Winter Vacation HVAC Advice

While you are on vacation this winter, make sure that your HVAC system is properly taken care of before you leave. Taking care of your system before you leave will allow you to enjoy your vacation worry-free. When you aren’t home for a week or even a few days, it is not necessary to leave the HVAC system running like you are at home. There are steps a homeowner can take to make sure their home stays safe while away. Follow the steps in this article for ways to prep your home for a winter vacation.

Home Care Tips During Winter Vacation

Set the Temperature to Lower

It makes no sense to leave your home at 62 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit when no one is home. This will be a waste of energy and money. When you are gone it would be safe to set the temperature to 50 to 52 degrees without risking frozen pipes. If the home has pets or plants that need a special environment, you should set the temperature a few degrees higher than the recommended vacation away setting.

Shut off the Water

If you are leaving the home for a longer period of time it is vital to turn off the water, a few days isn’t necessary. This is an easy step to take before leaving on vacation as extra protection to the home. Once you turn off the pipes, run the remaining water out of the pipes through a faucet. There will be no water in the pipes, preventing them from potentially freezing. The water machine line should be shut off as well and the toilet should be flushed.

Close All Doors and Windows

Double-check to make sure that all windows and doors are closed and locked. An open window will allow for a draft to run through the house cooling it down. It will also give a great opportunity for a burglar to break into your home.