Skip to main content

HVAC Tips For The Holidays


Published December 22, 2022
Category:

It’s finally that time of the year when your family gets together to celebrate the holidays and welcome in the new year. We know how exciting yet hectic the holidays can be as there is lots of traveling, planning and spending involved. The last thing you want is to worry about spending money on your HVAC unit rather than gifting your loved ones a well-deserved present. There are many things you can do to ensure that your HVAC unit remains working efficiently throughout the holiday season. This blog will go over some helpful holiday HVAC tips that all homeowners should follow.

Going Out Of Town For The Holidays?

Your parents have decided to host this year’s holiday family reunion so you’re having to leave town for a few days. Before you pack your bags and head out, these are some of the things you should do to ensure your unit continues to run efficiently when you’re not home:

  • Don’t turn your HVAC system off
  • Make sure your air filter has been cleaned out
  • Clean the area around the outdoor unit
  • Schedule a check-up

1. Don’t Turn Your HVAC System Off

Although it may seem like turning your HVAC system off when no one’s home is a good idea, it can do more harm than good. Depending on how long you will be gone for, most technicians recommend homeowners to turn their thermostat up by up to 5 degrees. Doing so will ensure that your home doesn’t get too cold and it is comfortable enough for when you get back. If you often travel around this time of the year, it would be a good idea to consider installing a smart thermostat for your home. Smart thermostats are efficient and easy to use, as they allow homeowners to control their home’s temperature through their smartphone, no matter where they are.

2. Make Sure Your Air filter Has Been Cleaned Out

As you are probably aware, keeping your air filter clean is a crucial part of ensuring that your system runs smoothly. If you haven’t cleaned or replaced your air filter in over 90 days, it may be a good idea to do so before you leave town. Doing this will prevent dust particles and debris from clogging the air filter and circulating around your home. Failing to change your air filter every 60 to 90 days can significantly affect your home’s indoor air quality levels and lead to health complications.

3. Clean The Area Around The Outdoor Unit

Keeping your outdoor unit clean will help ensure that it is operating efficiently. Oftentimes, dirt and dust may build on top of the condenser unit due to the weather in Virginia Beach and surrounding areas being cold and windy during this time of the year. Wind can easily bring dust particles and leaves that may cause a disturbance in your unit’s efficiency levels.

4. Schedule A Check-Up

If you missed your fall maintenance appointment, this is your sign to schedule one before heading out. You will want to make sure your unit is up and running efficiently to prevent any complications while you’re away. A unit that is experiencing complications may begin to work harder than it’s meant to and lead to higher energy bills.

Additional Tips:

Vacuum your floors and carpets

You may be wondering how vacuuming your carpets correlates to your HVAC system working efficiently. In fact, making sure that your home is free of dust particles and pet dandruff will reduce the likelihood of your system’s air filter from easily getting clogged.

Contact A Professional Today

If you’re planning to go out of town, you may want to consider scheduling a check-up appointment with one of our knowledgeable technicians. Galactic Air is here to help answer any questions about your HVAC system! We want to ensure your holiday season is free of costly breakdowns so you can enjoy your time with friends and family. Give us a call today at 757-575-5334.