When homeowners go away for extended periods of time, one common question that arises is what to do with their HVAC system. Leaving your HVAC system running at full capacity while you're away can be a costly and unnecessary expense. Therefore, it is important to make the proper adjustments to your HVAC system before you leave to save energy and money.
One of the first things to consider when you leave home is the thermostat.
If you have a programmable thermostat, it should be set to a temperature that won’t be affected by the outside environment. For instance, in the winter months, the thermostat should not be set too low so that the pipes freeze, but not too high that you are heating an empty house. Similarly, in summer months, setting the temperature slightly higher can save energy.
Another important aspect to ensure HVAC efficiency is inspecting the air filters regularly.
When you leave a home for an extended period of time, the air conditioning unit can gather considerable dust, which can clog up the filters. In such a situation, the system will need to work harder, wasting more energy and causing wear and tear on the air conditioning system. As a result, you should opt to replace or clean the air filters before you leave.
However, if you are going away for a more extended period, such as a few months, shutting off the HVAC system completely can be an option to save energy.
In this case, you can turn off the main power switch and the gas valve of the heater to ensure that no energy is being wasted. Moreover, it is best to seal all the vents, including attic and basement vents, to prevent moisture and unwanted pests from entering.
In conclusion, leaving your HVAC system running full blast while you are away can be both wasteful and expensive. By making simple and necessary adjustments to your HVAC system, you can save energy in the long run. By inspecting and potentially replacing filters, regulating your thermostat, and shutting the system off if you're leaving for an extended period, you can enjoy peace of mind while reducing energy costs.