Eight Tips to Set the HVAC System for Vacation
Taking a break in summer is an opportunity to recharge and enjoy a break from the daily routine. But before you leave, make sure that the house and HVAC system are set for while you’re gone. A little preparation goes a long way toward avoiding high-cost repairs and ensuring a safe, comfortable home until you return. Here are eight useful tips to get your HVAC system ready before a vacation so your first day back is easy and stress-free.
1. Check that Your Vents are Unobstructed
Closed vents often result in inconsistent airflow and extra stress on your HVAC system. To avoid this, check that all the ventilation registers are fully opened and not obstructed by large pieces of furniture, rugs or curtains. This maintains proper air circulation and prevents any portion of your home from feeling excessively hot or cold.
2. Fix Air Leaks and Drafts
Examine the windows and doors for cracks or gaps before heading out. Fixing drafty windows improves your home’s insulation efficiency and helps ease some of the stress on the HVAC. Easy solutions like applying caulk to the joints and adding weatherstripping tighten up the window and door seals. These easy jobs make a big difference in keeping indoor temperatures more consistent.
3. Use Your Curtains and Drapes Wisely
Sunlight streaming through open windows increases the indoor temperature, causing your HVAC system to work much longer and harder in the summer. Draw the blinds, any drapes or even shades to avoid extra heat in your home during the hottest parts of the day, keeping your home cooler and lessening the strain on your cooling.
4. Power Down Electronics and Turn Off the Water Supply
To conserve additional energy and minimize the risk of electrical issues, unplug the appliances and other electronics you won’t use before it’s time to leave. This means things like TVs, PCs, gaming devices and small kitchen appliances. Keeping these devices plugged into surge protectors makes it a breeze to turn off the electricity to them all simultaneously.
It’s also smart to close the valve for your water main or just the water supply to specific parts of the plumbing with the valve on the wall behind them. This kind of precaution helps safeguard your home from water damage or broken pipes if you’re unable to catch them.
5. Clear Debris from the Outdoor Unit
Along with a qualified maintenance visit, you can also help protect system performance by removing any leaves, rocks or grass clippings around the outdoor condensing unit. Ahead of your trip, set aside a few moments to rinse dirt and dust off and sweep debris about 3 feet away. This simple step prevents yard waste from impacting system efficiency and avoid any problems while you’re gone.
6. Use Your Thermostat Efficiently
Updating the settings on your thermostat is an effective option to save energy and rein in utility bills while on vacation. Set your thermostat around 85 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re about to leave to reduce energy waste without overheating your home.
For even more benefits, consider installing a smart thermostat before your vacation. This device lets you monitor and control schedules and settings remotely via a tablet or smartphone. You can modify any schedules based on changes in weather and be alerted right away if any problems happen.
To make sure you come back to total comfort, access and adjust your smart thermostat to start cooling your home for at least a few hours before you’ve arrived. If you can’t access your thermostat remotely, ask a neighbor to adjust the settings for you. That way, you can walk into a comfortable home, and still be cutting down on energy costs for however long you’re gone.
7. Stay on Top of Routine HVAC Maintenance
One of the best ways to help your HVAC system run smoothly is to request a maintenance visit before 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 ensures best performance.
8. Remember to Make Arrangements for Pets and Plants
If you have a dog or even just a few houseplants that will be left at home while you’re on vacation, take them into account when adjusting the temperature during your absence. The suggested 85 degrees F might be too warm for them. Arrange boarding for pets if possible, or ask a friend or neighbor to look after them and water your plants. Provide instructions for adjusting the thermostat if necessary.
Ensure a Relaxing Vacation with Mark Allen
Regardless of if you’re looking forward to your dream vacation or just arrived home to find the HVAC isn’t working, Mark Allen can offer solutions. We pride ourselves on delivering speedy, safe solutions to all your comfort problems.
Nothing is more important to our ACE-certified technicians and installers than your comfort and complete satisfaction. If you decide you need an appointment for AC maintenance before you leave town, please contact us to schedule an appointment. We’ll go above and beyond to make a meaningful difference in your home comfort and day to day.
