Summer is a busy season in Virginia Beach, VA, and many residents like to take a vacation away from the hustle and bustle. Whether you’re going to the mountains, the Northeast, or the Gulf Coast, it’s important to get your home ready for your absence. While you’re packing for your trip, take a few minutes and do these three things for your AC system.
Change the Air Filter
The most important thing you can do to prep your AC system for your vacation is to change the air filter. According to the Department of Energy, replacing a dirty air filter improves the air conditioner’s efficiency by up to 15%. It also prevents excess cycling, unnecessary wear and tear and high utility bills. If you’re not sure of how to replace the air filter, one of our NATE-certified technicians can show you how.
Clean the Outdoor Unit
Before you hit the road for your vacation, take a few minutes to clean the outdoor unit’s coils and housing. To do this, wait for the cooling cycle to stop. Turn off the power to the AC at the breaker. Use your garden hose’s jet sprayer to rinse the outdoor unit’s housing, fins and fan blade. This removes the dirt and dust that accumulate on the unit. Mow the lawn and trim back any shrubs or tree branches that are within three feet of the outdoor unit.
Update the Programmable Thermostat
Since you won’t be at home, it’s a good idea to update your programmable thermostat and set it to a higher temperature. Because Virginia Beach has such humid weather, don’t set the temperature higher than 80 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s because your air conditioner also removes humidity from your home. If your home has high heat and humidity, these conditions could damage your wood furniture, flooring and decor.
To learn more about how to prep your air conditioning system before leaving on vacation, check out Climatemakers of VA’s AC maintenance services, or call us today for additional tips.
