Here Are Eight Ways for Preparing Your HVAC System for Vacation
Summer vacations are an opportunity to relax and enjoy a break from the day to day. Prior to departure, double-check your home and HVAC are set for your absence. A little preparation goes a long way toward avoiding expensive problems and keeping your home safe until you return. Use the following eight practical tips to set up your HVAC system before a vacation so your return home is smooth and stress-free.
1. Make Sure Your Vents are Open and Unblocked
Obstructed vents cause uneven cooling and unnecessary strain on your HVAC system. Before you leave, verify that all registers are open and not covered up by shelves, the carpet or curtains. This keeps air circulating evenly and prevents any specific room of your home from being too warm or cold.
2. Seal Leaks and Drafts
Check windows and doors for cracks or gaps before heading out. Closing up these leaks strengthens the house’s insulation and helps ease some of the stress on the HVAC. Easy solutions such as applying caulk to the joints and installing weatherstripping seal windows and doors better. These easy jobs can have a significant impact in ensuring consistent temperatures while you’re gone.
3. Use Window Coverings Strategically
Strong afternoon sun hitting uncovered windows increases the indoor temperature, forcing your HVAC system to work much longer and harder in the summer. Close the blinds, any drapes or even shades to avoid extra heat in your home during the hottest parts of the day, maintaining a cooler home and reducing the stress it leaves on your HVAC.
4. Make Sure Electronics Are Unplugged, and the Water Main Shut Off
To further reduce power consumption and lower the chances of electrical damage, unplug non-essential appliances and electronics before it’s time to leave. This should include things like televisions, computers, gaming devices and small kitchen appliances. Using surge protectors for these devices makes it easy to cut the power to everything all at once.
It’s also smart to turn the main water shut-off valve or just the water supply to specific plumbing fixtures and appliances by turning the valve on the wall behind them. This kind of precaution helps protect your home from water damage or broken pipes if you’re not there to address them right away.
5. Clean the Area Around the Outdoor Unit
Along with a technician’s inspection, you can do your part to improve efficiency by clearing out leaves, dirt or grass clippings or debris near the outdoor cabinet near the house. Ahead of your trip, take a few minutes to hose down the unit and sweep debris about 3 feet away. This basic task prevents yard waste from impacting system efficiency and limit the risk of problems while the house is empty.
6. Use Your Thermostat Efficiently
Updating the settings on your thermostat is an easy way to save energy and rein in utility bills while away on vacation. Keep 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, consider installing a smart thermostat before your vacation. The programming in these newer thermostats enables you to manage the settings remotely via a tablet or smartphone. You can keep an eye on the temperature based on changes in weather and receive alerts if any trouble shows up.
To ensure a comfortable return, set your smart thermostat to start the AC for a while before you’ve arrived. If you don’t have a smart thermostat, consider asking a friend to handle changing the thermostat. This way, you can walk into a comfortable home, even after saving on energy bills for the duration of your trip.
7. Stay on Top of Routine HVAC Maintenance
A great way to keep your HVAC in top shape is to request a maintenance visit before your trip. A qualified technician will examine your HVAC, service key components, and fix any problems they find. This proactive approach reduces the risk of sudden breakdowns and ensures best performance.
8. And Finally, Plan for Your Pets and Plants
If you have pets or even indoor plants that will be left at home while you’re on vacation, keep them in mind when setting the thermostat during your absence. The suggested 85°F might be too hot for them. Arrange boarding for pets if possible, or check with friends and neighbors to look after them and water your plants. Write down a few guidelines for setting the thermostat if necessary.
Ensure a Relaxing Vacation with Wyant Heating & Air
Regardless of if you’re looking forward to your dream vacation or just came back to discover the HVAC isn’t working, Wyant Heating & Air 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 HVAC Experts than your total 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’ll do whatever it takes to have a positive impact in your life and home comfort.
