For many people, summer means going on vacation and having lots of fun in the sun. You’ll have many things to do before you leave such as putting your mail on hold, looking for someone to take care of your dog, and packing your suitcase. All these activities can make performing HVAC-related tasks an afterthought. Make sure you take the steps below to prepare your HVAC system for your summer vacation.
Raise Your Thermostat
When you’re out of town, there’s no need to run your air conditioner the same way you usually do when you’re around. Set your thermostat to between 80 and 85 degrees. By doing so, you’ll reduce your energy bill and the wear and tear on your system.
Change Your Air Filter
Your air conditioning system will still run while you’re away. For that reason, you should equip it with a clean filter before leaving for summer vacation. Otherwise, you may come home to a malfunctioning system.
Get Surge Protection
While you can’t know if there’s a power surge or outage while you’re away from home, you can prepare for it by adding surge protection to your HVAC equipment. A surge protector will allow you to rest easy while you’re out of town, knowing that an electrical outage won’t damage your system.
Clean Around Your Outdoor Unit
A clean yard helps maximize airflow through your outside HVAC unit. Clear debris away from the unit and trim the nearby shrubbery. Be sure to leave at least two feet of clear space around the unit.
Schedule Maintenance
The best way to prepare your system for your absence is by scheduling A/C maintenance. An HVAC technician will inspect your system and find any problems that need to be fixed before you’re gone. He’ll make sure your system has clean coils, correct refrigerant levels, and tight electrical connections just to mention a few.
The above tips will ensure your HVAC system remains efficient and well taken care of while you’re away. For more tips on getting your system prepared for summer vacation, contact Ace Hardware Home Services, proudly serving the Dayton area.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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