Warm weather and vacations usually go hand-in-hand. With the summer still in full swing, many are departing to leave for family vacation. However, regardless of whether you plan a vacation in summer or winter, you still have to prepare your home before going. This preparation should include your heating and cooling equipment.
Getting a professional to conduct a tune-up on your AC or furnace will ensure that you do not come home to an uncomfortable home. Moreover, you get to enjoy your vacation thoroughly. You won’t worry whether or not your HVAC system will still work when you get home.
For fast and reliable HVAC services, make sure to contact Skylands Energy. We specialize in cooling and heating repairs, tune-ups, installations, and more.
When you schedule a maintenance checkup or any other HVAC service, we will provide you with superior service at honest prices. Our NATE certified technicians are ready to ensure that your HVAC system can provide you with optimum efficiency and comfort. Call Skylands Energy today for a free estimate.
HVAC Maintenance Somerville NJ: Steps To Take Before Leaving On Vacation
Your heating and air conditioning system helps make your home comfortable. Preparing your system before you go on vacation ensures that it’s still in perfect working order after you return home. This article covers some tips to help make sure that your unit stays efficient and economical even while you’re away.
Don’t Turn Your System Off
Keep your HVAC system turned on. You probably think that shutting your system off is the best thing to do while you are away. After all, turning a piece of equipment off when it’s not in use does make sense. However, your heating and cooling system is an exception. Your HVAC system is designed to run around the clock. Thus, frequently turning it on and off will strain your system.
Moreover, your HVAC system is responsible for three things. First, it provides cool air during the summer and warm air during the cold winter months. Second, it dehumidifies your home. It acts as humidity control. Lastly, your unit keeps dust and other contaminants from circulating in your home.
Turning your system off will only result in poor indoor air quality. You will end up getting in a hot or cold, dusty, and humid home after your vacation.
Check Your Air Filter
The air filter in your HVAC system plays a vital role. It traps contaminants from entering your home. Also, it is essential for the overall functionality of your unit. A dirty air filter can cause multiple problems to your unit. Therefore, before you leave, make sure that your air filter is clean. A clean air filter assures you that your system is less likely to malfunction while you enjoy your vacation.
Check The Vents And Windows
The next thing you need to check is your vents and windows. Walk around all the rooms in your home and make sure that all vents are open. Airflow is essential for the efficiency of your system. Opening all these vents ensures that you get proper airflow. Also, close all the windows. It will help your system’s effectiveness as well. Doing so ensures that your home is secured while you are away.
Install A Surge Protector
Blackouts and other electrical interruptions can happen unexpectedly. Thus, it is possible that one happens while you are away on vacation. Voltage spikes can undoubtedly cause damage or even system failure to your HVAC system. To prevent that from happening, make sure that you install a surge protector. A surge protector will protect your heating and cooling system from any damages due to sudden voltage spikes.
Install A Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat enables you to use programmed settings while you are on vacation. These settings adjust the temperature in your home to maximize the efficiency of your HVAC system.
It can also be set depending on the season. You can set it so that your AC reduces the cooling in your home while you are on summer vacation. If you are going away during the winter, you can also set it so that your furnace reduces the heat while you’re gone. Likewise, you can set it so that your system kicks on right before you get home. This way, you come home to a comfortable house. Also, you will not dread getting high utility bills at the end of the month.
HVAC Maintenance
A tune-up before you go on vacation is the best way you can prepare your HVAC system. Routine maintenance includes inspecting every component of your AC or heater. This way, you are ensured that every part is working correctly. Also, the technician can address any existing issues right away. Resolving any problems right away prevents them from escalating into major and costly repairs.
Contact a trusted HVAC contractor to conduct a tune-up. Even if you aren’t gone long, you will greatly benefit from getting a maintenance checkup. There is less of a chance that your system malfunctions while you are away. Therefore, you will be coming home to a system that performs well. It will also save you the inconvenience of getting repairs after you come back.
Conclusion
Just as we’ve discussed, you must keep your HVAC system turned on even while you are away on vacation. You should also check your air filters. Make sure that all vents are open and all windows are closed. More importantly, schedule a tune-up before you leave.
When searching for fast and reliable “HVAC technicians near me,” contact Skylands Energy. We guarantee that our home AC and furnace tune-ups will improve your system’s performance and enhance its efficiency.
Our NATE certified technicians also offer other home comfort services. We specialize in heating repairs, cooling tune-ups, installations, replacements, and more. You can count on us to provide you with superior services at affordable prices. Call us today to schedule an appointment. We provide free estimates.
Some of the areas we service include Bridgewater, Hillsborough, Raritan, Somerville and
these zip codes: 08807, 08844, 08869, 08876 as well as all surrounding areas in central New Jersey.
Contact us now at (908) 707-1776 to find out more!
The post How To Care For Your HVAC System Before Going On Vacation appeared first on Skylands Energy.
from Skylands Energy https://skylandsenergy.com/hvac/hvac-maintenance-somerville-nj/
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Heating water is expensive. In fact, it accounts for 12-18% of your utility bills. It is only second to the heating and cooling costs of your home. As a homeowner, it is no wonder that you want to do everything you can to reduce this cost. Luckily, every homeowner can do something to heat water more efficiently.
