Here Are Eight Ways to Prepare the HVAC System for Vacation
Taking a break in summer is an opportunity to relax and enjoy a break from the daily routine. Prior to departure, make sure that the house and HVAC system are prepared for while you’re gone. A bit of planning goes a long way toward preventing high-cost repairs and ensuring a safe, comfortable home until you’re back home. Try these eight practical tips to set up your HVAC system before a vacation so your return home is seamless and trouble-free.
1. Ensure Your Vents are Clear and Open
Closed vents lead to uneven temperatures and unnecessary strain on your HVAC system. To avoid this, ensure that all registers are clear and not blocked by shelves, rugs or heavy drapes. This preserves normal airflow and prevents any part of your home from feeling excessively hot or cold.
2. Close Gaps and Drafts
Inspect all your windows and doors for drafts before you leave. Fixing drafty windows strengthens the house’s insulation and lowers some of the strain on the HVAC. Easy solutions like caulking fixed joints and using weatherstripping seal windows and doors better. These easy jobs make a big difference in ensuring consistent temperatures while you’re gone.
3. Use Your Curtains and Drapes Wisely
Strong afternoon sun hitting uncovered windows increases the indoor temperature, causing your air conditioning to work harder in the summer. Draw the blinds, any curtains or even sunshades to block out more of that sunlight during the hottest parts of the day, keeping your home cooler and easing the burden on your AC.
4. Power Down Electronics and Turn Off the Water Supply
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 television sets, PCs, gaming consoles and most small household appliances. Using surge protectors for these devices makes it a breeze to cut the power to them all simultaneously.
It’s also smart to turn the main water shut-off valve or just the water supply to specific plumbing fixtures and appliances by turning the valve on the wall behind them. This preventive measure helps safeguard your home from leaks that could cause significant damage if you’re not there to address them right away.
5. Clean the Area Around the Outdoor Unit
In addition to a professional tune-up, you can also help protect system performance by removing any leaves, dirt or grass clippings or debris near the outdoor unit of the HVAC system. Before heading to the airport, spend some time to hose down the unit and clear any remaining debris. This simple step can help your system run more efficiently and avoid any problems while you’re away.
6. Use Energy-Efficient Settings for Your Thermostat
Adjusting your thermostat is an easy way to conserve power and lower those energy costs while away on vacation. Keep your thermostat around 85°F when traveling in the summer to reduce energy waste without letting the indoor temperature skyrocket.
If you want an easier time setting these schedules up, consider installing a smart thermostat before your vacation. This device enables you to manage your home’s temperature while you’re gone via a tablet or smartphone. You can keep an eye on the temperature based on weather forecasts and be alerted right away if any unexpected problems appear.
To ensure a comfortable return, access and adjust your smart thermostat to start the AC for a while before you’ve arrived. If you don’t have a smart thermostat, reach out to a friend and ask them to set the temperatures while you’re gone. This way, you can walk into a comfortable home, and still be cutting down on energy costs for however long you’re gone.
7. Get Your HVAC System Tuned Up
One of the best things you can do to ensure your HVAC runs efficiently is to set up a maintenance visit before your trip. A professional HVAC technician will check for signs of trouble, service key components, and fix any problems they find. This proactive approach minimizes the chance of sudden breakdowns and keeps your system running efficiently.
8. Remember to Make Arrangements for Pets and Plants
If you have cats, dogs or even indoor plants that will be left at home while you are gone, take them into consideration when setting the thermostat’s schedule during your absence. The suggested 85 degrees Fahrenheit may be too hot for them. Consider boarding any pets, or check with friends and neighbors to take care of them or tend to your plants. Offer some directions on paper for adjusting the thermostat if they need them.
We Can Help You Get Ready for Vacation
Whether you’re looking forward to your dream vacation or just returned to find the HVAC isn’t working, Arundel Cooling can offer solutions. We take pride in providing speedy, safe solutions to any and all your comfort problems.
Nothing is more important to our ACE-certified technicians than your comfort and complete satisfaction. If you ready for an appointment for AC maintenance before you leave town, please contact us to arrange for a technician to come out. We’re here to make a meaningful difference in your home comfort and day to day.
