Summer is here, and you know what that means – vacation time! Got any fun plans for summer? Perhaps you have a quick weekend trip planned with your friends or a whole week with your family at the beach. Whatever your plans are, make sure to think ahead and also include your AC system in your preparations before you leave. Join Bexley Heating & Cooling as we walk you through the do’s and don’ts of prepping your AC system for a summer vacation.
Should You Raise the Temperature Before You Leave for Vacation?
Raising the temperature on your thermostat is highly recommended to cut down on energy consumption while you are away from your home. Despite popular belief, it is not wise to completely shut down your HVAC system while away. Doing so can lead to a few possible HVAC mishaps. It would be best to raise the temperature to at least 80 degrees. In addition, if you have a smart thermostat in your home, you can easily access the app from your phone and set the temperature back to a more comfortable level a few hours before your return. Perhaps you don’t have a smart thermostat, but you are interested in having one installed? Luckily, there are a few affordable options on the market. Call us today for more information!
Should You Use a Surge Protector While On Vacation?
Because it’s impossible to predict what might happen when you’re away from your home, we recommend using a surge protector. In fact, we suggest homeowners use one year-round. For example, a power outage or surge can occur, or a nasty storm may pass through your town in your absence, which can be detrimental to your AC system. It’s best to protect your system and have peace of mind knowing that you have surge protection in place if anything happens.
Should You Clean Your Outdoor Unit Before Leaving for Vacation?
Your outdoor unit, also known as the condenser, is the big metal box located outside your house. The area around your condenser should always be kept clear of sticks and leaves, plants, weeds, and anything that may cause an obstruction or get caught in the fan blades. Before you leave for your trip, it’s good to perform a quick check and make sure everything is clear. You can also wipe or even hose down the condenser if it’s covered in pollen or looks like it just needs a quick cleaning. After coming home from a relaxing trip, the last thing you want is to go home to a hot, stuffy house because something blew into the condenser, causing it to malfunction.
Should You Replace Your Air Filter Before You Go On Vacation?
Lastly, check your HVAC system’s air filters beforehand! Our NATE-certified technicians say homeowners should change their air filters every 1-2 months. So if the end of that timeframe lands right before or on your vacation, and the air filter is left unchanged, you might return home to clogged air filters and an AC system that is short cycling as a result. So stay two steps ahead of this potential issue by nipping the problem in the bud and changing the air filter before you leave.
Preparing your HVAC system for “vacation mode” is so important. You don’t want to leave for your trip and have a great time but come back to your home only to find your air conditioner not functioning correctly. Take it from us, and follow the tips & tricks listed above to have peace of mind knowing you prepped your AC system as best as possible. If anything comes up or you still need to schedule your seasonal tune-up and safety check, don’t hesitate to contact your local heating and cooling professionals. Bexley Heating & Cooling is open 24/7, 365 days a year. So call us today at (614) 924-7856, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!