How to Prep Your Home and HVAC System Before Leaving for Vacation
Summer is one of the busiest travel seasons in Winchester, VA and the West Virginia Panhandle, and whether you're heading to the beach, the mountains, or visiting family, a little planning can go a long way in protecting your home while you’re away. One of the best ways to keep things running smoothly—and avoid surprises when you return—is to prepare your home and HVAC system before you leave.
This guide walks you through smart steps to take before vacation, helping you save energy, protect your investment, and keep your home comfortable and secure while you're gone.
Quick Summary
Before leaving for vacation, adjust your thermostat for energy savings, replace your air filter, close blinds and curtains, unplug unnecessary electronics, clear your outdoor AC unit, and consider using smart home devices to monitor temperature and humidity. These steps help reduce energy bills, prevent system strain, and keep your home protected while you’re away. Small Solutions Heating and Air Conditioning offers tune‑ups, smart thermostat installation, and maintenance services to help homeowners leave home with confidence.
Set Your Thermostat for Vacation Mode
Your HVAC system doesn't need to cool an empty home the same way it cools an occupied one. Adjusting your thermostat before you leave is one of the easiest ways to lower your energy usage and prevent unnecessary strain on your system.
Recommended vacation settings:
- Set your thermostat to around 78–82°F in summer.
- If you have a heat pump, avoid setting temperatures too high—heat pumps maintain best efficiency within reasonable ranges.
- Use a smart thermostat to monitor temperatures and adjust settings remotely.
A properly set thermostat prevents excessive heat buildup, which can damage furniture, electronics, and décor while saving money on your energy bill.
Replace Your Air Filter Before You Leave
Your HVAC filter impacts airflow, system performance, and indoor air quality. If the filter is already dirty when you leave, your system will struggle while you're gone.
Changing your filter helps:
- Improve airflow and efficiency
- Reduce strain on your AC system
- Maintain better humidity control throughout your home
This small step is one of the best things you can do before an extended trip.
Close Blinds and Curtains to Reduce Heat Gain
Sunlight streaming into your home during hot July and August days can raise indoor temperatures quickly. Closing blinds or curtains before leaving helps reduce heat gain, meaning your AC won’t have to work as hard to maintain your vacation temperature settings.
Bonus: It also adds privacy and makes it less obvious that no one is home.
Clear the Area Around Your Outdoor AC Unit
Before you head out of town, take a moment to check your outdoor AC or heat pump. Wind, storms, or lawn debris may have accumulated around the unit.
Make sure:
- No grass clippings, branches, or leaves are blocking airflow
- There’s at least two feet of space around the unit
- The top of the unit is free of debris
Good airflow helps your system run efficiently while you're away—and helps prevent overheating during hot stretches.
Unplug Unnecessary Electronics
Even when turned off, many devices draw power if they remain plugged in. Before vacation, unplug items like:
- Televisions
- Computers
- Small appliances
- Video game consoles
- Chargers
This reduces energy waste and protects your electronics from power surges caused by summer storms, which are common throughout May–August in our area.
Check Humidity Levels in Your Home
Summer humidity can climb quickly, especially when your HVAC system runs less frequently while you’re away. High humidity can cause damage to wood furniture, instruments, and flooring, as well as create musty odors.
To prevent humidity problems:
- Use a whole‑home dehumidifier if you have one
- Ensure bathroom exhaust fans are working properly
- Avoid turning your thermostat too high, which can reduce dehumidification
For older homes or those with moisture‑prone basements, consider humidity control upgrades before your trip.
Use Smart Home Devices for Extra Peace of Mind
If you want added security and comfort control, smart home devices can provide real‑time updates while you’re away.
Helpful options include:
- Smart thermostats to monitor temperature and adjust settings remotely
- Smart leak detectors to alert you to unexpected water issues
- Smart plugs to manage lighting schedules for security
Small Solutions offers installation support for smart thermostats, which pair perfectly with vacation energy savings.
Have Your HVAC System Serviced Before a Long Trip
If you’ll be gone for an extended vacation or traveling during a period of extreme heat, scheduling an AC tune‑up before leaving can provide valuable peace of mind.
A professional tune‑up helps ensure:
- Your system is clean and running efficiently
- There are no refrigerant or electrical issues
- You won’t return home to a system that’s been struggling
Our team at Small Solutions Heating and Air Conditioning offers full AC and heat pump tune‑ups for homeowners across the Top of Virginia and the West Virginia Panhandle.
FAQ
What temperature should I leave my house at when I’m on vacation?
Generally, 78–82°F works well for summer. It saves energy while preventing excess heat and humidity inside your home.
Should I turn off my AC completely while I’m gone?
No — turning off your AC can lead to high humidity, extreme heat buildup, and damage to furniture or electronics.
How can I keep my home secure while away?
Use smart lights, lock all windows and doors, and ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on things.
Is a tune‑up worth it before traveling?
Yes. It’s a smart way to prevent potential breakdowns while you’re away and ensure everything runs smoothly when you return.
Your home should be safe, efficient, and protected while you're on vacation — and taking these steps helps ensure just that. If you’d like help preparing your HVAC system before you go, contact Small Solutions Heating and Air Conditioning for expert service.