Going out of town for a few days or longer can be a welcome break, but it’s important to prepare your home to avoid unnecessary energy costs and potential issues while you’re away. One of the key considerations is what temperature to set your air conditioner (A/C) at, as well as other precautions to keep your home safe and energy-efficient in your absence. This guide will walk you through the best A/C settings and other important steps to take before heading out of town.
1. The Ideal A/C Temperature Setting When Away
When you’re away from home, your A/C doesn’t need to keep the house as cool as when you’re there, but you also don’t want to turn it off completely. Here’s why:
- Maintain Indoor Comfort Levels: Completely shutting off your A/C can lead to excessive heat buildup inside your home, which can cause damage to furniture, electronics, and other sensitive items. Additionally, humidity levels can rise, increasing the risk of mold and mildew.
- Optimal Temperature Setting: A good rule of thumb is to set your thermostat 7-10 degrees higher than your normal setting. If you typically keep your home at 72°F (22°C), you can raise it to anywhere between 78-85°F (25-29°C). This allows your A/C to run less frequently, saving energy while still maintaining a manageable indoor environment.
- Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat: If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, set it to adjust the temperature while you’re away. Many smart thermostats even have vacation modes that allow you to monitor and control your home’s temperature from your phone, ensuring energy efficiency and peace of mind.
2. Other Precautions to Take Before Leaving Town
Beyond adjusting your A/C, there are several steps you can take to ensure your home is safe, protected, and energy-efficient while you’re away.
a) Close Blinds and Curtains
One of the simplest ways to reduce the amount of heat entering your home is to close blinds or curtains. Sunlight streaming through windows can significantly increase the indoor temperature, causing your A/C to work harder. By closing blinds or using blackout curtains, you reduce the amount of heat entering your home, helping maintain cooler indoor temperatures.
b) Unplug Electronics and Appliances
While your A/C can account for a significant portion of your energy usage, other electronics and appliances continue to draw power even when they’re not in use. Unplugging items like TVs, computers, coffee makers, and chargers can reduce your overall energy consumption and protect them from power surges during storms.
c) Turn Off Water Supply
Consider turning off the main water supply to your home if you’ll be away for an extended period. This precaution can prevent potential leaks or water damage from a burst pipe or malfunctioning appliance. Additionally, it reduces the risk of flooding caused by storms while you’re away.
d) Check Windows and Doors
Ensure that all windows and doors are securely closed and locked before leaving. Even a small gap in a window can let in hot air, causing your A/C to work harder and reducing energy efficiency. Double-check entry points to keep your home secure and energy-efficient.
e) Consider Installing a Surge Protector
Summer months often come with increased thunderstorms, and power surges can damage your HVAC system and other electronics. To safeguard your A/C unit and other major appliances, install a whole-house surge protector or plug sensitive electronics into surge protection devices.
3. Other HVAC System Tips for When You’re Away
a) Clean or Replace Air Filters
A clean air filter helps your A/C run more efficiently, which is especially important when you’re not home. Dirty filters can restrict airflow, forcing your A/C to work harder and increasing energy consumption. Before you leave, check your air filter and replace or clean it if needed.
b) Clear Debris Around the Outdoor Unit
Ensure the area around your outdoor A/C unit is clear of debris, leaves, or grass clippings. A cluttered outdoor unit can impede airflow and reduce the system’s efficiency, which could lead to malfunctions while you’re away.
c) Schedule a Maintenance Check
If you’ll be gone for an extended period, it’s a good idea to schedule an A/C maintenance check with a professional technician before you leave. A professional can inspect your system, identify any potential issues, and make any necessary repairs to prevent problems while you’re away.
4. How to Protect Your Home from Humidity
If you live in a particularly humid area, excessive humidity can be a concern, even when you’re not home. Humidity can cause wood floors to warp, mold to grow, and create an uncomfortable indoor environment. To keep humidity in check:
- Use a Dehumidifier: Consider running a dehumidifier to control humidity levels while you’re gone. If you have a whole-house dehumidifier connected to your HVAC system, set it to maintain a humidity level between 30-50%.
- Leave Interior Doors Open: By leaving interior doors open, you allow for better air circulation throughout your home, helping prevent hotspots and reducing humidity buildup in certain areas.
5. Final Safety Checks Before You Leave
As a final precaution, take a few additional steps to ensure your home remains safe while you’re away:
- Notify a Neighbor: Let a trusted neighbor or friend know you’ll be away and ask them to check on your home occasionally. They can ensure everything is in order and alert you if there are any issues.
- Install Timers for Lights: Set indoor and outdoor lights on timers to give the appearance that someone is home. This can help deter burglars and enhance home security.
- Hold Mail and Deliveries: Put a hold on mail and package deliveries to prevent them from piling up, which can signal to others that your home is vacant.
Setting your A/C to the right temperature when you’re going out of town is an essential step in saving energy and protecting your home. Adjusting the thermostat to 78-85°F (25-29°C), closing blinds, unplugging electronics, and ensuring your HVAC system is in good working order can all contribute to maintaining a comfortable, efficient, and safe environment while you’re away. Taking these extra precautions will not only give you peace of mind but also help you return to a cool, well-maintained home.