Four Things to Do for Your Air Conditioning System Before You Leave Town
Do you intend to go out of town for a while? One of the things you should do before taking off is to protect your air conditioning equipment and give it some maintenance attention. This is because your air conditioning system does not just cool your home, but also moderates humidity levels. Ensuring it continues working properly while you're away is vital to preventing moisture-related problems like mould growth and poor indoor air quality.
So, what can you do for your AC system before leaving town?
1. Use a Surge Protector with Your Air Conditioner
Voltage spikes can cause electrical equipment to fail. Even if you can't remember the last time you experienced a power surge in your home, a surge protector is a small investment that can protect your AC system and other expensive electrical equipment against unexpected power spike damage. If you don't know how to choose the correct surge protection for your cooling system, you can always consult a local HVAC technician.
2. Don't Switch Off Your Blower Fan
Your air conditioning system supplies cool air to your home interiors while the blower fan helps to distribute the air throughout your home. While you might want to turn off the blower to reduce energy costs, it is best to leave it turned on together with your AC unit. This will help improve circulation of the cool air within your home, thus preventing moisture-induced problems while you're away from home.
3. Turn Your Thermostat Up
Setting your thermostat up a few degrees will ensure your AC unit removes excess humidity from your home while using less energy. You can always set your thermostat back to normal operating temperatures for your AC when you return home, If you have a programmable thermostat, you can restore the optimal operating temperatures of your cooling equipment a day or so before you get back home.
4. Replace Your Dirty Air Filter
A dirt-laden air filter will restrict airflow within your AC system, thus hurting the cooling performance and efficiency of your system. If your AC's air filter replacement is almost due or will be due by the time you come back from your trip, make sure you make the replacement before taking off.
If you do the above-discussed things for your AC system before leaving home, you should be able to find your home in good condition when you return. For more tips on what to do for your cooling equipment, contact an experienced HVAC maintenance technician for air conditioning services and information.