Going on vacation is an exciting time to relax and recharge, but it's important not to overlook the energy usage of your air conditioning system while you're away. By following a few simple tips, you can ensure your home remains comfortable, minimize energy consumption, and avoid unnecessary costs. Here are your five essential air conditioning tips to keep in mind before you start that well-deserved summer vacation.
5 Ways to Prepare Your AC for Summer Vacation
1. Get your tune-up before your vacation
One of the most crucial steps to take before leaving for vacation is to schedule a tune-up for your air conditioning system. Once a year, an HVAC technician should come out to inspect and maintain your unit to ensure it's running efficiently. During a tune-up, a professional will clean the filters, check for any potential issues, and optimize your system's performance. The last thing you want do is get back from a calming vacation only to deal with an HVAC emergency. A maintained air conditioner consumes less energy and is less likely to break down while you're away.
2. Rely on your smart thermostat
If you have a smart thermostat installed, take full advantage of its energy-saving features while you're on vacation.
Smart thermostats
allow you to program temperature settings based on your schedule. Set a higher temperature when you're away, and schedule it to lower a few hours before you return home. Some advanced models even offer geofencing capabilities, automatically adjusting the temperature based on your smartphone's location.
3. Use a dehumidifier
Excessive humidity can not only make your home feel uncomfortable but also put extra strain on your air conditioning system. Before leaving for vacation, consider using a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air. By maintaining an optimal humidity level, typically between 30 and 50 percent, you can prevent mold and mildew growth and help your air conditioner work more efficiently when it's turned on.
4. Keep your shades and blinds closed
To reduce heat gain from sunlight, keep your shades and blinds closed while you're away. This simple step can significantly minimize the amount of heat entering your home, preventing your air conditioner from working harder to cool the space. By blocking out the sun's rays, you'll maintain a cooler indoor temperature, even without actively using the air conditioner.
5. Set your manual thermostat higher
Adjusting your thermostat settings before leaving for vacation can lead to substantial energy savings. If you do not have a smart thermostat, set your manual thermostat to a higher temperature than usual, but still comfortable enough to prevent any damage to items in your home. Aim to set it around 5 degrees higher than you normally would during the summer months. This setting will help reduce energy consumption while ensuring your home remains within a reasonable temperature range. Letting your house get too hot could damage houseplants and make your fridge and freezer work harder to function.
Conclusion
Do you feel more prepared to take your vacation now? By using these five tips, you will maintain comfort in your home while you're away on vacation while conserving energy and saving money on utility bills. Prioritizing a pre-vacation tune-up, using a dehumidifier to control moisture, keeping shades and blinds closed to minimize heat gain, setting your manual thermostat higher, or relying on the energy-saving features of your smart thermostat will not only help you enjoy a worry-free vacation but also contribute to a more sustainable and energy-efficient home.
If you live in the Delaware Valley/Greater Philadelphia area and would like to find comfort within your home, visit our website or give us a call at 215 - 245 - 3200 to learn more.
