Planning a getaway? Before heading out the door, many homeowners, especially in sunny California, wonder what to do about the air conditioning. Turning it off completely sounds like an easy way to cut back on energy use, but the reality isn’t always that simple. A few factors can shape what’s best for your home, especially when you’re gone for several days or longer.
Don’t worry! RR Electric, Heating & Air is here to lay out all the considerations around this common summer dilemma so you can make the right choice for your home. We’re Southern California’s premier provider of services you can count on for all of your comfort needs. From AC repair to ceiling fan installation and more, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s dive into our expert insights! If you have any questions about your specific air conditioning setup or would like to book an appointment, do not hesitate to reach out.
Risks of Turning Off Your AC Completely
Without the AC running, indoor temperatures can soar, especially during warmer seasons, creating an environment where extreme heat can affect wooden furniture, sensitive electronics, and even cause your refrigerator to work harder. Critically, the absence of your air conditioning system also leads to unchecked humidity, which fosters mold and mildew growth, potentially damaging your home’s structure and contents while degrading indoor air quality with lasting musty odors.
Benefits of Leaving the AC On While You’re Away
Keeping your air conditioning operating while you’re on vacation offers several advantages for your home’s well-being and your peace of mind.
Reduced Humidity Protects Your Home & Belongings
A primary benefit of leaving your AC on is to manage indoor humidity. Your air conditioning system naturally removes moisture from the air as part of the cooling process; the evaporator coil gets cold, and water vapor condenses on it.
Maintaining a lower humidity level is vital in preventing mold and mildew, which thrive in damp conditions and can cause significant damage to surfaces and belongings. Proper humidity control also protects wooden furniture, floors, and musical instruments from warping, swelling, or cracking due to excessive moisture absorption. Even your books and important documents are safer when the air isn’t overly damp.
Helps Maintain Indoor Air Quality
An active air conditioning system contributes to your home’s indoor air quality, even when you are not there.
The system circulates air throughout your house, passing it through an air filter multiple times a day. This process helps trap dust, pet dander, pollen, and other airborne particles that can otherwise accumulate and lead to stale air or unpleasant odors.
Returning to a house that smells fresh and has cleaner air is certainly a more welcoming experience than walking into a stuffy, stagnant environment.
Avoids System Strain
Allowing your home to get extremely hot while you’re away means your air conditioning system will have to work incredibly hard to cool it back down when you return. This sudden, intense workload puts considerable strain on all its components, particularly the compressor and the evaporator. Such stress can shorten the lifespan of your AC unit and potentially lead to premature breakdowns or a decrease in its overall efficiency.
Maintaining a moderate temperature with your thermostat means the system only needs to make minor adjustments to bring your home back to your preferred comfort level, a much gentler and less energy-intensive process. This gentle operation is also kinder to the refrigerant lines and coils.
Adjusting Your AC for Vacation
So, you’ve decided that turning the AC off completely isn’t the best route; now the question is what temperature to set it to. The goal is to save energy while still protecting your home. You don’t need it to be as cool as when you’re actively living there, but you also don’t want it to become an oven. Finding that balance is key for effective energy conservation and home care.
A general recommendation for a vacation thermostat setting is around 80-85°F or about 5-7 degrees Fahrenheit higher than your typical comfortable setting. This range is usually sufficient to prevent extreme heat buildup and control humidity without consuming a large amount of electricity.
Some heat pump systems also have specific recommendations for vacation settings, so if you rely on one for your comfort, consulting the manual can be useful.
How a Smart Thermostat Can Help
Modern technology offers excellent tools for managing your home’s climate, even when you’re miles away, and a smart thermostat is a prime example. These devices provide a level of control and flexibility that traditional thermostats simply cannot match, making them ideal for vacation scenarios. Installing a smart thermostat can significantly enhance your energy conservation efforts.
You see, smart thermostats allow you to program different temperature schedules for when you’re home and away, and many learn your habits to optimize settings automatically. For your vacation, you can set a higher, energy-saving temperature and then, a day or a few hours before your return, use your smartphone app to remotely adjust the thermostat. That way, you walk into a perfectly cool and comfortable house upon your return.
This also eliminates the need for the system to run at full blast trying to cool down a very hot home quickly, which is better for the unit’s efficiency and longevity. Some models even provide energy usage reports, helping you understand and manage your consumption better.
Other Energy-Saving Tips for Vacation Prep
Beyond adjusting your air conditioning, there are several other simple steps you can take before leaving on vacation to reduce energy consumption and prepare your home. These additional measures contribute to overall savings and help protect your home systems.
Closing Curtains & Blinds
One of the easiest yet most effective ways to reduce heat gain inside your home is to close your curtains and blinds before you leave. Sunlight streaming through windows, especially south-facing ones, can significantly increase the indoor temperature, forcing your air conditioning to work harder even at a higher vacation setting.
Thick curtains, drapes, or reflective blinds can block a substantial amount of solar radiation, helping to keep your home naturally cooler.
Unplugging Unnecessary Electronics
Many modern electronics and appliances continue to draw power even when they’re turned off; this is often called “phantom load” or “vampire power.” Devices like televisions, game consoles, computers, chargers for phones and laptops, coffee makers, and microwaves can all consume a surprising amount of energy in standby mode.
Before you head out on vacation, take a walk through your house and unplug these items. This not only saves energy but also protects your electronics from potential damage due to power surges that might occur while you’re away. It’s a small effort that can add up to noticeable savings and increased safety.
Professional HVAC System Servicing to Prevent Breakdowns
Scheduling a professional maintenance check for your HVAC system before a long vacation is a wise precautionary measure. An expert technician can inspect your entire air conditioning or heat pump system, including the refrigerant levels, compressor, condenser coils, evaporator, and ductwork. They will also clean or replace the air filter, which is vital for good airflow and system efficiency.
This preventative servicing helps identify and address any potential issues that could lead to a breakdown while you’re gone.
Questions? Speak to AC Experts Today!
Prepping for a vacation involves many details, and deciding on the right approach for your air conditioning shouldn’t add stress to your plans. If you have questions about the best way to manage your home’s climate, how to set your thermostat, or if you’re considering an upgrade to a smart thermostat for better control and energy conservation, we at RR Electric, Heating & Air are here to help. Our experienced technicians understand the nuances of HVAC systems, from traditional air conditioning units and evaporative coolers to modern heat pump technology.
We can provide personalized advice based on your specific home, your existing system, and your travel plans. We can also perform comprehensive maintenance to give you confidence that your system is in good shape before you depart.
Contact RR Electric, Heating & Air today, and let our experts provide the guidance you need for a worry-free vacation and a comfortable return home.
