Try These Eight Tips to Set Your HVAC System for Vacation
Summer vacations are the perfect chance to relax and take a much-needed rest from the everyday hustle. Prior to departure, ensure that the house and HVAC system are set for while you’re gone. A little preparation goes a long way toward avoiding costly damage and keeping your home safe while you’re away. Here are eight practical tips to get your HVAC system ready for vacation so your first day back is easy and stress-free.
1. Ensure Your Vents are Clear and Open
Blocked vents often result in inconsistent airflow and unnecessary strain on your HVAC system. Before you leave, check that all registers are open and not obstructed by shelves, rugs or thick, heavy curtains. This keeps air circulating evenly and stops any portion of your home from being excessively hot or cold.
2. Fix Air Leaks and Drafts
Examine the windows and doors for air leaks before leaving on vacation. Making sure these gaps are sealed improves your home’s insulation efficiency and can help reduce the extra burden on the HVAC. Easy solutions like applying caulk to the joints and adding weatherstripping seal windows and doors better. These easy jobs can have a significant impact in maintaining stable indoor temperatures.
3. Use Your Curtains and Drapes Wisely
Strong afternoon sun hitting uncovered windows increases the indoor temperature, forcing your HVAC system to work harder in the summer. Pull down the blinds, any curtains or even shades to keep sunlight out during the afternoon, maintaining a cooler home and reducing the stress it leaves on your HVAC.
4. Make Sure Electronics Are Unplugged, and the Water Main Shut Off
To conserve additional energy and avoid any electrical problems, unplug non-essential appliances and electronics before you leave. This includes things like television sets, computers, 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.
It’s also a good idea to close the valve for your water main or just the water supply to specific parts of the plumbing using the valve on the wall nearby. This proactive step helps secure your house from water damage or broken pipes if you’re unable to address them right away.
5. Clear Weeds and Yard Debris from the Outdoor Unit
Alongside a technician’s inspection, you can do your part to improve efficiency by removing any leaves, rocks or grass clippings around the outdoor unit of the HVAC system. A few days before you leave, take a few minutes to hose down the unit and sweep debris about 3 feet away. This basic task can help protect operational efficiency and limit the risk of problems while you’re away.
6. Adjust Your Thermostat Smartly
Updating the settings on your thermostat is an effective option to reduce energy waste and keep energy costs in check while out and about. Keep your thermostat around 85 degrees when traveling in the summer to save on cooling costs without allowing the interior to overheat.
For even more benefits, consider installing a smart thermostat before your vacation. The programming in these newer thermostats lets you monitor and control the settings no matter where you are via a tablet or smartphone. You can modify any schedules based on changes in weather and get automatic notifications if any issues pop up.
To ensure a comfortable return, set your smart thermostat to start cooling your home a few hours before you get home. If you don’t have a smart thermostat, ask a neighbor to set the temperatures while you’re gone. This way, you can return to a cozy house, even after cutting down on energy costs for the days or weeks during your absence.
7. Tune Up Your HVAC System
One of the best ways to help your HVAC system run smoothly is to schedule a maintenance visit leading up to your trip. A professional HVAC technician will check for signs of trouble, service key components, and resolve any issues found during the inspection. This proactive approach lowers the likelihood of surprise equipment failure and maintains system efficiency.
8. And Finally, Plan for Your Pets and Plants
If you have a dog or even indoor plants that stay at home while you are gone, take them into account when setting the thermostat’s schedule during your absence. The recommended 85°F can be too hot for them. Consider boarding any pets, or get a friend or neighbor to take care of them and tend to your plants. Provide instructions for updating thermostat settings if they need them.
Let Us Help You Prepare for Vacation
No matter if you’re eagerly awaiting your dream vacation or just returned to find something about the HVAC system isn’t working, Freedom Heating & Cooling can help. We take pride in providing speedy, safe solutions to all your comfort problems.
Nothing is more important to our ACE-certified HVAC Experts than your complete satisfaction. If you need an HVAC tune-up 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.
