Heading out of town soon? Whether you’re planning a beach trip or a month-long overseas escape, your home needs attention before you lock the door and hit the road. One of the most overlooked areas is your HVAC system. This vacation HVAC checklist will help you protect your investment, save money, and enjoy peace of mind while you’re away.
Why Home Maintenance Before Vacation Matters
When it comes to home maintenance before vacation, a few simple steps can go a long way toward avoiding costly problems. Skipping these preparations could leave your HVAC system working harder than necessary or even vulnerable to breakdowns while you’re gone.
Here’s why maintenance matters:
- Prevents expensive AC repairs by catching issues early
- Ensures system efficiency to reduce energy waste
- Maintains indoor air quality and comfort
- Improves vacation energy savings during extended time away
Preparing Your HVAC Before Vacation: What You Need to Know
Taking a few minutes to prep your HVAC system can make a major difference in how it performs while you’re gone. Follow these key steps for preparing your HVAC before vacation to reduce wear and tear and optimize your home’s environment.
Adjust Your Thermostat
Set your thermostat higher in summer (78–85°F) or lower in winter (55–60°F) to conserve energy. This is one of the easiest ways to enhance vacation energy savings without turning off your HVAC system entirely. The goal is to keep your home safe from extreme temperatures without overworking your system.
Use HVAC Vacation Settings
If your thermostat has HVAC vacation settings, take advantage of them. Many programmable and smart thermostats offer vacation modes that automatically adjust the temperature, humidity, and even fan operation while you’re away.
Activate Air Conditioning Vacation Mode
Most smart thermostats also feature an air conditioning vacation mode that’s ideal for summer trips. This setting helps minimize energy usage while maintaining baseline cooling to prevent humidity buildup and indoor heat damage.
Replace Your Air Filters
Replacing air filters is a simple yet essential item on your HVAC maintenance checklist, and one that many homeowners overlook. Clean filters improve efficiency, keep air flowing smoothly, and help your system stay trouble-free while you’re away.
Book a Maintenance Tune-Up
If it’s been a while since your last inspection, schedule a professional service appointment before you leave. Preventative maintenance is a smart move to avoid surprise breakdowns while you’re out of town. Our team at Patriot Heating, Air & Fuel Oil offers reliable AC maintenance to ensure everything is in top shape.
More Home Maintenance Tips Before Vacation
Don’t stop with your HVAC system—your whole house can benefit from a few extra precautions. Consider these additional tasks to prep your home before you leave:
- Unplug electronics: Reduce phantom energy use and lower the risk of electrical fires.
- Turn off the water or check for leaks: Prevent plumbing disasters while you’re away.
- Clean out the fridge: Toss perishables to avoid coming home to unpleasant smells.
- Confirm fuel oil delivery schedule: If you use oil heat, ensure you won’t run low—especially in colder months.
Follow these tips for home maintenance before vacation to round out your total prep strategy.
How To Save Energy While on Vacation
Reducing your energy use while you’re away helps both the planet and your wallet. Try these easy strategies to save energy while on vacation:
- Use timers for lights: Create the illusion of occupancy while managing electricity usage.
- Close blinds and curtains: Block sunlight to prevent your home from overheating.
- Lower water heater temperature: Set it to “vacation” mode or the lowest safe setting.
- Shut off outdoor water: Avoid hose and irrigation leaks with this simple tip. You can also avoid a scenario where a neighbor or passerby uses your water.
Together with your vacation HVAC checklist, these energy-saving steps can make a noticeable difference in your monthly utility bill.
Let Patriot Heating, Air & Fuel Oil Help You Prep for Your Next Vacation
At Patriot Heating, Air & Fuel Oil, we help homeowners in Montgomery and Bucks County stay comfortable and worry-free, whether you’re home or away. From routine tune-ups to advanced HVAC installations, we’re here to make checking off the tasks on your HVAC maintenance checklist effortless.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vacation HVAC Prep
Should I turn off my HVAC system before leaving for vacation?
No, you shouldn’t completely turn off your HVAC system before you travel. Adjust your settings or use vacation mode instead to maintain basic climate control and protect your home.
What is the best thermostat setting when I’m away?
The best thermostat setting when you’ll be away from home for an extended period is 78–85°F in summer or 55–60°F in winter to conserve energy without risking damage to your home.
Can I save money by turning off my AC during vacation?
Yes, you can save money by turning off your AC while you’re on vacation, but using air conditioning vacation mode or smart thermostat settings is a safer and more efficient choice.
Do I need HVAC maintenance before a long trip?
Yes, we recommend getting HVAC maintenance before a long trip, especially if you haven’t had it done in a while. A quick check-up ensures your system is ready and reliable, reducing the risk of mid-vacation malfunctions.