Steps to Take Before You Leave for Vacation This Winter

Steps to Take Before You Leave for Vacation This WinterWith the holiday season fast approaching, you may have already started planning your winter getaway to a warmer destination. As you prepare your home for the period you’ll be away, make sure you also pay attention to your HVAC system. Follow these vacation maintenance tips to ensure your leave your system and home safe and sound.

Check Your Filter

During the winter, your air filter gets clogged faster. Check it and clean or replace it before going on vacation to ensure your HVAC system functions optimally even in your absence.

Turn Down Your Thermostat

While it may be tempting to turn off your HVAC system to save money, it’s best to leave it on. Turning off the heat entirely exposes your home to environmental factors. Very low indoor temperatures could cause mold issues and damage to your furniture and sensitive belongings. Lower your thermostat by four degrees just before you depart.

Check Your Vents

Closed air vents will make your heating system work harder and less efficiently. Check all your vents and ensure they’re open.

Close Your Windows

Close and lock all your windows. This not only improves security but also helps enhance the energy efficiency of your heating system.

Prevent Power Surges

A power outage or surge while you’re gone can cause severe damage to your HVAC system. Determine if your system has a surge protector. If it doesn’t, install one.

Schedule Routine Inspection

You should have your heating system checked by an HVAC professional at least once each year. An excellent time to schedule this maintenance inspection is before leaving for your trip. The professional will check different aspects of your system to ensure it stays in top condition while you’re away.

These simple tasks will help you avoid coming back to a disaster. For more winter vacation maintenance tips, please contact us at Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company. We’ve been proudly serving the Yuma area for more than 60 years.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Yuma, Arizona about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about vacation tips and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 928-723-3183.

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