Tips To Prepare Your AC Unit For Vacation

The excitement leading up to vacation with your family, friends, and loved ones is a feeling that can’t be beaten. Plenty of work goes into getting ready for the big day, and you’re counting down the days until you leave. You might prepare your home, but do you also prepare your AC unit?

On one hand, you don’t want to waste money by running your air conditioner as normal the entire time you’re on vacation. On the other hand, is it the best idea to completely shut down your air conditioner and return to a humid and uncomfortable home? In this article, we provide tips to preparing your home’s AC system before you leave for vacation and AC tips for when you return!

Open & Clean All Your Vents

Contrary to popular belief, closing air vents will not save money on utility bills! While it does make sense to close air vents in unused rooms, it actually creates more pressure within your air ducts rather than simply redistributing air. To avoid problems and high bills while on vacation, be sure all air vents are open and clear of furniture! Your air conditioner will struggle to cool your home and reach the perfect temperature if your vents remain closed or blocked.

Additionally, it is beneficial for airflow and air quality to regularly clean air vents. Simply remove the vent cover, wipe down with soap and water, vacuum out the inside of the duct, and place the vent cover back on.

Clean Around Your Outdoor AC Unit

You should never cover your outdoor air conditioner with plants, debris, or other items. It’s a good idea to check that it is in an open and unobstructed space before leaving for vacation. Again, your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard when nothing is blocking it from normal operation.

We almost never recommend completely shutting off your air conditioner for vacation. Extreme amounts of heat can build up in your home, like they would if you never had a cooling system at all, creating dangerous humidity problems. Paint may peel, your house could smell, and you may create perfect conditions for mold to grow if you don’t prepare your AC unit for your vacation.

Adjust Your Programmable Thermostat

The way you should set your thermostat depends on several factors, including what time of year it is. You don’t want your house to be too hot or cold upon your arrival back home or to damage your property with unsafe conditions. Consider these essential questions before making any changes:

• Is someone watching your home while you’re away?
• Do you care for any indoor plants?
• What humidity levels are common in your area?
• Do you have pets that will be staying at home?

If people or pets are going to be staying at your home, adjust your smart thermostat to what will be safe and comfortable for them. If no one is spending time at your home, you can be more flexible. We suggest not setting your thermostat any higher than 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer to prevent furniture damage and uncomfortable humidity levels and any lower than 50 degrees in the winter.

Shut Your Blinds & Curtains

While you don’t want anyone peeking into your empty property, closing your curtains and blinds can also help your home’s temperature. You’ll block large amounts of heating from entering your home through your windows and messing with the temperature. Your air conditioner won’t have to try and keep up with the excess heat if it’s unable to get inside.

Schedule AC Maintenance With Anchor Air

At Anchor Air, we provide impeccable AC maintenance services to homeowners in Foley, AL. Completing AC maintenance provides peace of mind that your air conditioner will function flawlessly during and after your vacation. Technicians will take care of all potential problems during the appointment, and you’ll know exactly how to prepare your AC unit before leaving for your trip.

You can also ask your AC specialist how to set your system before you go. They can make recommendations and inform you of your air conditioner’s current condition. You’ll feel much better about leaving home than you would if you hadn’t booked maintenance with us!

Setting Your AC System When You Return from Vacation

After your vacation is over and you’re ready to come home, what do you do? Avoid blasting your air conditioner to cold temperatures and beat the heat as soon as you walk in the door. Your air conditioner will cool your home at the same rate no matter the thermostat setting, so just be patient and wait for your air conditioner to do its job rather than excessively lowering the temperature. You might want to enjoy that initial cool feeling, but it could harm your HVAC system and utility bills.

If your home utilizes a smart thermostat, it is beneficial to set your thermostat to your desired temperature before arriving home. That way, you’ll return to the perfect indoor air conditions and wreak less havoc on your system. If you get home and your unit is acting up, don’t hesitate to give us a call.

Benefits of Preparing Your Air Conditioner for Vacation

When you’re preparing for vacation, nothing else may matter besides getting to your destination. However, taking a little bit of time to care for your air conditioner will pay off immediately and in the long run. Before you head out the door and off to your adventure, consider these benefits of preparing your air conditioner:

• Return to a safe home with a fully-functioning HVAC system.
• You’ll put less strain on your air conditioner when it isn’t necessary.
• You may save money on your next energy bill and future repair costs.
• Your plants and guests will feel comfortable while you’re away.
• If you book maintenance, you’ll have a detailed report from an expert.

Unfortunately, some homeowners have ended their vacation by dealing with air conditioning problems. At Anchor Air, we never want to see our clients return to a frozen home or uncomfortable space. Avoid the headache and potential issues by taking the right steps with your air conditioner.

Contact Anchor Air for AC Maintenance in Foley, AL

You should schedule your annual AC maintenance appointment if you haven’t already for the year. If you have a vacation coming up or are looking to prepare for the changing temperatures, our team at Anchor Air in Foley, AL, can help prepare your AC unit. We have 24/7 availability and will quickly travel to your home if you have an emergency situation.

Call our Anchor Air team at (251) 979-5736 to schedule an appointment for AC repair in Foley, AL. You can also chat online with our team or request a service directly through our site. Either way, professional air conditioning support is on its way to improving your property’s HVAC system!