You want to unwind and relax on a Christmas vacation, which means not having to worry about anything at your Jacksonville, FL home. Before you leave, call an HVAC technician to look at your system. They will make sure that everything is in good working order. They can also advise you on the ideal temperature to save money yet not risk anything freezing while you’re gone.
Adjust Your Thermostat
When you leave for a Christmas vacation, turn your thermostat down to 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This will prevent excessive heating but still keep your home relatively comfortable when you arrive home. If you have a programmable thermostat, you can make adjustments before you leave, and the thermostat will handle them automatically. Then, when you are about to return home, reset the temperature to what is normal for you.
Consider a Smart Thermostat
Even better than a programable thermostat, a smart thermostat offers a load of advantages. These are Wi-Fi-enabled devices. You can download an app on your smartphone to control your HVAC system from anywhere. Before you return home, you can adjust the temperature, and your home will be cozy the minute you return.
Some smart thermostats are adaptable. This means they can learn your routine and automatically adjust the temperature to save energy. They can also detect when there is no one in the house, and they make the appropriate temperature adjustments.
You can also connect your smart thermostat to the local weather forecast. It can automatically adjust settings to achieve maximum energy efficiency and comfort. Is it time to upgrade to this energy-saving device?
Close Your Curtains and Blinds
Closing your curtains and blinds helps add some extra security when you are away and helps with temperature. Since winter nights in Jacksonville can dip into the 40s, closing these can help to keep this colder air outside. This also helps to reduce your HVAC system’s workload so that it gets a little break while you are away.
Seal Your Home
Take a few minutes to check your doors and windows. If there are any gaps where air is getting in, seal these. This will keep the cool air out and the warm air in so that the temperature in your home remains more stable while you are away. If you are unfamiliar with sealing your home, call a professional. They know how to apply caulk and weatherstripping for an airtight seal.
Replace Your Air Filter
Give your HVAC system a clean filter so that there is no restriction to airflow while you are away. This also helps your system not have to work as hard, so it gets a break when you are not home. These should be changed at least every two to three months. You may need to change them more often if you have pets.
Get HVAC Maintenance
Before you leave, you should consider having a professional come in to do an inspection of your system and perform any necessary maintenance. This will ensure that your system is in good working condition so that you do not have to worry about any components failing when you are away. It also helps your heating system to run more efficiently in your absence.
Adjust Zoned Heating
If you have a zoned system, you can change the temperature of each zone individually. For example, keep it cooler in the basement and upstairs rooms since you are unlikely to use these as soon as you return home. Then, keep the kitchen, living room, and downstairs bathrooms slightly warmer so that they are more comfortable when you return home. If you don’t have a zoned system, call us to upgrade today.
Check Your Insulation
Your home’s internal temperature relies heavily on insulation. Having a professional come in and do an insulation evaluation is a good idea. They will pay special attention to your walls and attic. When your insulation is adequate, this helps to block the cold air from getting in while simultaneously preventing heat loss. This keeps your home temperature more stable and helps decrease the strain on your heating system.
Consider a Smart Vent
Smart vents make it possible to control how much airflow a specific room is getting. You can close the vents completely in rooms you are unlikely to use immediately after returning home. Then, program them to open just before you return home. You can choose to keep vents open for rooms you will use immediately. If you have pets, this allows you to keep vents open in the rooms they will be in so that they are comfortable.
Examine Your Duct Work
You want to ensure that your air quality remains clean when you are away. Dirt, dust, and moisture can build up in the vents. This buildup can restrict airflow and promote mold and mildew growth. Having your ducts professionally cleaned improves air quality and helps reduce stress on your heating system. If you notice a musty smell from your vents, call us for duct inspection and cleaning.
Use Ceiling Fans
If you have ceiling fans in your home, you can take advantage of them when you are on vacation for Christmas. First, make sure that they are moving clockwise since it is wintertime. This will help push the warm air near your ceiling down into your rooms. You only need to use the ceiling fans in the main rooms to keep them comfortable. This can be especially helpful if you have pets staying home when you are away.
Check Your Furniture
Take a walk through each room and check the placement of your furniture. Make sure that no piece is blocking any of the vents in your home. This will ensure that the air coming from the vents can flow freely. Keep at least 6 to 12 inches clearance. Unobstructed vents also ensure less stress on your system, which helps to reduce the risk of problems.
Inspect Your Fireplace
If you have a fireplace, you can lose a lot of heat through it if you do not handle it properly. You can use a fireplace cover to seal the opening so that cold air cannot get in and your heat does not escape. Also, make sure to close the damper so that cold air cannot come down your chimney and into your home while you are away.
HVAC Experts in Jacksonville
When leaving your Jacksonville home for a period of time, you need to properly prepare your HVAC system. Our team of professionals can come by before you leave and take care of all of the preparation for you. We also offer heating and cooling installation, maintenance, and repair. This includes heat pumps and ductless mini splits. We also provide air quality solutions, including whole-home dehumidifiers.
Call Buehler Air Conditioning & Plumbing in Jacksonville today for more information about how to prepare your HVAC system for your Christmas getaway.
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