How to Leave Your HVAC While on Vacation

Are you going on vacation and leaving your home for an extended period? If so, you'll need to take some steps to ensure that your HVAC system is taken care of while you're gone. Many homeowners think that they can just turn off their system and leave it alone, but this can actually cause more problems down the road. Here are some tips for taking care of your HVAC while you’re away.

Keep Your HVAC On During Your Absence

While you may think that turning off your system will save you money, in reality, it can end up costing you more in the long run. Here's why:

Your HVAC system is designed to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home year-round. When you turn it off, all of that built-up cold air escapes and your home becomes subject to extreme temperature changes.

These temperature swings stress your HVAC system and can cause it to break down prematurely. In addition, when you turn your system back on, it has to work overtime to get your home back to the temperature you want it at, which wastes energy and drives up your utility bills.

How to Prepare Your HVAC

As you prepare for your vacation, don't forget to give some thought to your home's HVAC system. You'll want to make sure it keeps your home comfortable while you're away without wasting energy or money.

Here are a few tips to help you out:

If you have a central AC system, raise the temperature setting before leaving. You'll save about three percent on your energy bill for every degree you raise it. Just be sure not to set it too high, or your home could become uncomfortably warm while you're away.
If you have a window unit or portable AC, you can unplug it while you're gone. This will save you money on your energy bill, and it will help to prolong the life of your AC unit.
If you have a programmable thermostat, set it to maintain a comfortable temperature while you're away. This will ensure that your home is comfortable when you return, without wasting energy in the meantime.

And when you return home, simply adjust the temperature back to where you want it and enjoy a comfortable house again.

The Home Comfort Help You Can Trust

If you're going on vacation, don't forget to take care of your HVAC system! And the West Coast Air Conditioning team can help make sure that your home is comfortable when you return. Whether you need a tune-up, repair, or system replacement, we're here to help.