Planning a getaway is exciting, but don’t forget to prepare your home before you leave. A few simple steps can help protect your property, reduce energy costs, and prevent unpleasant surprises when you return. For the well-being of your home’s HVAC and plumbing in Ocean City, MD, taking care of these systems before your trip is one of the smartest investments you can make in your peace of mind.
Close Windows and Curtains
Before heading out, make sure every window is securely closed and locked. Even a slightly open window allows warm, humid air to enter, forcing your air conditioner to work harder. Closing blinds, shades, or curtains also helps keep direct sunlight from heating your home throughout the day. Together, these simple tasks reduce the cooling load on your HVAC system and help lower energy consumption while you’re away.
Program Your Thermostat
There’s no reason to cool an empty house to your normal comfort level. Adjust your thermostat a few degrees higher before leaving so your air conditioner doesn’t run unnecessarily. However, don’t turn it off completely, especially during the hottest months. Maintaining a reasonable indoor temperature helps control humidity and protects your furnishings, electronics, and other belongings.
If you still use a manual thermostat, vacation season is a great time to consider upgrading. Our experienced technicians can install a smart thermostat that lets you adjust temperatures remotely from your phone, making it easy to monitor your home and restore your preferred settings before you return.
Shut Off the Main Water Supply
One of the biggest concerns during any vacation is an unexpected plumbing leak. Even a small leak can cause extensive water damage if it goes unnoticed for several days. Unless someone will be staying in your home, consider shutting off the main water valve before you leave. This simple precaution can help prevent burst pipes, leaking supply lines, or appliance failures from becoming expensive disasters.
If you’re unsure where your main shutoff valve is located or how to operate it, our plumbing professionals are happy to show you during your next service visit.
Set Your Water Heater to Vacation Mode
Many newer water heaters include a vacation setting that reduces energy usage while you’re away. If your unit has this feature, it’s an easy way to save money without completely shutting down the system. If your water heater doesn’t offer a vacation mode, consult your owner’s manual or ask one of our technicians for the best recommendation for your specific equipment.
Schedule Maintenance Before You Leave
The best vacation preparation starts long before you pack your suitcase. A professional inspection of your HVAC and plumbing systems gives you confidence that everything is operating safely and efficiently. Our technicians can identify worn components, minor leaks, airflow problems, or maintenance needs before they become major issues while you’re away.
With routine maintenance completed before your trip, you can relax knowing your home’s heating, cooling, and plumbing systems are ready to protect your property until you return home.
Schedule an appointment with Atlantic Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Inc., or ask us any questions about all things HVAC and plumbing in Ocean City, MD. We take pride in your comfort!