Going On Vacation? Don’t Forget Your Air Conditioner.

Hardworking air conditioners can do with a break from time to time. An upcoming vacation is the perfect opportunity to give your HVAC system some rest. We suggest you take the following factors into consideration:

Vacation temperature settings for your air conditioning system:

While you’re away, your HVAC system doesn’t need to maintain your home at the usual 72 degrees. Setting your thermostat to a higher temperature can amount to significant energy savings. A thermostat setting of 85 degrees is generally recommended for unoccupied homes. Your potential savings will also depend on the duration of your vacation. If you’re just going away for the weekend, raising the setting to 85 degrees won’t help you much, as your HVAC system will have to work overtime to compensate for the temperature difference as soon as you return.

Downsides of turning off your HVAC system:

It may seem counter-intuitive to leave your AC powered on while you’re away, but in most cases, turning it off can cause more problems than it solves. We’re not just talking about returning to an uncomfortable home after a nice holiday. Turning your AC off can actually cost you more money than letting it run at a higher temperature setting. This is because the system will need to work that much harder to re-cool the hot, stale air in your home. Even if you’re planning on an extended vacation, switching off your HVAC system might not be the best idea. It could lead to a major build-up of heat inside your home, and subsequent damage to your belongings.

Additional tips to give your AC some rest:

Before you leave, you can turn off and unplug some appliances and gadgets that normally generate heat and increase the load on your air conditioning system. These include computers, TVs, other electronic devices, and refrigerators.

In case of any issues with your HVAC system, don’t hesitate to call us here at Petrocelli Services. From conducting routine HVAC maintenance, to performing emergency repairs, to installing your new HVAC system, we’ve got all your air conditioning needs covered.