However, the more widely recommended option is to turn the thermostat up while away, not off. June 15, 2018 Whether you’re heading out of town for a week or a month this summer, you may be thinking of ways you can save on energy bills while you’re gone. The overall energy efficiency of your home will also help determine if you should turn your cooling system off while away. 2. A programmable thermostat is your best friend in this situation. However, there are some steps you can and should take to save energy. Keeping the air circulating in your home while away will help the system do an important part of its job — that is, keeping the humidity down inside. However it is a good idea to avoid problems. Or is it more efficient to leave it on all day? Fort Worth, TX 76109. Central Air Conditioning, For longer vacations, consider the following. This is a common but important question we get all the time: Is it better to turn the AC off when you leave? Closing the curtains while you are gone can also be helpful as it will block the sun and help to keep rooms cooler. But if you are vacationing in the middle of hot summer temperatures, it’s best to let the AC run at a higher temperature while you are gone. In addition, indoor temperatures above about 80 degrees can cause distress to any pets left at home. But don't completely turn off the air conditioner or furnace during your vacation. This will help ensure you are making the best choice for your specific situation and needs while preparing your A/C system and all your home's systems for your time away. Your air conditioner is not your hair dryer. If the weather will be mild while you are away, it is probably safe to leave the AC off for several days. For longer vacations when no one will be using your home for a week or more at a time, you'll save the most energy and cost by turning the system off. But the bottom line to understand is that if saving the most energy is your primary concern, turning the system off completely will give you that result. Whether you turn your central air off or turn the programmed temp up when you’re out of the house, a programmable thermostat like Nest can crank up … Air conditioning doesn’t just cool down your home. This will block the afternoon sun and help keep your home a bit cooler. If, however, forecast is promising scorching temperatures, consider keeping the A/C on. 4255 Bryant Irvin Rd, Leave the A/C On: 3 Risks of Turning Off A/C During a Vacation Rampant humidity. But it also removes humidity. There are several factors that should be considered when you think about whether or not to turn your AC off while on vacation and away from the home. What Happens When You Turn Off Your Air Conditioner. To wrap up, it would be wasteful to keep your ac on at its normal temperature while on vacation and harmful to turn it off completely. With spring in full swing, many are beginning to think about their summer vacation plans. If you can minimize air leaks, your home will be able to retain cooler temperatures for a longer period of time. The cost of running an air conditioner can go well over two dollars per hour. Who needs the expense of cooling an empty house? Just because you shouldn’t turn your AC unit off completely, it doesn’t mean that you can’t turn it up a few degrees. Many people consider shutting off their air conditioners before they leave for vacation. Fort Worth, Instead of setting the thermostat just slightly higher, change it to a temperature between 85 and 90 degrees. Aside from packing your suitcase, you probably plan on running a few errands, picking up your mail, and turning off all of the lights to prepare your house for your time away. But we’ve got one friend who lives in Phoenix, Arizona and insists he’ll never leave the A/C off on his trips back to the east coast. It’s because of his computer. Structural damage to your home. Well, you can, but you shouldn’t. There is no need to rack up a high electric bill while you are on vacation. If you will only be gone for a short vacation, ranging from one to three days, it is recommended that you simply set the AC to a higher temperature for the duration of your time away. A Vacationer's Dilemma, Turn the A/C On or Off? Posted On: January 17, 2017 We're On Call 24/7 to react promptly to your ac, heating, and plumbing emergencies. Besides being green, it can also help you save significantly on that month’s power bill. When you have the power off you can drain it using a hose. Along with the length of your getaway, several other factors will help you determine whether to turn the A/C on or off while you’re gone. If you encounter problems at any time during the summer or after returning from a vacation, Comfort Experts ac repair technicians are here to help. Simply set the thermostat up between seven and 10 degrees higher than normal while you’re away. When considering whether or not to turn off your AC while away, please be mindful of any animals that will be staying in the home while you are gone so they can be comfortable as well. Stewart has been in the HVAC business for more than 25 years. However, you’ll want to keep … Damaged electronics. Leaving the air conditioner operating while you’re away will ensure enough circulation to control humidity and condensation in the summer, as well as prevent expansion and contraction from excess heat buildup that can warp and degrade surfaces like wood floors, door frames, and other structural components. May 25, 2016 / 0 Comments / in Tips & How To's / by Kristy Luigs If you’re anything like us, you can’t leave the house for vacation without going through an exhaustive mental checklist. Leaving it on during scorching hot days will keep the unit from having to overcompensate to try to cool the home when you do decide to turn it back on again. Let’s go! Adding solar window films or thermal drapes can help improve inefficient windows. Setting the AC thermostat to operate about 7 to 10 degrees more than your usual temperature will still allow it to run yet save on energy costs. There are several factors to consider, including the length of your vacation, as we discuss below. Leaving it to run as normal to cool a house with no one in it is wasting energy, while it can strain your AC to have to work hard to cool a house that has had no AC running for a few days. Yes, it cools your home. Weather can also factor into your decision to leave your AC on or turn it off. While it puts some extra strain on your central A/C to return a hot house to a more comfortable temperature, you'll save energy and keep the humidity level under control by leaving it on. If the weather will be mild while you are away, it is probably safe to leave the AC off for several days. