Here Are Eight Ways to Prepare Your HVAC System Before a Vacation

Summer vacations are a time to relax and enjoy a break from the everyday hustle. Prior to departure, double-check your home and HVAC system are set for your absence. A little preparation goes a long way toward preventing high-cost repairs and ensuring a safe, comfortable home until you’re back home. Try these eight useful tips to get your HVAC system ready for vacation so your first day back is seamless and worry-free.

1. Get Your HVAC System Tuned Up

One of the best things you can do to keep your HVAC in top shape is to schedule a maintenance visit ahead of your vacation. A professional HVAC technician will inspect your system, clean important parts, and address any issues they find. This preventive measure minimizes the chance of unexpected problems and maintains system efficiency.

2. Tidy Up Around the Outdoor Unit

In addition to a technician’s inspection, you can also help protect system performance by removing any leaves, dirt or grass clippings around the outdoor unit of the HVAC system. Ahead of your trip, take a few minutes 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 the Ventilation Registers to Make Sure They’re Open and Unobstructed

Blocked vents often result in inconsistent airflow and excess strain on your HVAC system. To avoid this, verify that all vents are fully opened and not blocked by large pieces of furniture, the carpet or heavy drapes. This ensures steady airflow and stops any specific room of your home from becoming excessively hot or cold.

4. Use Your Thermostat Efficiently

Adjusting your thermostat is an easy way to reduce energy waste and rein in utility bills while on vacation. Set your thermostat around 85°F when on summer vacation to minimize cooling an empty house without allowing the interior to overheat.

If you want an easier time setting these schedules up, think about getting a smart thermostat before your vacation. The programming in these newer thermostats lets you monitor and control your home’s temperature from anywhere via a smartphone app. You can fine-tune the settings based on weather forecasts and be alerted right away if any unexpected problems appear.

To make sure you come back to total comfort, direct your smart thermostat to begin cooling things down for a while before you’ve arrived. If you haven’t installed a smart thermostat yet, consider asking a friend to handle changing the thermostat. With their help, you can walk into a comfortable home, even after minimizing energy waste for however long you’re gone.

5. Make Arrangements for Pets and Plants

If you have a dog or even just a few houseplants that stay at home while you’re away, take them into account when setting the thermostat’s schedule during your absence. The suggested 85 degrees F might be too warm for them. Consider boarding any pets, or get a friend or neighbor to look after them or make sure the plants are watered. Offer some directions on paper for setting the thermostat if necessary.

6. Use Window Coverings Strategically

Sunlight coming through uncovered windows increases the indoor temperature, making your AC system to work harder in the summer. Close the blinds, any drapes or even sunshades to keep sunlight out during the afternoon, maintaining a cooler home and lessening the strain on your AC.

7. Close Gaps and Drafts

Examine the windows and doors for cracks or gaps before you leave. Fixing drafty windows enhances air tightness and can help reduce the extra burden on the heating and cooling. Simple fixes like applying caulk to the joints and adding weatherstripping help windows and doors close more tightly. These easy jobs can really help in maintaining stable indoor temperatures.

8. Shut Down Electrical Devices and Water Supply

To conserve additional energy and avoid any electrical problems, unplug the appliances and other electronics you won’t use before it’s time to leave. This includes things like television sets, PCs, gaming devices and most small household appliances. Using surge protectors for these devices makes it much easier to turn off the electricity to them all simultaneously.

You might also want to close the valve for your water main or cut off the water supply to specific fixtures of your plumbing system by turning the valve on the wall behind them. This kind of precaution helps safeguard your home from water damage or broken pipes if you’re not there to get to them in time.

Let Us Help You Prepare for Vacation

Whether you’re counting down the days before your dream vacation or just stepped inside to find your HVAC system not working, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can offer Expert support. We are proud to provide quick yet lasting repairs to all your comfort problems.

Nothing is more important to our ACE-certified technicians than your total satisfaction. If you ready for an HVAC tune-up before you leave town, don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule an appointment. We’ll do whatever it takes to have a positive impact in your home comfort and day to day.