If you have any trips or vacations planned for this summer, you probably have a game plan for who will water your plants, watch your pet, keep an eye on your house, etc., while you are away. Whatever your plans may be, don’t forget to ensure your AC system is set up for success in your absence. You can follow these tips and tricks from your service professionals at Beavercreek Heating & Cooling to protect your AC system, and help reduce energy consumption to save money on energy costs while you are away catching a much-needed break.
Do You Use a Surge Protector?
You can’t predict what may happen while you’re away, but you can prepare for it. You never know if a storm will pass through causing a power surge or outage when you are gone. Therefore, surge protection is essential! Otherwise, the consequences of not protecting your AC from potential power outages or surges may be detrimental. Even if you are not planning a trip away from your home, it would be wise to utilize a surge protector year-round.
Did You Raise the Temperature?
Before you leave your home, you should raise the temperature higher to save money on your energy bill. Letting it run at an unnecessarily low temperature with no one home will only result in wasted energy and a higher energy bill. A good level to set your temperature at is 80 degrees or higher. If you have a smart or programmable thermostat, you can program the temperature to change back to a more comfortable level a few hours before returning home. Doing this will prevent your AC from overworking while you are away.
Did You Change Your Air Filter?
It’s refreshing to leave your house in a clean state before heading out for vacation. The same thing applies to your HVAC system’s air filters. Generally, air filters should be changed every 30-60 days. But when no one is home for an extended period of time, air quality can become stale, especially if the air filter is clogged! To counteract this, check your air filter before you leave and swap it for a fresh one if needed. This way you can come back home to a crisp, fresh, and welcoming environment.
Did You Clean Your A/C Unit?
Make sure your outdoor AC unit is in tip-top shape too! Just like your air filter, it’s important to make sure it’s clean. Doing so before you go can boost your system’s performance. It’s crucial the area around your AC unit (also known as the condenser) is always kept clear of plant growth, stick and twigs, and any other obstructions. Therefore, you should double-check to ensure the surrounding area is clean before you leave. Remember to remove anything that may blow into the condenser fan while you are away. In addition, you can wipe or hose down the unit if you feel this is needed.
When you properly prepare and clean your AC unit before leaving for vacation, you can leave your home with peace of mind knowing that everything was left in order. There’s nothing like coming back to a clean house after a relaxing trip, and everything works correctly. If you have any questions or any HVAC concerns we can assist you with, please call Beavercreek Heating & Cooling today. We would feel privileged to play a part in keeping your home cool and your AC system running smoothly this summer season. You can call (937) 708-8527 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
