Between the warm weather and kids off of school, summer is one of the busiest times of year for vacations. In order to save on your next utility bill, you might think it is wise to shut your AC completely off while you’re away, but that is not always the case. A slight temperature adjustment will keep your home cool and protected, so you may take your trip with ease.
Is It More Efficient To Leave My Air Conditioning On?
To avoid pipes from freezing in your apartment in the winter, you might keep it minimally heated when you’re away. The same can also apply during the mid to late summer heat. You’ll be able to save money, energy and extra stress from being put on your appliances.
To know what the best temperature might be for your home during a trip, there are several factors that should be considered first. We’ve broken down just a few of them in a list below:
- Length of Your Time Away – Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a two week vacation, not adjusting your thermostat can add up quickly on your next utility bill. Turning your AC off completely might save you some money, but it will cost you quite a bit to fire it up when you return. You’ll be able to save a few bucks and keep your home cool by setting the temperature between the mids 70s and 80s.
- Local Weather While You’re Gone – With Chicago temperatures ranging from the mid 70s to low 90s in July and August, you’ll definitely want to keep cool air flowing in your home. This not only will make your return home more comfortable, but it will also protect your furniture, walls and appliances from heat and humidity that could creep into your home.
- Size of Your Home – The bigger the space, the more expensive it can be to keep warm or cool. For many homeowners, it’s understandable why you’d rather just shut down your AC on vacation. To keep your system from costing you or working too hard while you’re away, keep all vents and doors open to allow optimal air circulation throughout your space.
- Keeping Pets Comfortable – Depending on the amount of time and length spent away from home, most pets will be ok with being left home alone for a few days at a time. It’s important to provide them with plenty of food and water, but most mammals need to be in temperatures less than 84 degrees to be comfortable and not become overheated. If your pet is accustomed to temperatures lower than the 80s, then it’s better to err on the side of caution and set the thermostat in the 70s instead.
- Avoiding Pests – Shutting off the AC might be ok for a couple of days with temperatures below 80 degrees, but it starts to create the ideal environment for mold, mildew, dust mites and other pests to thrive in. Keeping your home cool protects it from high humidity and moisture entering your home, which can also attract biological growth and other unpleasant pests.
With all of the above factors considered, aiming for a temperature between 72 and 84 degrees seems ideal for your space to stay cool, comfortable and dry during a trip. To further protect your home from sweltering summer temperatures while you’re away, here are a few more tips you should also consider:
- Close all windows, doors and curtains to keep the sun from warming up your home further.
- Install a smart thermostat to control temperatures from anywhere.
- Request a friend or neighbor to regularly check on your pets and plants.
Heating And Air Conditioning Service In Lincoln Park
As Lincoln Park’s premier heating and cooling service, Deljo is always ready to help service your home’s AC, Furnace or HVAC system. Whether you’re looking to install a new system, smart thermostat or just need basic maintenance, our technicians will efficiently, professionally and thoroughly address all air conditioning, heating and ventilation needs.
To schedule an appointment for a service or repair, please call us at 773-829-4295.
