If you’re like most of our customers in the Austin region, you want to conserve as much energy as possible. Between higher utility costs and a more environmentally conscious mindset, many people want to do their part to lower their carbon footprints. Does turning off the AC when you go on vacation help in this effort?
A Multi-Faceted Question
Turning off your AC obviously conserves energy while it is disengaged. However, the situation gets more complex when you consider what happens when you get back.
If you’ve been away for a few days or longer and it’s been close to 100 degrees, your AC is going to have to work very hard to get temperatures back under control. This constant running isn’t great for your unit, and in rare situations, it can lead to an overworked motor. If this happens, Totally Cool Heating & Air Conditioning/City Conservation is just a phone call away. You’ll also be using a lot of energy to control the climate when you return home. In the end, it might have been better to just leave the cooling system on while you were away.
Our Recommendations
At Totally Cool Heating & Air Conditioning/City Conservation, we recommend that residents of Austin turn up the thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees when they leave for vacations. In this way, temperatures don’t skyrocket, but you’re also saving energy at the same time.
This is especially helpful since the heat can just get unbearable sometimes. When your home is too hot, your refrigerator could have trouble regulating itself, plants could start to wither, and even your wood flooring and furniture could start to warp. This is especially true if the humidity is high. In a climate like ours, there’s also the possibility of allowing mold to grow in the excessive heat. It’s important to remember that AC also does a great job of lowering the moisture level in a home.
Whenever you need a local resource that works on air conditioning systems, we’re available. Our team also deals with heaters, so we’re a one-stop-shop for anything related to installing, repairing, or maintaining climate control systems. Call us with any questions.
