The holidays are here, which means people are traveling to spend time with friends and loved ones. While it may be the last task on your mind, you should ensure your home’s heating and cooling system isn’t costing you while you’re gone. The HVAC contractors at Doug Mapstone are respected throughout Manlius, NY, for their prowess at addressing a home’s heating and cooling needs, including repairs and installations. Here, they discuss how you should handle your heating and cooling system while you’re away.

A Trusted HVAC Contractor Offers 3 Tips When Going Out of Town

Set Temperature Accordingly

Leaving your thermostat relatively high while you’re gone only uses energy and taxes your home’s HVAC system. Instead, keep your home’s temperature relatively low, but not so low that frost or ice poses a threat to fixtures. During winter, set the thermostat between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit and around 85 degrees during summer.

Keep Moisture Under Control

You want to keep moisture levels below 60%, as anything higher can result in mold growth. This fungus can damage your property as well as the health of inhabitants. Buy a dehumidifier to maintain levels at around 50% to keep spores from growing.

Lower the Temperature of Your Water Heater

Regarding your home’s water heater unit, it’s best to turn down the temperature while you’re gone to save energy — some units are equipped with a vacation setting for just this purpose. Refrain from shutting off your water heater altogether, however. Not only does relighting the pilot light require the assistance of a professional technician, but you also run the risk of frozen pipes if your water heater is not on.

You can avert costly problems by taking a few precautionary steps before leaving town. Whether you need a skilled HVAC contractor or require AC repair, Doug Mapstone will provide affordable and effective service for jobs both large and small. Schedule a service call in Onondaga County by calling (315) 682-7181 today. For more information on the full range of services offered, visit their website.