Eight Tips for Preparing Your HVAC System Before a Vacation
Summer vacations are the perfect chance to unwind and break away from the daily grind. Before you head out, make sure that the house and HVAC are prepared for while you’re gone. Some prep work goes a long way toward preventing costly damage and ensuring a safe, comfortable home until you return. Here are eight practical tips to prepare your HVAC system for vacation so your return home is easy and worry-free.
1. Check that Your Vents are Unobstructed
Blocked vents cause uneven cooling and excess strain on your HVAC system. To avoid this, verify that all the ventilation registers are clear and not blocked by large pieces of furniture, rugs or curtains. This keeps air circulating evenly and stops any specific room of your home from being too warm or cold.
2. Fix Air Leaks and Drafts
Examine the windows and doors for cracks or gaps before you leave. Closing up these leaks strengthens the house’s insulation and can help reduce the extra burden on your HVAC system. Simple fixes like caulking stationary joints and adding weatherstripping seal windows and doors better. These steps make a big difference in maintaining stable indoor temperatures.
3. Use Window Coverings Strategically
Direct sunlight hitting any uncovered windows raises the temperature inside, forcing your AC system to work harder in the summer. Pull down the blinds, any curtains or even sunshades to block out more of that sunlight during the afternoon, avoiding the extra heat and easing the burden on your air conditioner.
4. Turn Off Electrical Devices and the Water Supply
To save even more energy and minimize the risk of electrical issues, unplug non-essential appliances and electronics before it’s time to leave. This means things like TVs, PCs, gaming devices and small kitchen appliances. Keeping these devices plugged into surge protectors makes it much easier to turn off the electricity to them all simultaneously.
You might also want to shut off the main water valve or cut off the water supply to specific plumbing fixtures and appliances using the valve on the wall behind them. This kind of precaution helps secure your house from potential leaks and major water damage if you’re unable to address them right away.
5. Tidy Up Around the Outdoor Unit
In addition to a qualified maintenance visit, you can do your part to improve efficiency by clearing out leaves, dirt or grass clippings or debris near the outdoor cabinet near the house. Before heading to the airport, spend some time to spray it with the hose and sweep debris about 3 feet away. This easy DIY chore can help protect operational efficiency and prevent any issues while you’re away.
6. Adjust Your Thermostat Smartly
Tweaking your thermostat settings is an effective option to conserve power and keep energy costs in check while out and about. Set your thermostat around 85°F when you’re about to leave to save on cooling costs without overheating your home.
If you haven’t already, consider installing a smart thermostat before your vacation. The programming in these newer thermostats allows you to adjust schedules and settings from anywhere via a tablet or smartphone. You can modify any schedules based on weather forecasts and be alerted right away if any trouble shows up.
To guarantee a pleasant return home, access and adjust your smart thermostat to begin cooling things down for at least a few hours 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, and still be cutting down on energy costs for the days or weeks during your absence.
7. Schedule an HVAC Tune-Up
A great way to keep your HVAC in top shape is to set up a maintenance visit leading up to your trip. A certified professional can examine your HVAC, clean crucial components, and address any issues they find. This proactive approach 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 pets or even just one or two houseplants that remain in your home while you’re away, take them into account when setting the thermostat during your absence. The suggested 85 degrees F may be uncomfortable for them. Board your pets if you can, or check with friends and neighbors to look after them and water your plants. Write down a few guidelines for setting the thermostat if needed.
Ensure a Relaxing Vacation with Crawford Services
Whether you’re looking forward to your dream vacation or just stepped inside to find something about the HVAC system isn’t working, Crawford Services can help. We take pride in providing speedy, safe solutions to every one of your comfort problems.
Nothing is more important to our ACE-certified technicians than your total satisfaction. If you decide you need an air conditioning checkup before you leave town, please contact us to learn more. We’re here to make a meaningful difference in your life and home comfort.
