Try These Eight Tips for Preparing the HVAC System Before a Vacation

Summer vacations are the perfect chance to unwind and take a much-needed rest from the daily grind. But before you leave, make sure that the house and HVAC system are prepared for while you’re gone. A bit of planning goes a long way toward preventing costly damage and keeping your home safe until you return. Use the following eight practical tips to prepare your HVAC system before a vacation so your first day back is smooth and worry-free.

1. Get Your HVAC System Tuned Up

A great way to keep your HVAC in top shape is to schedule a maintenance visit ahead of your vacation. A professional HVAC technician will examine your HVAC, clean crucial components, and address any issues they find. This forward-thinking strategy reduces the risk of surprise equipment failure and ensures best performance.

2. Clear Debris from the Outdoor Unit

In addition to a qualified maintenance visit, you can do your part to improve efficiency by clearing out 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 sweep debris about 3 feet away. This basic task can help protect operational efficiency and prevent any issues while the house is empty.

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

Closed vents lead to uneven temperatures and unnecessary strain on your HVAC system. Before you leave, check that all registers are clear and not covered up by shelves, rugs or , thick, heavy curtains. This ensures steady airflow and keeps any portion of your home from feeling excessively hot or cold.

4. Adjust Your Thermostat Smartly

Adjusting your thermostat is an easy way to save energy and keep energy costs in check while you’re out of town. Set your thermostat around 85 degrees Fahrenheit when on summer vacation to reduce energy waste without overheating your home.

If energy efficiency is a top priority, think about getting a smart thermostat before your vacation. This device allows you to adjust schedules and settings as long as you have an internet connection via the mobile app. You can modify any schedules based on changes in weather and receive alerts if any issues pop up.

To guarantee a pleasant return home, direct your smart thermostat to start the AC for at least a few hours before you’ve arrived. If you can’t access your thermostat remotely, consider asking a friend to set the temperatures while you’re gone. This way, you can come back to a comfortable home, and still be saving on energy bills for the duration of your trip.

5. Plan for Your Pets and Plants

If you have pets or even just a few houseplants that will be left at home while you’re away, take them into consideration when setting the thermostat’s schedule during your absence. The suggested 85°F can be too hot for them. Consider boarding any pets, or ask a friend or neighbor to take care of them and water your plants. Write down a few guidelines for changing the temperature if they need them.

6. Use Window Coverings Strategically

Direct sunlight hitting any uncovered windows can significantly raise the temperature, forcing your AC system to work harder in the summer. Draw the blinds, any curtains or even shades to keep sunlight out during the afternoon, keeping your home cooler and reducing the stress it leaves on your AC.

7. Fix Air Leaks and Drafts

Check windows and doors for drafts before leaving on vacation. Closing up these leaks improves your home’s insulation efficiency and helps ease some of the stress on your HVAC system. Simple fixes include caulking stationary joints and installing weatherstripping seal windows and doors better. These steps can have a significant impact in maintaining stable indoor temperatures.

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

To conserve additional energy and lower the chances of electrical damage, unplug non-essential appliances and electronics before you leave. This means things like televisions, computers, gaming consoles and most small household appliances. Using surge protectors for these devices makes it much easier to switch off the power to them all simultaneously.

It’s also smart to close the valve for your water main or just the water supply to specific plumbing fixtures and appliances by turning the valve on the wall nearby. This proactive step helps safeguard your home from water damage or broken pipes if you’re unable to get to them in time.

We Can Help You Get Ready for Vacation

Regardless of if you’re counting down the days before your dream vacation or just arrived home to find the HVAC isn’t working, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can offer solutions. We are proud to provide fast, long-lasting solutions to every one of your comfort problems.

Nothing is more important to our ACE-certified technicians and installers than your comfort and complete satisfaction. If you ready for an HVAC tune-up before you leave town, please contact us to arrange for a technician to come out. We’re here to make a meaningful difference in your life and home comfort.