Why Your A/C Should Be Included on Your Vacation Checklist

Preparing for a vacation can be a lot of work, and one thing you shouldn't neglect before you go is your A/C. Leaving the air conditioner on when you leave has a number of benefits, from your home's security to its interior environment. Although the system will use electricity, which adds to your bill, in the long run, it may be worth it, considering the problems that excessive heat in your home can create.

• Ask an HVAC contractor to service your system before you leave. The technician will go through your equipment, cleaning, adjusting and verifying that everything is as it should be. He or she will check the drainpipe, making sure there are no obstructions and check the refrigerant level. A blocked drainpipe could cause the condensation to back into your home, and low or excessively high refrigerant levels increase your energy consumption and hasten breakdowns.
• Write down the number of your HVAC contractor and give it to the person taking care of your home.
• Verify that the air filter for the blower is clean. Dirty filters slow the airflow through the blower and slow the cooling process of your home, making your A/C run longer.
• Set the thermostat to a temperature that will keep your indoor plants thriving. If you're leaving pets behind, be sure to leave the house at a comfortable temperature for them. If no plants or pets are present, it may be tempting to set the temperature high, but the noise the condenser makes may discourage break-ins.

Leaving the cooling system on will decrease the chances of someone breaking in, just as employing these tips will:

• Put a radio or television, along with several lights on timers. Noise and light make it seem as if your home is occupied.
• Unplug the automatic garage door opener and lock the adjoining door for your home.
• Have your mail held and stop newspaper delivery.

If you'd like more information about preparing your A/C for your absence, contact Arpi's Industries, Inc. We've provided HVAC services for the Calgary area since 1963. Our goal is to help educate our customers in Calgary, Alberta about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about preparing your A/C for your vacation and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide. Image courtesy of Shutterstock