Here Are Eight Ways for Preparing the HVAC System Before a Vacation

Taking a break in summer is a time to recharge and break away from the daily routine. Prior to departure, ensure that the house and HVAC are set for while you’re gone. A bit of planning goes a long way toward lowering your risk of costly damage and keeping your home safe until you return. Here are eight handy tips to prepare your HVAC system before a vacation so your first day back is seamless and stress-free.

1. Check the Ventilation Registers to Make Sure They’re Open and Unobstructed

Blocked vents often result in inconsistent airflow and extra stress on your HVAC system. Before you leave, check that all registers are open and not obstructed by large pieces of furniture, rugs or curtains. This preserves normal airflow and keeps any portion of your home from becoming too warm or cold.

2. Seal Leaks and Drafts

Check windows and doors for air leaks before leaving on vacation. Closing up these leaks improves your home’s insulation efficiency and can help reduce the extra burden on the HVAC. Simple fixes include applying caulk to the joints and adding weatherstripping help windows and doors close more tightly. These steps can have a significant impact in keeping indoor temperatures more consistent.

3. Keep the Curtains Closed to Keep Heat Out

Strong afternoon sun hitting bare windows increases the indoor temperature, making your air conditioning to run much longer in the summer. Pull down the blinds, window treatments like curtains or even sunshades to keep sunlight out during the mid to late afternoon, avoiding the extra heat and reducing the stress it leaves on your AC.

4. Shut Down Electrical Devices and Water Supply

To save even more energy and avoid any electrical problems, disconnect all unnecessary utilities, appliances and electronics before you leave. This should include things like television sets, computers, gaming consoles and small kitchen appliances. Using surge protectors for these devices makes it a breeze 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 using the valve on the wall nearby. This proactive step helps secure your house from water damage or broken pipes if you’re not there to get to them in time.

5. Tidy Up Around the Outdoor Unit

Alongside a technician’s inspection, you can do your part to improve efficiency by removing any leaves, rocks or grass clippings near the outdoor condensing unit. Ahead of your trip, spend some time to hose down the unit and clear any remaining debris. This easy DIY chore prevents yard waste from impacting system efficiency and avoid any problems while you’re away.

6. Set Your Thermostat Wisely

Changing your thermostat is an easy way to reduce energy waste and keep energy costs in check while on vacation. Set your thermostat around 85 degrees when traveling in the summer to minimize cooling an empty house without letting the indoor temperature skyrocket.

If energy efficiency is a top priority, consider installing a smart thermostat before your vacation. A smart thermostat lets you monitor and control the settings while you’re gone via a smartphone app. You can keep an eye on the temperature based on changes in weather and get automatic notifications if any problems happen.

To ensure a comfortable return, access and adjust your smart thermostat to start cooling your home 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. That way, you can walk into a comfortable home, even after minimizing energy waste for however long you’re gone.

7. Request a Professional HVAC Tune-Up

One of the best things you can do to help your HVAC system run smoothly is to request a maintenance visit before your trip. A qualified technician can inspect your system, service key components, and fix any problems they find. This preventive measure reduces the risk of sudden breakdowns and keeps your system running efficiently.

8. But Remember, Set Temperatures with Pets and Plants in Mind

If you have pets or even just a few houseplants 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°F might be excessive for them. Board your pets if you can, or get a friend or neighbor to take care of them and tend to your plants. Write down a few guidelines for changing the temperature if needed.

Ensure a Relaxing Vacation with Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, Inc.

Regardless of if you’re looking forward to your dream vacation or just arrived home to find your HVAC system not working, Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, Inc. can help. We pride ourselves on delivering quick, yet lasting repairs to all your comfort problems.

Nothing is more important to our ACE-certified HVAC Experts than your total satisfaction. If you need an appointment for AC maintenance before you leave town, please contact us to arrange for a technician to come out. We’ll go above and beyond to have a positive impact in your life and home comfort.