Are you planning on taking a summer vacation? Whether you're going away for a few days or a few weeks, it's important to take steps to prepare your home's HVAC system. If you're not careful, you could come home to a hot and stuffy house - or worse, an expensive repair bill!
In this blog, we will provide a checklist of things homeowners can do to save money on their energy bills while they're away. Follow these tips, and you'll be able to relax and enjoy your vacation without worrying about your home!
PREPERATION GUIDE
Set Your Thermostat
While you may think that completely turning off your system before heading on your trip is a great way to save money and increase efficiency, however, this actually is not the case because as soon as you return and turn back on your system, the amount of energy your system will use to get your home back to the desired temperature will negate any short-term savings.
Since HVAC systems are at their best when they run routinely, you should raise (in the summer) or lower (in the winter) your thermostat by around 4 degrees. This will help prevent your home from getting too hot or too cold and save you a little money on your energy bill while you're gone.
Change Your Air Filter
A clean air filter is a key element to your system running efficiently and preventing breakdowns while you're away. This is why it's best to always check your filter before you leave. If you notice that the filter looks like it will need to be changed or cleaned soon, then it's best to do that before you go on your getaway.
Help Your System
Another way to ensure you don't come back to a broken HVAC or a high energy bill is by lessening the burden on your system.
Closing all the blinds, drapes, and curtains in your house will stop the sun from heating your home, which will make your AC's job easier and, as an added bonus, prevent the sun from damaging your furniture.
While this may seem obvious, it is also important to make sure all doors and windows are properly sealed. This will help keep cool air in and hot air out, making it easier for your system to do its job.
Install Surge Protectors
Weather is hard to predict even for the most skilled meteorologist, so you never know when a storm could roll in and fry all your electronics, including your HVAC system.
Installing surge protectors is relatively easy and will give you the peace of mind that your HVAC system is protected if the power goes out or lightning strikes.
Get Your System Serviced
Nobody wants to come home only to find that their HVAC system broke while they were gone! Avoid dealing with the stress, expenses, and discomfort that come with a breakdown by getting maintenance checks annually. If you haven't gotten one in over a year it's best to have your system check before you leave. Getting your unit(s) serviced before you go will ensure that every part is functioning as it should.
The experts at Anthony's Cooling-Heating-Electrical offer various maintenance check packages that will ensure your system is in tip-top shape year-round.
By following these tips, you can be sure that your home will be comfortable and energy-efficient while you're away. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your summer vacation today!
FOR ALL YOUR HVAC NEEDS
Whether you're preparing to go on vacation or dealing with HVAC problems as a result of your getaway, the skilled technicians at Anthony's Cooling-Heating-Electrical have got your back! Call us at (941) 347-0779 or contact us online to schedule your appointment today!