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

The summer break is the perfect chance to recharge and break away from the daily grind. But before you leave, double-check your home and HVAC are prepared for while you’re gone. Some prep work goes a long way toward avoiding costly damage and keeping your home safe until you’re back home. Use the following eight practical tips to get your HVAC system ready before a vacation so your first day back is smooth and trouble-free.

1. Stay on Top of Routine HVAC Maintenance

A great way to keep your HVAC in top shape is to schedule a maintenance visit before your trip. A certified professional will inspect your system, clean crucial components, and fix any problems they find. This preventive measure reduces the risk of sudden breakdowns and ensures best performance.

2. Clear Weeds and Yard Debris from the Outdoor Unit

In addition to a qualified maintenance visit, you can do your part to improve efficiency by removing any leaves, dirt or other yard debris around the outdoor cabinet near the house. Before heading to the airport, take a few minutes to spray it with the hose and sweep debris about 3 feet away. This basic task can help your system run more efficiently and prevent any issues while the house is empty.

3. Make Sure Your Vents are Open and Unblocked

Closed vents often result in inconsistent airflow and extra stress on your HVAC system. Before you leave, check that all the ventilation registers are fully opened and not obstructed by shelves, the carpet or curtains. This preserves normal airflow and stops any portion of your home from being too warm or cold.

4. Set Your Thermostat Wisely

Tweaking your thermostat settings is an effective option to save energy and keep energy costs in check while you’re out of town. Keep your thermostat around 85 degrees Fahrenheit when on summer vacation to save on cooling costs without letting the indoor temperature skyrocket.

If you haven’t already, look into adding a smart thermostat before your vacation. This device enables you to manage the settings no matter where you are via the mobile app. You can fine-tune the settings based on changes in weather and receive alerts if any trouble shows up.

To ensure a comfortable return, direct your smart thermostat to start cooling your home 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. That way, you can come back to a comfortable home, while still cutting down on energy costs for however long you’re gone.

5. Don’t Forget About Pets and Houseplants

If you have a dog or even just one or two houseplants that remain in your home while you are gone, keep them in mind when setting the thermostat during your absence. The recommended 85 degrees Fahrenheit might be too hot for them. Arrange boarding for pets if possible, or check with friends and neighbors to look after them and tend to your plants. Offer some directions on paper for setting the thermostat if needed.

6. Use Window Coverings Strategically

Direct sunlight hitting any bare windows increases the indoor temperature, forcing your HVAC system to work harder in the summer. Close the blinds, window treatments like curtains or even sunshades to block out more of that sunlight during the hottest parts of the day, maintaining a cooler home and easing the burden on your air conditioner.

7. Close Gaps and Drafts

Check windows and doors for cracks or gaps before leaving on vacation. Making sure these gaps are sealed strengthens the house’s insulation and lowers some of the strain on your HVAC system. Easy solutions like caulking stationary joints and using weatherstripping tighten up the window and door seals. These steps can really help in maintaining stable indoor temperatures.

8. Power Down Electronics and Turn Off the Water Supply

To save even more energy and avoid any electrical problems, unplug non-essential appliances and electronics before you leave. This means things like television sets, PCs, gaming consoles and most small household appliances. Keeping these devices plugged into surge protectors makes it much easier to turn off the electricity to everything all at once.

It’s also smart to turn the main water shut-off valve or just the water supply to specific fixtures of your plumbing system using the valve on the wall behind them. This preventive measure helps protect your home from leaks that could cause significant damage if you’re unable to catch them.

Let Us Help You Prepare for Vacation

Whether you’re eagerly awaiting your dream vacation or just returned to find your HVAC system not working, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can offer Expert support. We pride ourselves on delivering quick yet lasting repairs to all your comfort problems.

Nothing is more important to our ACE-certified HVAC Experts than your comfort and complete satisfaction. If you need an air conditioning checkup before you leave town, don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more. We’ll do whatever it takes to make a meaningful difference in your life and home comfort.