When leaving your home due to traveling, especially in the summer, it’s important to take proper care of your home while no one is there. There are many things that need to be taken care of before going on vacation, and many people wonder if turning off their air conditioning is necessary.
Should I Leave AC On During Vacation?
You might think that because you won’t be home, what is the point of leaving the air conditioning on. In fact, to avoid damage to your home, it is necessary to maintain a consistent indoor temperature. There are a few risks that come with turning off your AC while vacationing in the summer, so let’s evaluate some of these potential issues.
Is Turning Off My A/C Bad?
While it may seem more cost-effective to turn off your AC, it is definitely not recommended. It could actually cost you more money in the long run since it could potentially cause more issues in your home. Depending on how long you are away for will depend on what A/C temperature to keep while you are gone.
If you will be gone for just a few days, it’s recommended that you keep your HVAC around the same temperature you normally would keep it at. If you will be traveling for longer, the Department of Energy recommends keeping your thermostat anywhere between 85-90 degrees.
Humidity Levels
Air conditioning will not only keep your house cool, but it will also control the humidity levels. Typically, the humidity level in your house should be no higher than 50%. Anything higher than this can create issues like mold, musty smells, peeling paint, and warped wood furniture.
Issues With Appliances & Electronics
An environment that is too hot for refrigerators and freezers will create a lot of problems. Although they are made to maintain cold environments, in order to function properly they must maintain a certain temperature range. Some issues that could arise from turning off your AC include:
- Increased energy bills
- Breakdowns
- Spoiled foods
- Unnecessary stress on refrigerator/freezer
Televisions, video games, alarm systems, etc. also have the potential to overheat and become damaged due to overheating. High temperatures can melt and fry circuits which will ruin the device.
So What Should I Do?
For homeowners who are going on vacation for a week or two, it is best to keep your A/C on while you’re gone. You do not have to keep your thermostat at the same temperature as you normally would while at home, but keeping it on and turned up is the best move.
At Coastal Refrigeration, we want to help you stay cool during the warmer months. If you are in need of cooling solutions for your home, contact us today.
