Here Are Eight Ways to Prepare Your HVAC System Before a Vacation

Summer vacations are a time to unwind and break away from the daily grind. Before you head out, make sure your home and HVAC system are set for while you’re gone. A bit of planning goes a long way toward lowering your risk of high-cost repairs and keeping your home safe until you’re back home. Use the following eight practical tips to prepare your HVAC system for vacation so your return home is seamless and worry-free.

1. Tune Up Your HVAC System

One of the best ways to ensure your HVAC runs efficiently is to request a maintenance visit leading up to your trip. A qualified technician will inspect your system, service key components, and resolve any issues found during the inspection. This preventive measure reduces the risk of unexpected problems and maintains system efficiency.

2. Clear Debris from the Outdoor Unit

In addition to a qualified maintenance visit, you can further boost HVAC performance by clearing out leaves, rocks or grass clippings around the outdoor unit of the HVAC system. A few days before you leave, spend some time to rinse dirt and dust off and clear any remaining debris. This simple step can help protect operational efficiency and limit the risk of problems while the house is empty.

3. Make Sure Your Vents are Open and Unblocked

Blocked vents lead to uneven temperatures and excess strain on your HVAC system. To avoid this, verify that all registers are fully opened and not blocked by furniture, rugs or , thick, heavy curtains. This ensures steady airflow and prevents any part of your home from being too warm or cold.

4. Adjust Your Thermostat Smartly

Tweaking your thermostat settings is a simple method to conserve power and keep energy costs in check while you’re out of town. Keep your thermostat around 85°F when traveling in the summer to save on cooling costs without allowing the interior to overheat.

If energy efficiency is a top priority, think about getting a smart thermostat before your vacation. The programming in these newer thermostats enables you to manage schedules and settings remotely via the mobile app. You can keep an eye on the temperature based on changes in weather and receive alerts if any problems happen.

To guarantee a pleasant return home, access and adjust your smart thermostat to start the AC for a while before you get home. If you can’t access your thermostat remotely, consider asking a friend to set the temperatures while you’re gone. With their help, you can return to a cozy house, even after cutting down on energy costs for the duration of your trip.

5. Set Temperatures with Pets and Plants in Mind

If you have cats, dogs or even indoor plants that will be left at home while you’re on vacation, take them into account when setting the thermostat’s schedule during your absence. The suggested 85 degrees Fahrenheit might be excessive for them. Consider boarding any pets, or ask a friend or neighbor to look after them and tend to your plants. Provide instructions for setting the thermostat if needed.

6. Keep the Curtains Closed to Keep Heat Out

Direct sunlight hitting any open windows increases the indoor temperature, forcing your air conditioner to run much longer in the summer. Draw the blinds, any drapes or even sunshades to avoid extra heat in your home during the afternoon, keeping your home cooler and reducing the stress it leaves on your air conditioner.

7. Close Gaps and Drafts

Check windows and doors for cracks or gaps before heading out. Fixing drafty windows improves your home’s insulation efficiency and lowers some of the strain on your HVAC system. Quick DIY fixes like caulking stationary joints and using weatherstripping seal windows and doors better. These steps can have a significant impact in ensuring consistent temperatures while you’re gone.

8. Turn Off Electrical Devices and the Water Supply

To save even more energy and avoid any electrical problems, unplug non-essential appliances and electronics before you leave. This should include things like televisions, laptops, gaming devices and small kitchen appliances. Keeping these devices plugged into surge protectors makes it much easier to turn off the electricity to everything all at once.

It’s also a good idea to shut off the main water valve or cut off the water supply to specific parts of the plumbing with the valve on the wall nearby. This preventive measure helps safeguard your home from potential leaks and major water damage if you’re unable to address them right away.

Allow Us to Help with Vacation Prep

Whether you’re looking forward to your dream vacation or just arrived home to find something about the HVAC system isn’t working, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can offer Expert support. We take pride in providing fast, long-lasting solutions to any and all your comfort problems.

Nothing is more important to our ACE-certified technicians than your 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 have a positive impact in your life and home comfort.