What to Set AC to When Away?
When deciding what temperature to set your AC to when away, consider the local climate and how it affects your home’s interior. In the warmer months, the right temperature helps protect your home from elevated humidity, while in the winter, it will help protect your plumbing.
A1 Mechanical Heating and Cooling sees many homeowners make the mistake of shutting down their systems entirely to save on utility bills, but this often leads to more expensive repairs later. This guide provides the exact temperature ranges needed to keep your property safe while you enjoy your time away from home.
What Temperature to Set Your Thermostat When Away in Summer vs. Winter
Finding the right balance depends on the season and the specific risks associated with your local weather.
Summer Settings: Prevent Heat & Humidity Damage
You should set your thermostat to around 78-85°F when away in the summer. This range allows the air conditioner to run occasionally, which is necessary for controlling indoor humidity. If you set the temperature too high or turn the unit off, moisture levels will rise quickly. Excessive humidity can lead to warped wood flooring, musty odors, and even mold growth on drywall or furniture. Additionally, keeping the home within this range prevents the system from overworking when you return and try to cool the house back down.
Winter Settings: Protect Pipes & Indoor Systems
You should set your thermostat to around 55-60°F during the colder months. When considering what temperature to set the thermostat at while on vacation in winter, the primary goal is to prevent frozen pipes and structural damage. Even if you are not home to feel the chill, maintaining a baseline heat level ensures that water lines in exterior walls or crawlspaces do not freeze. Keeping the air circulating also prevents condensation from forming on cold windows, which can lead to sill rot.
Why You Should Never Turn Your HVAC System Completely Off
Turning your HVAC system off completely can lead to far more expensive problems than the money you might save on your monthly bill. Your heating and cooling systems do more than just manage temperature; they regulate your home’s entire environment.
Summer Risk: Humidity & Indoor Damage
Shutting off the AC during an Ohio summer can cause the humidity inside your home to skyrocket. Without the dehumidification process provided by your air conditioner, porous materials like wood, paper, and fabric will absorb moisture. This often results in warped cabinets, peeling wallpaper, and a potential large-scale mold remediation project that costs far more than any energy savings from leaving the AC off while you’re away.
Winter Risk: Frozen Pipes & Costly Repairs
When there is no heat at all, a sudden cold snap can cause the water inside your pipes to freeze and expand. This pressure can cause burst pipes, leading to thousands of dollars in water damage before you even return from your trip. Insurance companies may also have clauses requiring a home to be maintained at a minimum temperature, making a total system shutdown a major financial risk.
The Best Way to Manage Your Home’s Temperature While You’re Away
Use a Smart or Programmable Thermostat
Smart thermostats offer the most efficient control while you are away because they allow for remote adjustments and precise scheduling. You can monitor your home’s temperature from your smartphone and even lower the AC a few hours before you arrive home so you walk into a comfortable house. These devices provide peace of mind by sending alerts if the temperature rises or falls outside of your preferred safety range.
Schedule a Pre-Vacation HVAC Check
Ensuring your system is running efficiently before you leave is the best way to prevent a breakdown while the house is empty. A quick inspection can identify worn capacitors or low refrigerant levels that might cause the system to fail mid-vacation. If your system has been acting up, getting a professional AC repair service before you depart is essential.
Save Energy and Protect Your Home with Help from A1 Mechanical
A1 Mechanical Heating and Cooling is your trusted expert for thermostat upgrades, HVAC maintenance, and system optimization. Since 1983, our leadership team has provided proven solutions for families throughout Southwest Ohio. We are a locally owned company that understands the specific challenges of Ohio’s climate and are committed to offering you peace of mind while you travel.
Before you head out on your next trip, ensure your home is ready for your absence. You can contact us today to schedule a pre-vacation HVAC check or to discuss modern thermostat solutions that keep you in control from anywhere in the world.
Image credit: // Shutterstock // Lenar Nigmatullin