Summer vacation is the perfect time to kick up your feet and relax. Whether you want to lay on the beach, swim in a lake, or take it easy in a cabin, you probably are more than ready for your much-anticipated rest and family fun! Five Star Heating & Cooling Cincinnati wants you to enjoy your vacation to its fullest. We know there are a lot of details that go into planning a well-organized, enjoyable vacation. But we also want you to be aware of the importance of preparing your HVAC system for your vacation. June and July are Ohio’s hottest months of the year. This means that this is the time that your AC system will be working the most. So keep this in mind as you continue your vacation planning, and keep reading below for some tips and tricks from your local heating and cooling professionals!
Why Does Getting a Maintenace Check Matter?
Have you had your AC system serviced for its seasonal tune-up and safety check yet? It is crucial to have your maintenance check done every year for the spring and summer. Generally, these are supposed to be done before your AC system’s first use of the season, but if time has gotten away from you, it’s not too late. Seasonal tune-up and safety checks are vital ways to practice preventative maintenance. They ensure your AC unit is running as it should be with no underlying issues. In addition, when you have a maintenance check performed by us, our NATE-certified technicians confirm your unit is safe to continue running. Multiple things can happen when the cooling unit is unused for so long in its off-season. So it’s always best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and have your cooling unit serviced for the warmer months – most especially before your vacation. We say, “Better late than never!” So call us today, and we will get you squared away!
Why Should You Clean Your Condenser?
Regular wear and tear is expected, which will inevitably happen to your residential HVAC system. However, you should still maintain upkeep as much as possible. Since the condenser is a heavy piece of machinery that blows cold air into your home, it would be best to make sure it is clean and ready to go before leaving for your trip. For instance, the vicinity of your condenser should be cleared of any obstructions and plant vegetation that may get in the way of the condenser working correctly. In addition, it could damage your condenser if any outdoor items fall onto the unit while you’re away. Furthermore, if leaves, sticks, or weeds get blown and caught in the condenser, this can prove harmful to your unit as well. To prevent this, make sure all outdoor items are several feet away from the unit, and loose leaves, sticks, and debris are removed from the area. In addition, if there is dust or pollen all over your unit, you can clean it off by wiping it down or washing it off with a garden hose. This may seem like it will make an insignificant difference, but doing so will help with your AC’s efficiency and the IAQ in your home.
Why Should You Raise Your Temperature Higher?
If you were thinking about shutting off your AC system in your absence to save a bit of money on your energy bill, we encourage you to reconsider. Our friendly and knowledgeable technicians say you should set your thermostats between 80-85 degrees before leaving for your summer vacation. Doing this will help protect your electronics, house plants, furniture, and other sensitive belongings.
What Additional Things Can You Do To Prepare Your AC System?
- Replace the Air Filters: If necessary, remember to replace your HVAC air filters before you set off for your trip. Those should be changed every 1-2 months. So it is essential to replace your air filters beforehand if they are due for a filter change close to your vacation time.
- Dust, Vacuum, & Sweep: It is a good idea to dust, sweep, and vacuum before leaving your home. Doing this removes any extra dust and airborne particles within the air in your home. So in return, this boosts your indoor air quality, thus raising your AC’s overall efficiency.
- Close the Windows, Blinds, & Shades: Last of all, close all your windows, blinds, and shades. When you do this, it provides extra protection against the outdoor elements. Draw any curtains, drapes, or window treatments closed to help keep the summer heat out as much as possible.
When you set off for your summer vacation, go with the joy of knowing that your home and AC system are left in tip-top shape! You can enjoy whatever fun activities you planned without the extra stress weighing on the back of your mind whether your system is running properly or will malfunction at any given moment. If you still need to schedule your seasonal tune-up and safety check or have any issues with your residential HVAC system, give us the chance to service you. We will be more than happy to show you what it means to experience the five-star difference! Call Five Star Heating & Cooling Cincinnati today at (513) 216-5011, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
