In the flurry of excitement and activity that comes when you are preparing for a vacation, it is often very difficult to keep track of everything you’ve got to get done before you leave. Many of us have had that feeling, just after we’ve set off, that we’ve forgotten to do something at home.
We at CW Schultz and Son know that one such thing which people may often overlook when getting ready to go on vacation is making sure that the HVAC has been prepped for the time that you will be away from home.
So we’ve made a list of five things you can do to make sure your HVAC is prepped for the time you’ll be away from home, so you can be sure to return to a cool, calm home – and not a huge repair bill!
Consider a check up
This is a great option to consider, especially if you are going on vacation for a longer time. Have a professional give your HVAC unit a check-up before you leave, to see if there are any issues you need to deal with immediately. This ensures your unit will be cleaned, checked, and running at peak efficiency whilst you are away, so you won’t have to deal with any stressful repairs when you return home.
Check the weather and plan ahead
Before you head out on your holidays, be sure to check the weather forecast for the period of time you’ll be away. Check for any severe weather forecasts, such as storms or long periods of heavy rain, and make sure any outside elements of your HVAC system are free from debris and out of harm’s way . If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, then you can plan ahead and schedule your HVAC unit to match the weather. This can potentially save you money on your bill when you get back.
Check your HVAC’s surge protector
Given how big an investment your HVAC unit is, power surges that destroy your appliances’ electrical components can prove to be extremely costly if they happen whilst you aren’t home. So, whilst preparing for your vacation, make sure your HVAC unit is fitted with a surge protector, to prevent any costly damage while you’re gone.
Change your filters
To make sure your HVAC unit is working efficiently whilst you’re away, and avoid wasting money on your energy bills, make sure your filter is clean enough that it won’t need replacing while you’re away, or consider replacing it with a new one before you go, just to be sure.
Turn up your thermostat
Just as you are planning to leave on your vacation, be sure to turn your thermostat up a few degrees as you’re heading out the door. Your HVAC won’t need to be running as strongly when there is no one in your house, and the EPA recommends setting the thermostat at 85 degrees while you’re on vacation.
Also, close your blinds and curtains to keep the sun out of your home, and unplug any electronics that won’t be in use while you are gone, both of which help your house stay cooler without the AC running full blast.