You’ve boarded the pets, asked the neighbors to get the mail and turned off all your appliances and lights. You’ve taken care of everything, and now you can enjoy a few weeks of well-earned vacation away from the hassles and tasks at home—but not quite. Before you hit the road, there are a few things you need to do to prepare your HVAC system for vacation.
Preparing a house for an extended vacation will keep your air conditioner in good shape and ready to resume service when you return. At the end of your vacation, the last thing you want to do is return to a hot, sweltering home and a big heating contractor bill because you failed to take a few simple precautions before leaving on your trip.
Your HVAC unit is one of the most complex pieces of machinery in your home. It’s also one of the biggest consumers of energy. Properly maintaining it when it’s in use and during periods of dormancy, such as vacation travel, will help preserve the longevity of your unit and help you keep your energy costs down.
Don’t Turn It Off, Turn It Down
Contrary to popular belief, you shouldn’t completely shut down your HVAC unit while you’re gone. HVAC units are designed for regular usage, and when they are inactive for long periods, important components can deteriorate and operate at diminished capacity when put back into regular use. Also, when your HVAC isn’t active for long periods of time, moisture can build up in your home, creating conditions where mold in air vents can flourish.
When preparing to leave your home for a vacation, turn your thermostat up by about five degrees. Your unit won’t run as often as it does when you’re there, but it will run enough to prevent the accumulation of moisture and to provide sufficient activity for the system. Experts say the ideal temperature to turn up your unit to in the San Antonio area is around 80 degrees.
Vacuum Before You Go
Excessive dust in a house and other contaminants will circulate through your HVAC system while you are gone, if you don’t clean first. Reduce the amount of dust and allergens before you leave by giving your home a thorough vacuuming and cleaning before your departure.
Make Sure All Windows Are Closed
Closing all the windows will reduce the amount of hot air entering your home. This causes your unit to run less often. It’s also just good common sense from a security and safety standpoint to securely seal all possible entry points.
Open All Vents
Open all the vents in your home to ensure that air flows throughout the system and in all the rooms of your house. HVAC systems are designed to operate with maximum airflow, so opening the vents will allow the system to operate under optimal conditions while you are away.
Invest In A Smart Thermostat
If you haven’t invested in a smart thermostat yet, now may be an opportune time. Smart thermostats allow you to program your thermostat to run at certain times or maintain certain temperatures. Many can be managed remotely from your mobile device.
Smart thermostats are great for people who own multiple vacation properties. You can adjust those properties’ thermostats remotely for reduced use when your short-term rentals aren’t in use. For vacationers, a smart thermostat can ensure that you return to an comfortable home.
ABC Can Keep Your Air Conditioner Running Year-Round
By taking appropriate steps before they hit the road, vacationers can avoid expensive AC repair bills when they return. Homeowners can also avoid costly repair work by entering into service agreements with reputable AC repair and maintenance companies. These contracts provide regular services, such as inspections, coolant recharging, duct cleaning and more and can help homeowners avoid having to replace their units too early. The professionals at ABC Home & Commercial Services have the experience and training to handle any type of problem you may have with your unit, in addition to routine maintenance and installation services. With ABC’s help, you won’t have to worry about any problems with your heating and cooling systems.
