Heading out of the Lower Mainland for the holidays? Whether you’re visiting family, escaping to a warmer destination, or going on a well-deserved winter getaway, preparing your HVAC system before you leave is key. An empty home doesn’t mean your heating system should work overtime!
By optimizing your furnace, heat pump, or thermostat settings, you can save on energy bills, reduce wear and tear, and ensure you come back to a cozy home. Here are some easy steps to keep your house safe and energy-efficient while you’re away.
🌡️ Set Your Thermostat Wisely
Your HVAC system doesn’t need to keep your home toasty while you’re not there. Lowering the temperature by a few degrees can significantly reduce energy usage without risking frozen pipes.
Recommended Settings:
For Furnaces: Set your thermostat to around 16°C (60°F) to keep the house safe and prevent pipes from freezing.
For Heat Pumps: Use energy-saving mode, which maintains efficiency while reducing strain on the system.
If you have a smart thermostat, even better! You can monitor and adjust your home’s temperature remotely using your phone. Plus, you can schedule your heat to kick back up before you return.
🧹 Check Your Air Filters
Before you leave, check your HVAC filters. Clogged filters force your system to work harder and waste energy. A quick replacement ensures everything runs efficiently while you’re away.
Pro Tip: 🛠️ Clean or replace your filter if it’s been a month or longer — especially during winter when systems work overtime.
🏠Close Curtains and Blinds
Keeping your curtains or blinds closed helps insulate your home and retain heat. This simple step can reduce how often your heating system needs to run.
Bonus Tip: If you’re worried about security, invest in timers for a few lights to make your home look occupied.
❄️ Prevent Frozen Pipes
In the Lower Mainland, winter temperatures can drop low enough to freeze pipes, especially if your HVAC system is turned off completely. To avoid costly repairs:
- Keep your heating system running at the recommended minimum (16°C/60°F).
- Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
- If temperatures dip extremely low, leave a slight trickle of water running to prevent freezing.
đź’§Turn Down Your Water Heater
Your water heater is another system that works hard when no one’s home . Switch it to “vacation mode” or a lower setting to save on energy costs while you’re away.
For tankless water heaters, simply turn the unit off if you’re gone for an extended period.
🛠️ Schedule an HVAC Check-Up Before You Leave
The last thing you want is to return to a cold house or, worse, find out your system broke down while you were away. A professional HVAC maintenance check can ensure your furnace, heat pump, or water heater is in tip-top shape for the winter season.
At Veteran Heating and Cooling, we offer quick, reliable tune-ups to give you peace of mind before you travel.
📲 7. Use Smart Home Technology
If you haven’t upgraded to a smart thermostat yet, now’s the time! With a smart system, you can:
- Control your home’s temperature remotely.
- Receive alerts if the temperature drops too low.
- Schedule heating to start warming your house just before you return.
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Smart thermostats are energy-efficient, convenient, and perfect for holiday travelers.
✨ Returning Home to Warm Comfort
Before you leave, double-check everything:
âś… Thermostat set to energy-saving mode.
âś… Curtains closed for insulation.
âś… HVAC filters clean.
âś… Water heater turned down.
With these simple steps, you can travel stress-free knowing your home is safe, energy-efficient, and ready to welcome you back to warmth and comfort 🏡❄️.
🎄 Need Help Before You Travel? Veteran HVAC Has You Covered!
Whether you need a quick HVAC tune-up, a smart thermostat installation, or advice on winter efficiency, Veteran Heating and Cooling is here to help. We proudly serve homeowners across Abbotsford, Langley, Surrey, Burnaby, Vancouver, and the entire Lower Mainland.
Give us a call today and let us help you prepare your home for the holidays. Safe travels and happy holidays from our family to yours! 🎄❄️
đź“ž Contact us or call 604-991-4894.
