If you’re going on vacation soon, you might be wondering whether it’s better to leave the AC on or turn it off while you’re away. There are pros and cons to both options, say the HVAC experts at Green Mountain Heating & Air Conditioning in Lakewood, CO. Below, they explain what to do.

When You Should Leave It On

If the trip is short, say, a few days at most, it might be best to leave the HVAC system on, so you don’t come home to an uncomfortably hot and stuffy house. However, you also don’t want your electric bills to skyrocket or the unit to overwork itself while no one’s home.

To avoid these issues, set the temperature about 10 degrees higher than you normally would. Additionally, make sure the air filters are clean, and check the forecast. If it will be cooler during those days, fans use less electricity, and it could be helpful to leave them on instead.

When You Should Turn It Off

Going away for a couple of weeks or longer? Turn your air conditioner off. In this case, leaving it on solely so you’re comfortable when you get back will be a waste of energy and money. Instead, close the curtains so the house doesn’t heat up too much. If you have a programmable thermostat, you can always use your phone to start lowering the indoor temperature a few days before your return.

Whether you’re going away this summer or will be enjoying your home all season long, you need an HVAC system that works efficiently and will keep you comfortable without raising your bills. That’s where Green Mountain Heating & Air Conditioning comes in. This family-owned company has more than 25 years of experience both installing and maintaining heating and cooling units. To learn more about their services, call (303) 985-4884 or visit them online today.