You’ve booked the trip. Your bags are packed. The countdown is on. But before you lock the door and hit the road, take a minute to think about your HVAC and plumbing systems.
Nothing ruins the post-holiday mood quite like returning to a waterlogged basement or an air conditioning unit that has also decided to take a break.
Here’s how to keep your home safe, dry, and cool while you’re away.
If You’re Gone for a Long Weekend to One Week
You’re not gone too long, but things can still happen in a few days.
What to do:
- Bump up the thermostat to around 80–82°F to save energy while keeping humidity in check.
- Close blinds or curtains to block out heat from the sun (and add some privacy).
- Swap out your air filter if it’s due to help your HVAC run more efficiently while you’re gone.
- Do a quick leak check under sinks, around your water heater, and behind the washer.
If You’re Gone for 1–2 Weeks
This is where you’ll want to take a few more precautions especially with plumbing.
Add this to your checklist:
- Everything above, plus...
- Turn your water heater to vacation mode or lower the temp to ~50°F.
- Clear space around your outdoor AC unit — make sure there’s no grass or gunk blocking airflow.
- Empty your trash and run the disposal to avoid funky smells when you return.
Let a friend or neighbor know you’ll be gone. Bonus if they’re willing to pop in and give everything a quick look.
If You’re Gone for 2+ Weeks to a Full Month
The longer you're gone, the more you want to protect your systems from surprise breakdowns.
Here’s what to do:
- Everything above, plus...
- Consider shutting off your main water valve. One slow leak can cause serious damage if no one’s around to catch it.
- Pour water into infrequently used drains (like basement sinks or floor drains) to prevent sewer smells from creeping up while you’re away.
- Unplug unnecessary electronics to save energy and prevent power surges.
- Double-check your thermostat schedule or program it to cool things down a few hours before you get back.
- Have a pro check your system before you leave, especially if your HVAC or plumbing has been acting up.
If You’re Gone for More Than a Month or an Extended Trip
Whether you're spending the summer up north or working remotely from somewhere far away, treat this like a mini home shutdown.
Here’s your extended-stay checklist:
- Everything above, plus...
- Shut off the main water valve to protect against leaks and pipe bursts.
- Drain water lines if you live in an area with extreme temps or humidity.
- Turn off your water heater or fully set it to vacation mode.
- Schedule a tune-up for both your HVAC and plumbing before you leave. This method helps you catch any small issues that could escalate while you're gone.
- Keep the HVAC running on a low setting to help control humidity. This is especially important for protecting wood floors, furniture, and electronics.
FAQs About Prepping Your HVAC & Plumbing Before Travel
Q: What temperature should I leave my thermostat on in the summer while I’m away?
A: If you plan to be gone for a few days to a couple of weeks, aim for a range of 80–85°F.It saves energy but still keeps humidity under control.
Q: How do I find the main water shutoff valve?
A: Look where your main water line enters the house, usually near the water meter, basement wall, or utility closet. It’s often a lever or round knob. If you’re not sure, we can show you during a service call!
Q: Should I leave ceiling fans on while I’m away?
A: Nope, unless someone’s staying at the house, running fans wastes energy since they only cool people, not rooms. Better to leave your HVAC system set to manage the temp and humidity.
Q: Can I shut off my HVAC system completely for long trips?
A: Not recommended. Completely shutting off your system can let heat and humidity build up, which can lead to warped floors, musty smells, and damage to electronics. Just turn the temp up, don’t shut it off.
Q: What if I come home and something smells off?
A: Run your faucets for a few minutes, flush unused toilets, and pour water down unused drains to refill the P-traps. If the smell lingers, it could point to a plumbing issue, so give us a call.
Want Peace of Mind While You’re Away?
Whether you're away for a week or several months, Supreme will help you get your home ready the right way. We’ll inspect your HVAC and plumbing systems, offer recommendations based on your travel plans, and ensure everything is set so you can truly relax while you're gone.
Schedule your pre-vacation check today. We’ve got you covered.
