Before leaving on a trip, one of the most important things to do is to make an HVAC system vacation checklist. A checklist like this will make sure the HVAC system is functioning perfectly for peace of mind during your vacation.
Of course, before going anywhere, change the filter. This will ensure that the air quality from your HVAC system will remain clean the entire time you are away, and also that your system will be ready to go the minute you walk back through the door. Prevention is the best cure for any problem, and changing a filter is the best prevention there is for any HVAC system.
Set your thermostat to not lower than 60 degrees when you go on vacation. There is no need to heat or cool a space that you won’t be living in for an extended period of time. Doing this will save you money on your overall energy bill while you are away
When the core temperature of your house is lower, so is the exterior of your house. One of the things that should always be on an HVAC system vacation checklist, is to keep cabinet doors and drawers open, especially if they are in front of water supply or drain pipes. By keeping the drawers and cabinets open, it allows the air to circulate better to keep your pipes from freezing if there is a sudden cold spell.
More importantly, set the thermostat to the “on” position. This always keeps the HVAC fan running, even when the system is not heating or cooling. Once again, maintaining airflow is the key here because there may be water condensation issues which could lead to mold and mildew problems.
And, of course, always leave a key and the name of your HVAC professional with your neighbor, just in case there may be a problem with your HVAC system while you’re away.
For more tips about a vacation checklist and your HVAC system, contact Around the Clock Heating and Air Conditioning. They have been serving the Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley, California, area since 1967.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Los Angeles, North Hollywood and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about vacation checklists and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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