When you’re planning the logistics of leaving home for a long vacation, you’re likely thinking of tasks like having a neighbor pick up the mail, boarding pets at the kennel, and making sure everything is turned off and unplugged before you leave. While your A/C may not be the first thing you think about, there are a few important steps you’ll want to take to avoid coming back to a hot, stuffy house. Below are a few easy ways you prepare your A/C unit for an extended vacation.
Clean Your Unit and Catch Up on Deferred Maintenance
A recently-maintained unit is less likely it is to run into any issues while you’re gone. If you opt for manual cleaning (either by hand or with a garden hose to flush out any leaves or other debris), give it a good once-over to help spot any potential future problems. Issues like fraying wire or plastic on the power supply, excessive condensation, or rust can be signs of future issues. Getting these issues corrected before you leave on vacation will minimize the risk of having to deal with problems after your return.
You can also opt for a more in-depth maintenance inspection by a professional. At A/C Designs, we offer a multi-point inspection that provides a comprehensive review of the unit’s various components, in addition to a thorough cleaning. If there is concern over any of the system’s components, they can be addressed prior to leaving for an extended trip.
Install a Surge Protector
If your A/C is subject to a sudden power surge, it could seriously damage the unit’s electrical components, preventing the unit from even turning on. Depending on the age and condition of your unit, the cost of repairing electrical surge damage may exceed the value of the A/C. Surge protectors become even more important if storms, a common occurrence in Jacksonville, are predicted for the time you’re going to be away.
Turn the Temperature Up (Or Get a Wifi Thermostat)
There’s no need to keep your home at a cool 68 degrees while you’re not around to enjoy it. Turning the temperature up can minimize the number of times your A/C kicks on while you’re gone, saving you a bit of money and unnecessary wear and tear on the unit. Another option is to invest in a wifi-enabled thermostat that will allow you to modify the temperature from your mobile phone or computer while you’re away.
If your A/C needs a little TLC before you leave town, get in touch with A/C Designs. As a leading heating and cooling company serving all of Northeast Florida, we perform A/C repair, maintenance, new unit installation, thermostat upgrades, and more. Give us a call today to speak with one of our home comfort advisors to see how we can improve your home comfort.