Eight Tips to Prepare the HVAC System Before a Vacation
Summer vacations are the perfect chance to relax and enjoy a break from the day to day. Prior to departure, make sure your home and HVAC system are prepared for your absence. A little preparation goes a long way toward preventing high-cost repairs and ensuring a safe, comfortable home while you’re away. Use the following eight handy tips to get your HVAC system ready before a vacation so your first day back is seamless and stress-free.
1. Stay on Top of Routine HVAC Maintenance
One of the best ways to help your HVAC system run smoothly is to set up a maintenance visit ahead of your vacation. A qualified technician can inspect your system, service key components, and address any issues they find. This forward-thinking strategy reduces the risk of sudden breakdowns and maintains system efficiency.
2. Clear Weeds and Yard Debris from the Outdoor Unit
Along with a professional tune-up, you can also help protect system performance by removing weeds, dirt or grass clippings around the outdoor unit of the HVAC system. A few days before you leave, take a few minutes to hose down the unit and clear any remaining debris. This simple step prevents yard waste from impacting system efficiency and avoid any problems while you’re away.
3. Check the Ventilation Registers to Make Sure They’re Open and Unobstructed
Closed vents often result in inconsistent airflow and unnecessary strain on your HVAC system. Before you leave, check that all vents are open and not blocked by large pieces of furniture, the carpet or heavy drapes. This ensures steady airflow and keeps any specific room of your home from becoming too warm or cold.
4. Adjust Your Thermostat Smartly
Adjusting your thermostat is a simple method to conserve power and keep energy costs in check while out and about. Keep your thermostat around 85 degrees when away during the summer to minimize cooling an empty house without overheating your home.
If you haven’t already, consider installing a smart thermostat before your vacation. A smart thermostat lets you monitor and control the settings 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 trouble shows up.
To make sure you come back to total comfort, access and adjust your smart thermostat to start cooling your home for a while before you get home. If you can’t access your thermostat remotely, reach out to a friend and ask them to handle changing the thermostat. This way, you can walk into a comfortable home, and still be cutting down on energy costs for the days or weeks during your absence.
5. Don’t Forget About Pets and Houseplants
If you have cats, dogs or even indoor plants that will be left at home while you are gone, take them into account when adjusting the temperature during your absence. The official DOE recommendation of 85°F might be too warm for them. Consider boarding any pets, or ask a friend or neighbor to take care of them or make sure the plants are watered. Provide instructions for adjusting the thermostat if necessary.
6. Keep the Curtains Closed to Keep Heat Out
Sunlight coming through open windows can significantly raise the temperature, causing your air conditioner to run much longer in the summer. Pull down the blinds, any curtains or even sunshades to avoid extra heat in your home during the mid to late afternoon, maintaining a cooler home and easing the burden on your AC.
7. Seal Leaks and Drafts
Examine the windows and doors for air leaks before heading out. Fixing drafty windows enhances air tightness and helps ease some of the stress on the heating and cooling. Quick DIY fixes such as caulking fixed joints and adding weatherstripping help windows and doors close more tightly. These steps make a big difference in maintaining stable indoor temperatures.
8. Make Sure Electronics Are Unplugged, and the Water Main Shut Off
To further reduce power consumption and minimize the risk of electrical issues, unplug non-essential appliances and electronics before it’s time to leave. This means things like TVs, computers, gaming consoles and most small household appliances. Keeping these devices plugged into surge protectors makes it a breeze to cut the power to them all simultaneously.
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 by turning the valve on the wall nearby. This preventive measure helps protect your home from potential leaks and major water damage if you’re unable to catch them.
We Can Help You Get Ready for Vacation
Whether you’re looking forward to your dream vacation or just arrived home to find your HVAC system not working, Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts can help. We are proud to provide fast, long-lasting solutions to every one of your comfort problems.
Nothing is more important to our certified HVAC Experts than your total satisfaction. If you need an air conditioning checkup before you leave town, please contact us to arrange for a technician to come out. We’re here to have a positive impact in your home and for your peace of mind.