When you leave for a vacation in the summer, it’s tempting to turn your air conditioning system off, but that’s a mistake that can cost you. Here’s how to set your air conditioner in a way that saves you money and protects your home.
Air Conditioner Stays On
If you turn your air conditioning system off while you’re on vacation, it can cost you a lot of money. It may seem like it makes little sense to cool an empty home, but that’s wrong. Your home and its contents can suffer a lot of damage from excess heat and humidity. Drywall deteriorates in excess heat. Mold and mildew grow in humid environments. Keeping your air conditioner on can prevent these problems.
The Best Temperature
When you’re on vacation during the summer, set your thermostat at no more than 84 degrees. Your AC system will run for at least a few hours a day, which reduces humidity and keeps heat from damaging your possessions. This temperature setting won’t unduly increase your electricity bills, but it protects the things that matter to you.
Programmable and Smart Thermostats
If you have a programmable thermostat, you’ll need to change its settings when you leave for vacation and when you return home. A smart thermostat makes your life easier. Depending on the thermostat, it may sense that no one is home and allow your place to get warmer than when it’s occupied. You can also use a mobile app on your phone to remotely control it.
If You Have Pets
If you have pets you’re leaving at home during vacation, keep their livelihoods in mind. You may need to set the temperature below 84, so they are comfortable.
Baker Heating & Cooling in Surprise, AZ, can help you with any air conditioning issue you may have. We repair, replace, and install them. We provide the same services for furnaces, heat pumps, and other heaters. Get in touch today to learn more.
