Putting your cooling system on the must-do list as you make your vacation plans will lead to greater peace of mind when you leave your home. Leaving your air conditioner on when you're away is a good idea, especially if you're leaving plants or a pet behind. When the outdoor condenser runs, it makes noise, which creates the impression that you're at home, deterring an intruder from entering your home.
- Before you go, check the air filter for the air handler and change if it's dirty. When too much dust covers the filter, it slows the airflow through the system, which retards cooling. It drives up your energy bills and contributes to higher wear on parts. If the flow slows too much, your evaporator coil may freeze over and eventually cause frost to form over the coil, which might burn out the compressor.
- If you neglected to schedule a spring tuneup for your A/C, ask an HVAC contractor to service your cooling system. The technician will clean, adjust and lubricate the parts, as well as check the airflow and refrigerant level. HVAC professionals are trained to spot small problems that could cause a larger issue in your absence.
- It's also a good idea to put your contractor's name and phone number on the list you give your house sitter in the event something happens.
- Turn up the A/C thermostat several degrees before you leave your home to save energy, but not so high that it will endanger any pets or plants you're leaving behind.
Keep these tasks in mind as you make your vacation plans, as well:
- Unplug the automatic garage door opener and small appliances, including the microwave, televisions, computers and any chargers for portable devices to reduce phantom power usage.
- Store bicycles or any valuable yard furniture inside the garage.
- Turn the water heater down or off to save energy.
- Make sure your outdoor lights are working.
- Put several lights indoors on timers.
If you haven't had your cooling system serviced this summer, please contact us at Hartman Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning before completing your vacation plans. We've provided trusted HVAC services for the Fort Wayne area since 1963.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in New Haven, Indiana and surrounding Fort Wayne area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about preparing your HVAC system for vacation and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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