The High Country is a popular destination throughout the summer, and many homeowners in the Boone area split their time between multiple residences. Whether you're heading back to your primary home, taking an extended vacation, or simply spending less time at your mountain property, it's important to make sure your HVAC system is prepared before you leave. Many homeowners assume they should simply turn their air conditioner off when the home is unoccupied. However, doing so can sometimes create more problems than it prevents. Here are a few HVAC tips to help protect your home while you're away this summer. Why You Shouldn't Turn Your Air Conditioner Completely Off While Boone's temperatures are often milder than many parts of North Carolina, homes can still experience excessive heat and moisture buildup when left unattended. Without any cooling or air circulation, indoor temperatures can rise significantly, which may affect: Wood flooring and furniture Electronics Artwork and photographs Musical instruments Stored belongings Additionally, warmer indoor conditions can place unnecessary stress on your HVAC system when it's eventually restarted. Set Your Thermostat for Energy Savings Rather than turning the system off completely, consider setting your thermostat several degrees higher than your normal comfort setting. For many summer homeowners, a setting between 78 and 82 degrees provides a good balance between energy savings and home protection. A programmable or smart thermostat can make managing temperatures even easier while you're away. Replace Your Air Filter Before You Leave A clean air filter helps your system operate more efficiently and reduces unnecessary strain during extended periods of operation. Replacing the filter before an extended absence can help ensure proper airflow and improve overall system performance. Clear the Area Around Your Outdoor Unit Before leaving, take a few minutes to inspect your outdoor condenser. Remove: Leaves Grass clippings Overgrown vegetation Small branches Proper airflow allows your system to operate more efficiently and reduces the risk of service issues while you're away. Consider a Smart Thermostat Modern smart thermostats allow homeowners to monitor and adjust temperatures remotely from a smartphone or tablet. Benefits include: Remote temperature adjustments Energy usage monitoring System alerts Peace of mind while traveling For second-home owners, this technology can be especially valuable. Schedule Maintenance Before Your Trip The last thing any homeowner wants is to discover a cooling problem after returning from several weeks away. A professional HVAC inspection can identify potential concerns before they become costly repairs. Maintenance appointments typically include: Checking refrigerant levels Inspecting electrical components Testing system performance Cleaning critical components Verifying proper airflow Addressing small issues early can help avoid unexpected breakdowns later in the season. Protect Your Investment While You're Away Your HVAC system plays an important role in protecting your home—even when you're not there. A few simple preparations before leaving can help improve efficiency, prevent avoidable problems, and provide peace of mind throughout the summer. Whether you own a full-time residence, vacation home, or seasonal mountain retreat, Edmisten Heating & Cooling is here to help keep your system operating reliably. Contact Edmisten Heating & Cooling today to schedule service and make sure your home stays comfortable and protected while you're away. Check out our air conditioning service page to learn more about how we can keep your Boone, NC home cool and comfortable all summer long.

As we head into summer here in Boone, many homeowners start noticing something strange inside their homes. The temperatures may still feel comfortable outside, but indoors, the air feels sticky, damp, or downright uncomfortable. If you've ever found yourself lowering the thermostat even though your home isn't particularly hot, humidity could be the real problem. At Edmisten Heating & Cooling, we see this every year across the High Country. While Boone enjoys milder summer temperatures than much of North Carolina, our frequent rain showers, changing weather patterns, and mountain climate can create indoor humidity issues that impact both comfort and HVAC performance. Why Humidity Matters Your air conditioner doesn't just cool your home—it also removes moisture from the air. When humidity levels rise indoors, you may experience: Rooms feeling warmer than the thermostat setting Sticky or clammy indoor air Increased allergy symptoms Musty odors Condensation on windows Higher energy bills Even when outdoor temperatures are only in the 70s, elevated humidity can make your home feel several degrees warmer. The Unique Challenge of Boone Summers Many people assume humidity is only a problem in hotter parts of the South. However, Boone's mountain climate presents its own challenges. During late spring and early summer, the High Country often experiences periods of rain, fog, and elevated moisture levels. Combined with warmer afternoons and cooler evenings, this creates conditions where indoor humidity can build up quickly. Recent forecasts show continued chances of showers and thunderstorms as we move into the summer season. Because temperatures aren't excessively hot, many HVAC systems run shorter cooling cycles. While this may sound efficient, it can sometimes reduce the amount of moisture your system removes from the air. Signs Your HVAC System May Be Struggling With Humidity Your HVAC system should help maintain comfortable humidity levels throughout your home. If you're noticing any of these symptoms, it may be time for an inspection: Your Home Feels Damp If rooms consistently feel muggy or sticky, your system may not be removing enough moisture. You Keep Lowering the Thermostat Many homeowners try to combat humidity by lowering the temperature setting. Unfortunately, this often increases energy usage without solving the underlying problem. Mold or Musty Smells Excess moisture creates an environment where mold and mildew can thrive, especially in basements, crawl spaces, and around ductwork. Uneven Comfort Throughout the House Some rooms may feel cool while others remain damp and uncomfortable. How Professional HVAC Maintenance Helps One of the best ways to improve humidity control is through routine HVAC maintenance. During a maintenance visit, our technicians can: Check refrigerant levels Inspect evaporator coils Verify proper airflow Clean drain lines Test system performance Identify issues affecting moisture removal Even minor airflow restrictions or maintenance issues can reduce your system's ability to control humidity effectively. When Additional Solutions May Be Needed For some homes, especially those with basements, crawl spaces, or larger square footage, a standard air conditioning system may not be enough to manage humidity during wetter periods. Depending on your home's needs, solutions may include: Whole-home dehumidifiers Improved filtration systems Ductwork modifications HVAC system upgrades Indoor air quality enhancements The right solution depends on your home's layout, insulation, and existing equipment. Stay Comfortable All Summer Long Boone's cooler mountain temperatures are one of the many reasons we love living in the High Country. But comfortable temperatures don't always guarantee comfortable indoor air. If your home feels sticky, humid, or uncomfortable this season, your HVAC system may need attention. A professional inspection can help identify the cause and ensure your system is ready for the warmer, wetter months ahead. At Edmisten Heating & Cooling, we're proud to help homeowners throughout Boone and the surrounding High Country enjoy cleaner, healthier, and more comfortable indoor air all summer long. Contact our team today to schedule your seasonal HVAC maintenance or indoor air quality evaluation.