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

Jun 7, 2022 | Vacation, AC, Air Conditioner, Blog, Dayton, Maintenance, OH, Ohio, Summer, Thermostat

Kick summer mode into high gear with your Five Star Heating & Cooling Dayton service professionals! Summer is here, which means summer vacation is in the works! If you have a fun trip scheduled with friends or perhaps a family vacation planned, it’s no doubt you understand all the work and organization that goes into planning a vacation. There are a lot of details that require planning ahead and leaving your house in tip-top shape for you to be able to arrive at your destination and enjoy your plans. But make sure not to forget about your AC system in the planning process! With it being the hottest month of the year, it would be best to set your AC system up for success in your absence so it continues to run at its highest capacity and you can enjoy your vacation without any extra stress.

What Are Some Things You Can You Do Before Setting Off For Vacation?

Let’s start off with a few tips and tricks that will help maximize your AC system’s efficiency:

  • You Should Close the Windows, Blinds, & Shades: Closing the windows, blinds, and shades will help keep the summer heat out. You can also draw any curtains or window treatments together to provide an extra layer of protection from the outdoor heat.
  • You Should Replace the Air Filters: HVAC air filters should be replaced every 30-60 days. Of course, every home is different, so this varies on lifestyle and the number of people in the house. So remember to replace your HVAC system’s air filters before leaving, especially if they are due for a replacement around your vacation time.
  • You Should Dust, Vacuum, & Sweep: It would be best to dust, sweep, and vacuum before leaving for your trip. Doing this will help raise the IAQ in your home, thus boosting your AC system’s effectiveness.

What Is the Benefit Of Getting a Maintenance Check Done This Summer?

Per the manufacturer, your AC system should get serviced at least once a year for its seasonal tune-up and safety check. This is the best way you can practice preventive maintenance for your cooling unit. When you schedule a maintenance check with Five Star Heating & Cooling Dayton, we check to confirm everything is running smoothly with your system and that there are no underlying issues that will surface into larger ones. Keep in mind, that if you haven’t already had your AC serviced this past spring or summer, it would be in your AC system’s best interest to have one done before your summer vacation begins. Doing this will give you peace of mind knowing that everything is functioning as it should be, and you won’t have to worry whether or not your AC will act up when you’re away.

What Can You Do To Clean Your Condenser Before Leaving?

It would also be a good idea to check your condenser. If your outdoor unit (the condenser) is layered in pollen or dirt, you can wipe it down or wash it off with a garden hose. This may seem like it won’t make much of a difference, but it will help to boost your AC system’s efficiency. The surrounding area should also be free from plant vegetation or other outdoor obstructions. This is a crucial step, as you don’t want anything falling onto the condenser or getting blown into and stuck in the fan blades. Otherwise, you might just come home to an HVAC disaster that will no doubt require repair work and more out of pockets costs.

What Temperature Should You Set Your Thermostat At?

Before you head out the door, set your thermostat to 80 degrees or higher to reduce energy consumption. This will not only save you a bit of money on your next energy bill, but it still leaves your home in a comfortable enough state that won’t result in any adverse effects. However, if you set the temperature too high or choose to shut off your HVAC system entirely, it can cause undesirable outcomes such as withered houseplants, warped wood trim in the house, or even paint peeling off the walls. This occurs when humidity levels are too high.

Enjoy your vacation in peace, knowing that your AC system is running correctly and everything was prepared accordingly beforehand. If you have any issues or concerns arise before your vacation, your Five Star Heating & Cooling Dayton experts are ready and willing to tackle whatever HVAC issues you have. We are open 24/7, 356 days a year. So call today at (937) 708-8278, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here! And by all means, have a fantastic summer vacation!