Whether you and your family are headed out for a quick weekend getaway or a lengthier vacation, planning ahead and caring for your AC unit is always important. That means considering the needs of your home while you are away and balancing those needs with your desire to save energy and cut your utility costs while you are away. Follow these guidelines for determining whether shutting the AC down or leaving it running is the best option for you.

Weather Forecast

The expected weather while you are away should have a big impact on your decision to shut off the AC or leave it running. If the weather is expected to be mild with moderate humidity levels, shutting the AC down may be a wise choice. However, if temperatures will be sweltering and humidity will be high, keeping the AC on may save you headaches. High humidity levels combined with no AC may cause moisture to build up in your home and may lead to mold or mildew problems. Avoid these issues by leaving the AC running while you are gone.

Length of Vacation

Vacations for two to three days rarely warrant turning the AC off completely. The energy you save and the corresponding drop in your utility bill may not be worth letting your home overheat and may not compensate for the added cost of cooling an overheated home when you return. If you are heading out for a weekend get-away leave the AC running. A vacation of a week or two is a different story of shutting the AC down during long vacations can lead to considerable savings.

Pets or No Pets

Household pets are also an important consideration. Even if friends or family are stopping by for feeding and walks, your pets deserve to be comfortable while you are away. Household temperatures above 78 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit can cause distress for some pets. According to The Alliance to Save Energy, pet owners should keep household temperatures below 78 degrees during the summer. If you are leaving pets at home under the supervision of drop-in caretakers, do not turn the AC off completely.

Other Ways to Cut Costs and Save Energy

• Close curtains and drapes to block out the sun.
• Set the thermostat to 77 degrees if you have pets or slightly higher if you do not.
• Install an automatic thermostat, preferably one you can control via your phone. This will allow you to change the temperature setting a day or two before you arrive home to make sure your home is comfy and inviting.
• Change the filter in your AC or make an appointment for a routine service call. Having an expert check out your system will give you the peace of mind that it will run smoothly while you are away.

If you have concerns about whether to leave your AC running or whether to shut it off completely while you are away on vacation, Guaranteed Services can help you decide which is right for you. Contact us today to talk to an experienced expert ready to help you.