Eight Tips to Set the HVAC System Before a Vacation
The summer break is the perfect chance to relax and enjoy a break from the everyday hustle. Prior to departure, ensure your home and HVAC system are set for your absence. Some prep work goes a long way toward preventing high-cost repairs and ensuring a safe, comfortable home until you return. Try these eight practical tips to prepare your HVAC system for vacation so your return home is smooth and worry-free.
1. Check the Ventilation Registers to Make Sure They’re Open and Unobstructed
Obstructed vents cause uneven cooling and excess strain on your HVAC system. To avoid this, verify that all the ventilation registers are clear and not obstructed by furniture, the carpet or heavy drapes. This keeps air circulating evenly and keeps any part of your home from becoming too warm or cold.
2. Seal Leaks and Drafts
Examine the windows and doors for drafts before leaving on vacation. Fixing drafty windows improves your home’s insulation efficiency and helps ease some of the stress on your HVAC system. Easy solutions include applying caulk to the joints and installing weatherstripping help windows and doors close more tightly. These steps make a big difference in maintaining stable indoor temperatures.
3. Keep the Curtains Closed to Keep Heat Out
Strong afternoon sun hitting bare windows can significantly raise the temperature, making your cooling to work much longer and harder in the summer. Close the blinds, any drapes or even sunshades to keep sunlight out during the hottest parts of the day, keeping your home cooler and reducing the stress it leaves on your air conditioner.
4. Shut Down Electrical Devices and Water Supply
To conserve additional energy and minimize the risk of electrical issues, unplug non-essential appliances and electronics before it’s time to leave. This includes things like television sets, PCs, video game systems and most small household appliances. Using surge protectors for these devices makes it much easier to turn off the electricity to them all simultaneously.
It’s also a good idea to turn the main water shut-off valve or just the water supply to specific plumbing fixtures and appliances using the valve on the wall closest to them. This kind of precaution helps secure your house from water damage or broken pipes if you’re not there to get to them in time.
5. Clear Debris from the Outdoor Unit
Along with a professional tune-up, you can also help protect system performance by removing weeds, dirt or other yard debris near the outdoor cabinet near the house. Before heading to the airport, take a few minutes to rinse dirt and dust off and clear any remaining debris. This simple step prevents yard waste from impacting system efficiency and prevent any issues while you’re gone.
6. Follow Recommendations for Thermostat Settings During a Vacation
Updating the settings on your thermostat is a simple method to save energy and keep energy costs in check while on vacation. Set your thermostat around 85 degrees when you’re about to leave to reduce energy waste without letting the indoor temperature skyrocket.
If you want an easier time setting these schedules up, consider installing a smart thermostat before your vacation. The programming in these newer thermostats allows you to adjust the settings while you’re gone via a smartphone app. You can modify any schedules based on the day’s weather and get automatic notifications if any issues pop up.
To ensure a comfortable return, access and adjust your smart thermostat to start cooling your home for a while before you get home. If you haven’t installed a smart thermostat yet, ask a neighbor to handle changing the thermostat. This way, you can return to a cozy house, even after minimizing energy waste for however long you’re gone.
7. Tune Up Your HVAC System
A great way to help your HVAC system run smoothly is to request a maintenance visit before your trip. A qualified technician will inspect your system, clean important parts, and address any issues they find. This forward-thinking strategy minimizes the chance of surprise equipment failure and ensures best performance.
8. But Remember, Set Temperatures with Pets and Plants in Mind
If you have cats, dogs or even just one or two houseplants that stay at home while you are gone, keep them in mind when adjusting the temperature during your absence. The suggested 85 degrees F may be too hot for them. Consider boarding any pets, or get a friend or neighbor to take care of them or water your plants. Provide instructions for setting the thermostat if they need them.
Allow Us to Help with Vacation Prep
Whether you’re eagerly awaiting your dream vacation or just came back to discover something about the HVAC system isn’t working, McLoughlin Plumbing Heating & Cooling can help. We take pride in providing speedy, safe solutions to every one of your comfort problems.
Nothing matters more to our ACE-certified technicians and installers than your total 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’ll go above and beyond to have a positive impact in your home and for your peace of mind.
