Whether you’re heading to the beach house or taking a cross-country road trip this summer, the anticipation of summer vacation is exciting! As you plan for your time away from home, don’t forget about your climate control system. It will still be doing its job while you’re away, and you need to make sure it is prepared. Here are a few tips from the HVAC experts at Capital City Comfort Solutions, making it easier to get your HVAC vacation-ready.
If you don’t already have regular maintenance at least once a year, it’s a good idea to get your HVAC vacation-ready with a scheduled maintenance service before you leave town. One of our HVAC technicians can clean out your air conditioner, replace your air filter, and check to see that your system is in good working order. This can help your HVAC run more efficiently while you’re gone, and it will reduce the chance of a breakdown.
Cleaning the vents in your home helps with better airflow, so your HVAC doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your home at a good temperature. Cleaning the vents can help keep your air cleaner, too. If your vents are dusty, there will be more dust blowing into the air that you breathe. You might not notice this as much when you live at home, but during your vacation, your doors and windows will likely be closed most of the time. It means the air does not get naturally circulated.
You also want to make sure your vents are not blocked by furniture or other items.
The outdoor AC unit should not be blocked by anything, either. If there are weeds or debris around the unit, be sure to clear them away. You can wash dirt and grime off the outdoor unit with a garden hose. Keeping the outdoor AC unit in good condition helps keep your system working efficiently with better airflow.
You may be tempted to turn off your AC system while you’re gone for the summer. It sounds like a good idea because no one will be home anyway. However, turning off your system completely is not recommended. If the HVAC is turned off, your home will not be protected against heat and humidity. This can lead to issues like mold growth and warping wood floors or door frames.
Instead, adjust your thermostat settings so it is slightly warmer in the house than usual. If you have a programmable thermostat, you can program it to adjust automatically, so you can still come home to a cool house. Smart thermostats may allow you to set the temperature remotely, which can be convenient if you are not sure when you will be coming back home.
If you’re interested in upgrading to a smart thermostat, let us know! We’ll give you an estimate and make the switch to an upgraded thermostat easy for you.
Keeping sunlight from heating up your house while you’re gone is a great way to save energy and get your HVAC vacation-ready. Before you leave, go around all your rooms and make sure the windows are closed and the curtains or blinds are drawn shut. Your climate control system will not have to run as often if you keep it naturally cooler in the house.
Taking care of your HVAC system before you leave can help prevent problems during your vacation. However, if something happens and you need assistance, the HVAC professionals at Capital City Comfort Solutions in the Richmond area are here for you! We can handle regular repairs, emergency service, scheduled maintenance, and more. Contact us, and gain peace of mind, and we’ll get you HVAC vacation-ready.