Summer travel is expected to boom this year, with survey data predicting a steep rise in international travel in particular. In fact, Sixty-three percent of Americans plan to get away for a summer vacation in 2022!
As a homeowner, you may be wondering how to prepare your home for a summer vacation. Here are 5 tips to help you save money and stress by making sure your HVAC is efficient while you’re away.
1) Conduct a maintenance check
The last thing you want to stress over while you’re away is a broken HVAC system. There could be underlying problems with your unit that only an HVAC professional would see. Schedule a quick check-up before you leave to spot any problems that might occur while you’re gone.
2) Increase the temperature
There’s no reason your air conditioner should be running the same way while you’re away as it does when you’re home. A safe level to set your AC system while you’re away on vacation is around 80 degrees or a little higher. This will ensure you save money on utility bills and your AC doesn’t work overtime when it doesn’t need to.
3) Clean or change out your filters
When your air filter is obstructed, airflow is reduced, causing your HVAC unit to work even harder than usual. This can increase your energy bills and potentially shorten the life of your unit. A clean filter will ensure that your system is not overworking while you’re out of town.
4) Leave your vents and registers open
Closed HVAC vents and registers can negatively impact the overall airflow and create temperature imbalances. Open all of the vents and registers throughout your home to keep your HVAC system running at an even temperature and keep energy usage at a minimum.
5) Install a whole-house surge protector
Surge protector is helpful and should be used year-round. But it’s especially important when you’re taking a vacation and will be away for a long time. Surge protectors help prevent power surges and protect your HVAC system and appliances against electrical hazards and potential damages.
