Summer vacations are a time for relaxation and adventure, a break from the daily grind to recharge and enjoy life's simple pleasures. But before you hit the road or take to the skies, ensuring your home is efficiently set up, especially your HVAC system, is crucial. Optimizing your HVAC for vacation mode can save you money on energy bills and keep your home safe and comfortable while you're away. Here's how to prepare your HVAC system for your summer vacation:

Set Your Thermostat Wisely

During the summer, if you’re leaving your house empty, it’s advisable to set your thermostat to a higher temperature than usual but not off entirely. Setting it around 85°F ensures that your home doesn’t become excessively hot, which could damage sensitive items or increase humidity levels to a point where mold could grow. This setting keeps your HVAC from working too hard but still protects your home from extreme heat and humidity.

Consider a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

If you haven’t already, upgrading to a smart thermostat can be a wise investment, especially for frequent travelers. These devices can be set to vacation mode, automatically adjusting to energy-saving settings while you're away. Plus, you can monitor and adjust the temperature from your smartphone, giving you peace of mind no matter where you are.

Close Curtains and Blinds

Sunlight streaming through windows can significantly increase your home's temperature. Before leaving, close curtains and blinds to block out the sun's rays, helping to keep your home cooler without extra energy expenditure from your HVAC system.

Secure and Check Vents

Ensure all vents are open and unobstructed. This ensures even air circulation, preventing your HVAC system from overworking. Additionally, make a quick check for any leaks in your ductwork, as these can lead to significant energy losses.

Give Your HVAC a Quick Check-Up

Before you depart, it might be worth having a quick check-up or maintenance service for your HVAC system. McCorry Comfort specializes in pre-vacation inspections, ensuring that your system is in peak condition, ready to efficiently manage your home's climate while you’re soaking up the sun.

Unplug Non-Essential Devices

While not directly related to your HVAC system, unplugging non-essential devices and electronics can contribute to overall energy savings. This reduces the risk of electrical fires and saves energy since many devices draw power even when turned off.

Invest in a Surge Protector

Summer storms can bring power surges, potentially damaging your HVAC system. Investing in a whole-home surge protector can prevent unexpected damage while you’re away, ensuring that you come back to a home as comfortable as when you left it.

Closing Thoughts

Taking these steps to optimize your HVAC system for vacation mode can lead to significant energy savings and provide peace of mind while you're enjoying your summer vacation. Not only are you protecting your home and saving money, but you're also extending the life of your HVAC system by ensuring it operates efficiently, even in your absence. So, set your thermostat, make a quick maintenance check, and then relax and enjoy your well-deserved break!