Before you lock up and head north, there's one more thing on the list. The AC.
It's tempting to switch it off and forget it until fall. A Phoenix summer has other plans for an empty house, and here's what they look like.
Why an empty house still needs its AC
Heat does real damage
With nobody home and the AC off, the inside of a closed-up house can get very hot. Hardwood floors can warp and pull apart, wood furniture can crack, and electronics can be ruined for good.
Letting the AC run now and then keeps the heat and the humidity in check. That protects everything you left behind.
Monsoon season hits while you're away
From July through September, the air turns humid and haboobs roll through. One dust storm can clog your filter fast, and a clogged filter makes the unit work harder.
Lightning and power swings in those storms can also damage the electronics in a system that isn't in good shape.
A clogged drain line floods quietly
Your AC's drain line carries water away from the system. In a humid monsoon, a clog can back that water up until it spills over.
The result is water damage, ceiling stains and mold, all while you're hundreds of miles away.
Your checklist before you leave
- Book a tune-up. It's the most important step. On an HVAC maintenance visit we clean the coils, test the wiring and check the refrigerant. We also clear the drain line, so water can't back up while you're gone.
- Put in a fresh filter. It keeps the air moving and holds up better against haboob dust. If you'll be gone more than three months, ask a neighbor or property manager you trust to swap it mid-summer.
- Set the thermostat to 85 to 88°F, and leave the system on. That's high enough to save power and low enough to protect the inside of your house from heat and damp.
- Clear around the outdoor unit. Pick up leaves, branches and anything else near it, so it gets good airflow when it kicks on.
A smart thermostat is worth a look if you don't have one. It lets you check and change the temperature from your phone, wherever you spend the summer. Our cooling systems page covers the options.
Coming home to a cool house
A check before you leave catches small problems before they turn into a costly emergency. A system in good shape also uses less power, even in an empty house.
If we find something bigger, you'll get clear options for repair or a new system, with the price of each. You can decide before you go, with no pressure from us.
Then go enjoy your summer somewhere cooler.