Eight Tips for Preparing the HVAC System Before a Vacation

Summer vacations are a time to recharge and break away from the day to day. Prior to departure, double-check that the house and HVAC are set for while you’re gone. A bit of planning goes a long way toward preventing high-cost repairs and keeping your home safe while you’re away. Here are eight useful tips to get your HVAC system ready for vacation so your first day back is easy and stress-free.

1. Stay on Top of Routine HVAC Maintenance

One of the best ways to keep your HVAC in top shape is to request a maintenance visit before your trip. A qualified technician can check for signs of trouble, clean crucial components, and resolve any issues found during the inspection. This forward-thinking strategy reduces the risk of sudden breakdowns and keeps your system running efficiently.

2. Clear Debris from the Outdoor Unit

Along with a qualified maintenance visit, you can further boost HVAC performance by removing weeds, rocks or grass clippings around the outdoor condensing unit. Ahead of your trip, set aside a few moments to spray it with the hose and clear any remaining debris. This easy DIY chore can help your system run more efficiently and prevent any issues while you’re gone.

3. Check the Ventilation Registers to Make Sure They’re Open and Unobstructed

Obstructed vents lead to uneven temperatures and unnecessary strain on your HVAC system. To avoid this, check that all vents are open and not obstructed by large pieces of furniture, rugs or , thick, heavy curtains. This keeps air circulating evenly and keeps any portion of your home from being too warm or cold.

4. Adjust Your Thermostat Smartly

Updating the settings on your thermostat is an effective option to reduce energy waste and lower those energy costs while you’re out of town. Set your thermostat around 85 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re about to leave to save on cooling costs without letting the indoor temperature skyrocket.

If you haven’t already, consider installing a smart thermostat before your vacation. A smart thermostat enables you to manage schedules and settings as long as you have an internet connection via the mobile app. You can keep an eye on the temperature based on weather forecasts and get automatic notifications if any issues pop up.

To ensure a comfortable return, direct your smart thermostat to begin cooling things down for at least a few hours before you’ve arrived. If you can’t access your thermostat remotely, reach out to a friend and ask them to adjust the settings for you. With their help, you can return to a cozy house, even after minimizing energy waste for however long you’re gone.

5. Set Temperatures with Pets and Plants in Mind

If you have cats, dogs or even indoor plants that stay at home while you’re away, take them into consideration when setting the thermostat during your absence. The recommended 85 degrees Fahrenheit might be too warm for them. Arrange boarding for pets if possible, or get a friend or neighbor to take care of them or water your plants. Provide instructions for updating thermostat settings if they need them.

6. Use Your Curtains and Drapes Wisely

Strong afternoon sun hitting open windows adds a lot of heat to your home, causing your AC system to run much longer in the summer. Close the blinds, window treatments like curtains or even shades to block out more of that sunlight during the hottest parts of the day, keeping your home cooler and easing the burden on your cooling.

7. Close Gaps and Drafts

Examine the windows and doors for drafts before you leave. Making sure these gaps are sealed improves your home’s insulation efficiency and lowers some of the strain on your HVAC system. Simple fixes include applying caulk to the joints and adding weatherstripping tighten up the window and door seals. These easy jobs can really help in maintaining stable indoor temperatures.

8. Make Sure Electronics Are Unplugged, and the Water Main Shut Off

To conserve additional energy and minimize the risk of electrical issues, unplug non-essential appliances and electronics before it’s time to leave. This should include things like televisions, PCs, video game systems and minor kitchen gadgets. Keeping these devices plugged into surge protectors makes it a breeze to switch off the power to them all simultaneously.

You might also want to close the valve for your water main or cut off the water supply to specific plumbing fixtures and appliances with the valve on the wall behind them. This kind of precaution helps protect your home from leaks that could cause significant damage if you’re not there to catch them.

We Can Help You Get Ready for Vacation

Regardless of if you’re counting down the days before your dream vacation or just came back to discover something about the HVAC system isn’t working, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can help. We are proud to provide speedy, safe solutions to all your comfort problems.

Nothing is more important to our ACE-certified technicians than your comfort and complete satisfaction. If you need an appointment for AC maintenance before you leave town, don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule an appointment. We’re here to have a positive impact in your home and for your peace of mind.