What Temperature To Leave Air Conditioner On Vacation

Ah, vacation. The sun, the sand, the sweet, sweet escape from…reality. But before you’re sipping margaritas on a beach somewhere, there’s a crucial decision to make. A decision that could haunt your energy bill and potentially anger your houseplants: What temperature do you set the air conditioner to while you're gone?

The Great Thermostat Debate

Everyone's got an opinion. Grandma says shut it off completely! Save the planet! Your neighbor says keep it at 78 degrees. "Humidity, you know!" he'll mutter, sagely nodding. The internet, of course, offers a million and one conflicting answers. But let's be real. Some of these suggestions are…questionable.

I'm about to drop a truth bomb. An unpopular opinion, perhaps. But I stand by it.

My Unpopular Opinion: Treat Your House Like You're Still There (Sort Of)

Here it comes… I leave my AC at a comfortable temperature. Something like 72 degrees. Gasp! I know, I know. You're probably picturing me single-handedly melting the polar ice caps while I lounge by the pool. But hear me out!

First, returning to a sweltering, stagnant house is just plain miserable. Imagine dragging your luggage through the door, only to be greeted by a wall of humid heat that feels like you’ve walked into a sauna. No, thank you. I’d rather walk into a house that feels…livable. Like it missed me. Okay, maybe not missed me, but at least didn’t actively conspire against my comfort.

Second, and this is crucial: humidity. Letting your house get too hot and humid can lead to some nasty side effects. Think mold, mildew, and that funky smell that screams, "Abandoned house!" Nobody wants that. Especially not me.

Third, my house is my sanctuary. My happy place. I've worked hard to create a comfortable environment. Why would I want to shock it into oblivion with extreme temperature changes? It's like telling your favorite pet, "Hey, I'm leaving for a week. Good luck!" Cruel, right?

Okay, Okay, Maybe Not Exactly Like I'm There

Look, I’m not saying crank it down to 68 and pretend you’re living in an igloo. That’s wasteful. And unnecessary. A slight adjustment is all we're talking about here.

Think of it this way: You wouldn't leave your dog without food and water, would you? Well, your house needs a little TLC too! Keeping the AC at a reasonable temperature prevents that extreme temperature shock and combats excessive humidity.

But What About the Energy Bill?!

Alright, let's address the elephant in the room (or the polar bear on the melting iceberg, if you prefer). Yes, running the AC uses energy. But consider this: constantly fluctuating temperatures can actually strain your AC unit and potentially shorten its lifespan. Replacing an AC unit is way more expensive than a slightly higher energy bill.

Also, there are ways to mitigate the energy cost! Make sure your windows and doors are properly sealed. Use a programmable thermostat to gradually adjust the temperature while you're away. Close your blinds to block out direct sunlight.

Heck, you could even get a smart thermostat that you can control from your phone! That way, if the weather takes an unexpected turn, you can adjust the temperature remotely. Technology is amazing, isn't it?

The Bottom Line (and My Plea for Sanity)

So, there you have it. My unpopular opinion on vacation AC settings. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe I'm doomed to ecological ruin. But I'm willing to risk it for the sake of my comfort and the well-being of my house. I prefer to return to a comfortable, mold-free home instead of a stuffy, humid one.

Ultimately, the decision is yours. But before you crank that thermostat up to the stratosphere, consider the potential consequences. And maybe, just maybe, consider joining me on the dark side. The side of reasonable AC settings and happy houseplants. Think "happy home", not just "low bill."

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a margarita to finish. And a thermostat to…monitor.