If you’re heading out of town for a few days—or maybe a couple of weeks—you’re probably wondering if you should turn off the AC when you’re on vacation. No one wants to waste money cooling an empty house, but turning off your system completely might not always be the best move. The right answer depends on how long you’ll be gone, the climate where you live, and the type of AC system you have.
The Pros and Cons of Turning Off the AC
Turning your air conditioner off while you’re away can seem like an easy way to save money. After all, if no one is home, why keep the house cool? While you’ll avoid some energy costs, there are downsides to shutting the system off completely.
When the AC is off, indoor temperatures can rise significantly. In hot climates, this can lead to more than just an uncomfortable home when you return. High heat and humidity can damage furniture, electronics, and even your walls over time. If you’ve ever walked into a stuffy house after vacation, you know it takes hours—and sometimes more energy—to bring the temperature back down.
A Better Option: Raising the Thermostat
Instead of shutting the system off entirely, most HVAC experts recommend raising the thermostat setting. For example, if you normally keep your home at 74°F, try bumping it up to 82–85°F while you’re away. This approach saves energy but still allows the system to cycle occasionally, keeping humidity under control and preventing excessive heat buildup.
Modern programmable or smart thermostats make this even easier. Many allow you to set a vacation mode or control the temperature from your phone. That way, you can cool your home back down a few hours before you return, ensuring comfort without wasting energy.
What to Do For Longer Vacations
If you’ll be away for more than a couple of weeks, it might be worth adjusting your AC strategy. For shorter trips, raising the thermostat works well. But for extended travel, you may want to:
- Use a smart thermostat to monitor indoor conditions remotely.
- Close blinds and curtains to reduce solar heat gain.
- Ask a neighbor or family member to check on the house, especially during heat waves.
By taking these extra steps, you can save energy while avoiding the problems that come with a completely shut-off system.
The Impact of Humidity
In many parts of California, humidity is less of an issue compared to states in other parts of the country. But even here, moisture can build up indoors when the AC isn’t running at all. That can lead to musty odors, mold growth, or warping in wood furniture and floors. Allowing your system to run occasionally—even at a higher temperature setting—helps manage indoor humidity and protects your home.
Energy Savings vs. Home Protection
Ultimately, the decision comes down to balancing energy savings with protecting your home. Completely turning off the AC will save some money in the short term, but it could cost more in the long run if your system has to work overtime to cool the house when you get back—or if heat and humidity cause damage while you’re gone.
By simply adjusting your thermostat instead of switching the system off, you’ll save energy, keep your home safe, and return to a space that’s easier to cool.
Should You Turn Off the Air Conditioner When on Vacation?
The short answer is no—you shouldn’t turn off the AC entirely. Instead, raise the thermostat to a higher temperature before you leave. This keeps your home protected while still cutting down on energy use. With the help of a programmable or smart thermostat, you can maximize savings without sacrificing peace of mind.
Call Big B’s for Central AC Service Before Your Trip
If you’re planning a vacation, now is a great time to make sure your central AC system is running efficiently. A quick inspection can catch small issues before they become big problems while you’re away. At Big B’s Plumbing, Electric, Heating & Air, we provide expert AC maintenance, repairs, and installations to keep your system in top shape year-round.
Call us today so you can travel worry-free knowing your home’s comfort system is ready.
