Should I Turn Down my AC if I Leave on Vacation?
Summer is in full swing. The kids are out of school. Perhaps you have time off work coming your way. You’ve waited all year, your bags are packed and you’re ready to enjoy a much-needed (and well-deserved) vacation.
It’s easy to overlook proper home preparation steps before leaving your home vacant for a period of time. One such step is making AC adjustments. A question we receive frequently is whether or not you should turn down your AC, shut it off, or leave it “as is” while gone on vacation.
Although it’s a simple question, the answer is a bit more nuanced with several factors to consider:
- Weather
- Length of vacation
- Thermostat type
If your vacation is less than a week, consider leaving the AC on and turning it up by between 7-10 degrees Fahrenheit. Doing so can save you up to 10% on cooling costs. If your vacation is longer than a week, consider upping the temperature to 88F. Hotter interior temperatures make it more difficult for heat to enter the home.
If you have a smart thermostat, consider setting a schedule allowing for the optimization of energy use when away and preparing to cool the home for your return.
