Planning a Vacation? What to Do with Your HVAC Before You Leave

Vacations are for relaxation, not stressing over your home’s heating and cooling system. 

But here’s the thing- Many people forget one important step before leaving town — preparing their HVAC system. 

If you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or a two-week summer escape, it pays to get your home in check. Why? Because your HVAC can waste energy, run inefficiently, or even break down while you’re away — all avoidable with the right prep. 

So, if you’re in the Indianapolis area, this blog is your simple, must-follow guide to prepping your HVAC for your time away. Bookmark it. Share it. Use it every time you pack your bags. 

Let’s dive into the HVAC vacation tips that make all the difference. 

1. Use the Smart Thermostat Vacation Mode — It’s There for a Reason 

If you’ve already invested in a smart thermostat, make the most of its vacation mode feature. 

Instead of turning your system off completely, vacation mode allows it to run less frequently but still maintain a safe indoor temperature. This prevents things like mold, musty smells, or extreme humidity — all common during Indiana summers. 

Not sure what temperature to set? Try 82°F for cooling. It saves energy but still protects your home from excessive heat. 

Pro Tip- Before you head out, check your phone app to confirm your smart thermostat vacation mode is activated and set properly. 

2. Set Thermostat Before Vacation — Not After You’ve Left 

This one is easy – do not wait until you hit the road. 

Start by programming your thermostat before going on vacation. Avoid cooling/ heating your house as if you are still there. Changing the temps saves energy and also allows a little break to your HVAC system. 

If you don’t have a smart thermostat, then go ahead and manually set it, to a higher point for cooling, or lower point for heating. Somewhere in the range of 80–85°F works for summer in Indianapolis. 

Remember it’s not about turning it off – it’s about adjusting it smartly. 

3. Run a Quick AC Maintenance Checklist 

A few minutes of your time can prevent a week of HVAC headaches. 

Before you go, walk through this basic AC maintenance checklist– 

• Check the air filter. Replace if it’s dirty. 

• Ensure that all your vents are open and nothing is blocking them — such as furniture, drapes or boxes. 

• For your outdoor unit to breathe easier while you are gone, clear away any leaves, dirt or debris. 

• Inspect/clean your condensate drain line if clogged. 

This simple HVAC maintenance checklist helps your system stay efficient – and gives you peace of mind when you’re sipping margaritas by the beach. 

4. Schedule Summer HVAC Maintenance in Indianapolis IN (It’s Worth It) 

If it’s been a while since your last tune-up now is the time to book one. Professional summer HVAC maintenance in Indianapolis IN ensures your system is clean, running efficiently and ready to take on the heat while you’re away. A licensed technician can catch issues you might miss – like a slow refrigerant leak or a failing capacitor. 

At Good Guys Home Services, our summer tune-ups include a full inspection, cleaning, and safety check. Think of it as insurance for your vacation. 

5. Seal It Up — Prevent Hot Air from Sneaking In 

You’re not home, but the sun definitely is. 

Before leaving, walk around and- 

• Close all windows tightly. 

• Check that doors are fully latched. 

• Lower your blinds or close curtains. 

Doing this keeps your house cooler naturally — meaning your system doesn’t have to work as hard. That’s an important item on any HVAC checklist before travel, especially when leaving during those humid Indiana summers. 

6. Clear the Area Around Your Outdoor Unit 

Your air conditioner needs space to breathe — especially when you’re gone. 

Take five minutes to- 

• Remove leaves, branches, or grass clippings around the unit. 

• Trim any plants growing too close. 

Obstructions can reduce airflow and increase energy use. Not the best combo while you’re away. This quick fix is a key part of your air conditioner summer maintenance and can help prevent costly repairs. 

7. Watch for HVAC Red Flags Before You Lock the Door 

Here’s what to look for the day before your trip- 

• Strange noises from your system 

• Short cycling (turning on and off quickly) 

• Warm air blowing when it should be cool 

If anything seems off, don’t risk it. A small issue now could turn into a big one while you’re gone. Book a quick service as we handle heating and cooling in Indianapolis IN and offer same-day diagnostics if needed. 

8. Consider a Surge Protector for Your HVAC 

Summer storms are no joke in Indiana. A power surge can damage your HVAC components – especially during thunderstorms while you are away. Investing in a surge protector can prevent damage to your thermostat, compressor or control board. 

It’s not a typical item on your HVAC checklist before travel but it is becoming a must-have. 

9. Let a Neighbor or Friend Know 

If something does go wrong then your neighbor needs to know it. 

Therefore ask a trusted neighbor or friend to- 

• Check your home occasionally. 

• Make sure your HVAC system sounds and runs normally. 

• Text you if something seems off. 

Leave them your technician’s contact info — and remind them of any smart home apps you use. 

10. Book a Pre-Vacation Tune-Up  

Want to hand over the worry to someone else? Schedule your HVAC maintenance checklist service with Good Guys Home Services. We’ll perform- 

• A full AC maintenance checklist 

• Smart thermostat check-up 

• Air filter replacement 

• Cooling system optimization 

• Complete air conditioner summer maintenance

We’ve offered heating and cooling services in Indianapolis IN for over a decade – and we are known for being reliable, fast and fairly priced. Before you pack your bags let us take care of the rest. 

Read More:- Beat the Summer Heat: Best AC Settings for Comfort and Energy Savings

Final Thoughts 

Vacations are for fun. Not for worrying about your HVAC system back home. Taking these HVAC vacation tips will save you energy bills, keep your system from thrashing itself, and allow you to return to a home that is safe and comfortable.