Vacations are a welcome escape from everyday life. They give you time to relax, explore, and make memories. But while you step away from your normal routine, your house stays behind, quietly running in the background. Your heating system cycles on and off, pipes hold water under pressure, and drains sit unused. Just like you, your home thrives on routine, and a sudden break in that rhythm can lead to unexpected issues if it’s not prepared.
Before you lock the door and head out, it’s worth spending a little time getting your house ready to rest, too. Taking the right precautions will help prevent damage, save money, and keep your return stress-free. Below are practical tips on how to prepare your HVAC and plumbing systems for vacation so you can leave with peace of mind and come back to a comfortable, worry-free home.
Give Your Heating and Cooling Systems a Little Attention
Your HVAC system protects your home while you’re away, keeping indoor temperatures stable and preventing issues like frozen pipes or humidity buildup. With a few adjustments, it can do its job more efficiently and safely.
- Adjust your thermostat. For summer trips, set the temperature a few degrees higher than usual. In the winter, lower it slightly but keep it warm enough to prevent freezing. If you have a smart thermostat, you can monitor and change settings from your phone if the weather shifts.
- Replace your air filter. A clean air filter improves airflow, keeps your system efficient, and helps maintain better indoor air quality. It also prevents extra strain on your HVAC while you’re gone.
- Inspect the system for issues. Look for signs of dust, debris, or leaks around vents, ducts, and your main unit. If you notice unusual sounds or weak airflow, it’s worth scheduling a service call before leaving.
- Schedule a tune-up. Having your system checked by a professional is one of the best tips to prepare your system before leaving for vacation.
Taking time for basic maintenance can save energy, prevent breakdowns, and make sure your system is ready for your return.
Protect Your Plumbing Before You Leave
A home’s plumbing system is easy to forget about, but it’s one of the most important things to check before leaving for an extended period. A leak that goes unnoticed for days can cause major water damage.
- Turn off your main water supply. Shutting off the water supply at the main valve stops leaks and floods while you’re gone. If you have a sprinkler system or boiler that needs water, close valves to individual fixtures instead.
- Drain what you can. Run the sink, flush each toilet, and empty outdoor hoses or faucets. This reduces pressure in the pipes and prevents buildup.
- Check for leaks. Look under sinks and in your basement for signs of moisture or corrosion. Even small drips can worsen over time. If you find a problem, give our plumbers a call.
- Test your sump pump. Pour a bucket of water into the pit to make sure it turns on properly. A working sump pump protects your basement from flooding during unexpected rain.
Simple steps like these are some of the most effective tips to prepare your system before leaving for vacation, especially for older homes or those with hidden plumbing weaknesses.
Manage Your Water Heater and Appliances
Your water heater doesn’t need to keep working hard while you’re gone, and neither do most of your household appliances. Adjusting them saves energy and reduces risk.
- Use vacation mode on your water heater. Many models have a setting that reduces heat output to save energy while preventing the water from becoming stagnant. If yours doesn’t, manually lower the temperature to around 50°F.
- Unplug appliances and machines. Disconnect your dishwasher, washing machine, and laundry units to prevent leaks or electrical issues. These appliances can waste power even when idle.
- Inspect connections and hoses. Check behind your washing machine and refrigerator. Cracked or worn hoses can burst while you’re gone. Replacing them is quick and inexpensive compared to cleaning up a flood.
These simple habits go a long way in preparing your plumbing system for vacation and avoiding expensive surprises.
Maintain Fresh Air and Clean Circulation
A home left closed up for days or weeks can develop stale air, humidity, and unwanted odors. A few quick actions can help prevent that.
- Leave doors open inside. Keep interior doors slightly ajar so air can circulate freely between rooms.
- Set fans to low. Running ceiling fans on low helps prevent stagnant air and keeps humidity balanced.
- Clean your vents. Dust and debris can collect around registers and ducts, affecting airflow. Wipe them down before you leave.
- Clear outdoor HVAC units. Remove leaves and other debris from around your air conditioning condenser to help it operate efficiently while you’re away.
Maintaining airflow helps preserve your home’s comfort and indoor air quality. It’s one of those tips to prepare your system before leaving for vacation that pays off the moment you return and breathe that first clean, fresh breath.
Prevent Odors and Plumbing Gas
Unused drains can let unpleasant smells into your home if you don’t take a few quick precautions.
- Run water in all drains. Pour a small amount into sinks, tubs, and floor drains to keep the water traps full. This barrier prevents sewer gas from seeping inside.
- Add a touch of mineral oil. This slows evaporation, keeping the barrier intact longer.
- Flush toilets and add cleaner. A little disinfectant helps stop bacteria and odors while you’re away.
- Cover unused drains. In areas like the basement, cover drains temporarily to reduce the risk of musty smells or mold growth.
It might seem minor, but these steps are an important part of preparing your HVAC and plumbing systems for vacation that many homeowners forget.
Avoid Frozen or Burst Pipes
If you’re traveling during colder months, frozen pipes are one of the biggest threats to your plumbing system. A few precautions can prevent costly damage.
- Keep the thermostat set around 55°F or higher. This prevents pipes from freezing without wasting energy.
- Open cabinet doors. Let warmer air reach pipes under sinks, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Disconnect hoses and outdoor lines. Water left in hoses can freeze and expand, causing damage to the connected pipe inside the wall.
- Add insulation. Exposed pipes in your basement, garage, or crawl spaces should be wrapped for extra protection.
These protective steps can save you the stress of coming home to a frozen or burst pipe in the dead of winter.
Know Who to Call for Emergencies
Even the most prepared homeowner can face unexpected problems. For instance, a small leak can happen at any time. It’s always smart to have professionals you trust on speed dial.
For leaks, frozen lines, or any urgent plumbing issue, call Andreas Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning for emergency plumbing services in the Lehigh Valley. Our plumbers can handle leak detection, water heater problems, and sewer gas issues quickly and efficiently.
Call Andreas Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning Before You Go!
Your vacation should leave you refreshed, not stressed about what’s happening back home. Spending a little time following these tips to prepare your systems before leaving for vacation will help protect your investment and make your return comfortable.
If you’d like expert help preparing your HVAC and plumbing systems for vacation, contact Andreas Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. Whether you need an HVAC inspection or a heating repair in the Lehigh Valley, our friendly team is ready to assist you. Schedule your service today and enjoy your trip knowing your home is protected while you’re away!