Packing up and leaving for vacation should be relaxing, but many Grapevine homeowners worry about what to do about their thermostat. Should you turn the air conditioner off completely and try to save on energy costs? Leave it running? Set it just a few degrees higher?
If you have summer vacation plans, your cooling system still plays an important role while you’re away. Our team at Coventry & Gattis A/C, Inc. has helped North Texas homeowners protect their homes and HVAC systems since 1971. A few simple adjustments before you leave can help reduce energy costs without creating bigger problems when you get back home.
Don’t Turn Your AC Off Completely
It may seem like shutting your AC off completely would save the most on energy costs, but that’s not the ideal approach during a scorching Texas summer. Indoor temperatures can climb quickly, especially when outdoor highs are soaring into the 90s. An excessively hot home puts extra strain on your AC when it has to cool everything back down after you return. Your furniture, flooring, drywall, and countertops will all absorb heat, and they don’t just cool off right away once the AC starts running again. Try raising your thermostat several degrees higher than you normally would, usually around 80 to 85 degrees. You’ll keep your home from getting overheated while saving a little on your power bills.
Give Your AC System a Quick Check Before You Leave
Taking a few minutes to prepare your AC before your summer vacation can help prevent unnecessary problems while your house sits empty. Before heading out, you should:
- Replace any dirty air filters.
- Make sure your supply vents aren’t blocked.
- Clear away leaves, grass, and debris from around your outdoor unit.
- Empty the condensate drain if your system has a maintenance access point.
- Confirm your thermostat schedule is set correctly.
Many homeowners forget to check for dirt, debris, and plants growing too close to the outdoor condenser. Shrubs, tall ornamental grasses, and other plants grow quickly in spring and can restrict airflow during the hottest weeks of summer. This can reduce cooling efficiency even if your AC seems to be cooling normally.
Smart Thermostats Make Vacation Easier
Does your home have a programmable or smart thermostat? You can use the vacation settings to return your home to your normal temperature a few hours before you get back. This keeps your AC from working overtime after you’ve walked through the door, and it has to aggressively cool everything down at once. Many smart thermostats also let you check your home’s temperature remotely so you know if anything unexpected happens while you’re away.
A Little Vacation Preparation Goes a Long Way
Vacation should be about fun and relaxation and shouldn’t include worrying about your air conditioner back home. Taking a few simple steps before you leave helps protect your cooling system, reduce unnecessary energy costs, and make coming back home more comfortable.
Schedule AC Service Before Your Next Trip
Don’t come back to a hot home after a summer getaway. Our team at Coventry & Gattis A/C, Inc. offers professional AC maintenance and repairs throughout Grapevine. If your system hasn’t been serviced recently, now is a great time to schedule a tune-up.
Contact Coventry & Gattis A/C, Inc. to schedule an AC maintenance appointment before your next vacation so you can enjoy peace of mind while you’re away.