Try These Eight Tips to Prepare Your HVAC System for Vacation
Summer vacations are an opportunity to unwind and enjoy a break from the daily routine. Prior to departure, double-check your home and HVAC system are set for while you’re gone. A bit of planning goes a long way toward avoiding high-cost repairs and keeping your home safe while you’re away. Here are eight practical tips to prepare your HVAC system for vacation so your first day back is smooth and trouble-free.
1. Request a Professional HVAC Tune-Up
A great way to keep your HVAC in top shape is to request a maintenance visit leading up to your trip. A certified professional can examine your HVAC, clean important parts, and fix any problems they find. This forward-thinking strategy lowers the likelihood of sudden breakdowns and ensures best performance.
2. Clear Weeds and Yard Debris from the Outdoor Unit
In addition to a qualified maintenance visit, you can also help protect system performance by clearing out leaves, rocks or other yard debris near the outdoor unit of the HVAC system. Ahead of your trip, set aside a few moments to spray it with the hose and clear any remaining debris. This simple step can help protect operational efficiency and prevent any issues while you’re gone.
3. Ensure Your Vents are Clear and Open
Closed vents often result in inconsistent airflow and excess strain on your HVAC system. Before you leave, verify that all the ventilation registers are open and not covered up by shelves, rugs or curtains. This keeps air circulating evenly and keeps any portion of your home from being excessively hot or cold.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Settings for Your Thermostat
Tweaking your thermostat settings is a simple method to conserve power and lower those energy costs while you’re out of town. Keep your thermostat around 85 degrees when traveling in the summer to minimize cooling an empty house without allowing the interior to overheat.
If you want an easier time setting these schedules up, think about getting a smart thermostat before your vacation. The programming in these newer thermostats enables you to manage your home’s temperature as long as you have an internet connection via a smartphone app. You can fine-tune the settings based on the day’s weather and be alerted right away if any unexpected problems appear.
To make sure you come back to total comfort, direct your smart thermostat to start the AC for a while before you’ve arrived. If you don’t have a smart thermostat, consider asking a friend to adjust the settings for you. 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. Plan for Your Pets and Plants
If you have pets or even indoor plants that remain in your home while you’re away, take them into account when setting the thermostat’s schedule during your absence. The recommended 85 degrees F might be uncomfortable for them. Board your pets if you can, or get a friend or neighbor to take care of them or make sure the plants are watered. Provide instructions for setting the thermostat if they need them.
6. Use Your Curtains and Drapes Wisely
Sunlight coming through bare windows adds a lot of heat to your home, causing your HVAC system to work much longer and harder in the summer. Close the blinds, any drapes or even sunshades to avoid extra heat in your home during the mid to late afternoon, avoiding the extra heat and lessening the strain on your HVAC.
7. Fix Air Leaks and Drafts
Examine the windows and doors for drafts before you leave. Closing up these leaks improves your home’s insulation efficiency and can help reduce the extra burden on your HVAC system. Simple fixes include caulking stationary joints and using weatherstripping help windows and doors close more tightly. These easy jobs can have a significant impact in keeping indoor temperatures more consistent.
8. Shut Down Electrical Devices and Water Supply
To conserve additional energy and avoid any electrical problems, unplug the appliances and other electronics you won’t use before it’s time to leave. This should include things like TVs, PCs, video game systems and most small household appliances. Using surge protectors for these devices makes it easy to cut the power to everything all at once.
It’s also smart 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 closest to them. This preventive measure helps safeguard your home from potential leaks and major water damage if you’re unable to catch them.
Ensure a Relaxing Vacation with Winnipeg Supply Service Experts
Whether you’re eagerly awaiting your dream vacation or just arrived home to find something about the HVAC system isn’t working, Winnipeg Supply Service Experts can offer Expert support. We are proud to provide quick yet lasting repairs to all your comfort problems.
Nothing matters more to our certified HVAC Experts than your total satisfaction. If you decide you need an air conditioning checkup before you leave town, please contact us to schedule an appointment. We’re here to make a meaningful difference in your life and home comfort.
