Going on your well-deserved vacation can be a great break from the daily grind, but it’s also important to ensure that your home remains comfortable and safe while you’re away. When it comes to setting your air heating and air conditioning system while you’re on vacation, there are some key factors to consider, such as temperature and air conditioning settings, programmable and Wi-Fi thermostats, and humidity levels. Additionally, special considerations for pets should also be taken into account. In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide on what temperature you should set your AC system to while you’re away on vacation, and why it’s important to maintain proper humidity in your home.
Why You Should Set Your Air Conditioner When on Vacation
Going on vacation can be an exciting time, but leaving your home without proper cooling system can lead to serious consequences. When a home is without air conditioning for an extended period, it can experience an increase in temperature and humidity in the air, which can cause damage to the structure of your home. Cooling and dehumidifying the air in your home is crucial in preventing problems such as mold growth, dust mites, fleas, and insect infestations. That’s why it’s important to use your air conditioner while you’re away.
The Importance of Setting the Right AC Temperature
When it comes to regulating the temperature in your home, it’s essential to take into consideration the usage of your central air conditioners, as well as other factors like energy bills, ceiling fans, and comfort levels. During the hot summer months, when outdoor temperatures are high, setting the air conditioner temperature to no higher than 84 degrees can help ensure optimal comfort while also helping to lower energy expenses. In the spring and fall, adjusting the temperature a few degrees lower than the outdoor high can help maintain lower humidity levels and keep energy costs in check. Additionally, using heat pumps in conjunction with your central air conditioners can also help regulate your home’s temperature and lower energy bills.
Adjusting Your Programmable and Wi-Fi Thermostat
If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, it’s important to set your thermostat and adjust all the time block settings before leaving for vacation to conserve energy and reduce your electricity bill. Many programmable thermostats can be paired with smartphone apps, making it easy to adjust the settings from anywhere. Smart thermostats, in particular, can be a great investment for homeowners who want to be energy-efficient and save on their electricity bill.
There are three main types of smart thermostats available: motion sensor, geofencing, and learning algorithm thermostats. Each type offers unique features and benefits, such as automatically adjusting temperature based on presence in the room or learning your preferred temperature settings. The smart thermostats also take into consideration the absolute humidity in the room to regulate the temperature accordingly.
1. Motion Sensor Thermostats –These thermostats use motion sensors to detect when someone is in the room and adjust the temperature accordingly. They work by turning off the HVAC system when there’s no movement detected and turn it back on when someone re-enters the room.
2. Geofencing Thermostats – Geofencing technology is used in these smart thermostats to determine whether you’re home or away. Popular examples include the Honeywell Lyric. The range of the geofencing can be set anywhere from 500 feet to 7 miles away, and when you leave that range, the thermostat automatically switches to Away mode, saving energy. However, the drawback of this technology is that it may not work well if more than one person in the household uses the app with geofencing enabled.
3. Learning Algorithm Thermostats – The most popular smart thermostats in the market fall into this category, including the Nest Learning Thermostat and Honeywell Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat. These thermostats allow you to set basic parameters for your schedule, but over time, they learn your preferences and adjust accordingly to changes in your routine. For example, the Nest thermostat features an Auto-Away function that detects when you’re not home based on a lack of movement in front of its light and motion sensors. If the thermostat senses a consistent pattern of you being away during certain times, it adjusts its schedule accordingly.
Special Considerations for Pets
If you have pets that will be staying in the home while you’re away, it’s important to speak with your veterinarian about the best temperature for them. Some animals may need a lower temperature than 84 degrees to stay comfortable, so make sure to take their needs into account. Additionally, make sure your pets have plenty of water to drink as they may need more if the home is kept warmer.
Scheduling an Annual AC Maintenance Visit
Before leaving for vacation, it’s also a good idea to schedule an annual air conditioning maintenance visit. This will help ensure that your air conditioner is operating efficiently and prevent any water leaks. Contact Pronto at 813-540-7736 to schedule your visit today!
In conclusion, setting the right temperature for your air conditioner while you’re on vacation is an important step in ensuring the comfort and safety of your home. By following the guidelines outlined in this blog, you can keep your home cool and comfortable.