Planning an exotic getaway? Summer is the best time of the year for families to travel to their favorite destinations. If you’re traveling from your Orlando home for an extended period of time, you may not have considered preparing your home’s HVAC unit before you leave. However, taking a few simple steps before you leave ensures that there are no surprises or expensive bills when you get back. Below, you can learn a few tips from the professionals at Associated Piping Services to keeping a healthy air conditioner while you’re away. Plus, you can learn how to cut a few costs in the process!
Preparing Your Air Conditioner
There are a few ways to make sure your air conditioner is in working condition when you return, depending on your length of leave. Here’s a quick list to get you started.
- Clean or replace the air filter. This is the simplest way to ensure there is no excess of debris when you return from your summer trip. You can also clear away any debris from around the outside unit as well. There should be a few feet of clearance around the unit so overgrown grass, branches, or fallen leaves won’t interfere with the unit.
- Prepare your air conditioner for storms. Residents of Orlando are used to dealing with hurricanes. There are also other types of severe weather to watch out for when leaving for an extended amount of time. You might consider the possibility of a power outage or lightning strike. If this is the case, ask a trusted neighbor or friend close by who can turn off the unit in the event of a storm.
- Adjust the thermostat. You can reduce utility costs by raising the temperature to about 80 or 85 degrees. It’s important not to turn the air conditioner completely off, or your home will become too hot for when you return. Plus, you still want cool air to circulate while you’re away. If you have sensitive plants or pets in the home, however, you may want to leave your home a little cooler.
If you have a smart thermostat you can control with your phone, even better! You can regularly check on your home system to ensure things are in working order. You can even set the temperature to cool one or two days before you return home.
Keeping Your HVAC System Clean
If excessive dirt or debris does get into your HVAC system, this can cause serious problems down the line. You or members of your family may show signs of unexplained respiratory issues, allergies, or sinus problems. If there are high levels of dust and dirt when you return, this has a large impact on your air quality. Associated Piping Services in Orlando can provide help by understanding the problem and working to remove all the contaminants from your ducts.
At Associated Piping Services, our goal is to prepare you in every way. Contact us today as we are a trusted provider of air conditioning services and more.