Prepping Your Furnace for Holiday Travel: Safety and Energy-Saving Tips

Heading out of Mesa, Gilbert, or Scottsdale to visit family for the holidays? Before you lock the door and hit the road, it’s smart to prep your furnace for your absence. Keeping your East Valley home comfortable, safe, and energy-efficient while you’re away can offer that priceless peace of mind—so you can focus on making memories, not worrying about your house.

Here’s how to get your furnace set for holiday travel, straight from the NATE- and EPA-certified team at Salt River Air Heating and Cooling.

Why Prepping Your Furnace Matters in Arizona

Even though winters in Mesa, Chandler, and Apache Junction are milder than many other parts of the country, desert nights can drop quickly, especially in late November. Your furnace keeps your home’s pipes safe from freezing, prevents interior damage, and ensures your return is greeted with cozy comfort. Plus, some smart prepping steps can help you save on utility bills during your trip.

How Low Should You Set the Thermostat While Traveling?

This is one of the most common questions homeowners ask before they travel for the holidays.

Here’s our recommendation: set your thermostat to 55–60°F. This temperature is warm enough to protect pipes and your home’s structure, but cool enough to avoid wasting energy. If you have a smart thermostat installed, you can even monitor and adjust the temperature from your phone—handy if Arizona weather throws a curveball while you’re gone.

Safety First: Essential Furnace Prep Steps

A few minutes of preparation can prevent big headaches and unexpected costs. Follow these simple steps before heading off on your holiday adventure:

• Schedule a furnace inspection or tune-up. Our Salt River Air pros recommend a professional check-up before every heating season. We look for issues like carbon monoxide leaks, faulty pilot lights, and worn electrical components—catching them before they become dangerous.
• Change your furnace filter. A clean filter prevents unnecessary strain on your system, improves airflow, and keeps dust out of your living space.
• Clear the area around your furnace. Remove clutter, flammable materials, or holiday decorations from the mechanical area.
• Check your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Replace batteries and test alarms to make sure they’re working.
• Consider closing curtains or blinds. This helps maintain heat inside your home and takes a little extra work off your furnace.

Energy-Saving Tips While You’re Away

No need to pay for heating an empty home. Try these proven strategies to cut down your energy use:

• Lower the thermostat (but don’t turn it off).
• Unplug electronics and small appliances.
• Turn off or set water heater to vacation mode.
• Seal up windows and doors—add weatherstripping if needed before you go.

Use a programmable or Wi-Fi thermostat for automatic temperature control. Salt River Air can help with smart thermostat installation anywhere in the East Valley.

Preventing Issues & Ensuring Peace of Mind

Arizona’s dry climate means dust is always a factor. Before you leave, clean vents and registers. A quick vacuum can keep airflow smooth and prevent blockages.

If you’re going to be away for more than a week, ask a trusted neighbor or friend to check on your property. If your furnace is older or due for replacement, now’s a great time to think about upgrading to an energy-efficient system that saves money and reduces your environmental impact.

Should You Turn Your Furnace Off When Leaving for Vacation?

Turning your furnace off completely isn’t usually recommended, even in milder Arizona winters. Keeping your home at a minimum temperature (55–60°F) protects pipes, preserves woodwork, and avoids condensation issues. Modern smart thermostats offer vacation modes that maximize efficiency, so you don’t have to worry about constantly adjusting settings.

Trust Salt River Air LLC for Furnace Prep and Peace of Mind

Traveling for the holidays should be stress-free. At Salt River Air Heating and Cooling, our family values show in everything we do—from affordable furnace tune-ups to smart thermostat installations and emergency heating repair. We serve Mesa, Apache Junction, Gilbert, Chandler, and the entire East Valley with certified, reliable HVAC care.

Ready to schedule a furnace inspection or talk about energy-saving upgrades before your upcoming trip? Call Salt River Air LLC today or book an appointment online. We’re here to keep your Arizona home safe, efficient, and comfortable—no matter where your holiday travels take you!