Vacations are for relaxing — not worrying about what’s happening back home. While you’re packing suitcases and finalizing plans, don’t forget one of the most important steps: making sure your HVAC system is ready while you’re gone.
Preparing your heating and cooling system before vacation not only saves money but also helps you avoid coming home to a breakdown, high humidity, or frozen pipes. Here’s a homeowner-friendly guide tailored for Central Indiana’s climate.
HVAC Vacation Prep Checklist:
1. Adjust Your Thermostat for Savings and Safety
Your system doesn’t need to work full-time while the house is empty, but it does need to protect your home from extreme temperatures.
- Summer trips: Set your thermostat to 78–80°F. This prevents excess humidity and protects wood floors and furniture without wasting energy.
- Winter getaways: Lower it to 60–62°F. This saves money but keeps pipes from freezing during Indiana’s cold snaps.
👉 Consider installing a smart thermostat before your next trip. You’ll be able to check and adjust temperatures from anywhere.
“Adjusting your thermostat 5–10 degrees while you’re on vacation can reduce your energy use by up to 10% without risking comfort or safety.” — Energy.gov
2. Change or Clean Air Filters Before You Leave
Air filters are your first line of defense for clean air and efficient operation. A dirty filter makes your HVAC system work harder, which can cause unnecessary strain while you’re away. Replacing your filter ensures steady airflow and peace of mind.
👉 Learn more about indoor air quality solutions from Absolute Comfort.
3. Close Blinds and Curtains to Support Your System
Sunlight can quickly heat up rooms in the summer or allow drafts in the winter. Closing blinds and curtains reduces temperature swings, helping your system maintain balance with less effort.
Pro tip for when you’re home: In winter, leave south-facing curtains open during the day for free solar heat, then close them at night to keep warmth inside.
4. Clear Vents, Registers, and Outdoor Units
Before leaving, walk through your home to make sure:
- Vents and registers aren’t blocked by furniture, rugs, or storage boxes.
- The outdoor unit (AC condenser or heat pump) is clear of leaves, sticks, or yard debris.
This ensures smooth airflow while you’re away.
5. Schedule Preventive Maintenance Before Your Trip
The best way to guarantee no surprises when you return? A quick tune-up. Professional maintenance checks airflow, refrigerant levels, safety controls, and more — all the things you don’t want failing while you’re hundreds of miles away.
👉 Book your HVAC maintenance service with Absolute Comfort before your next trip.
6. Think About Whole-Home Protection
A few extras can give you peace of mind while you’re away:
- Humidity control: A whole-home humidifier or dehumidifier keeps wood, paint, and furniture safe from damage.
- Surge protection: Storms are common in Indiana summers. A surge protector keeps your HVAC system safe from power spikes.
- System monitoring: Some smart thermostats send alerts if temperatures drop too low or rise too high.
Central Indiana Travel Tip: Don’t Forget Local Weather
Indiana weather is famously unpredictable — 90°F heatwaves in May, snow in November, thunderstorms any time in between. Before leaving, check the forecast for your town. A quick thermostat adjustment or filter change could prevent big issues when you return.
Final Checklist Before Locking the Door
✅ Thermostat adjusted
✅ Filter changed
✅ Curtains and blinds closed
✅ Vents and outdoor unit cleared
✅ Optional: Schedule professional maintenance
Travel Worry-Free with Absolute Comfort
At Absolute Comfort, we know how important it is to come home to a safe, comfortable house after a trip. Whether you need a quick tune-up, a smart thermostat upgrade, or help improving indoor air quality, we’re here to make sure your HVAC system is vacation-ready.
👉 Schedule a maintenance visit today so you can do your hvac vacation prep with total peace of mind.