Summer is the season for vacations, and it’s a time when many homeowners face the dilemma of whether to turn off their air conditioning (AC) while they’re away. While it may seem like a good idea to save some money by turning off your AC while you’re on vacation, there are several factors to consider before making that decision. In this blog, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of turning off your air conditioner when you go on vacation.
Pros of Turning Off Your AC When You Go On Vacation:
1. Energy Savings
Turning off your air conditioner while you’re away can help you save energy and reduce your utility bills. You won’t be cooling an empty home, which can significantly reduce your energy usage.
2. Extended Lifespan of Your AC Unit
When you turn off your air conditioner, it gets a much-needed break from constant usage. This break can help extend the lifespan of your AC unit.
3. Less Wear and Tear
By turning off your AC while you’re away, you’re reducing the wear and tear on the unit, which can help it last longer.
Cons of Turning Off Your Air Conditioner When You Go On Vacation:
1. Mold and Mildew Growth
When you turn off your air conditioner, the humidity levels in your home can rise, leading to the growth of mold and mildew. These can cause health problems for you and your family.
2. Temperature Extremes
Turning off your air conditioner can lead to extreme temperature fluctuations in your home. If the temperature gets too hot, it can damage your furniture, electronics, and other belongings. Especially if you live here in Arizona, you know just how sweltering the summers get here. Keep this in mind before deciding to turn off your AC unit.
3. Increased Energy Usage
If you turn off your AC and then turn it back on when you return, it can cause your AC to work harder to cool your home, resulting in increased energy usage and higher utility bills.
Tips for Using Your Air Conditioner While on Vacation
You don’t have to turn your AC unit completely off while you’re away. In fact, there are still some things you can do to keep it on just enough to keep your home safe and comfortable upon your return. Whether you’re planning to be gone for a few days or a few weeks, here are some tips for using your AC while on vacation.
1. Raise the Temperature
If you’re going to leave your AC on while you’re away, consider raising the temperature ever so slightly to reduce energy usage. You can also invest in a programmable thermostat that allows you to set the temperature higher during the day and lower at night.
2. Use a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat can help you manage your AC while you’re away. You can set it to turn on a few hours before you return home, so your home is cool when you arrive.
3. Keep the Air Circulating
If you’re turning off your AC while you’re away, keep the air circulating by leaving ceiling fans on. This can help reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth.
4. Consider Hiring a House Sitter
If you’re concerned about temperature extremes and mold growth, consider hiring a house sitter who can monitor the temperature and humidity levels in your home while you’re away.
Cool Touch Is Here For All Your AC Needs In the Phoenix and Prescott Valley Metropolitan Areas
Turning off your air conditioning unit when you go on vacation can help you save energy and reduce your utility bills. However, it can also lead to temperature extremes, mold growth, and increased energy usage when you return. Ultimately, the decision to turn off your AC when you go on vacation will depend on your personal preferences and circumstances. At Cool Touch, we recommend that if you live in the Phoenix and Prescott Valley area, you keep your AC on but just raise the temperature slightly while away. Temperature extremes can really do some damage otherwise. For all your AC maintenance, repair, replacement and installation needs, consult an HVAC technician at Cool Touch today. Contact us here.
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