Should You Turn Off Your AC When You’re Away on Vacation?

The Best AC Settings While You’re Away

If you’re heading out of town for a vacation, you may be wondering whether you should turn off your air conditioner to save energy. In Florida’s hot and humid climate, turning your AC off completely can actually cause more harm than good. At Big Air AC, we recommend adjusting your thermostat rather than shutting your system down entirely.

Why You Shouldn’t Turn Your AC Off Completely

While it might seem like a good idea to turn off your AC to cut down on energy bills, doing so can lead to issues such as excessive humidity, mold growth, and even damage to your home’s interior. Here’s why:

1. Prevents Mold and Mildew Growth

Florida’s humidity can quickly lead to moisture buildup in your home. Without AC, condensation can form on walls, furniture, and floors, creating an ideal environment for mold and mildew.

2. Protects Your Home’s Interior

Excessive heat and humidity can warp wood flooring, damage furniture, and cause paint or wallpaper to peel. Keeping your AC on at a higher setting can help prevent these issues.

3. Keeps Your HVAC System in Good Condition

Turning your AC completely off forces it to work harder when you return, leading to potential strain and increased wear and tear on the system.

The Best AC Settings for Vacation

Instead of turning off your AC, adjust the thermostat to a higher temperature to balance energy savings and home protection.

• Set your thermostat between 78-82°F to maintain a comfortable humidity level while reducing cooling costs.

• If you have a smart thermostat, use the vacation mode feature to regulate temperature and humidity efficiently.

• Close curtains or blinds to reduce heat gain from direct sunlight.

Additional Tips to Keep Your AC Running Efficiently While You’re Away

• Check your air filter before leaving to ensure proper airflow.

• Leave interior doors open to help air circulate evenly.

• Use a programmable thermostat to gradually cool your home before you return.

• Schedule a maintenance check with Big Air AC before you leave to ensure your system is running optimally.

Need Help Preparing Your AC Before Vacation?

If you’re planning a trip and want to make sure your AC is in top condition while you’re away, Big Air AC can help! We offer professional AC maintenance and smart thermostat installations to keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient.

📞 Call us at (239) 738-1344 or visit BigAirAC.com to schedule a service before your next vacation!