As the summer season approaches in central Illinois, many of us are gearing up for well-deserved vacations. While you’re preparing to leave your home for an extended period, it’s important to make sure your HVAC system is also ready for your absence. At Kelso Heating and Cooling, we understand the importance of energy efficiency and keeping your home comfortable while you’re away. In this blog post, we’ll share some tips on how to prepare your HVAC system for vacation mode.
- Adjust Your Thermostat
Before you leave, set your thermostat to vacation mode or adjust the temperature settings manually. For summer vacations, we recommend setting the temperature to about 85-88°F (29-31°C). This will prevent your air conditioner from running constantly while you’re away, saving you energy and money. It’s also important to note that keeping your home too warm can damage your belongings, so avoid setting your thermostat too high.
- Install a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
If you haven’t already, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat. These devices allow you to schedule temperature adjustments and control your HVAC system remotely. This means that you can monitor and adjust your home’s temperature while you’re away, ensuring that your home is at a comfortable temperature when you return. These devices can also help you save money on your energy bills in the long run.
- Clean or Replace Your Air Filters
Before you go on vacation, clean or replace your HVAC system’s air filters. Dirty air filters can restrict airflow, causing your system to work harder than necessary and increasing your energy consumption. Cleaning or replacing your filters before you leave will improve your system’s efficiency and ensure cleaner air when you return home.
- Inspect Your HVAC System
It’s a good idea to schedule an HVAC system inspection before you leave for vacation. Our professional technicians at Kelso Heating and Cooling can check your system for any issues that could lead to breakdowns or inefficiencies. By addressing these problems before you leave, you can have peace of mind knowing that your system is running smoothly in your absence.
- Close Curtains and Blinds
To help keep your home cool while you’re away, close curtains and blinds to block out sunlight. This simple step can prevent your home from heating up too much during the day, reducing the need for your air conditioner to work as hard.
- Unplug Electronics
Unplug any unnecessary electronics and appliances before you leave. Many electronic devices continue to use power even when they’re turned off, so unplugging them can save you energy and reduce the strain on your HVAC system.
- Make Sure Your Outdoor Unit is Clear
Before you go, check your outdoor HVAC unit for any debris, such as leaves, branches, or grass clippings, that could obstruct airflow. Clear away any debris to ensure your system can operate efficiently while you’re gone.
Conclusion:
Preparing your HVAC system for vacation mode is an important step in keeping your home comfortable and energy-efficient while you’re away. By following these tips from Kelso Heating and Cooling, you can rest easy knowing that your home will be in good shape when you return. If you have any questions or need assistance with your HVAC system, don’t hesitate to contact our team of experts. Have a great vacation!
