Vacations are meant to be restful. Whether you plan everything yourself or consult a travel professional, the last thing you want is an unpleasant or expensive surprise. Borrow some advice from greater Atlanta HVAC provider Estes Services. Include a tune-up of your HVAC unit as part of your vacation preparations.
You’ll leave town knowing your heating and cooling system is in top shape and ready to welcome you home with comfort. Plus, with a modern thermostat, you can give your HVAC unit a vacation, too!
Old Thermostat Vacation Options
If you still have a manual dial-type thermostat, your options while on vacation are to 1) heat and cool your home as if you were there, 2) raise or lower the temperature to save on energy while you’re gone, or 3) turn it off as you walk out the door.
Clearly, option one wastes money. Option two is okay, if you’re okay coming home from the airport to find a chilly house and waiting hours for it to get comfortable. No one wants to return from a flight delay or a seven-hour drive and be uncomfortable in their own home.
Your third option is not good, either. Again, you will have to wait for the HVAC unit to return to the appropriate temperature.
Options two and three strain your HVAC unit, as it tries to close the gap between the current temperature and the desired one. This can lead to an overworked HVAC unit and potential stress-related breakdowns.
Any HVAC Unit Performs More Efficiently with a Modern Thermostat
When you upgrade to a programmable thermostat, you regain control. Your HVAC unit will thank you. Basic programmable models have multiple “modes”. You can program a weekday mode to match your weekday routines.
If, for example, your home is empty from 9 am until 6 pm, you can program the thermostat to adjust the temperature at 9 am and then bring it back to your desired temperature prior to your arrival. Most models have a weekend and a vacation mode, as well.
Some models have additional programming abilities. These may include a normal “weekday” routine, with exceptions. Let’s say Mondays through Wednesdays are the same. Thursdays, you’re out of the house until 8:30 pm for tutoring. Fridays, you have gymnastics or ball games. Program your thermostat to reflect these.
Some models also have Wi-Fi connectivity. These are the most responsive and may be adjusted remotely, using an app on your smartphone or tablet.
Any thermostat more aligned with your actual occupancy will save stress on your HVAC unit, as well as costs on your energy bill.
Be sure to consult an HVAC professional from Estes Services for a thermostat recommendation. Some models partner better with specific HVAC units than others. We can recommend options for you, based on your existing HVAC unit and needs.
Add HVAC Unit Care to Your Vacation Prep List
Before you leave on vacation, make sure your HVAC unit is serviced for the season. You’ll enjoy your vacation more and stress less about the $16 resort cheeseburgers your kids ordered, when you know your HVAC system is operating as designed.
If you recently enjoyed an HVAC unit service, check the air filter before you go. Change or clean it, if necessary. Obstructions to airflow stress your HVAC unit, so it’s best to have a clear filter.
Contact us today to schedule a service, ask about thermostat upgrades, or learn more about maintenance agreements. These offer priority scheduling and repair discounts!
