Vacation Soon? Set Your AC Before You Leave
Many people decide to take trips during the summer months or even during the holidays. While time off is much deserved, it’s still important to take care of a few things at home before you hit the road. One of the most common questions is what you should set your AC to before leaving home.
First and foremost, it’s a bad idea to simply turn off your air conditioner. Turning off your AC completely could leave your home hot and humid. Not only is that unpleasant to return home to, but it could also cause damage to your home during your absence. When heat and humidity levels in your home increase, your home is at risk for the growth of biological matter, such as mold and mildew. Additionally, wooden finishes in your home may experience expansion and contraction, which could cause buckling and cracking.
The temperature at which you should set your AC before leaving may depend on a few factors, including:
- Length of time away from home
- Weather
- Type of thermostat
If you are only going to be away from home for a day, it may not make much sense to adjust your temperature settings at all. On the other hand, if you will be away for several days, it’s a good idea to set your temperature between 80 and 85 degrees.
In the event there is a predicted heat weave for Peoria, IL, or the surrounding area, keep in mind that it can become quite hot in your home while you are away. To combat the possible buildup of heat in your home, consider setting your thermostat to just a few degrees above normal.
If you have a programmable thermostat, you have the option to schedule the temperatures on your thermostat. Even if you happen to forget to change the temperature on your thermostat before you leave, you can make adjustments from an app on your phone.
At Fritch Heating & Cooling, Inc., we provide AC services, including AC installation, repair, and maintenance as well as indoor air quality services throughout Peoria, IL, and the local area. Call us to schedule an appointment.