The standard temperature of a water heater is 140 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you will save money on your yearly water heating bill by merely lowering your water heater’s temperature to 120 degrees.
Sediment tends to settle at the bottom of your water heater. These sediments are a mixture of any solid material or debris from the well or water mains and calcium carbonate. Unfortunately, this sediment tends to overstrain your water heater. In turn, your utility bill will be higher. It also makes your water heater more prone to wear and tear. Contact a trusted 
Installing a water efficient water heater model will help cut back your water heating costs. A gas or electric tankless water heater is an excellent replacement for your old conventional one.
When did you replace your HVAC’s air filter last? Unfortunately, this essential task is something that is often overlooked by homeowners. Since air filters are an integral part of your AC, replacing filters should be a part of your air conditioner maintenance checklist. A filter is responsible for your home’s indoor air quality, trapping contaminants, allergens, and various other indoor air pollutants. It prevents safety hazards and fire hazards as well.
Your air filter is often made of a spun fiberglass material. In some cases, it is made up of pleated paper or cloth. A cardboard frame usually encloses the filter. With use, this fine mesh becomes denser and denser with particulates.
A clean air filter means that heated or cooled air easily travels through the furnace, heat pump, or air conditioner in your home. On the other hand, your HVAC system tends to work harder when contaminants clog the surfaces of your air filters. If you do not remedy this immediately, your HVAC unit’s efficiency will steadily decline.
It is always a hassle when your AC malfunctions. A broken cooling system means that you are left feeling hot and sticky especially now that the scorching summer heat is upon us. It is only when this happens that you realize how much you rely on our air conditioner to keep you cool and comfortable. One of the most common air conditioning malfunctions experienced by homeowners is water leakage from their 
The condensate drain plays an essential role in your air conditioning system. It is responsible for removing the condensation produced by your A/C’s evaporator coil. Dirt and dust can accumulate along the drain pipe’s walls. If this is not cleaned correctly, it creates the perfect environment for mildew and algae to grow. The mold growth can clog the drain. Because the condensation cannot pass through the drain line, the water leaks out of your 
The air filter in your AC traps any contaminants from getting inside your home. This buildup on the air filter only gets denser as time passes. When the air filter is dirty, it blocks the airflow, and the warm air cannot pass through. Without warm air blowing over it, the evaporator coil gets too cold and freezes over. Ice forms in the surface of the coil. When it melts, the water leaks out of the A/C.
The refrigerant is the coolant used in your air conditioner’s refrigeration cycle. There are a few indications you’ll notice on your AC if your refrigerant is low. One of the indicators is that your AC isn’t cooling your house well. Also, there could be a refrigerant leak if you hear a hissing sound from inside your A/C.
It is undeniable that air conditioners play a huge role when it comes to keeping you and your family comfortable. However, when your central air conditioning unit starts to make unusual sounds, or it blows warm air, these are indications that your AC is not working correctly. Fortunately, most A/C issues are easily solved. However, it is vital to know when you can take out your tools and start a DIY repair or when to call a professional HVAC technician instead.
If your air conditioning unit blows out warm air instead of cold, check if the temperature in your thermostat is correctly set. Someone may have accidentally set it to ‘heat.’ Simply place it in the ‘cool’ setting and see if it starts blowing cold air.
Below are a few of the HVAC problems that need to be checked and repaired only by a professional:
Finding ways to lower your household’s monthly utility bills is always an exciting topic for many homeowners. After all, it’s an excellent way to keep your hard-earned money in the bank. Interestingly enough, your home heating and cooling costs account for approximately half of your energy costs. Therefore, it makes perfect sense to pay close attention to the efficiency of your HVAC system.
One of the persisting questions on the topic of saving money is whether closing the HVAC vents in unused rooms can save you money. The answer is no. Truth be told, closing HVAC vents does more damage than good to your air conditioning unit.
Your air conditioner does not work less when you shut even just a few vents. In fact, you are making your HVAC’s blower work harder.
Air conditioners are designed to give maximum comfort and make life easier for every homeowner. With the summer heat looming over us, you expect your AC to keep your home from being hot and uncomfortable. However, AC issues do occur and occasionally an air conditioner can malfunction.
If the AC’s exterior unit is not functioning correctly, this might be an indication of a faulty thermostat. Also, the air conditioner could cycle erratically due to the thermostat sensor getting knocked out of place. Your home will not feel comfortable because the thermostat will not have the ability to signal your air conditioner to turn on or off when necessary.
Particulate, debris, and dust buildup can accumulate in your A/C’s air filter. The unit will strain to work harder so that air can pass through the dense dust buildup.
The refrigerant is a substance or mixture used in the AC’s refrigeration cycle. Several factors can cause refrigerant leaks. It is a common mistake to assume that merely adding more refrigerant is the solution. Contact a professional HVAC technician to fix the leak, repair the cause of the leak, and charge the system with the correct amount of refrigerant.
