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

Summer vacations are the perfect chance to unwind and enjoy a break from the daily routine. Before you head out, double-check your home and HVAC are set for your absence. A bit of planning goes a long way toward lowering your risk of costly damage and keeping your home safe until you’re back home. Here are eight practical tips to get your HVAC system ready before a vacation so your first day back is seamless and stress-free.

1. Get Your HVAC System Tuned Up

One of the best things you can do to ensure your HVAC runs efficiently is to schedule a maintenance visit ahead of your vacation. A qualified technician can check for signs of trouble, service key components, and address any issues they find. This forward-thinking strategy minimizes the chance of sudden breakdowns and ensures best performance.

2. Clean the Area Around the Outdoor Unit

In addition to a professional tune-up, you can do your part to improve efficiency by removing weeds, rocks or grass clippings near the outdoor cabinet near the house. A few days before you leave, set aside a few moments to rinse dirt and dust off and clear any remaining debris. This basic task can help your system run more efficiently and limit the risk of problems while you’re away.

3. Ensure Your Vents are Clear and Open

Blocked vents lead to uneven temperatures and excess strain on your HVAC system. To avoid this, ensure that all vents are fully opened and not covered up by shelves, rugs or , thick, heavy curtains. This ensures steady airflow and stops any specific room of your home from becoming too warm or cold.

4. Follow Recommendations for Thermostat Settings During a Vacation

Changing your thermostat is a simple method to conserve power and rein in utility bills while away on vacation. Keep your thermostat around 85 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re about to leave to minimize cooling an empty house without letting the indoor temperature skyrocket.

For even more benefits, consider installing a smart thermostat before your vacation. A smart thermostat lets you monitor and control schedules and settings no matter where you are via the mobile app. You can keep an eye on the temperature based on weather forecasts and receive alerts if any issues pop up.

To guarantee a pleasant return home, access and adjust your smart thermostat to start cooling your home for at least a few hours before you’ve arrived. If you haven’t installed a smart thermostat yet, reach out to a friend and ask them to set the temperatures while you’re gone. This way, you can return to a cozy house, even after saving on energy bills for the duration of your trip.

5. Plan for Your Pets and Plants

If you have a dog or even indoor plants that stay at home while you’re away, keep them in mind when setting the thermostat’s schedule during your absence. The official DOE recommendation of 85 degrees F may be uncomfortable for them. Arrange boarding for pets if possible, or check with friends and neighbors to take care of them and water your plants. Offer some directions on paper for setting the thermostat if they need them.

6. Keep the Curtains Closed to Keep Heat Out

Sunlight coming through open windows can significantly raise the temperature, forcing your AC system to work harder in the summer. Draw the blinds, window treatments like curtains or even shades to block out more of that sunlight during the afternoon, maintaining a cooler home and lessening the strain on your air conditioner.

7. Seal Leaks and Drafts

Examine the windows and doors for air leaks before leaving on vacation. Making sure these gaps are sealed strengthens the house’s insulation and helps ease some of the stress on the HVAC. Simple fixes like applying caulk to the joints and adding weatherstripping help windows and doors close more tightly. These steps can really help in ensuring consistent temperatures while you’re gone.

8. Shut Down Electrical Devices and Water Supply

To save even more energy and avoid any electrical problems, unplug non-essential appliances and electronics before it’s time to leave. This means things like televisions, PCs, gaming devices and most small household appliances. Keeping these devices plugged into surge protectors makes it much easier to cut the power to everything all at once.

You might also want to shut off the main water valve or just the water supply to specific parts of the plumbing with the valve on the wall nearby. This preventive measure helps protect your home from water damage or broken pipes if you’re not there to catch them.

Ensure a Relaxing Vacation with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

Whether you’re counting down the days before your dream vacation or just returned to find your HVAC system not working, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning 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 technicians and installers than your total satisfaction. If you decide you need an HVAC tune-up before you leave town, please contact us to schedule an appointment. We’ll go above and beyond to have a positive impact in your home and for your peace of mind.