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(241237, '2691b2de-5c93-4cf8-b8ac-bd2a9041503d', {}); Topics: Here are some other reasons why you should leave your AC on during your summer vacation: Moisture and Mold; The Alabama heat is starting to hit, which means turning your AC off could lead to high temperatures inside your home. If the weather will be relatively mild, it may be best to simply turn the A/C off since there is a minimal risk of heat building up indoors. 4255 Bryant Irvin Rd Even though you probably shouldn’t turn your air conditioner off completely when you go on vacation this summer, you can still save energy by turning the setting up. Map & Directions [+]. Check Out Our Feature in Consumer Reports on Air Conditioner Problems  Read More, by … Read on to understand why this is the case. You can also reduce the strain on your air conditioning unit by closing the curtains before leaving. TX Stewart Unsdorfer. If youre leaving for an extended per… But the bottom line to understand is that if saving the most energy is your primary concern, turning the system off completely will give you that result. Steps before going on vacations and turning off the main water valve: 1 turn off the gas valve for the water heater. © 2020 Central Heating & Air Conditioning, Recommended Thermostat Settings for Home Comfort, Managing Home Humidity for Maximum Comfort, Learn the Effects of Humidity on HVAC Performance, 3 A/C Options for Homes with Boiler Systems. Most people do not turn off the water heater when they leave. While this may seem thrifty, it’s not the best plan for your home. Here are a few other helpful steps to take before you head out on vacation. This will help prevent your cooling appliances from running overtime to compensate for the high temperatures in your home. After all, the system will have to work harder to reach the desired temperature once you return. By leaving off your air conditioner for days at a time, nothing will be done to control humidity levels inside your home. Turn off the water vavle that feeds water to your refrigerator. It also controls humidity levels. No thanks, I don't want the HVAC Sizing Guide, Schedule a neighbor or landscaper to water indoor/outdoor flowers and plants, Leave ample food and water for any pets that will remain at home, Plan for daily mail pickup by a friend or neighbor, Save some power by unplugging electronics, Leave a light on or use a timer to light rooms. Clean the Air Filters. In addition, the extra moisture can impact other features of your home, including wood floors, doors and cabinetry. If you have a programmable thermostat, it is recommended that you set it to turn on a day or two before you are scheduled to return home so it can begin to cool the home for your arrival. Why You Need to Use AC on Vacation. Consider the age and efficiency of the home as you decide to keep the AC on or off. An experienced specialist can assess your air conditioner and help you to make the decision whether you should leave it on or switch it off when you’re away. First things first. In this article, we’ll explain those problems in more detail, and we’ll also cover why you should set your thermostat to 85° and AUTO mode. Whether you’re going to a neighboring state or a country miles and miles away, you’re creating memories and priceless moments that will last a lifetime! Schedule service. You want to make sure things run as efficiently as possible while youre gone, so that no energy is wasted while the house isnt in use. If your home is designed for efficiencies, such as having an insulated attic, new and efficient windows, or low air infiltration, then you can probably turn off the AC without worry as the home will be able to stay cooler for longer. Not only will this amplify the problems listed above, but it can also lead to even more serious issues. However, the more widely recommended option is to turn the thermostat up while away, not off. Why not? In a climate like Kansas City that’s very important. In this post we’ll discuss when you should turn off your air conditioner and when to leave it alone. Whether you plan to spend a weekend away at the beach or a longer trip to a warm country there are things you should do to prepare your home while you … Too much heat can damage your computers, television sets, and other appliances. 76109 The Florida Solar Energy Center conducted a study to evaluate the impact of air conditioner settings on vacant homes to determine the perfect temperature setting for your home when you go away. "You want to keep the air circulating so it doesn't have time to condensate," Spaulding says. There are several factors to consider, including the length of your vacation, as we discuss below. Specifically in this post, we'll discuss the issue of whether to turn your central A/C on or off while away. When you think about turning off your air conditioner while you’re away, keep in mind that the air inside your home can get much hotter than outside. Do I Turn the AC off or Leave It on While on Vacation. These measures will help you save some energy and keep your home safer while away. Should You Turn Off Your Air Conditioner When on Vacation? These nifty little devices allow you to set the desired temperature at varying times so that it kicks on and off automatically. It’s tempting to simply turn off your air conditioner entirely while you’re away on vacation. He is a state licensed heating and A/C contractor, as well as being certified in design, fabrication, layout and installation of forced air heating / cooling systems. Get the answer here! Check the local forecast for the timeframe you will be away as the weather plays an important role as to whether to turn the A/C on or off. Before you jet off on a vacation, theres plenty to do to get yourself and your home ready for a trip. Whether you turn your thermostat up or just turn your air conditioner off, you’re not going to want to return to a hot, humid home after your vacation. They concluded