Action Heating & Air Inc. | (859) 331-2641
Powered by: Renown Review Marketing
RSS

Should I Leave My A/C On While On Vacation?

Should I Leave My A/C On While On Vacation?

What should you do with your thermostat on vacation? This question pops up all the time when people start planning their vacations and then realize that they aren't quite sure what to do with the thermostat. Today's modern thermostats make it easy to program any temperature for any time that you want, but how should you set your air conditioner to deal with hot days while you're away? What will save the most money while avoiding problems? We've got the tips you need before you head out, so keep these in mind!

Try Not to Shut It Down Entirely

At first, it may seem like a good idea to just shut down your air conditioner entirely and set your thermostat somewhere neutral where it won't turn on while you are gone. However, we advise you never do this if possible. First, it's good to have air moving around your house so that dust and spores don't start collecting in your ductwork, where they can start causing problems. Second, if your home gets extremely hot then you'll have to run the air conditioner for a long time to cool it back down when you return, so you don't end up saving much money (this is especially true for shorter weekend trips). So keep the AC on, but make these few changes.

Make Smaller Adjustments to Save Money

Instead of turning the thermostat off, raise it so that your air conditioner is less likely to come on, but will still rev up from time to time if things get really hot. About four degrees is the sweet spot. Raise your scheduled temperature by four degrees, and remember to bump it down when you come back. That's really all you need to do unless there's a surprise heat wave that hits your area!

Instead of turning the thermostat off, raise it so that your air conditioner is less likely to come on, but will still rev up from time to time if things get really hot. About four degrees is the sweet spot. Raise your scheduled temperature by four degrees, and remember to bump it down when you come back.

Use a Smart Thermostat for Remote Control

Speaking of surprise heat waves, what happens when you decide that you need to change your thermostat while you are gone? This is where smart thermostats come in very useful! Smart thermostats can connect with wireless apps that you can download on your phone. You can use these apps to monitor the temperature and make adjustments no matter where you are.

Consider Pets, Plants, and Other Concerns

Remember that pets (especially pets like fish that you can't make arrangements for) and indoor plants are also sensitive to the heat when you are setting your temperatures. If you have delicate living things in your house, you may want to leave the temp in a more comfortable range.

Remember Humidity Issues

Finally, if you live in an unusually humid location, you want your air conditioning system to run pretty frequently on hot days. This helps prevent moisture from forming, which can damage your walls and cause serious mold problems.

Do you want to learn more about HVAC systems or arrange for an inspection? You can contact us at Action Heating and Air, Inc. to request a service and learn about your maintenance options!

A/C struggling to keep up with the heat? We can help! Contact us