How to Prepare Your HVAC Unit Before Your Vacation

We get it. The last thing you want to do is extra work before leaving for a vacation. Isn’t the point of “getting away” to leave the stress and worry behind you? Sure, but what’s worse than preparing for a vacation is to come back from one just to find that your AC was on high the entire time you were gone. So, use this guideline to prepare for your departure to save you energy, time, and money.

1. Choose the Right Temperature Setting

Although it’s tempting to turn off your AC, you don’t want the high temperatures of the summer to be damaging to your property. By utilizing a proper setting, you can make sure that your HVAC unit will kick into gear before your house gets too hot.

We recommend that you set your thermostat from anywhere in the 70-80 ̊F range. However, it’s important to take the time to check all of the features of your system. Many systems on the market today have a cooling scheduling system, which can help you prepare your settings on vacations with complete ease.

2. Surge Protection

If there is a storm or power outage while you’re away, or even a quick power surge, this could damage your HVAC unit. Although you can’t help what may happen while you’re gone, you can prepare for it.

Not only is installing a surge protector helpful when you’re out of town, it will continue to protect your HVAC unit while you’re on a “staycation” at home.

3. Change your Air Filter

In order to prevent pollutants, dirt, and dust circulating throughout the house and leaving a mess for you when you come back, it’s imperative that you change your air filter if you haven’t done so recently.

Additionally, a new air filter means that you’re guaranteed to have an HVAC unit that works more efficiently. All in all, changing an air filter means that you’ll have a clean house and a successful HVAC unit. Who would want anything else?

4. Clean your Unit

Just like an air filter needs to be clean, so does an outside unit. Trust us, it takes 15 minutes max. By taking this short amount of time to clean your unit, you will ensure that it is as efficient as possible before leaving for your vacation.

Making sure that your unit is working properly before you’re gone can help ease all anxieties about what might happen while you’re away. This way, you’re minimizing all possible risks.

5. Conduct Maintenance

Although cleaning can ensure that your HVAC unit is as efficient as possible, sometimes units need a little more than just cleaning. The best way to make sure that your unit is running smoothly is to schedule an annual preventative maintenance check.

There might be problems with your unit that only an HVAC professional could see. The last thing you want is to come home to a unit that is no longer working. Or even worse, pay for expensive repairs after an expensive vacation.

6. Clear Objects from your Yard

With summer storms happening frequently, it’s likely that one could happen while you’re away. What comes with storms is high winds and usually, some bit of damage. It’s important to take the time to clean up dog toys, close your patio umbrella, or put away any other possible items in your yard that could harm your HVAC unit should strong winds arrive at your door.

These preventative measures are essential to stop disasters from happening and ruining what could be a relaxing vacation.

Safe Travels from your HVAC Experts We hope that these guidelines help you feel more at ease and well prepared for what to do with your HVAC unit before leaving for vacation. By taking the time to take care of your unit, you are ensuring that it has a long and successful run. Not just for while you’re gone, but for the future vacations ahead.

If you’re interested in giving your unit some TLC and a professional look-over before your vacation, we’d be happy to help. Have any more questions or concerns about your unit? Give us a call today!