When you go away on vacation, you don’t want to waste money on unnecessary cooling, but you also don’t want your home to swelter in the Arizona heat.
It’s generally advised to keep your indoor temperature around 78°F to 85°F to avoid excessive heat and humidity. Learn some factors to consider when setting your AC temp when on vacation, how to maximize your energy efficiency, and what you need to prepare for extreme heat when you won’t be at home.
At 1st Choice Mechanical, we’re more than just AC repair professionals. We also keep air conditioners working efficiently with our annual tune-ups, helping you save money with optimized thermostat settings and new system upgrades.
Factors To Consider When Setting the Thermostat
Consider the following factors when setting your thermostat for your next getaway.
Climate and seasonal variation
Summer temperatures in Phoenix regularly reach over 100°F. Keeping your cooling system on while away helps maintain a safe environment for your electronics, houseplants, artwork, and other heat-sensitive items in your home. This would be less of an issue in the winter, with temperatures rarely dipping below 57°F in the greater Phoenix area.
Length of absence
The amount of time you’re away from home is another important factor to consider. If you’re only gone for a day or two, you likely won’t have an issue, even if you forget to turn down the AC or accidentally turn it all the way off. However, if you’re away for the entire summer, you could face increased energy costs or damage to your home.
Energy efficiency goals
You’ll save more energy (and money) by keeping your HVAC usage to a minimum while out of the house. A programmable thermostat helps you maintain a consistently cool temperature in the house without running it day and night.
Recommended Temperature Settings When Away During Summer
The recommended temperature setting is between 78°F and 85°F, unless you have pets at home. In this case, you should keep the temperature at a cooler, more comfortable setting.
General guidelines for energy efficiency
While turning off your HVAC system to save energy may sound like a good idea, you could put your home at risk, especially in a heat wave. Your home will take a long time to cool down again when you return home, and the heat and humidity can cause damage to your belongings.
Ideal temperature range for energy savings
Keeping your house temperature between 78°F and 85°F prevents your thermostat from working too hard and allowing the air in your home to get too hot. Setting the thermostat at an ideal temperature means you won’t come home to dead houseplants and melted candles.
Programmed thermostat settings
Some programmable thermostats have a “vacation” or “hold” setting that pauses your normal air conditioner settings, keeping your indoor temperature at a constant, higher-than-usual temperature.
Tips for Maximizing Energy Efficiency
When considering what temperature to set your thermostat when you’re away for the summer, keep energy efficiency in mind.
Utilizing smart home technology
Smart home technology is designed with convenience in mind. A programmable thermostat can save you up to 10% per year in energy costs. A smart thermostat lets you adjust the temperature manually from anywhere in the world by logging in online to access the controls.
Maintenance of HVAC systems
Regular air conditioner maintenance is necessary for the system to run efficiently. A regular tune-up once a year includes cleaning, checking refrigerant levels, thermostat calibration, lubrication, replacing the air filters, and inspecting the entire system, including the ductwork.
Utilizing shades and curtains
Your air conditioner is excellent at keeping your house cool, but there are other things you can do to reduce the amount of heat that gets in from outside. Keep window shades or curtains drawn, close the windows to keep cool air in, and change out any incandescent light bulbs for cooler LED bulbs.
Precautions for Extreme Heat Conditions
If your house stays hot for too long, especially during a heat wave, you risk burst pipes, expanding flooring, cracked drywall, warped wood, and swelled windows and doors. However, there are some precautions you can take for extreme heat.
Preventing humidity build-up
Arizona’s dry climate means mold and mildew are less of an issue than they would be in other areas. However, the hotter the inside of your home gets, the more moisture the air holds. Improved ventilation and air circulation helps control humidity, so move your furniture away from walls and maximize airflow wherever possible.
Your air conditioner is also designed to remove moisture from the air. Change the air filter and schedule a tune-up before you leave to help it work at maximum capacity while reducing the risk of humidity damage to your home.
Avoiding overworking the HVAC system
Regular maintenance, adequate airflow, and proper insulation in the walls and ceiling help reduce the amount of work your HVAC system has to do. If you have a programmable thermostat, set it to a consistent temperature to reduce the strain on your system as it works to manage your home’s interior climate.
Contact 1st Choice Mechanical for HVAC Service You Can Trust
Still not sure what temp to leave the house when away in the summer? Call 1st Choice to speak with an HVAC expert. We’re local to the Phoenix area, so we understand the climate and the unique needs of your customers. Contact us today to learn why we are a top HVAC contractor in the greater Phoenix area. Our team is prepared to assist you with a comprehensive range of HVAC services.