Try These Eight Tips for Preparing the HVAC System Before a Vacation

Taking a break in summer is an opportunity to unwind and break away from the daily grind. But before you leave, ensure your home and HVAC are ready for while you’re gone. A bit of planning goes a long way toward avoiding high-cost repairs and ensuring a safe, comfortable home until you return. Try these eight handy tips to set up your HVAC system for vacation so your return home is seamless and stress-free.

1. Tune Up Your HVAC System

One of the best ways to ensure your HVAC runs efficiently is to request a maintenance visit leading up to your trip. A professional HVAC technician can inspect your system, clean crucial components, and address any issues they find. This forward-thinking strategy lowers the likelihood of sudden breakdowns and maintains system efficiency.

2. Tidy Up Around the Outdoor Unit

Along with a professional tune-up, you can further boost HVAC performance by removing weeds, rocks or other yard debris near the outdoor unit of the HVAC system. Ahead of your trip, set aside a few moments to rinse dirt and dust off and sweep debris about 3 feet away. This basic task can help your system run more efficiently and limit the risk of problems while the house is empty.

3. Ensure Your Vents are Clear and Open

Blocked vents cause uneven cooling and unnecessary strain on your HVAC system. To avoid this, check that all vents are open and not obstructed by furniture, rugs or , thick, heavy curtains. This preserves normal airflow and stops any part of your home from being too warm or cold.

4. Follow Recommendations for Thermostat Settings During a Vacation

Updating the settings on your thermostat is a simple method to save energy and lower those energy costs while out and about. Set your thermostat around 85 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re about to leave to reduce energy waste without letting the indoor temperature skyrocket.

If you haven’t already, think about getting a smart thermostat before your vacation. A smart thermostat allows you to adjust the settings while you’re gone via the mobile app. You can keep an eye on the temperature based on changes in weather and receive alerts if any issues pop up.

To ensure a comfortable return, access and adjust your smart thermostat to start the AC for a while before you get home. If you can’t access your thermostat remotely, ask a neighbor to set the temperatures while you’re gone. This way, you can come back to a comfortable home, while still minimizing energy waste for the duration of your trip.

5. Plan for Your Pets and Plants

If you have cats, dogs or even just one or two houseplants that remain in your home while you’re away, take them into account when setting the thermostat’s schedule during your absence. The recommended 85 degrees F might be too warm for them. Consider boarding any pets, or check with friends and neighbors to take care of them and water your plants. Offer some directions on paper for setting the thermostat if you need to.

6. Keep the Curtains Closed to Keep Heat Out

Sunlight streaming through bare windows increases the indoor temperature, causing your HVAC system to run much longer in the summer. Close the blinds, window treatments like curtains or even sunshades to keep sunlight out during the afternoon, keeping your home cooler and easing the burden on your cooling.

7. Seal Leaks and Drafts

Examine the windows and doors for cracks or gaps before you leave. Closing up these leaks enhances air tightness and helps ease some of the stress on the HVAC. Simple fixes such as caulking stationary joints and adding weatherstripping help windows and doors close more tightly. These easy jobs can really help in maintaining stable indoor temperatures.

8. Turn Off Electrical Devices and the Water Supply

To conserve additional energy and lower the chances of electrical damage, disconnect all unnecessary utilities, appliances and electronics before it’s time to leave. This means things like televisions, laptops, gaming consoles 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 them all simultaneously.

You might also want to shut off the main water valve or cut off the water supply to specific plumbing fixtures and appliances with the valve on the wall nearby. This proactive step helps protect your home from potential leaks and major water damage if you’re not there to catch them.

Let Us Help You Prepare for Vacation

Whether you’re eagerly awaiting your dream vacation or just stepped inside to find something about the HVAC system isn’t working, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can offer Expert support. We take pride in providing speedy, safe solutions to all your comfort problems.

Nothing matters more to our ACE-certified HVAC Experts than your 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’ll do whatever it takes to make a meaningful difference in your home and for your peace of mind.