If you’re planning to go on vacation, chances are you’re thinking about relaxing on the beach or sitting poolside with your favorite beverage! However, as you prepare for your much-needed time away from home, you’ll also need to plan how you’ll be managing your home systems and the best way to do so. Here we’ll discuss how to determine what temperature to set your AC when you’re on vacation.
You Need to Run Your AC, Even If You Are Away
When it comes to being away from home for an extended period of time, your first instinct is likely to turn your entire cooling system off. If you’re not there, why pay to cool an empty house? While that logic holds up for your electrical appliances (tv, computer, gaming systems, etc.- definitely unplug those), you’ll want to keep your AC going.
Why? If your home is without AC for a long period, you may come home to find damage occurring from the heat and humidity (especially here in Orlando!) If excess heat and moisture are trapped inside your home, a few things can happen. Walls and carpets can retain that moisture, mold and mildew can grow, and insects can invite themselves in to stay. If you keep your AC running, it will keep the heat and humidity at bay, preventing these issues.
How to Set Your AC While Your Away
Before your departure, look into what the weather will be like while you’re away. Usually, it is advised that you set your AC a few degrees lower than the daily high temperature. That way, your air conditioner is running often enough to keep the heat and humidity out while conserving energy and saving you money.
Additionally, you can help keep your home cool by closing your blinds and curtains, blocking sunlight from pouring in, and ensuring that your thermostat fan is set to “auto” (as opposed to “on”). On auto, your AC and fan will only run when necessary.
Other Points to Consider
Will there be pets staying at home while you’re on vacation? You’ll want to ensure that the temperature is set so they remain cool, calm, and healthy. They may already be experiencing stress without you, so keep them as comfortable as possible. (Make sure they have plenty of water, too!)
If you have a newer thermostat, chances are you have the ability to adjust the settings right from your smartphone. Change the temperature settings when you’re on your way home, so your house is nice and cool upon your return to sunny Orlando!
Before you head out, call 4 Seasons Air Conditioning and Heating at (407) 295-9231 to schedule air conditioning maintenance with our Orlando AC experts.