What Temperature to Leave a Vacant Home in Summer

Though it might be tempting to turn off your AC system when you are out of your home or on vacation to save money on your utility bill, it can do more harm than good. In the summer months, it is vital that air stays circulating within your home, regardless of if you are home or not. At Barker’s Heating and Cooling, we want you to be informed on the best ways to keep your home cool all summer long.

Your AC unit controls not only the baseline temperature of your home, but the humidity levels inside. By finding the “just right” temperature for your home to reside at while you’re away, you can save money on your energy bill and preserve your AC system all at the same time!

Why Turning Your AC Off is Not An Option

If your home is left without any cool air to circulate, the humidity levels can increase and cause a multitude of problems for you to return to. Rising humidity levels can lead to a build-up of mold, must, paint peeling off the walls even and warped furniture and wood.

Any food left in cabinets with no air circulating and cooling the home, can invite unwanted critters and insects to try to access the unattended food. This can lead to holes in your walls and other issues that come with small intruders. Overall, it is best to leave your AC system on to prevent any problems upon returning home.

Where You Should Set the Thermostat Temperature

If you can’t turn off your AC system, what temperature should it be set at? Set your thermostat 8-10 degrees warmer than what you would normally have when you’re residing indoors full-time. This will allow you to save roughly 10% on your energy bill during the summer season because the air isn’t as cold, the increased temperature is maintained for at least 8 hours a day.

By setting the temperature to a little warmer than normal when you’re home, you can help prevent many of the issues that come with not having any air circulating at all.

Other Ways to Help Your AC System

There are many ways to help your AC system while you’re away that can help save you money on your energy bill. This also allows you to rely on more than just the AC system to keep your home cool while you’re away.

Close the Blinds

By closing the blinds in every room, it prevents sunlight from coming in and warming a room. The darker a shade is, the more sunlight it will prevent from entering and giving your AC system more work to do.

Turn Down the Water Heater

When you’re not home, your water doesn’t need to be scalding hot or hot at all. Before you leave, turn off or put the water heater to the lowest setting – this will help save some money on your energy bill as well! Just don’t forget to turn the water heater back on when you return home.

Turn Off or Unplug Appliances

Before you leave, turn off any power strips in your home or unplug any appliances. This includes appliances like your TV, toaster, microwave or coffee maker. These appliances still draw power even when they’re not in direct use, and thus cost you money on your utility bill. With these appliances unplugged, it can save you money and reduce the amount of energy consumption.

For more advice on what temperature to maintain your home at while you’re away during the summer, contact Barker’s Heating and Cooling to keep your home cool all summer long.