How Can Homeowners Prepare Their AC System For A Summer Vacation?

Jun 7, 2022 | Vacation, AC, Air Conditioning, Air Filter, Blog, Huber Heights, Maintenance, OH, Ohio, Summer, Thermostat

With summer in full swing, you probably have summer vacation plans underway. Perhaps you have a cruise scheduled, a trip to Disney, or maybe you are just ready to hit the beach with your family. Whatever your plan is, it is sure to be a fun-filled time. But unfortunately, a relaxing and exciting vacation isn’t as easy as snapping your fingers and poof – you are suddenly whisked away to your destination. Admittedly, this doesn’t sound bad at all! But an organized vacation requires a lot of pre-planning and preparation. You have to plan every detail of your vacation, such as how to get there, what to do when you get there, and where to stay. But as a homeowner, you also need to make sure your home is left in proper order and is taken care of in your absence. Huber Heights Heating & Cooling is here to remind you how important it is to include your AC system on your list of things to do as you prepare for your summer vacation. We want you to enjoy a stress-free vacation without worrying about whether or not your AC will stop working while you are away.

When Should You Use a Surge Protector?

Ohio is known to have a few thunderstorms during the summer season. For this reason, we highly recommend utilizing a whole-house power surge protector to protect your home and AC system year-round. So if you do not already have one installed in your home, please consider doing so before heading out for vacation. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your system is protected from power surges or outages in your absence.

When Should You Change Your HVAC Air Filters?

Your HVAC system’s air filters need to be swapped every 30-60 days for a fresh filter. So if it happens that your vacation falls at the time that you’re supposed to change your air filter, it would be in your AC system’s best interest to replace the air filter beforehand. This way, you don’t come back to a clogged air filter that can lead to various system issues.

When Should You Clean Your Outdoor Unit?

A couple of days before you set out on your trip, plan to clean the vicinity around the condenser. This is the unit that pulls outside air in and turns it into cold air, then circulates it throughout your home. So this area must be kept clear of any obstructions or loose debris that can get caught in the condenser’s fan blades. Things like leaf build-up, twigs, and weeds should all be cleared out of the area. It’s also essential to keep any outdoor items several feet away from the unit. You don’t want any objects to fall onto the cooling unit. This is also a good rule of thumb to follow throughout the year.

When Should You Have a Tune-up & Safety Check Performed?

If you want to prolong your AC system’s lifespan and enable it to run at its highest efficiency, preventative maintenance is crucial! Your entire HVAC system is a complex system that should be consistently and adequately maintained. For this reason, if you have not already had your seasonal tune-up and safety check performed this season, this is something you should immediately have done – most especially before your summer vacation! We want the best for you, your home, and your family. So call us today, and we will get you scheduled for our soonest available appointment! 

When Should You Raise the Temperature On Your Thermostat?

Right before you exit your home, you should raise the temperature on your thermostat higher to lessen energy consumption and save energy while you’re away and no one is in the house. Our friendly and knowledgeable technicians suggest setting your thermostat at 80-85 degrees. This is the perfect range that will not reap any adverse effects on items in your home. However, be careful of setting the temperature any higher than 85 degrees as humility levels will be raised, leading to dead house plants, damaged items, and poor indoor air quality.

We sincerely hope you enjoy your upcoming vacation. Physical and mental rest is a fantastic way to rejuvenate yourself mid-year. If you need to schedule a seasonal maintenance check or have any other questions or concerns, Huber Heights Heating & Cooling is open 24/7, 365 days a year. We count it a privilege to serve you. Reach us at (937) 226-9675, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here