How to Prep Your HVAC System for Holiday Travel
If you’re planning to leave town for the holidays, the last thing you want to come home to is a cold house, frozen pipes, or a furnace that stopped working while you were gone. Michigan winters can be unpredictable, and even a short trip during December’s freezing temperatures can put added stress on your HVAC system.
With a few simple steps, you can protect your home, lower your energy bills, and make sure everything is running smoothly when you return. Here’s how to prep your HVAC system before heading out for holiday travel.
Set Your Thermostat to the Right Temperature
You don’t need to heat an empty home the same way you do when you’re there, but you also don’t want temperatures dropping too low. Michigan homes should never be set below 55 degrees in the winter to prevent frozen pipes.
If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, set a vacation schedule that keeps your home energy-efficient while maintaining safe temperatures. Smart thermostats also allow you to monitor and adjust your settings from anywhere, which adds peace of mind during your trip.
Replace Your Furnace Filter Before You Leave
A clean filter helps your furnace run efficiently and prevents unnecessary strain. Since filters can clog quickly during heavy winter use, replacing yours before leaving ensures better airflow and reduces the chance of system issues while you’re gone.
Clogged filters are one of the most common causes of breakdowns, especially during long stretches of cold weather. A few dollars spent on a new filter can save you from coming home to an expensive repair.
Check Your Vents and Registers
Walk through your home and make sure all supply and return vents are open and unblocked. Closed vents can cause pressure issues in the system, reduce airflow, and increase the risk of your furnace short cycling while you’re away.
Proper airflow keeps your home’s temperature consistent and reduces the burden on your HVAC equipment.
Seal Drafts and Inspect Entry Points
Cold air leaking through windows, exterior doors, and attic access points can cause your furnace to run longer than it should. Before you leave, check for drafts and seal any gaps with weather stripping or caulk. This keeps your energy usage down and protects your HVAC system from overworking during cold snaps.
Consider a Whole-Home Humidifier Setting
Michigan air becomes extremely dry in the winter, which can cause wood floors to crack and static electricity to spike. If you have a whole-home humidifier, set it to a safe, moderate level before you leave. Avoid overly high settings, as too much humidity can lead to condensation on windows.
Inspect Your Outdoor Equipment
If you have a heat pump or outdoor furnace components, clear away any snow, ice, leaves, or debris. Blocked airflow can cause freeze-ups or system shutoffs. Make sure the area around your equipment has at least a foot of clearance on all sides.
If heavy snow is expected while you’re gone, ask a neighbor or family member to check on the equipment once or twice during your trip.
Protect Against Power Outages
December storms in West Michigan can knock out power unexpectedly. When your furnace loses power, temperatures can drop quickly. To reduce risks:
Test your carbon monoxide detectors
Replace their batteries
Consider a backup power option like a generator
If you have a Wi-Fi thermostat, make sure it reconnects automatically after outages.
Get a Pre-Travel Furnace Checkup
A quick system inspection before you travel can catch small issues before they turn into big ones. During a maintenance visit, a technician can check key components like the heat exchanger, ignition system, airflow, and safety controls.
Third Coast Heating and Air offers seasonal tune-ups designed to keep your furnace running safely and reliably all winter long. Scheduling maintenance before your trip ensures your system is prepared for Michigan’s coldest months.
Enjoy the Holidays With Peace of Mind
Preparing your HVAC system before you leave for holiday travel is one of the easiest ways to protect your home and avoid surprises when you return. With proper thermostat settings, clean filters, sealed drafts, and a quick inspection, you can leave knowing your home is safe and your system is ready for whatever winter brings.
If you’d like help getting your furnace tuned up before your holiday trip, Third Coast Heating and Air is here for you. Our experienced technicians serve homeowners across West Michigan with dependable, professional service you can trust.