Ross and Witmer You have packed your bags, set your vacation itinerary and made arrangements for your pets, but did you prepare your home and HVAC system for your departure? Read our following checklist to prepare your system and protect your home while you are away.
- Change the air filter filter: Even though you won’t be home, you’ll probably want to leave your furnace running, at least at a lower temperature, while you’re gone. If you plan on leaving your system running on low to help protect your items and home from the elements, you should change your air filters before you leave on vacation. HVAC systems that are allowed to operate on clogged filters are susceptible to malfunction and break down.
- Turn down the air. Unless you plan on leaving pets in the home, no one will suffer from a colder temperature. You can save money and conserve energy while you are away by adjusting the home thermostat just a few degrees. If your HVAC system has a programmable thermostat installed, you can even program it so you will return to a warm home.
- Protect your home from theft. Thieves often target homes that appear vacant. You should close any blinds and drapes to prevent people from walking up to your house and seeing that no one is home. Also, consider the installation of devices that will automatically turn on your lights at set periods in the day to help make your home appear occupied. Anti-theft measures for protecting your HVAC system include the installation of sensor motion lights or alarm systems that are set to turn on whenever your outdoor equipment is approached. You can also add cages around your outdoor units for an additional level of protection. Cages can make it difficult for thieves to access your equipment, and most include doors that can be locked to allow you access for routine maintenance when you are home.
To learn more about how to sufficiently prepare your home, or to learn about other HVAC products and solutions, contact your local North Carolina experts at Ross & Witmer.