues while you’re gone.
6. Use Energy-Efficient Settings for Your Thermostat
Tweaking your thermostat settings is an effective option to save energy and rein in utility bills while you’re out of town. Set your thermostat around 85 degrees when traveling in the summer to save on cooling costs without overheating your home.
For even more benefits, consider installing a smart thermostat before your vacation. This device lets you monitor and control schedules and settings while you’re gone via the mobile app. You can modify any schedules based on the day’s weather and get automatic notifications if any issues pop up.
To ensure a comfortable return, set 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 return to a cozy house, and still be cutting down on energy costs for the duration of your trip.
7. Schedule an HVAC Tune-Up
One of the best ways to keep your HVAC in top shape is to schedule a maintenance visit before your trip. A certified professional can check for signs of trouble, clean crucial components, and resolve any issues found during the inspection. This forward-thinking strategy reduces the risk of sudden breakdowns and ensures best performance.
8. Remember to Make Arrangements for Pets and Plants
If you have a dog or even just a few houseplants that remain in your home while you are gone, take them into account when setting the thermostat during your absence. The official DOE recommendation of 85 degrees F can be too hot for them. Consider boarding any pets, or ask a friend or neighbor to pet sit and tend to your plants. Provide instructions for adjusting the thermostat if they need them.
Ensure a Relaxing Vacation with Canyon State Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing
Regardless of if you’re counting down the days before your dream vacation or just came back to discover the HVAC isn’t working, Canyon State Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing can help. We pride ourselves on delivering quick, yet lasting repairs to any and all your comfort problems.
Nothing matters more to our ACE-certified technicians and installers than your complete satisfaction. If you need an appointment for AC maintenance before you leave town, don’t hesitate to contact us to arrange for a technician to come out. We’ll do whatever it takes to have a positive impact in your home comfort and day to day.
