top of page
Search

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!


 
 
 

Commentaires

  • Why is water leaking from my indoor AC unit?
    Water leaks usually mean your drain line is clogged. In Fort Myers, algae builds up quickly due to humidity. We clear clogs and install float switches or access panels to prevent water damage in the future.
  • What should I check if my AC stops working?
    Start by checking your thermostat settings, breaker panel, and drain line. If everything looks normal and your AC still won’t turn on, call Big Air AC — we specialize in fast, reliable AC repair in Fort Myers.
  • Why does my AC blow warm air during the afternoon?
    This can happen when your AC is low on refrigerant, overheating, or undersized for your home. Fort Myers heat puts extreme stress on systems. We’ll diagnose the issue and recommend the best solution.
  • Why is my AC running but not cooling my house in Fort Myers?
    If your air conditioner is running but not cooling, it could be low on refrigerant, have a dirty coil, or a clogged drain line. These are common issues in Fort Myers due to heat, humidity, and algae buildup. We offer fast diagnostics to get your system cooling again.
  • What’s a normal AC temperature split in Fort Myers?
    A healthy system should have a temperature split (difference between return and supply air) of 18–22°F. If your TD is low, it could mean poor airflow, low refrigerant, or a dirty coil. We measure this on every call.
  • Can high humidity cause my AC to stop cooling?
    Yes. High humidity lowers your system’s ability to cool and dehumidify effectively. We measure the temperature differential (TD) and humidity levels at each call to catch this early.
  • Why does my AC blow warm air in the afternoon?
    If your AC works in the morning but blows warm later, it may be overheating, low on charge, or undersized for your home. Fort Myers afternoon heat puts massive strain on systems, especially older or improperly installed units.
  • Why is my AC running but not cooling the house?
    This is one of the most common issues in Fort Myers. It could be: Low refrigerant A dirty evaporator coil A clogged drain line tripping the float switch A failing capacitor or compressor We run full diagnostics and show you real-time readings so you know exactly what’s wrong.
  • Does the salt air near the coast wear out AC systems faster?
    Yes. Homes near the water often see corrosion on condenser coils and electrical components. Coastal homes benefit from protective coatings, routine rinsing, and more frequent inspections.
  • How long should an AC last in Fort Myers?
    Due to Florida’s heat, humidity, and salt in the air, most AC systems in Fort Myers last 10–15 years with regular maintenance. Without service, lifespan drops quickly. We help homeowners extend the life of their system with professional tune-ups and cleanings.
  • What can I do to make my AC last longer in Southwest Florida?
    The key is preventative maintenance. Clean filters, annual coil cleanings, and refrigerant checks reduce wear and tear. We also recommend installing surge protectors to protect electronics from Florida’s frequent lightning strikes.
  • What kind of warranty comes with a new AC installation?
    Every system we install includes a 1-year labor warranty and a 10-year parts warranty backed by the manufacturer. That means if anything goes wrong, you're covered — both for peace of mind and long-term protection. We handle the warranty registration for you, so you don’t have to lift a finger.
  • Do you offer financing or rebates for new HVAC systems?
    Yes! We offer affordable financing and can help you take advantage of utility rebates or manufacturer incentives when you upgrade to a high-efficiency AC system in Fort Myers.
  • Is it better to repair or replace my AC system?
    If your system is just old, but working fine, we would say just let it ride. If it needs frequent repairs, or struggles to keep up in the Fort Myers heat, replacement is often the smarter long-term move. We’ll walk you through your options and help you compare the cost of repairs vs. upgrading to a more efficient system.
  • What payment methods do you accept?
    We accept various payment methods including credit cards, debit cards, zelle, crypto and cash.
  • Do you offer 24/7 emergency HVAC services?
    Yes, we offer 24/7 emergency support to address any HVAC issues you may have at any time.
  • Do you provide free estimates?
    Yes, we provide free estimates for HVAC replacements. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
  • What HVAC services do you offer?
    We offer a wide range of HVAC services including installation, repair, and maintenance of heating and cooling systems, as well as indoor air quality solutions for both residential and commercial clients.
Reliable HVAC company Cape Coral Sanibel Beach
Reliable AC company North Fort Myers

Ready to experience unparalleled HVAC services? Contact us today for a consultation, and let's discuss how we can enhance your indoor comfort.

  • Instagram
  • Facebook

CONTACT US

Letter (1).png

Sales@BigAirAC.Com

Phone (1).png

(239) 738-1344

Vector (1).png

Our Service Locations:
12961 Turtle Cove Trail, North Fort Myers, FL 33903

Copyright © 2025 Big Air Heating and Air Conditioning. All Rights Reserved

LIC. #CAC1823419

bottom of page