If you're like most homeowners, you're probably looking forward to taking a summer vacation. It’s the perfect time to escape to a far-off destination with your family and soak up the sun. But before you head out the door, there are a few things you need to do to prepare your home's HVAC unit for your absence.
In this blog post, we will provide some tips on how to save energy and keep your home cool during the summer months. Follow these simple steps, and you can relax knowing that your HVAC unit is taken care of!
Turn the Thermostat Up by a Few Degrees
Instead of completely turning off your HVAC system while you’re out of town, turn the thermostat up by a few degrees to save energy. Since your house will be empty, there’s no need to keep it as cool as you would typically have it when you’re home. So, by turning the temperature up a few degrees, you will keep your house cool enough for when you return without wasting too much energy.
Many homeowners believe that turning their AC system off when they leave their home for an extended period of time will save money, however it’s quite the opposite. Turning your AC off means you will have to turn it back on upon your return, and your system will have to work extra hard to cool down a house that will most likely be alarmingly warm. So, keep that AC running while you’re away, but make sure you turn the thermostat up a few degrees.
Replace Your Air Filter
If you’re not already in the habit of replacing your air filter every 3 months, now is the time to start! You should especially do this before you head out on vacation to ensure your AC’s airflow is not restricted while you’re away. Replacing your air filter will also improve your home’s indoor air quality and keep any dust or other indoor contaminants from flowing into your home’s air. Even if you don’t think your air filter needs to be replaced, it’s best to check before you head out on vacation.
Clean the Outdoor Unit
It’s very easy for your outdoor unit to become clogged with dirt, leaves, sticks, and any other outdoor debris. Keeping the area around your outdoor unit clean is vital for efficient airflow. A good rule to stick by is keeping at least two feet of space around your outdoor unit clear to prevent any debris from getting inside the unit and causing issues for your air conditioner.
Dust Your Vents
Dusty or clogged vents prevent your AC from evenly distributing air throughout your home. It’s always good to clean your house before heading out of town, but make sure you vacuum around your vents and clean any visible dust, dirt, or pet hair that could be blocking the airflow coming out of the vents. You should also check all of the vents in your house to ensure there is no furniture blocking them. Keeping your vents open will guarantee equal airflow is distributed throughout your house.
Schedule Seasonal HVAC Maintenance
Keeping up with seasonal HVAC maintenance is one of the best ways to ensure your AC system will be functioning properly while you’re out of town. By scheduling an appointment before you head on vacation, you’ll have peace of mind that your system is tuned up and you won’t be coming home to any surprises.
At A-Anderson A/C Electric & Heating Company, we want to make sure your home stays cool and comfortable all summer long. If you’re in need of HVAC maintenance or repairs, give us a call at (972) 833-8832 or fill out our online contact form to schedule an appointment.