Preparing Your HVAC System for Vacation: A Complete Guide for Peace of Mind

As the excitement of vacation planning begins to build, it’s easy to overlook the essential task of preparing your home, including your HVAC system, for your time away. Neglecting to properly address your HVAC needs before leaving could lead to unnecessary energy consumption, potential system malfunctions, or even damage to your home. To ensure that you can relax and enjoy your time away worry-free, our TemperaturePro Techs created a comprehensive checklist just for you, so you can enjoy your vacation and maybe, even save some money! 

Why Prepare Your HVAC System for Vacation?

It’s crucial to prepare your HVAC system before going on vacation. Properly maintaining and adjusting your HVAC system can:

• Save Energy: Adjusting your thermostat and performing maintenance tasks can help reduce energy consumption while you’re away, leading to lower utility bills.
• Prevent Malfunctions: Addressing potential issues before leaving can help prevent unexpected breakdowns or malfunctions while you’re not there to address them.
• Protect Your Home: Maintaining your HVAC system can help protect your home from potential damage due to extreme temperatures, humidity, or other environmental factors.

Now, let’s dive into the checklist to ensure your HVAC system is ready for your vacation.

1. Adjust the Thermostat

So, what are the common HVAC thermostat settings for vacation? One of the most effective ways to save energy while you’re away is to adjust your thermostat settings. Follow these steps:

• Raise the Temperature While You’re Away: During a summer getaway, set your thermostat to a higher temperature than usual (around 78-80°F). In the winter, lower the temperature to around 55-60°F to prevent freezing pipes.
• Use Programmable or Smart Thermostats: If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, take advantage of its features to automatically adjust the temperature based on your schedule.
  • ProTech Tip: TemperaturePro has many different options for Smart Thermostats that will fit perfectly with your system. Our Techs will even install it for you! Want to learn more? Contact your local TemperaturePro and we will make sure your system is up-to-date with the best Smart Thermostat for your home. 

2. Change Air Filters

Dirty air filters can restrict airflow, reduce system efficiency, and lead to poor indoor air quality. Before leaving for vacation, check and replace your air filters if needed:

• Inspect Filters: Check the condition of your air filters. If they’re dirty or clogged, replace them with new, clean filters.
• Set a Reminder: Consider setting a reminder to check and replace your air filters regularly, ideally every 1-3 months.
  • ProTech Tip: When it comes to HVAC air filter replacement, TemperaturePro has a solution! We can suggest the right filter for your system size, ensuring maximum efficiency for your home. We even have Indoor Air Quality solutions that make the air in your home cleaner and safer. Want to learn more? Read all about our IAQ solutions here!

3. Schedule HVAC Maintenance

It’s a good idea to schedule HVAC maintenance before going on vacation to ensure your system is in top condition. Contact a qualified HVAC technician to:

• Perform Routine Maintenance: Have the technician inspect and tune up your HVAC system, including cleaning coils, checking refrigerant levels, and lubricating moving parts. Our TemperaturePro Techs have developed a preventative maintenance plan that checks every part of your system, designed to catch small problems before they get much bigger (and more expensive). 
• Clean Vents and Registers: Remove dust and debris from vents and registers to ensure optimal airflow throughout your home.
• Clear Debris Around Outdoor Unit: Trim any vegetation and clear debris around your outdoor HVAC unit to ensure proper airflow and prevent obstructions.
• Address Any Issues: If your technician identifies any potential issues during maintenance, address them promptly to prevent problems while you’re away.
  • ProTech Tip: TemperaturePro has developed a membership plan catered to YOU! Become a ProPlan Member and enjoy routine maintenance checks (on us), priority scheduling, and discounts on certain parts and labor (so if we do find an issue during our maintenance, we can address it promptly and even save you money!) Plus, getting regular maintenance allows your TemperaturePro Techs to spot any small issues before they become major, expensive fixes. Ready to become a member? Join today for exclusive benefits, before your vacation! 

4. Seal and Insulate

To maximize energy efficiency and prevent air leaks, take steps to seal and insulate your home:

• Check Windows and Doors: Ensure windows and doors are properly sealed. Consider applying weatherstripping or caulking to seal any gaps.
• Insulate Attic and Ductwork: Insulate your attic and ductwork to prevent heat gain or loss, depending on the season.
  • ProTech Tip: DO NOT attempt to insulate your ductwork by yourself. Our TemperaturePro Techs are trained and certified to insulate your ductwork safely. Please reach out to your local TemperaturePro for quotes and professional advice. 

5. Unplug Non-Essential Electronics

TemperaturePro focuses on transparent solutions. This means, if there is something you can do on your own (safely), we want to educate you. One great way to save HVAC energy is unplugging non-essential electronics, which will reduce standby power consumption:

• Unplug Electronics: Disconnect devices such as TVs, chargers, and small appliances to avoid unnecessary energy usage.
• Use Power Strips: Plug electronics into power strips, making it easier to turn them off with a single switch.

6. Notify a Trusted Contact

Finally, before you leave, inform a trusted friend, neighbor, or family member that you’ll be away and provide them with emergency contact information:

• Emergency Contact: Provide them with contact information for your HVAC technician and any other emergency contacts. Leaving a notebook with essential contact information (as well as other helpful information about your home) is always a great idea. Creating this HVAC vacation prep list will be helpful for vacations over the years. 
• Check-In Arrangement: Ask them to check on your home periodically, especially during extreme weather conditions. 
• Plan for Remote Monitoring: If available, set up remote monitoring or smart home technology to monitor your HVAC system while you’re away. This allows you to adjust settings or receive alerts if any issues arise.
  • ProTech Tip: Our ProPlan+ allows us to remotely monitor your HVAC system FOR YOU! We are notified of any issues immediately, and will take care of everything for you. This is great to have in an emergency, or when you are on vacation. Ready to learn more about the benefits of our ProPlan+ Membership and SMART Technology monitoring? Check it out here, and be sure to ask your local TemperaturePro about becoming a member before you leave for your vacation. 

Follow this Comprehensive HVAC Checklist for Peace of Mind on Vacation 

TemperaturePro ultimately cares about you and your HVAC system. Your system should work for you, not the other way around. So, by following this comprehensive checklist for preparing your HVAC system for vacation, you can enjoy your time away with peace of mind, knowing that your home is in good hands. From adjusting your thermostat and changing air filters to scheduling maintenance and sealing your home, these simple steps can help save energy, prevent malfunctions, and protect your home while you’re away. Don’t let HVAC concerns dampen your vacation spirit—take proactive steps to ensure a worry-free getaway.

For more HVAC tips and expert advice, contact your local TemperaturePro today! We would love to continue to care for your home, even when you are away.