Planning a long trip is thrilling, but before you leave, make sure your home’s HVAC system is prepared for your absence. At All Klear in Springfield, MO, we understand how important it is to have peace of mind while you are away. Whether you’re escaping the winter cold or the summer heat, your HVAC system still requires maintenance to avoid unforeseen problems or lost energy.
We can help homeowners prepare for vacation by making sure their HVAC system is ready to handle their trip by making needed energy and safety adjustments. In this blog, we’ll look at important steps that you can take to prepare your HVAC system for a long vacation.
Adjust Your Thermostat
One of the easiest and most effective things you can do before leaving for vacation is to set your thermostat. Rather than completely turning off your HVAC system, which can cause humidity and temperature regulation difficulties, set your thermostat to a higher or lower temperature in the summer and winter.
For example, during the hot summer months, setting the thermostat to around 85 degrees Fahrenheit keeps your home from getting too hot while avoiding the energy drain of cooling an empty property. In the winter, setting the thermostat to roughly 60 degrees prevents pipes from freezing while saving heating bills.
Smart thermostats can be particularly useful here, allowing you to remotely adjust settings while away. If unexpected weather changes arise, you can easily alter your home’s climate to avoid any surprises when you return. If you haven’t yet upgraded to a smart thermostat, this could be an ideal time to consider it. Professional HVAC technicians can ensure that it’s installed correctly and provide guidance on how to best optimize its settings for energy savings.
Clean or Replace Air Filters
Air filters are essential for maintaining interior air quality and keeping your HVAC system working efficiently. Dirty filters might cause your system to work harder, consume more energy, and lower the unit’s lifespan. Before going on vacation, check the air filters and clean or replace them as necessary. A clean filter ensures that airflow is unhindered and that your system can function properly while you are away.
For reusable filters, a thorough cleaning with water and drying time may be enough to restore them. However, disposable filters should be swapped out for new ones, especially if it’s been a while since the last change. Depending on the type of filter and household conditions — such as whether there are pets or smokers — filters may need replacement every 30 to 90 days.
Inspect for Leaks and Clear Debris
One common issue that can arise when homeowners are away is the buildup of debris around the outdoor HVAC unit. Leaves, grass clippings, and dirt can easily collect around the condenser, reducing airflow and forcing the system to work harder. Before leaving for vacation, take the time to check your outdoor unit and clear away any debris. Trim back any overgrown vegetation at least 2 feet from the unit to ensure it has enough space to breathe.
Checking for leaks is another important step. If there are leaks in the ductwork or refrigerant lines, it can lead to inefficiency and potential damage to the system over time. Homeowners can visually inspect the ductwork for any obvious cracks or tears and check for signs of refrigerant leaks, such as hissing sounds or pooling liquid near the unit. However, it’s important to note that identifying and repairing these issues should be left to a professional. Refrigerant leaks, for example, require specialized tools and knowledge to fix, and attempting DIY repairs can void warranties or even cause safety hazards.
Turn Off Unnecessary Systems and Appliances
While your HVAC system may need to remain operational at a reduced level, many other systems in the home can be powered down before you leave. Water heaters, for example, don’t need to run while no one is using hot water, so turning them off or setting them to “vacation mode” can save energy. Similarly, ceiling fans and portable air conditioners should be switched off as they serve no purpose in an empty home.
By reducing the load on your home’s electrical system, you also reduce the risk of electrical problems while you’re away. Electrical surges or malfunctioning appliances can lead to fires, so it’s wise to unplug non-essential electronics, such as televisions, computers, and small kitchen appliances. HVAC systems are complex and connected to various components in the home’s electrical infrastructure, so it’s a good idea to have a professional check the overall system before leaving, especially if your home is older or prone to electrical issues.
Professionals can ensure that your HVAC system’s electrical connections are safe, properly grounded, and protected against potential surges. They can also recommend surge protectors or additional safety measures if needed.
Consider Installing a Surge Protector
Power surges, which are frequently triggered by storms or electrical problems, can seriously harm your HVAC system. While homeowners may be careful to unplug other equipment before leaving for vacation, the HVAC system is frequently left on, exposing it to potential damage. Installing a surge protector designed specifically for HVAC equipment will help keep your system safe from unexpected power spikes. A power surge can fry delicate components like the compressor, resulting in costly repairs or perhaps a complete system replacement. Professional surge protector installation ensures that your system is safeguarded against electrical risks, providing you with peace of mind even when you are not at home.
Schedule a Professional Tune-Up
Perhaps the most crucial step in preparing your HVAC system before leaving on vacation is scheduling a professional tune-up. Even if everything seems to be functioning well, there could be underlying issues that might go unnoticed by the average homeowner. A qualified technician can conduct a full inspection and perform preventive maintenance tasks such as lubricating moving parts, tightening electrical connections, and testing the system’s safety controls.
A professional tune-up can also help identify early signs of wear and tear that could cause breakdowns while you’re away. For example, if a blower motor is starting to fail or if the refrigerant levels are too low, these issues can be addressed before they become bigger problems. The last thing any homeowner wants is to return from vacation to a home with no air conditioning or heating — especially during extreme weather conditions.
We offer HVAC maintenance plans that include annual or biannual tune-ups. Enrolling in one of these plans not only ensures that your system is in top condition before your trip but also provides peace of mind knowing that professionals are regularly monitoring the health of your HVAC system.
While some homeowners may be tempted to perform maintenance tasks themselves, it’s important to recognize that HVAC systems are complex, and improper handling can cause more harm than good. Professional HVAC technicians are trained to safely and effectively maintain your system, and they have access to the specialized tools needed to diagnose and fix problems that may not be apparent.
Contact Us Today
Making the effort to prepare your HVAC system before going for a long vacation might help you avoid headaches and costly repairs later on. Need help with your vacation prep? Contact All Klear and we can make sure your system is ready to go for your trip. Let us help you with your travel plans. We also offer heating installation and repair, cooling installation and repair, indoor air quality, plumbing, and electrical services to provide comprehensive care for every aspect of your home.
