Define how long the home will be empty
Before changing operation, distinguish a short trip from a home that will remain closed for a season. Note the dates and whether anyone will need hot water, heating or cooling during that period. A programme for a completely empty house may be unsuitable if someone else will use it.
Ask in advance how your system should be left. Leaving the question until departure day encourages rushed decisions, such as cutting the power without understanding the effects. The choice depends on the equipment, installation and expected conditions.
Distinguish absence mode, stopping a service and disconnection
Stopping heating at the controller does not always stop hot water production. Neither is it the same as leaving the entire installation without electricity. Some units retain certain automatic functions when a service is disabled, but require the power supply to remain on.
User manuals describe what each option does for the particular model. Do not assume that off on a display means no activity, or that all systems retain the same protective functions. If the explanation is unclear, confirm the procedure before using it.
Check what holiday mode includes
Where equipment has this function, it allows an absence to be managed without necessarily changing the whole normal programme. Its scope varies: it may alter heating and cooling, cylinder operation or both. Review the start and end dates and how the controller shows that it is active.
On some models, protective or hygiene functions remain scheduled during holidays. Do not assume every heat pump behaves this way. The reference is your equipment's documentation and the instructions given for the installation, not a button sequence for another make.
Take particular care with prolonged shutdowns
If the home will be closed for a long time, explain the duration and season. Frost risk depends on the location and exposed components; living in a province with a mild climate does not mean the home's particular conditions can be ignored.
A full shutdown may require professional work to protect the installation. Do not drain circuits or add antifreeze on your own initiative. Also ask how hot water will be prepared for your return and which checks should be completed before normal use resumes.
Leave a clear record before you go
Keep a photograph of the normal user settings and another showing the state prepared for your absence. Confirm that there are no outstanding warnings being put off. Keep access clear and avoid covering the outdoor unit with a tarpaulin because you expect it to remain unused.
If you use an app, check beforehand that you know how to view the status. Do not share passwords so someone else can make technical changes. If somebody will check the home, leave simple instructions about whom to contact if something is wrong and what information they can gather without touching the equipment.
Plan how to restore normal service
On returning, check the active mode, schedules and any warnings before judging comfort. A home that has not been heated or cooled for some time and a cylinder that needs to reheat will not necessarily respond immediately. Follow the guidance for your system without resorting to extreme settings.
After a prolonged shutdown, or if abnormal behaviour appears, ask for advice before continuing to experiment. You can explain the equipment, length of absence and expected situation to Red Málaga so an inspection and the appropriate instructions for that installation can be considered.
More common questions
Does holiday mode guarantee no electricity will be used?
No. Its purpose and the functions remaining active depend on the model and configuration. Consult the manual and avoid treating residual consumption as automatic proof of a fault.
Sources and technical reading
Some source documents are available in Spanish.