Ohioans know how hot the months of June and July can get. The heat is a bit relentless this time of the year once it decides to stick around. Luckily, your Loveland Heating & Air experts are ready and able to handle whatever this season has in store. That being said, you probably have a nice little summer getaway planned to escape the heat. Perhaps, you are going to the beach or headed for the lake. Whatever your plans are, we are here to remind you to include your AC system in your summer vacation preparations. As a homeowner, you want your air conditioner functioning at its highest efficiency while away from your home and also upon your return to make it through the rest of the summer season.
What Temperature Should You Set Your Thermostat On For Vacation?
First, let’s talk about your thermostat’s settings, as it’s common for many homeowners to think turning off their AC system while they are away is the best course of action. This HVAC myth couldn’t be further from the truth. When an air conditioner is shut off, humidity levels in the home will be raised significantly, resulting in adverse reactions to household items such as wine, collector’s art, electronics, and houseplants. So, instead of completely shutting down your system, set your thermostat between 80-85 degrees. This is the perfect range to set your thermostat at, as it still conserves energy without compromising your belongings.
Why Should You Have Your Cooling Unit Serviced Before Vacation?
It’s probable that your cooling unit has already been serviced for its tune-up and safety check for the warmer season. But if time has slipped away from you, we get it. No big deal! It can happen to anyone! There is still time to call us and get on our schedule for our soonest availability before your vacation. Whether or not you are going on vacation, you should still have your AC serviced for its yearly maintenance check. This, of course, is the best way to practice preventative maintenance and ensure your unit is running according to current safety standards.
When Should You Change Your Air Filter Before Vacation?
It’s easy to forget about your HVAC system’s air filters sometimes. But it’s vital that air filters are replaced regularly. Otherwise, your filter will become clogged, and lead to various system issues. Typically, we recommend that air filters get swapped out for a fresh air filter every 1-2 months. For some homeowners, the need to change them may be a little sooner than others. This is because every home is different. Depending on the number of people and pets you have in your home, the structure of your home, and your lifestyle, you may need to change your air filter more often or possibly less than compared to other households. So keep in mind that if your air filters are due for a change right around your scheduled vacation week, it would be a good idea to change the filter a little earlier than usual. It’s better to be safe than sorry than having to deal with coming home to a clogged air filter and potential HVAC mishaps.
Why Should You the Close Doors, Windows, & Shades Before Vacation?
The U.S. Department of Energy states that when homeowners close window treatments, it prevents solar heat from affecting the home by about 50%. For this reason, we suggest closing all windows, blinds, curtains, and shades before setting off for vacation. Not only will doing this reduce air leaks, but the window treatments also act as an extra layer of insulation against the outdoor heat.
You can prevent potential problems with your AC unit by following the above points. Anticipating needs ahead of time and planning accordingly will make a huge difference in enabling your AC system to run efficiently in your absence. Remember that preventive maintenance is key! So if you still need to have your cooling unit serviced for its seasonal tune-up and safety check, don’t delay and call us today. You can reach Loveland Heating & Air today at (513) 216-5913 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
