Try These Eight Tips to Prepare Your HVAC System Before a Vacation
Taking a break in summer is the perfect chance to unwind and break away from the daily grind. Prior to departure, double-check that the house and HVAC are prepared for while you’re gone. A bit of planning goes a long way toward lowering your risk of high-cost repairs and ensuring a safe, comfortable home until you return. Here are eight practical tips to prepare your HVAC system before a vacation so your return home is easy and stress-free.
1. Check that Your Vents are Unobstructed
Obstructed vents often result in inconsistent airflow and unnecessary strain on your HVAC system. Before you leave, verify that all vents are fully opened and not obstructed by large pieces of furniture, rugs or heavy drapes. This keeps air circulating evenly and stops any specific room of your home from being too warm or cold.
2. Seal Leaks and Drafts
Inspect all your windows and doors for cracks or gaps before heading out. Fixing drafty windows enhances air tightness and can help reduce the extra burden on the heating and cooling. Quick DIY fixes such as caulking fixed joints and using 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
Strong afternoon sun hitting uncovered windows increases the indoor temperature, making your AC system to run much longer in the summer. Pull down the blinds, window treatments like curtains or even shades to keep sunlight out during the mid to late afternoon, keeping your home cooler and reducing the stress it leaves on your HVAC.
4. Turn Off Electrical Devices and the Water Supply
To further reduce power consumption and lower the chances of electrical damage, unplug the appliances and other electronics you won’t use before you leave. This includes things like television sets, computers, gaming devices and small kitchen appliances. Using surge protectors for these devices makes it easy to switch off the power to everything all at once.
It’s also a good idea to turn the main water shut-off valve or cut off the water supply to specific plumbing fixtures and appliances by turning the valve on the wall closest to 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
Alongside a qualified maintenance visit, you can also help protect system performance by removing any leaves, dirt or grass clippings or debris near the outdoor unit of the HVAC system. A few days before you leave, spend some time to hose down the unit and sweep debris about 3 feet away. This easy DIY chore can help your system run more efficiently and avoid any problems while you’re away.
6. Use Your Thermostat Efficiently
Adjusting your thermostat is an easy way to reduce energy waste and keep energy costs in check while you’re out of town. Set your thermostat around 85 degrees Fahrenheit when away during the summer to reduce energy waste without letting the indoor temperature skyrocket.
If you haven’t already, consider installing a smart thermostat before your vacation. The programming in these newer thermostats lets you monitor and control your home’s temperature while you’re gone via the mobile app. You can fine-tune the settings based on changes in weather and get automatic notifications if any problems happen.
To ensure a comfortable return, set your smart thermostat to start cooling your home a few hours before you get home. If you can’t access your thermostat remotely, ask a neighbor to adjust the settings for you. That way, you can return to a cozy house, even after minimizing energy waste for the days or weeks during your absence.
7. Stay on Top of Routine HVAC Maintenance
A great way to ensure your HVAC runs efficiently is to schedule a maintenance visit leading up to your trip. A professional HVAC technician can check for signs of trouble, service key components, and resolve any issues found during the inspection. This proactive approach minimizes the chance of unexpected problems and maintains system efficiency.
8. But Remember, Set Temperatures with Pets and Plants in Mind
If you have a dog or even indoor plants that stay at home while you are gone, take them into consideration when adjusting the temperature during your absence. The suggested 85°F may be too hot for them. Board your pets if you can, or ask a friend or neighbor to look after them or water your plants. Write down a few guidelines for setting the thermostat if you need to.
Ensure a Relaxing Vacation with Xtra Mile
Regardless of if you’re eagerly awaiting your dream vacation or just stepped inside to find your HVAC system not working, Xtra Mile can help. We pride ourselves on delivering quick, yet lasting repairs to all your comfort problems.
Nothing matters more to our ACE-certified technicians and installers than your comfort and complete satisfaction. If you decide you need an HVAC tune-up before you leave town, don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule an appointment. We’ll go above and beyond to make a meaningful difference in your life and home comfort.
