Your Pre-Vacation Guide to Maintaining Your HVAC System
No one wants to come home to a broken AC after a long, relaxing vacation. Thankfully, preparing a little before your trip can save you from an emergency AC repair or AC unit replacement. Rooter Hero is here to help you set up your home for energy efficiency. Whether you’ll be gone for a weekend or a month, these steps will keep your HVAC system in great shape while you’re away.
Start with a Pro Check-Up
Before heading out, schedule a professional HVAC inspection with a trained technician to catch any small problems. A reliable HVAC company will make sure your system runs smoothly while you’re gone. They can also perform any maintenance services while they’re there, like spotting worn-out parts, restoring refrigerant levels, or taking care of electrical issues that could lead to a system failure. Knowing that your HVAC system is working well means there’s one less thing to worry about while you’re on vacation.
Seal the Cracks Before You Pack
Take a few minutes to check for air leaks near windows and doors. Small gaps can let cool air escape and force your HVAC system to work too hard. Run your hand along the windowsills and door frames. If you feel the air moving, it’s time to seal the leaks. Caulk and weatherstripping will prevent energy loss and help maintain indoor temperatures.
Don’t Forget Your Plants and Pets
If you’re going to leave behind some houseplants or a pet, make sure the indoor temperature remains at a safe level. You might want to turn off the AC completely, but extreme temperatures could be harmful. Most houseplants prefer temperatures between 65 and 75°F. A drastic change will cause wilting and stress. A safe range for pets is somewhere between 75 and 80°F in summer months. Consider finding a sitter to check on your home and adjust the temperature if needed.
Program Your Thermostat for Vacation Mode
Setting your thermostat correctly will help you save energy while you’re out. In summer, you can set it around 80°F, and in winter, aim for 60°F. This will keep your home from overheating or freezing. If you have a programmable thermostat, check to see if there’s a vacation setting or if you can adjust the temperature remotely with a mobile app. Just avoid turning your system off completely because extreme temperatures can cause damage to your home, like mold growth or warped flooring.
Draw the Shades to Cool Things Down
Closing your curtains and blinds before you leave can help maintain indoor temperatures, too. Sunlight that streams through the windows will raise indoor temperatures and make your system work harder. Try blackout curtains. Thick materials will provide extra insulation and will keep rooms cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. With less heat gain, your air conditioner won’t need to cycle as frequently.
Tidy Up Around the Outdoor Unit
Your outdoor unit needs airflow to work correctly, so before you go away, make sure it’s clear of any debris that might cause issues. Leaves, dirt, and other materials will block the airflow and force your system to compensate. Maintain at least two feet of clearance around the unit for optimal performance. This is a good rule of thumb all the time because a well-maintained outdoor unit will be less likely to overheat or have mechanical failures.
Keep All Vents Open
Some people might assume that closing the vents in unused rooms is an energy-saving technique, but it can actually have the opposite effect by stressing out your HVAC in Santee, CA system. Your AC is designed to balance out the air distribution throughout your home. Blocking vents will lead to pressure imbalances and inefficiencies. Make sure that the furniture, rugs, and curtains don’t cover air vents.
Do You Need Help From a Local HVAC Company?
Are you planning a vacation and need to make sure your AC is ready? Call Rooter Hero. Our professionals can provide an inspection, seal air leaks, help adjust your thermostat, and keep your system free of obstructions so your home stays comfortable while you’re on your trip. If you need a pre-vacation tune-up, AC repair in National City, CA, or an AC unit replacement, contact our team to schedule your next service.
