How to Set Up Your Air Conditioner Before Going on Vacation

If you’re ready to go on vacation, you’re probably trying to decide whether or not you should turn off the air conditioner while you’re away. The short answer is: keep it running. In today’s post, the HVAC contractors at HVAC Construction, Inc. share the benefits of keeping your air conditioner running while you’re away on vacation.

What Happens If You Turn Off Your Air Conditioner While You’re Away?

In general, unplugging your appliances is a good practice if you’ll be away from home longer than a few days. Even with the appliances turned off, they still consume a trickle of energy, which can add up. However, your air conditioner shouldn’t be among these appliances.

While it may seem like you’re wasting energy by leaving the AC on, the cost of not doing so is greater. During the summer season, a lack of cooling and ventilation can create a greenhouse effect inside your home — much like how the inside of your car heats up when parked in the sun. This can result in everything from damage to heat-sensitive items like electronics or vintage vinyl records to damage to the drywall and roof framing. Keeping your HVAC system running will help prevent all of these potential damages.

You Don’t Have to Run Your Air Conditioner at Full Capacity

You don’t need to run your air conditioner at full capacity. Instead, set your thermostat at least ten degrees below the average outdoor temperature for the season. For example, if your area usually reaches the mid-to-high 90s in the middle of the summer season, then your maximum setting should be no higher than 85. At this temperature, a typical whole-home air conditioner would be operating at about 30% of its full capacity.

A programmable thermostat allows for better control of your HVAC system. You’ll need to reset and reprogram it to the settings described above — if you have a 5-2 or 5-1-1 thermostat (separate weekday/weekend settings) you’ll have to clear them or reset them so the temperature stays the same seven days a week. You’ll simply have to restore it to its usual settings when you return.

Call HVAC Construction for All Your Heating and Air Conditioning Needs

HVAC Construction, Inc. is your leading provider of HVAC construction jobs in Salt Lake City and the surrounding communities in Utah. Give us a call at (801) 877-7783 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.

Jodi Hugoe