Here Are Eight Ways to Prepare Your HVAC System for Vacation

Taking a break in summer is an opportunity to unwind and enjoy a break from the day to day. Prior to departure, double-check that the house and HVAC system are prepared for your absence. A little preparation goes a long way toward lowering your risk of high-cost repairs and ensuring a safe, comfortable home while you’re away. Use the following eight practical tips to set up your HVAC system before a vacation so your return home is easy and stress-free.

1. Request a Professional HVAC Tune-Up

A great way to keep your HVAC in top shape is to schedule a maintenance visit leading up to your trip. A certified professional will examine your HVAC, clean crucial components, and resolve any issues found during the inspection. This preventive measure minimizes the chance of surprise equipment failure and keeps your system running efficiently.

2. Clear Debris from the Outdoor Unit

Along with a qualified maintenance visit, you can further boost HVAC performance by clearing out leaves, dirt or other yard debris around the outdoor condensing unit. Before heading to the airport, take a few minutes to hose down the unit and clear any remaining debris. This simple step can help your system run more efficiently and limit the risk of problems while the house is empty.

3. Check that Your Vents are Unobstructed

Obstructed vents cause uneven cooling and extra stress on your HVAC system. Before you leave, check that all the ventilation registers are clear and not covered up by shelves, rugs or heavy drapes. This ensures steady airflow and stops any part of your home from becoming excessively hot or cold.

4. Use Your Thermostat Efficiently

Updating the settings on your thermostat is an easy way to conserve power and keep energy costs in check while on vacation. Keep your thermostat around 85 degrees when you’re about to leave to minimize cooling an empty house without overheating your home.

If you want an easier time setting these schedules up, look into adding a smart thermostat before your vacation. This device enables you to manage the settings no matter where you are via the mobile app. You can modify any schedules based on changes in weather and receive alerts if any trouble shows up.

To guarantee a pleasant return home, direct your smart thermostat to begin cooling things down a few hours before you’ve arrived. If you can’t access your thermostat remotely, consider asking a friend to adjust the settings for you. This way, you can walk into a comfortable home, even after cutting down on energy costs for however long you’re gone.

5. Set Temperatures with Pets and Plants in Mind

If you have pets or even indoor plants that remain in your home while you’re on vacation, take them into consideration when setting the thermostat’s schedule during your absence. The official DOE recommendation of 85 degrees F may be uncomfortable for them. Arrange boarding for pets if possible, or check with friends and neighbors to take care of them and water your plants. Provide instructions for setting the thermostat if needed.

6. Keep the Curtains Closed to Keep Heat Out

Direct sunlight hitting any open windows increases the indoor temperature, causing your cooling to work much longer and harder in the summer. Close the blinds, any drapes or even sunshades to avoid extra heat in your home during the hottest parts of the day, avoiding the extra heat and reducing the stress it leaves on your air conditioner.

7. Fix Air Leaks and Drafts

Inspect all your windows and doors for air leaks before leaving on vacation. Closing up these leaks strengthens the house’s insulation and lowers some of the strain on the HVAC. Easy solutions like caulking fixed joints and adding weatherstripping seal windows and doors better. These easy jobs can really help in ensuring consistent temperatures while you’re gone.

8. Shut Down Electrical Devices and Water Supply

To conserve additional energy and minimize the risk of electrical issues, disconnect all unnecessary utilities, appliances and electronics before you leave. This includes things like TVs, computers, video game systems and small kitchen appliances. Using surge protectors for these devices 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 fixtures of your plumbing system using the valve on the wall closest to them. This preventive measure helps protect your home from water damage or broken pipes if you’re not there to get to them in time.

Allow Us to Help with Vacation Prep

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 Expert support. We pride ourselves on delivering quick yet lasting repairs to all your comfort problems.

Nothing matters more to our ACE-certified technicians than your total satisfaction. If you ready for an air conditioning checkup before you leave town, don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule an appointment. We’ll go above and beyond to have a positive impact in your home and for your peace of mind.