$200 OFF Special price for Installation of a replacement Humidifier read more
Our Blog
Deljo Heating & Cooling
4 minutes read

Setting The AC Temp When You’re On Vacation

Published by Luke Weiden

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

Recent Posts

Blog

Discover the Winter Benefits of Mini-Split HVAC Systems

Dealing with Chicago’s unpredictable weather can be a challenge. This can mean that traditional HVAC systems might not be the best solution. Ductless mini-split HVAC systems can be real game-changers! So, what's the deal with these mini-splits? They are cost-effective and energy-efficient. Imagine the power of a single outdoor unit pumping warm air directly into your room. Streamlined into your home through wall or ceiling units, there is no messy ductwork. 4 Main Advantages of Mini-Split Systems Your heating system...

Read More
Blog

7 Signs You Need a New Furnace

As winter approaches, your heating system becomes crucial for combating the freezing temperatures. At some point, you will need to replace furnaces, like all appliances, because they have a limited lifespan. 1. Age of the Furnace A furnace has an average lifespan of 15–20 years. If your furnace is approaching or has exceeded this age, it’s time for a replacement. Newer models are not only more energy-efficient, but they also have advanced features that can improve your home's heating. 2. Increasing...

Read More
Blog

Pollen and HVAC: Fall Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

When we begin to notice the vibrant colors of autumn, it's time to shift our focus to essential fall HVAC maintenance. Pollen is not only a problem in the spring, but it can also damage your condenser in the fall. Pollen is not only a cause of allergies; it can also cause problems with your condenser. As trees and plants release pollen into the air, some of it inevitably finds its way into your outdoor HVAC unit. Over time, this...

Read More