HVAC Tips: Steps To Take Before Going On Vacation
Summer is here, and many homeowners are gearing themselves up to go on vacation. However, before hopping on that plane, there are a few things you have to prepare first. There are itineraries to plan and clothes to pack, among other things. With all the things you have to do, it is crucial to remember that your heating and air conditioning system should also be part of your list.
When you need HVAC services, contact Point Bay Fuel. We can help prepare your system when you go on vacation. Our team of professional HVAC technicians is ready to assist you with all your HVAC issues or maintenance needs. We provide A/C repairs, HVAC tune-ups, and heating and cooling installations. Call us today to schedule an appointment. We service Brick NJ and the surrounding areas.
Vacation & HVAC Maintenance Brick NJ
Contents
- Vacation & HVAC Maintenance Brick NJ
- Don’t Turn Off Your HVAC System While Vacationing
- What Temperature Should I Leave My Heating Or Cooling System On?
- Install A Home HVAC Surge Protector
- Think About Installing A Programmable Setback Thermostat
- Check Your Vents & Windows
- What Else Should I Do To Prepare My HVAC Unit Before I Go On Vacation?
- Brick HVAC Contractor: Conclusion
The goal of this article is to help answer any questions you might have on what to do with your HVAC system when you go on vacation. We will also discuss a few helpful tips on how to make your AC or furnace as cost-efficient as possible while you are away.
Don’t Turn Off Your HVAC System While Vacationing
One of the most common questions asked is whether to leave your AC or heating unit on while on vacation. This question applies to those who are going away for more than a week.
The answer is you should leave your AC or heater on. Your unit is designed to run around the clock. It is not ideal for a system to turn off and on repetitively. Turning it off and letting it sit idle for a lengthy period puts unnecessary strain on your A/C or furnace.
Not only that, your heater or air conditioner is responsible for the indoor air quality of your home. It, not only circulates the air around your home, but it also prevents contaminants and indoor air pollutants from entering your home. Not just that, but it also controls the humidity inside your house. Without this feature, condensation will form in your house, resulting in mold growth.
What Temperature Should I Leave My Heating Or Cooling System On?
Now that we have established the importance of keeping your HVAC system on even while you are away, the next question we will tackle is what temperature setting you should leave your thermostat on.
The answer varies depending on the season. If you are going on vacation during the summer, you should set your thermostat four to five degrees higher than usual. For example, if you usually set it to 75 degrees, then all you need to do before you leave for vacation is set it up to 79-80 degrees.
You can follow the same principle during the winter except you will set your thermostat lower. That means you need to take four to five degrees off your usual temperature setting. However, there is one exception to this rule. If you have a gas furnace, you can set the temperature down six to eight degrees lower.
Install A Home HVAC Surge Protector
A surge protector is an inexpensive device that protects your HVAC from sudden voltage spikes. While you are on vacation and there is an unexpected power outage or power surge in your home, a surge protector prevents your HVAC system from being damaged. Installing a surge protector is an excellent way of avoiding unnecessary AC or furnace repair costs.
If you do not want to worry about the effect of voltage spikes, then it is recommended that you install a surge protector before you go on vacation.
Think About Installing A Programmable Setback Thermostat
A programmable thermostat, otherwise known as a setback or clock thermostat, is a device that adjusts the temperature of your HVAC system depending on your pre-programmed setting. It helps you regulate the temperature in your home especially when you are away on vacation. It is vital that you pre-program it in a setting that automatically reduces heating and cooling when you do not need it as much.
One of the most significant benefits of installing a programmable thermostat is that it is not only cost-efficient but also energy efficient as well. If you are looking for a way to optimize the use of your HVAC unit, consider investing in a programmable thermostat.
Check Your Vents & Windows
Keep all air vents open. Keeping them open while you are on vacation ensures that your system is running at maximum efficiency. It ensures that your system is getting the proper airflow that it requires to perform efficiently. You also need to make sure to close all of your windows.
What Else Should I Do To Prepare My HVAC Unit Before I Go On Vacation?
Before going on vacation, contact a trusted HVAC technician to do routine maintenance on your system. A professional technician should be able to make sure that the system and air filters are clean. They will make sure that there are no refrigerant leaks. An HVAC specialist will make sure that your unit doesn’t have any exposed wires. Overall, they will make sure that the system is in perfect working condition. Even if there is nothing wrong with your system, a routine maintenance check will make sure that your unit is still in tiptop shape when you return.
Brick HVAC Contractor: Conclusion
If you are planning to be away from home to go on vacation, it is essential to prepare your HVAC system. Call Point Bay Fuel to get your HVAC unit checked. Our professional HVAC technicians will ensure that your heating or air conditioning unit is in excellent shape. This way, you can count on it to perform optimally while you are away and you can rely on it to keep you nice and comfortable when you get home.
Some of our top-quality services include AC tune-ups, HVAC installations, and furnace repairs. Our friendly team of technicians has the expertise and knowledge that they will use to help you resolve all your HVAC needs at reasonable costs. Call us today to schedule a free estimate or to schedule a tune-up.
Some of the areas we service include Allenwood, Brick, Lakewood, Toms River and these zip codes: 08720,08723,08701,08753, as well as all surrounding areas in Ocean County, New Jersey.
Contact us now by calling (732) 349-5059 to speak to one of our home comfort specialists!