Should you turn off AC when on vacation? Learn the pros and cons, the best thermostat settings, and how to protect your home while saving energy.
Planning a vacation comes with a long checklist. You lock the doors, pause the mail, and make sure the lights are on a timer. But what about your air conditioner? Many homeowners wonder, should you turn off AC when on vacation, or is it better to leave it running?
The answer depends on how long you’ll be gone, the weather, and your home. In most cases, completely turning off your air conditioner is not the best choice. Instead, raising the thermostat to a higher temperature while you’re away can help reduce energy costs without exposing your home to excessive heat and humidity.
Here’s what you should know before leaving town.
Why Turning Off Your AC Completely Is Usually Not Recommended
It may seem like shutting the system off entirely would save the most money. While it will reduce energy use, it can also create other problems, especially during our hot and humid Midwestern summers.
Without air conditioning, indoor temperatures can climb quickly. More importantly, humidity levels inside your home can rise, creating conditions that may affect both your home and your belongings.
Excess heat and humidity can contribute to:
- Warped wood flooring or furniture
- Musty odors
- Higher indoor humidity
- Mold and mildew growth
- Extra strain on your AC when it has to cool the home from extreme temperatures after you return
Keeping your home at a reasonable temperature helps protect both your HVAC system and your property.
What Temperature Should You Set Your Thermostat?
Rather than turning your air conditioner off completely, adjust the thermostat while you’re away.
A good general guideline is:
- Away for a weekend: Set the thermostat around 80°F to 82°F.
- Away for a week or longer: Set it between 82°F and 85°F, depending on your comfort level and whether anyone will be checking on your home.
This allows your air conditioner to control temperature and humidity without running as often as it would if you were home.
If you have pets staying in the house or someone stopping by regularly, you’ll likely want to keep the temperature lower for their comfort.
Humidity Is Just as Important as Temperature
Many homeowners focus only on indoor temperature, but humidity is often the bigger concern during the summer.
Your air conditioner does more than cool the air. It also removes moisture as it operates.
When the system is turned off completely, indoor humidity can increase significantly, especially in homes with basements or older construction. High humidity may leave your home feeling damp, create musty smells, and encourage mold growth.
Keeping your AC running occasionally helps maintain healthier humidity levels while you’re away.
Will Leaving the AC On Waste Energy?
Not necessarily.
A common misconception is that letting the house get extremely hot saves the most money. In reality, your air conditioner has to work much harder to cool a home that has reached 90°F or higher than one that has been maintained around 82°F.
The goal is not to keep the house as cool as when you’re home. Instead, it’s to strike a balance between energy savings and protecting your home.
Raising the thermostat several degrees often provides meaningful energy savings without allowing indoor conditions to become excessive.
Smart Thermostats Make Vacation Easier
If your home has a smart thermostat, preparing for vacation is even simpler.
Many smart thermostats allow you to:
- Adjust temperatures from your phone
- Create vacation schedules
- Monitor indoor temperatures
- Return the house to your preferred setting before you arrive home
This flexibility can help you save energy while ensuring your home is comfortable when your trip is over.
If you’re considering upgrading your AC system, a smart thermostat can be a worthwhile investment for both convenience and efficiency.
Before You Leave, Give Your AC a Quick Check
A few simple steps before vacation can help your air conditioner operate more efficiently while you’re away.
Before leaving:
- Replace or inspect your air filter if needed.
- Make sure supply and return vents are not blocked.
- Clear leaves or debris from around the outdoor condenser.
- Verify your thermostat is set correctly.
- Close blinds or curtains to reduce heat from direct sunlight.
These small tasks can help your system run more efficiently and reduce unnecessary energy use.
So, Should You Turn Off Your AC When on Vacation?
For most homeowners, the answer is no.
Instead of shutting your system off completely, raise the thermostat several degrees so your air conditioner continues controlling temperature and humidity while using less energy. This approach helps protect your home, reduces moisture buildup, and avoids forcing your AC to recover from extremely high indoor temperatures when you return.
Every home is different, but a properly maintained HVAC system paired with sensible thermostat settings can help you enjoy your vacation without worrying about your home’s comfort.
Keep Your Air Conditioner Ready for Every Season
Whether you’re heading out for a long vacation or simply preparing for another hot Illinois summer, K&J Heating and Cooling is here to help keep your air conditioning system operating at its best.
As a family-owned, union HVAC company, we believe in honest recommendations and quality workmanship. Our technicians are not paid on commission, so you’ll receive straightforward advice based on what your system actually needs. Whether you need routine maintenance, AC repair, or are considering a system upgrade, you can count on our team for dependable, pressure-free service.
Call (630) 834-3456 today to schedule your air conditioning service with K&J Heating and Cooling.