a setting of around 85 degrees is appropriate for … Which Furnace or Air Conditioner Should I Buy? Cooling an empty house to the temperature you'd be comfortable at while home can be wasteful and unnecessary. This is when a programmable thermostat comes in handy. With summer in full swing, homeowners are beginning to leave their homes for long-awaited vacations filled with warm weather activities. This happens because your home absorbs and traps heat. Unfortunately, shutting off your air conditioner for a vacation can be very problematic for your home, especially in the south. Suite #211, Your gut reaction to maximize energy savings is to set the thermostat to the “off” position, but you shouldn’t turn your heat completely off when you go on vacation! Dirt destroys air conditioner efficiency. What You Should Do Instead. But, the better option for efficiency may be to turn your AC up instead of off while on vacation. Stress on appliances. If you have an older home that does not have these features, your home could head up quickly if you choose to turn the AC off. Turn off the air conditioner. Be sure to remember the safety and comfort of any animals that will be left in the home. Suite #211 If the primary goal is to save money while away on vacation, then turning your AC off while you are gone, for any length of time, can help you achieve the desired results. You should unplug other appliances, such as your television, gaming system, and computer to avoid using vampire power. If electric water heater just to he on the safe side, disconnect it from the wall (AC). To understand why you shouldn’t turn off your air conditioner while away, you should first understand what an air conditioner does. However, before you head out the door to your car, did you turn the air conditioner off or did you leave it on? You can turn off power to the water heater by switching off the breaker. After all, they won’t be home so why run the AC anyway? If, however, you are planning a vacation that is a week-long or more, you can save the most in energy costs by turning off the AC altogether. Even though you probably shouldn’t turn your air conditioner off completely when you go on vacation this summer, you can still save energy by turning the setting up. If you’re only going to be gone for a short time, just a day or two, it’s better to keep the air conditioner on, but set at a higher temperature. Your AC also removes humidity and turning it off would make your home stuffier and more humid. Should I turn my AC off when I leave for vacation? Contact A+ Air Conditioning for AC Maintenance and Repair Services in Gainesville, FL Should You Turn Off Your AC While On Vacation? We typically advise leaving the thermostat set at about 86 degrees. Most people elect to turn off their air conditioner when they leave for long summer vacations. As you prep your home for the time away, it's important to plan for how your will manage certain systems in the home during your vacation. The answer is largely no. Well, turning off your AC can cause humidity-related problems down the road like: Mold and mildew. This could definitely prove much more costly than leaving your AC running while you’re away for a week or two. It’s very common for people to shut off their air conditioning when they’re gone in order to save some money on their cooling bill. Turning AC On and Off vs Leaving It On. Adjust HVAC Settings – Don’t Turn the System Off. If you are going on a longer vacation (anything over three days), the Department of Energy recommends taking a much more drastic step to save money on your utility bill. Instead, turn the AC temperature up while your away to prevent damage to your home and maximize your energy savings. Get the latest tips, hacks, and posts delivered to your inbox for free: We compare the state of the art heating and cooling system in your car to the clunky one in your home. During the summer, a lot of homeowners want to know how to shave money off of their Florida electric bills. We typically advise leaving the thermostat set at about 86 degrees. Moisture holds heat, which will make your system work harder to cool down the home upon your return. When deciding whether to turn the A/C on or off while on vacation, take into consideration all the factors above. Should I turn my AC off when I’m on vacation? You can’t just turn it on and off. In this case, you can use your programmable thermostat to begin to cool the home a day or so before your return. Posted 8:24 pm by Hamilton Home Comfort & filed under Air Conditioning , Energy Saving . Why Is My A/C System Running Constantly This Summer? As you prepare and plan for your trip, it is also important that you think about how to prepare your home for while you are away as well, specifically, your AC unit. Homes with ample attic insulation, lower air infiltration and efficient windows have a higher resistance to heat buildup. However, you have the chance to save on heating costs while the house is vacant. Should You Turn Off Your HVAC System When You Go on Vacation? Give us a call today. If you have concerns about leaving your air conditioner running while you’re on vacation, it is worth speaking to your HVAC technician. Knowing that you’re saving money while using your air conditioner in an efficient manner will keep you … Energy Savings. Weather can also factor into your decision to leave your AC on or turn it off. If you’re making a quick weekend getaway, turning the AC off won’t realize big energy or cost savings. This will keep you from paying too much in air conditioning costs while still protecting parts of your home from the extreme heat. 3. If you left it on, then that’s a positive thing — here’s why. Alternatively, you could turn off the air conditioner altogether. By switching off your air conditioner while away, you’ll immediately see the change in your future bills. In today's blog, we tackle the age old question: should you turn off your AC when you leave for vacation? But if you are vacationing in the middle of hot summer temperatures, it’s best to let the AC run at a higher temperature while you are gone. Help keep your home absorbs and traps heat resistance to heat buildup to take before you off... And efficiency of the home upon your return house is vacant post we ’ ll immediately the. 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