what to set ac at when away

3 min read 25-12-2024

Meta Description: Leaving for a while? Learn the ideal AC temperature setting to save energy without sacrificing comfort upon your return. This guide explores smart thermostat options, manual settings, and energy-saving tips for optimal efficiency! Discover the best temperature for your specific situation and climate.

Finding the Sweet Spot: AC Temperature While Away

Leaving your home for a few hours or even a few days can present a dilemma: Do you turn off your air conditioner completely, or leave it running? Striking the right balance between energy savings and comfort upon your return is key. This guide will walk you through the best practices for setting your AC while you're away.

The Case for Not Turning it Off Completely

Completely shutting off your AC, especially in hot climates, can lead to significantly higher energy consumption upon your return. Why? Because your system needs to work much harder to cool a substantially warmer house. This increased workload puts extra strain on your unit, potentially shortening its lifespan.

The Case for Raising the Temperature

The most energy-efficient approach is to raise your thermostat setting while away. But how high should you go?

Factors influencing your ideal away temperature:

Climate: In extremely hot areas, a slightly higher temperature might still lead to significant cooling upon your return. Conversely, milder climates may allow for a more substantial increase.
Duration of Absence: A few hours away warrants a smaller temperature adjustment. For longer trips, you can increase the temperature more.
Home Insulation: Well-insulated homes retain coolness better, allowing for a larger temperature increase.
Personal Preference: Consider your comfort level. A slightly warmer home upon your return is often more preferable to a sweltering one.

What Temperature Should You Set Your AC To?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer. However, a good starting point is to raise the temperature by 7-10 degrees Fahrenheit (4-6 degrees Celsius). For example:

If your usual setting is 72°F (22°C), try setting it to 79-82°F (26-28°C) when away.

This increase provides energy savings without making your home unbearably hot upon your return. Experiment to find what works best for your home and climate.

Smart Thermostats: Your Energy-Saving Allies

Smart thermostats offer sophisticated features that automate temperature adjustments based on your schedule and preferences. Many can even learn your habits and optimize energy usage accordingly.

Benefits of smart thermostats:

Geofencing: These thermostats can detect when you leave and return home, automatically adjusting the temperature accordingly.
Scheduling: You can program specific temperature settings for different times of the day and days of the week.
Energy Reports: Many smart thermostats provide detailed reports on your energy consumption, allowing you to track your savings.

Popular Smart Thermostat Brands:

Nest Learning Thermostat
ecobee SmartThermostat
Honeywell Home Smart Color Thermostat

Manual Settings: Optimizing Your Traditional Thermostat

If you don't have a smart thermostat, you can still achieve significant energy savings with manual adjustments. Simply raise the temperature according to the guidelines mentioned above before leaving your home.

Remember to:

Close blinds and curtains: This helps prevent direct sunlight from heating up your home.
Unplug unnecessary electronics: Even when turned off, many electronics continue to draw a small amount of power.

When Away for Extended Periods

For vacations or longer absences, consider completely turning off your AC unit. However, leave a few windows slightly ajar to allow for ventilation and prevent moisture buildup. This can reduce the chance of mold growth while you are away and prevent extreme temperature changes upon your return.

Conclusion: Finding Your Ideal AC Setting When Away

Finding the perfect AC setting when you're away is a balance between energy conservation and comfort. Raising the temperature by 7-10 degrees Fahrenheit is a great starting point, but you may need to adjust this based on your climate, home insulation, and personal preferences. Consider investing in a smart thermostat for enhanced control and automated energy savings. By following these tips, you can keep your energy bills down while ensuring a comfortable home upon your return. Remember to always consult your AC unit’s manual for specific guidance and safety recommendations.