Eight Tips to Set the HVAC System for Vacation
Taking a break in summer is a time to recharge and take a much-needed rest from the day to day. But before you leave, ensure that the house and HVAC system are ready for while you’re gone. A little preparation goes a long way toward avoiding high-cost repairs and ensuring a safe, comfortable home until you return. Here are eight handy tips to get your HVAC system ready for vacation so your first day back is seamless and worry-free.
1. Ensure Your Vents are Clear and Open
Obstructed vents cause uneven cooling and excess strain on your HVAC system. Before you leave, check that all vents are fully opened and not covered up by shelves, rugs or heavy drapes. This maintains proper air circulation and keeps any part of your home from becoming excessively hot or cold.
2. Seal Leaks and Drafts
Inspect all your windows and doors for drafts before you leave. Making sure these gaps are sealed improves your home’s insulation efficiency and can help reduce the extra burden on your HVAC system. Quick DIY fixes such as applying caulk to the joints and using weatherstripping help windows and doors close more tightly. These easy jobs make a big difference in keeping indoor temperatures more consistent.
3. Keep the Curtains Closed to Keep Heat Out
Sunlight coming through open windows raises the temperature inside, making your air conditioning to run much longer in the summer. Draw the blinds, any drapes or even shades to keep sunlight out during the mid to late afternoon, keeping your home cooler and reducing the stress it leaves on your HVAC.
4. Shut Down Electrical Devices and Water Supply
To conserve additional energy and lower the chances of electrical damage, unplug the appliances and other electronics you won’t use before it’s time to leave. This should include things like television sets, laptops, gaming devices and minor kitchen gadgets. Plugging as many of them as you can into surge protectors makes it much easier to turn off the electricity to them all simultaneously.
It’s also a good idea to shut off the main water valve or just the water supply to specific fixtures of your plumbing system by turning the valve on the wall nearby. This proactive step helps secure your house from leaks that could cause significant damage if you’re unable to get to them in time.
5. Clear Weeds and Yard Debris from the Outdoor Unit
Alongside a technician’s inspection, you can further boost HVAC performance by removing weeds, rocks or grass clippings near the outdoor unit of the HVAC system. A few days before you leave, spend some time to spray it with the hose and sweep debris about 3 feet away. This easy DIY chore can help your system run more efficiently and limit the risk of problems while you’re away.
6. Adjust Your Thermostat Smartly
Adjusting your thermostat is an easy way to save energy and rein in utility bills while away on vacation. Set your thermostat around 85 degrees Fahrenheit when traveling in the summer to reduce energy waste without letting the indoor temperature skyrocket.
If you want an easier time setting these schedules up, consider installing a smart thermostat before your vacation. A smart thermostat enables you to manage schedules and settings from anywhere via a smartphone app. You can modify any schedules based on changes in weather and be alerted right away if any unexpected problems appear.
To ensure a comfortable return, set your smart thermostat to begin cooling things down a few hours before you’ve arrived. If you can’t access your thermostat remotely, ask a neighbor to adjust the settings for you. With their help, you can return to a cozy house, even after cutting down on energy costs for however long you’re gone.
7. Stay on Top of Routine HVAC Maintenance
A great way to ensure your HVAC runs efficiently is to schedule a maintenance visit ahead of your vacation. A qualified technician can examine your HVAC, clean crucial components, and resolve any issues found during the inspection. This forward-thinking strategy lowers the likelihood of unexpected problems and keeps your system running efficiently.
8. And Finally, Plan for Your Pets and Plants
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 suggested 85 degrees Fahrenheit can be too warm for them. Board your pets if you can, or ask a friend or neighbor to pet sit or make sure the plants are watered. Offer some directions on paper for changing the temperature if necessary.
Ensure a Relaxing Vacation with Olympic Aire
Regardless of if you’re eagerly awaiting your dream vacation or just came back to discover your HVAC system not working, Olympic Aire can offer solutions. We are proud to provide fast, long-lasting solutions to any and all your comfort problems.
Nothing matters more to our ACE-certified HVAC Experts than your total satisfaction. If you decide you need an appointment for AC maintenance before you leave town, don’t hesitate to contact us to arrange for a technician to come out. We’re here to make a meaningful difference in your home comfort and day to day.
