What Temperature To Set Air Conditioner When On Vacation

Okay, picture this: you're packing your bags, dreaming of sun-soaked beaches and umbrella drinks. You’re practically vibrating with excitement for your vacation! But then… the dreaded question pops into your head: what do I do with the air conditioner while I'm gone?

It's like deciding how much luggage to bring – too little, and you're buying overpriced souvenirs to compensate. Too much, and you're paying extra baggage fees. Finding that sweet spot for your AC is crucial for both comfort and your wallet.

Leaving it off entirely? Sounds tempting, right? Save a few bucks, Mother Earth smiles upon you. But come home to a house that feels like a sauna where mold is throwing a rave? No, thank you! Imagine the smell – a unique blend of stale air and the regret of a thousand forgotten leftovers.

On the other hand, cranking it down to arctic levels while you're gone seems equally ridiculous. You might as well just light a pile of money on fire. The only thing enjoying that climate will be the dust bunnies staging a winter Olympics in your living room.

So, what's the *Goldilocks* temperature?

Well, there's no one-size-fits-all answer, but a generally accepted sweet spot is around 85°F (29°C). Think of it as giving your house a light hug, not a full-on bear squeeze of icy air.

“But wait!” you say, “85°F? That sounds HOT!”

And you're right! But remember, you're not *living* in the house. You're just trying to prevent it from becoming a swamp while also conserving energy.

Think of it like this: you wouldn't leave your car running full blast in the parking lot for a week, would you? Same principle applies here.

Why 85°F works (and why you shouldn't go lower):

* Humidity control: A little AC prevents moisture buildup, which is the real villain when it comes to musty smells and potential mold growth. * Energy savings: 85°F requires significantly less energy to maintain than, say, 72°F. Think of the extra margaritas you can buy with those savings! * Protecting your stuff: Extreme heat can damage certain materials, especially electronics and wood furniture. 85°F offers a buffer against that kind of damage.

Other things to consider:

* Your climate: If you live in a perpetually humid area, you might consider going a *tad* lower than 85°F, perhaps 82°F, but be mindful of your energy usage. * Your pets: If you're leaving pets behind, you need to prioritize their comfort and safety *above* energy savings. Consider a pet sitter and a comfortable temperature for them, even if it's a bit lower. * Programmable thermostat: These are lifesavers! You can set a higher temperature while you're gone and program it to cool down a few hours before you return. That way, you walk into a comfortably cool home without wasting energy the entire time you were away. Invest in one – you won't regret it! * Smart home devices: Some of these even let you remotely adjust your thermostat from your phone. So, if you check the weather report and see a heatwave is coming, you can lower the temperature remotely. Technology is amazing!

Before you go, double-check:

Make sure all windows and doors are properly sealed. It's like making sure your zipper is closed before leaving the house – prevents awkward situations and wasted energy!

Unplug electronics that you won't be using. Phantom energy drain is a real thing, and it can add up over time.

And lastly, relax! You've set your AC to a reasonable temperature, and now you can finally enjoy your vacation. Don't spend your time worrying about your thermostat – you deserve a break.

So, go forth, soak up the sun, and know that your home is waiting for you, not too hot, not too cold, but juuuuust right. Bon voyage!