Ideal Home Temperature While Traveling

What should you set your thermostat at when you leave town?

Not sure what you should do with your air conditioner when you leave town? Although turning the entire system off when you leave can seem like a good idea, it’s actually not best practice.

• When you turn off your unit, your home can accumulate moisture. This can be bad for surfaces in your home, like wood furniture and floors. The build-up of moisture can cause warping.
• Discomfort when you return can be a big problem. Unpacking in a home that is upwards of 88 degrees can be uncomfortable and inconvenient.
• Heat build-up can make your air conditioner’s job harder. This can raise utility bills and will mean that it will take longer for your home to reach your ideal temperature.

If you DO have a programmable thermostat, you can set the base temperature higher and then schedule it to drop right before you get home. Meaning you will have saved money AND your home will be cool and comfortable when you finally return. Although a programmable thermostat is best practice when it comes to setting the temperature when you leave town, you can still have good results with your normal thermostat. Set your thermostat a few degrees higher – 80F or so. Although it will still be hot when you get home, it won’t be nearly as out of control as a home with no air conditioning at all. So, what temperatures do you like to set your thermostat at while you are out of town?  

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