Don’t let your return from paradise be ruined by a home that feels like the inside of a furnace!
Why Your AC Needs Attention Before You Pack Those Bags
We all know the feeling – vacation countdown is on, and you’re busy making lists of what to pack, putting a hold on your mail, and making sure your neighbor remembers to water your plants that somehow always die anyway (RIP fern collection). But in all that pre-vacation chaos, your trusty AC system is sitting there thinking, “Um, hello? What about me?”
Truth is, your heating and cooling system needs a little vacation prep too! Leaving your home’s climate control on autopilot while you’re gone can lead to unnecessary energy costs, potential system issues, or walking into a house that feels like a sauna when you return. No one wants that “welcome home” moment!
Smart AC Adjustments Before You Say “Bon Voyage”
Set That Thermostat (But Don’t Turn It Off!)
One of the biggest vacation mistakes homeowners make is completely shutting off their air conditioning system. While it might seem like a money-saving move, it actually puts extra strain on your system when you return and can lead to humidity issues in your home.
Instead, adjust your thermostat to a higher temperature—somewhere between 82-85°F is perfect for summer vacations. This keeps your home from becoming a tropical jungle while still saving you energy dollars. If you have a smart thermostat, even better! You can adjust it remotely if weather conditions change or program it to cool things down right before you return.
Give Your System a Quick Check-Up
Before heading out, take a few minutes to make sure your AC system is ready for its solo performance:
- Replace air filters if they’re looking dusty (dirty filters make your system work harder!)
- Clear debris from around your outdoor unit
- Check that all vents are open and unblocked
- Schedule a quick maintenance visit if your system has been making any strange noises (that mysterious clunking sound won’t fix itself while you’re sipping cocktails on the beach!)
Humidity Matters (Especially in SoCal Summers)
Even in our relatively dry Southern California climate, summer humidity can creep up, especially in the San Fernando and Conejo Valleys. Without proper humidity control, you might come home to musty odors or, worse, mold growth.
Consider using a dehumidifier or investing in a whole-home air purification system that can help maintain optimal moisture levels while improving your indoor air quality. Your lungs and furniture will thank you!
Other Home Prep Tips
While we’re AC experts, not vacation planners, we’ve picked up some general home preparation wisdom over the years:
Vampire Energy Suckers
Unplug electronics and appliances that silently consume energy even when not in use (we’re looking at you, coffee maker and TV). These “energy vampires” can account for up to 10% of your home’s electricity use!
Window Wisdom
Close blinds and curtains to keep the sun from turning your home into a greenhouse. This also has the bonus effect of making it less obvious that nobody’s home (burglar deterrent for the win!).
Water Worries
Turn off your water main if you’ll be gone for more than a week. Nothing ruins post-vacation bliss quite like coming home to water damage from a burst pipe or leaky water heater.
Coming Home: The Perfect Welcome
Want to make your return extra sweet? Program your smart thermostat to start cooling your home about 3-4 hours before you arrive. Walking into a perfectly comfortable house after a long day of travel feels like an extra day of vacation!
For longer absences (like seasonal vacation homes), consider having one of our technicians do a quick system check before you return. After sitting dormant for months, your air conditioning system might need a little TLC to perform at its best.
Your Vacation Checklist (The AC Edition)
✓ Set thermostat to 82-85°F
✓ Replace air filters
✓ Clear area around outdoor unit
✓ Check for any system issues
✓ Consider humidity control
✓ Program return cooling schedule
By taking these simple steps, you’ll not only save money while you’re away but also extend the life of your AC system. It’s like giving your hardworking system its own little staycation while you’re out enjoying yours!
Ready to make sure your AC system is vacation-ready? Need help programming that fancy thermostat before you head out? Contact us at (818) 348-4768 or schedule on our website!
