Here Are Eight Ways to Set Your HVAC System for Vacation

The summer break is a time to recharge and break away from the daily routine. Before you head out, double-check your home and HVAC are set 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 handy tips to prepare your HVAC system before a vacation so your return home is easy and trouble-free.

1. Get Your HVAC System Tuned Up

One of the best ways to keep your HVAC in top shape is to schedule a maintenance visit ahead of your vacation. A qualified technician can check for signs of trouble, clean crucial components, and address any issues they find. This forward-thinking strategy lowers the likelihood of surprise equipment failure and maintains system efficiency.

2. Tidy Up Around the Outdoor Unit

Along with a professional tune-up, you can also help protect system performance by clearing out leaves, dirt or other yard debris near the outdoor cabinet near the house. Before heading to the airport, set aside a few moments to rinse dirt and dust off and clear any remaining debris. This basic task prevents yard waste from impacting system efficiency and avoid any problems while you’re gone.

3. Make Sure Your Vents are Open and Unblocked

Obstructed vents cause uneven cooling and extra stress on your HVAC system. To avoid this, verify that all the ventilation registers are fully opened and not covered up by shelves, the carpet or heavy drapes. This preserves normal airflow and stops any part of your home from feeling too warm or cold.

4. Adjust Your Thermostat Smartly

Changing your thermostat is an easy way to conserve power and keep energy costs in check while away on vacation. Set your thermostat around 85 degrees Fahrenheit when on summer vacation to minimize cooling an empty house without overheating your home.

If you want an easier time setting these schedules up, 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 smartphone app. You can fine-tune the settings based on weather forecasts and receive alerts if any trouble shows up.

To ensure a comfortable return, direct your smart thermostat to begin cooling things down a few hours before you get home. If you can’t access your thermostat remotely, consider asking a friend to adjust the settings for you. This way, you can walk into a comfortable home, and still be saving on energy bills for however long you’re gone.

5. Plan for Your Pets and Plants

If you have cats, dogs or even just a few houseplants that will be left at home while you’re on vacation, take them into consideration when adjusting the temperature during your absence. The suggested 85°F may be too warm for them. Consider boarding any pets, or ask a friend or neighbor to look after them or tend to your plants. Write down a few guidelines for setting the thermostat if needed.

6. Keep the Curtains Closed to Keep Heat Out

Sunlight coming through uncovered windows raises the temperature inside, making your air conditioning to work harder in the summer. Draw the blinds, window treatments like curtains or even shades to block out more of that sunlight during the hottest parts of the day, maintaining a cooler home and reducing the stress it leaves on your HVAC.

7. Seal Leaks and Drafts

Examine the windows and doors for cracks or gaps before leaving on vacation. Making sure these gaps are sealed enhances air tightness and lowers some of the strain on the heating and cooling. Easy solutions include caulking stationary joints and installing weatherstripping seal windows and doors better. These easy jobs can have a significant impact in maintaining stable indoor temperatures.

8. Turn Off Electrical Devices and the Water Supply

To save even more energy and avoid any electrical problems, disconnect all unnecessary utilities, appliances and electronics before it’s time to leave. This should include things like TVs, computers, video game systems and most small household appliances. Keeping these devices plugged into surge protectors makes it a breeze to cut the power to everything all at once.

It’s also a good idea to close the valve for your water main or cut off the water supply to specific parts of the plumbing using the valve on the wall behind them. This preventive measure helps safeguard your home from leaks that could cause significant damage if you’re unable to catch them.

We Can Help You Get Ready for Vacation

Regardless of if you’re looking forward to your dream vacation or just came back to discover the HVAC isn’t working, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can help. We take pride in providing quick yet lasting repairs to any and all your comfort problems.

Nothing matters more to our ACE-certified technicians and installers than your comfort and complete satisfaction. If you need an HVAC tune-up before you leave town, don’t hesitate to contact us to arrange for a technician to come out. We’re here to make a meaningful difference in your life and home comfort.