HVAC Maintenance Tips for Snowbirds: Protecting Your System While Away
If you’re one of Cape Coral’s many snowbirds—residents who head north for the summer—you already know the importance of preparing your Florida home before you leave. But one thing that often gets overlooked? Your HVAC system.
At Affordable Air & Plumbing, we’ve seen firsthand how neglecting HVAC maintenance while you’re away can lead to breakdowns, mold issues, or expensive repairs. Whether you’re gone for a few months or half the year, these simple tips will help protect your system and give you peace of mind while you're enjoying cooler weather up north.
✅ 1. Set Your Thermostat Wisely
You don’t need to cool an empty house the same way you would if you were home—but you shouldn’t turn the system off either.
Recommended setting:
Set your thermostat between 78–80°F to reduce humidity and keep your system running just enough to circulate air and prevent moisture buildup.
If you have a smart thermostat, you can monitor and adjust it remotely, which is a great option for seasonal homeowners.
✅ 2. Change Your Air Filter Before You Leave
A dirty filter reduces airflow and makes your system work harder, even if it’s running less frequently. Install a fresh air filter before heading out to ensure efficient performance and good air quality while you're away.
Pro tip: Consider using high-efficiency filters to better trap dust and allergens in your absence.
✅ 3. Seal Up Your Home
Close all windows, seal any gaps or drafts, and draw your blinds or curtains. This keeps the heat out and helps your HVAC system maintain a consistent indoor temperature with minimal effort.
You may also want to weather-strip any entry doors or windows if they haven’t been sealed in a while.
✅ 4. Clean Around the Outdoor Unit
Before you leave, make sure your condenser unit is clear of debris, grass clippings, branches, or anything else that could block airflow. Trim nearby plants or shrubs at least 2 feet back from the unit.
A clean, unobstructed outdoor unit is less likely to overheat or develop mechanical issues while you’re away.
✅ 5. Schedule a Professional Tune-Up
This is one of the best things you can do before heading north. An HVAC tune-up from Affordable Air & Plumbing ensures your system is clean, properly calibrated, and running efficiently.
We’ll check refrigerant levels, inspect components, clean coils, and make sure there are no hidden issues that could cause a failure while your home is unattended.
✅ 6. Install a Surge Protector
Summer storms in Florida can cause unexpected power surges. Protect your HVAC system by installing a surge protector—a small investment that can prevent major damage from electrical spikes.
You may also want to unplug non-essential appliances and electronics before leaving.
✅ 7. Consider a Home Watch or Monitoring Service
If you're gone for months at a time, it’s smart to have a neighbor, friend, or home watch service check in on your property regularly. Some smart thermostats and home monitoring systems even send alerts if your indoor temperature or humidity levels go out of range.
This can help catch a problem before it turns into a costly mess.
📅 Heading North Soon? Let Us Help You Prepare.
Before you lock up and head out, give Affordable Air & Plumbing a call. Our licensed technicians can perform a pre-departure HVAC inspection to make sure everything is in top shape.
We’ve been helping Cape Coral homeowners protect their homes year-round, and we’d be honored to do the same for you.
📞 Contact us to schedule your HVAC tune-up today.
Because when you're hundreds of miles away, the last thing you want to worry about is your air conditioner.
