Vacation this Summer, but Make Sure the House is Prepped

If you are thinking about taking a vacation this summer, you should start the planning process early so that you can make sure your home in Northeastern Ohio will be ready for your absence. Here are some of the things that should be done to keep your home safe and reduce your energy usage while you are away on vacation this summer:

• Have an HVAC Inspection Done: Have an HVAC technican do a routine maintenance for your HVAC system, if it has not been done this season. Have the technican inspect the entire system to make sure it will run reliably and efficiently while you are gone. Be sure to leave a spare key with a neighbor or friend, so that your unit is accessible if your system breaks down in your absence.
• Raise the Thermostat: Just before you leave, raise the thermostat by about 10 degrees or put your programmable thermostat into “vacation” mode. This will reduce your energy usage significantly, while still allowing the system to circulate and dehumidify the air.
• Close the Windows: Make sure each one is securely locked, and close the curtains, blinds or shades, which will prevent people from peeking inside your home and help to keep it cooler while you are away.
• Turn Off the Water Heater: Shut electric models off at the breakers and turn gas water heaters down to the “vacation” or “pilot” setting.
• Shut Off the Main Water Supply: This will prevent your home from getting flooded if a leak should happen while you are away.
• Turn off Appliances and Electronics: Unplug or turn off any appliances, lights, or electronics that are not necessary, so that you can reduce your energy usage, as well as reduce the fire risk while you are gone.
• Get a House Sitter: Have a friend or neighbor check on your home periodically and do routine things like gathering the mail and watering the lawn.

To schedule your HVAC inspection before you leave for vacation this summer, contact our team at Stack Heating & Cooling. We serve Northeast Ohio, including the greater Cleveland area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Cleveland, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about vacation preparations and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock