Setting Your Air Conditioning Unit While Away On Vacation

Families are vacationing more now than ever before. It doesn’t have to be a holiday to schedule a weekend get-away. Whether vacationing for a few days or a few weeks, it helps to know how to set your air conditioner while away. Failure to set it properly could lead to an expensive utility bill upon return.

There are a few easy steps that could help cut the costs on your power bill while away and to keep the unit operating efficiently while you are away. Air conditioning repair specialists suggest ways to get the most out of your system without taking the most out of your pocket.

Do Not Turn Off the Unit

Turning off the air conditioner prevents circulation of air, which means it will condensate and possibly produce mold. Consider setting the thermostat to about 80 degrees. While your home will be warm upon return, the AC will be in quality condition without the waste of energy. Don’t set the temp too high, as you don’t want to damage the floors or walls.

Many people believe that the unit must work harder to restore the home to a comfortable temperature, but this is a myth. Homes left with high temp settings utilize less energy due to the slow air flow. While you may feel that shutting the air conditioner completely off is better, the doors will be shut and windows closed, which means no airflow at all.

Programmable Thermostats

Programmable thermostats are an ideal option, especially for those who travel or vacation frequently. Air conditioning repair professionals suggest setting it to reduce the temperature when no one will be inside the home. In addition, the temperature should be slowly increased when someone enters the home.

There are a variety of programmable thermostats to choose from. Air conditioning repair specialists can suggest the best option for your home and travel frequency.