Should You Add HVAC Information for Your House Sitter?

Should You Add HVAC Information for Your House Sitter?

When you prepare a house or pet sitter checklist, you probably include a wide-ranging list of instructions on topics such as the following:

  • watering plants, inside and out
  • feeding pets
  • turning lights on and off; opening and closing shades and drapes
  • bringing in newspapers, mail and packages
  • operating security lights, cameras and alarms
  • contact information for emergencies

But what about your HVAC system? If you're like most homeowners, you may just set the thermostat and think you're ready to fly away -- but not so fast. There are good reasons why detailed instructions about the HVAC should be on your sitter checklist.

Setting the Home Temperature

If you have a Wi-Fi thermostat, some concerns that homeowners have when they're away on vacation should be alleviated. You can adjust the thermostat by means of an app on your smart device, monitor humidity, monitor local weather conditions and be alerted to any malfunctions that might occur.

No smart thermostat? You can set your thermostat a little higher than usual since you'll be away -- but don't set it too high if you have pets, plants, electronics -- and a sitter dropping by. Explain to the sitter how to adjust the temperature if weather conditions make the interior uncomfortable.

Other HVAC Tips

If you had spring HVAC maintenance and changed the filter before you head out on vacation, hopefully, nothing will go wrong. But if it does, make sure your sitter knows what to do.

  1. Explain what to look for as far as possible air conditioner malfunctions: the system stops cooling; a clattering sound indicating a possible broken fan; dripping sounds indicating condensate drain is stopped up; or the air conditioner just stops working.
  2. Decide whether you want the sitter to contact you or Valley for an emergency. If it's the latter, give the sitter contact information; if you're out of pocket, you may want to notify us prior to departure and lets know that you've authorized someone to schedule repairs if necessary.

Visit the Valley Heating, Cooling, Electrical and Solar website for advice on your sitter checklist and most other HVAC topics, or call (408) 868-5500.
