Here Are Eight Ways for Preparing Your HVAC System Before a Vacation
The summer break is the perfect chance to recharge and break away from the daily routine. Prior to departure, ensure your home and HVAC are set for your absence. A little preparation goes a long way toward lowering your risk of costly damage and ensuring a safe, comfortable home until you return. Try these eight useful tips to set up your HVAC system before a vacation so your first day back is easy and stress-free.
1. Tune Up Your HVAC System
One of the best things you can do to help your HVAC system run smoothly is to schedule a maintenance visit leading up to your trip. A certified professional will check for signs of trouble, clean important parts, and resolve any issues found during the inspection. This proactive approach reduces the risk of surprise equipment failure and maintains system efficiency.
2. Clear Weeds and Yard Debris from the Outdoor Unit
In addition to a technician’s inspection, you can also help protect system performance by removing any leaves, rocks or other yard debris around the outdoor cabinet near the house. Before heading to the airport, set aside a few moments to rinse dirt and dust off and sweep debris about 3 feet away. This easy DIY chore can help protect operational efficiency and avoid any problems while you’re gone.
3. Check the Ventilation Registers to Make Sure They’re Open and Unobstructed
Closed vents often result in inconsistent airflow and excess strain on your HVAC system. Before you leave, check that all vents are clear and not blocked by large pieces of furniture, rugs or heavy drapes. This preserves normal airflow and keeps any portion of your home from feeling too warm or cold.
4. Adjust Your Thermostat Smartly
Updating the settings on your thermostat is an effective option to conserve power and keep energy costs in check while out and about. Set your thermostat around 85 degrees Fahrenheit when away during the summer to reduce energy waste without letting the indoor temperature skyrocket.
If you haven’t already, consider installing a smart thermostat before your vacation. This device allows you to adjust schedules and settings as long as you have an internet connection via a tablet or smartphone. You can keep an eye on the temperature based on weather forecasts and get automatic notifications if any trouble shows up.
To ensure a comfortable return, access and adjust your smart thermostat to start the AC 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. With their help, you can come back to a comfortable home, while still cutting down on energy costs for the duration of your trip.
5. Set Temperatures with Pets and Plants in Mind
If you have a dog or even just a few houseplants that remain in your home while you’re on vacation, keep them in mind when adjusting the temperature during your absence. The recommended 85°F may be excessive for them. Arrange boarding for pets if possible, or ask a friend or neighbor to pet sit and make sure the plants are watered. Provide instructions for setting the thermostat if they need them.
6. Keep the Curtains Closed to Keep Heat Out
Direct sunlight hitting any bare windows increases the indoor temperature, causing your cooling to work much longer and harder in the summer. Pull down the blinds, window treatments like curtains or even shades to keep sunlight out during the mid to late afternoon, keeping your home cooler and reducing the stress it leaves on your AC.
7. Fix Air Leaks and Drafts
Examine the windows and doors for cracks or gaps before you leave. Making sure these gaps are sealed 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 using weatherstripping help windows and doors close more tightly. These steps can have a significant impact in keeping indoor temperatures more consistent.
8. 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, computers, gaming devices and small kitchen appliances. Plugging as many of them as you can into surge protectors makes it a breeze to cut the power to them all simultaneously.
It’s also smart to close the valve for your water main or cut off the water supply to specific fixtures of your plumbing system with the valve on the wall closest to them. This preventive measure helps safeguard your home from potential leaks and major water damage if you’re unable to address them right away.
Allow Us to Help with Vacation Prep
Regardless of if you’re eagerly awaiting your dream vacation or just arrived home to find something about the HVAC system isn’t working, A1 Chesney Service Experts can offer Expert support. We pride ourselves on delivering quick yet lasting repairs to every one of your comfort problems.
Nothing is more important to our certified technicians than your complete satisfaction. If you need an appointment for AC maintenance before you leave town, don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more. We’ll go above and beyond to have a positive impact in your life and home comfort.
