Going on vacation is exciting, but don’t let HVAC worries tag along. Preparing your system before you leave helps you save energy, avoid surprises, and protect your home while you’re away. With over 70 years of experience, Carey & Walsh is here to guide you through simple steps that ensure everything runs smoothly in your absence.
Adjust Your Thermostat Settings
It’s tempting to crank down the cooling or up the heating for peace of mind—but doing so wastes energy and puts extra strain on your system. Instead:
- Summer trips: Set your thermostat between 78 °F and 82 °F. Your home will stay protected without overcooling an empty space.
- Winter getaways: Aim for 55 °F to 60 °F—enough to prevent frozen pipes while conserving fuel.
- Smart thermostats: If you have one, use vacation or scheduling features. You can program it to return to regular comfort just before you get home.
This approach helps you come back to manageable temperatures—and a much lighter utility bill.
Change or Clean Air Filters
Dirty filters restrict airflow, force your HVAC system to work harder, and waste energy.
- Replace disposable filters or clean reusable ones right before leaving.
- This prevents dust, allergens, and particles from accumulating and clogging the system.
- A clean filter means better efficiency, energy savings, and a system that’s ready to work well when you return.
Clear Vents and Registers
Unobstructed airflow keeps your HVAC system running optimally.
- Walk through your home and make sure furniture, curtains, or other items aren’t blocking vents.
- Unblocked vents help maintain airflow—even when the system is set back—preventing strain and promoting even temperatures.
- If you’ll be away for a while, leave closet doors open to allow better air circulation throughout your house.
Inspect for Signs of Trouble
Before you leave, give your system a quick check for warning signs that could turn into weekend emergencies:
- Listen and look: Any unusual rattling, grinding, weird smells, or visible leaks?
- Check outdoor units: Ensure they’re free of leaves, debris, and vegetation that could impede airflow.
- Take action early: If something seems off, schedule a service call before you go. Addressing small issues now saves you from coming home to big problems later.
Shut Off Unnecessary Systems (Safely)
Some HVAC or related devices can be turned off while you’re away—just not everything.
- If your vacation is during cooling season and you know temperatures will stay moderate, you might turn off the AC and rely on thermostat setback settings instead.
- Keep essential systems on: things like dehumidifiers, sump pump systems, or heat tape (in winter) should keep running to protect your home.
- When in doubt, ask an HVAC pro—Carey & Walsh can help you understand what to turn off safely and what to leave running.
Consider a Surge Protector or Smart Monitoring
Unexpected issues like power surges or equipment malfunction can happen—especially if your home’s HVAC system goes unmonitored.
- Surge protection: A whole-home surge protector helps guard against voltage spikes that could damage your HVAC system during storms or power hiccups.
- Smart monitoring: Systems like leak detectors, thermostat alerts, or HVAC sensors can notify you of problems like extreme temperatures or water leaks while you’re away.
These tools give you peace of mind and help prevent small glitches from becoming big headaches.
Schedule Preventative Maintenance Before You Go
A pre-vacation HVAC tune-up is a smart move.
- Carey & Walsh offers award‑winning service from YORK and Mitsubishi, plus full licensing and insurance.
- A professional visit to clean coils, check refrigerant, inspect safety features, and test overall performance helps your system run efficiently and dependably.
- You’ll return to a healthier system—and get home to comfort, not surprises.
Leave Contact Info and Instructions with Someone You Trust
Planning ahead helps you avoid problems, even when you’re out of town.
- Ask a neighbor, friend, or family member to swing by if needed.
- Leave clear instructions—how to turn the system back on, thermostat codes, and when to call Carey & Walsh in case of an HVAC signal or concern.
- Having someone local who can keep an eye on things gives you added reassurance.
Is Your HVAC System Ready for Vacation?
Your home and HVAC system are in good hands when you take a few thoughtful steps before vacation. Set the right temperature, refresh those filters, check for issues, and consider protective measures like surge protection and smart monitoring. Want help making sure it’s done right? Carey & Walsh is ready to help you leave with absolute confidence that everything’s taken care of—so you can enjoy your time away knowing comfort will welcome you home.