It’s tempting to test fate and try to save money on your energy bill by not turning on the HVAC system at your vacation home during the summer. Whether your vacation home is somewhere nearby in Ohio, in the mountains or by the seashore, you hope the temperatures will be moderate enough so there’s no need to waste electricity while you’re away.
But that’s a really bad idea.
Here’s why you should always leave the HVAC on and why you should make sure it’s in good working order year-round.
Reasons to Leave Your HVAC On
- Mold. Your HVAC does double duty moderating the temperature in your home while also removing excess moisture. That moisture can build up in a home where the air is stagnant, which can result in mold. Not only will you have a dank, musty smell to contend with upon arrival, you may also have damage to drywall, carpets, and other furnishings. Keep the HVAC on during the summer or winter, whether temperatures plunge or plummet.If you don’t have a property manager, friend, or neighbor to adjust the thermostat in your vacation home while you’re away, invest in a smart or Wi-Fi thermostat that you can control from afar. Hire someone to regularly change the air filter and to check the system. Schedule preventative maintenance in your vacation home in spring and fall. Make sure the service tech checks the condensate drain. You don’t want condensation overflowing and ruining the floor and walls.
- Broken pipes. Even if your vacation home is in a location where freezing is rare, it can still happen. Leaving the furnace or heat pump on to maintain a temperature in at least the low 50s will prevent frozen pipes. Leave cabinet doors open for pipes that are located in exterior walls. You might also wrap extra insulation or heat tape around them.
- Heat. Electronics are particularly sensitive to high indoor temperatures, so it’s best to set your vacation home thermostat no higher than 80 degrees in the summer.
For more on HVAC and your vacation home, contact Energy 1 Heating and Air Conditioning.
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area