Should You Turn Off Your AC When You Go on Vacation?
It’s a question that pops up every summer: Should I turn off the air conditioning in my house when I leave for vacation? On the surface, it seems like an easy “yes.” Why cool an empty house, right? But it’s not quite that simple. Between protecting your home, keeping energy bills low, and making sure things run smoothly, there’s more to consider than you may think. You deserve to be able to relax while on vacation, so let’s explore this question together.
Saving Energy Isn’t Always What You Think
It’s tempting to shut the AC off completely to save energy, but your house doesn’t just stop heating up when you’re not home. When the air inside gets too hot and humid, it can create problems like warped wood floors, peeling paint, or even mold. Plus, your fridge and electronics have to work overtime. In the end, turning the AC off might save you a little money, but it can cost you in the long run. It’s a better idea to set your thermostat a bit higher than usual. That way, you won’t use as much energy and your home won’t turn into a sauna.
Your House Has Comfort Needs Too
We don’t often think of our house as something that needs care when we’re gone, but it does. Air conditioning isn’t just about comfort, it also keeps humidity in check. High humidity can damage books, instruments, furniture, and can even make strange smells worse. If you live in a humid climate, it’s especially important that you keep the AC always running at some level. It’s just another part of taking care of your home.
Your Plants, Pets, and Appliances Will Thank You
Even if you’ve found a plant-sitter or boarded your pets elsewhere, your home’s little systems still benefit from being kept at a stable temperature. Sudden temperature spikes can be hard on electronics, appliances, and even your indoor plants. AC helps maintain a normal rhythm that keeps things from frying, drying out, or wilting. If you’ve ever come back to droopy leaves or a fridge that smells a little off, you know what I mean. A little cool air can go a long way in keeping everything running smoothly while you’re off enjoying your trip.
Smart Thermostats Are Vacation MVPs
If you don’t already have a smart thermostat, this might be the time to get one. They let you adjust the temperature from your phone, so you don’t have to commit to one setting before you leave. And when you’re on your way home, you can start cooling your house before you even get there. Some models even learn your cooling and heating patterns and automatically adjust to your preferences throughout the day. Smart thermostats offer control, and peace of mind, even when you’re on the other side of the world.
It’s Not All or Nothing
The good news is, you don’t have to choose between freezing your house and turning everything off before you leave. There’s a middle ground that’s smart and efficient. A setting of 82–85°F works well for most homes, enough to keep humidity and heat in check without overworking your system while you’re out. Close curtains to block sunlight, unplug unnecessary electronics, and seal up any drafty spots in your house. These small steps add up. The more intentional you are with preparing your house, the more you’ll be able to relax without worry while enjoying your vacation.
A Little Planning Goes a Long Way
So, should you turn off your AC when you go on vacation? Probably not. But that doesn’t mean you have to keep it blasting like you’re still home. Raise the temperature a little bit to 82–85°F when your house needs it, keeping your energy use low, and helping you to avoid nasty surprises when you return. It’s one of those little things that just makes life smoother. After all, you should be able to relax and forget your everyday worries while on vacation. And knowing your house is safe and sound while you’re gone? That’s real peace of mind.