If you’re packing up for a summer vacation, turning off the AC unit might seem like a smart way to save some money. After all, why pay to cool the house if no one is going to be there for a week or two? While shutting off the AC will trim your utility bills while you’re gone, there are some other important factors to consider before touching the thermostat.

Why You Shouldn’t Turn Off Your AC Before Going on Vacation

During the summer, temperatures inside an unoccupied house without air conditioning can easily reach the triple digits, especially if you have large windows. Having a stifling hot house waiting for you will make your homecoming less than pleasant, especially since the AC unit will struggle for most of the day to bring the temperatures back down. In fact, this process would likely eat up most of the money you saved by turning it off.

As the AC unit cools, it also extracts moisture from the air, keeping the humidity out of your home. Without it, the humidity in your home can get high enough to warp wooden floors and furniture, promote the growth of mold, and create musty odors that can be difficult to get rid of.

What You Should Do

If you’re not leaving pets at home, you can still save money on your utility bills by turning the AC up to 84 or 85 degrees. At this setting, the unit should cycle enough to remove humidity from your home and make your house reasonably comfortable when you return. If you’re leaving furry family members at home, you may want to keep the AC a bit lower for their comfort.

If your AC unit is struggling to keep up with the summer heat, call the experts at Donovan & Jorgenson. With offices in the Greater Milwaukee, WI, areas, they’ve been serving homeowners since 1985, delivering prompt results you can depend on. To schedule a service call and request an estimate, visit their website today, and follow them on Twitter for more news and updates.