Summer is here, and you probably have summer vacation plans in the works! June and July are the hottest months of the year, and Ohio has an average high of 84°F in July. So whatever your plans are, be sure to include appropriate preparations for your AC system. Hilliard-Dublin Heating & Air wants you to be able to enjoy your vacation and relax without the extra stress of worrying whether or not your AC system will act up while you’re away or if a faulty system will greet you upon your return. Keep reading the following, so you know what to plan ahead and prepare for!
Should You Raise Your Thermostat’s Temperature?
It’s a common misconception for many homeowners to believe that shutting off their HVAC system completely when they leave for a long period of time is the best course of action. However, this is not true! Shutting your AC system off in the summer can cause various negative reactions to your home (i.e., dead houseplants, spoiled artwork, paint peeling, and warped wood). Instead, as you prepare for your vacation, plan to set your thermostat high enough to reduce energy consumption but still result in energy savings on your next energy bill. An excellent range to leave your thermostat temperature on is anywhere from 80-85 degrees.
Should You Replace Your Air Filters?
Typically, it is suggested that HVAC air filters be swapped with a fresh air filter every 1-2 months. So if it happens that your vacation falls at the time when your air filter is due for a change, it would be best to replace your air filter before you set off for vacation. You don’t want to return home to a clogged air filter as that can reduce the IAQ in your home and cause your AC to short cycle.
Should You Clean Your Outdoor Unit?
Next, think about your outdoor unit. It is vital to maintain your outdoor unit and the area surrounding it. This area is often forgotten due to its location outside. The condenser, which is your outdoor cooling unit, will inevitably get bogged down with pollen, dirt particles, and other allergens. Therefore, if it looks like it needs a cleaning, you can clean it off by hosing it down with a garden hose. Another thing to keep in mind is to clear the condenser’s vicinity of obstructions like leaf build-up, fallen branches, weeds, or outdoor items that can potentially blow into the condenser’s fan or fall onto the unit and damage it.
Should You Install a Surge Protector?
A power outage or power surge can be detrimental to your AC system. Our NATE-certified technicians suggest that homeowners use a whole-house power surge protector year-round to prevent this from happening. Suppose you don’t currently have one installed, then you should think about getting one before you leave. The last thing you want is to return from vacation to an overheated house due to a malfunctioning AC system. Since thunderstorms are common during Ohio’s summer, power surge protectors are a great way to protect your AC system and prolong its lifespan.
Should You Have a Tune-up & Safety Check Done This Year?
Preventive maintenance is a must if you want to keep your AC system running at its highest efficiency. Your AC system needs to be properly maintained and serviced every year in preparation for the warmer season. It isn’t too late if you haven’t already had your seasonal tune-up and safety check done this year. So call us as soon as possible to get it crossed off your checklist before your summer vacation!
If you need to schedule your seasonal tune-up and safety check before your vacation or perhaps would like to have a smart thermostat installed, Hilliard-Dublin Heating & Air would be glad to serve you, your home, and your family! Embark on your HVAC journey with us! You can call (614) 490-7520, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
