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Vacation: AC Unit On or Off?

ac unit on or off while on vacation?Have you ever wondered what the proper AC protocol is for when you leave the house for an extended period? It’s very easy to just switch the AC unit off and leave the house without another thought. You may think that doing so will save you money in energy consumption while you’re not home. However, this is not the case. Actually, it’s better to run the AC while your gone rather than shut it off completely.

The Dangers of Leaving the AC Unit Off

Your AC not only cools the air in your home, but also removes moisture from the air controlling the humidity levels. If the AC unit is turned off, the interior surfaces and windows will likely form a layer of condensation. This trapped moisture can rapidly result in mildew and mold growth.

The temperatures inside your home can also reach or exceed the highest temperatures for the day when the AC unit is off. Consistent high temperatures also cause doors and flooring to warp as they expand and contract in the heat.

Preparing Your AC for a Vacation

It is important to complete preventative maintenance to your AC unit before you leave in order to avoid failures that could cause a system shutdown while you are gone. Most importantly, you need to change the air filter. Second to that, clear the drain lines and check the vent flaps. If you notice anything unusual, contact your local AC repair company to fix any issues before you leave.

AC Unit Settings

Instead of turning the unit completely off, set the thermostat to 7 to 10 degrees higher than you would normally run it at. Doing so will save you money on energy costs while still having your home cool and the humidity in the air controlled. Energy.gov reports a savings of upwards of ten percent (10%) a year on heating and cooling bills when you turn the thermostat back 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting. When temperatures are higher the unit runs less and saves energy. Be sure to also put a fresh set of batteries in your thermostat before you leave!

Installing a digital thermostat is a great investment if you want to come home to comfortable temperatures and regulate the temperature in your house while you’re away. With digital thermostats you can control the temperature settings from anywhere using your Smartphone. This gives you the ability to set the temperature back to comfortable several hours before you get back from vacation.

The Benefits

When you correctly prepare and set your AC unit before you leave, you won’t have to worry about your HVAC unit or your home while you’re gone. Always remember not to turn your air conditioner off before going away to prevent high energy costs and protect your home from extreme heat.

US Home Filter Carries AC Filters to Fit All HVAC Units

No matter which HVAC system you have, every unit needs a quality filter that fits properly in order to keep your indoor air quality clean and your unit running at its maximum efficiency – especially when you’re away! US Home Filter can supply you with the best and most efficient HVAC filter available! Changing the filter in your furnace is as important as changing the oil in your car and US Home Filter makes filters that fit all AC/HVAC units. From standard to custom air filters, to whole-house filtersgrille filters and humidifier filters, we have all of your filter needs covered!

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Selecting the filters that are just right for your home can be difficult and confusing at times. At US Home Filter we understand this, which is why we offer an experienced staff to help answer any questions you may have. For personal assistance with your air filter needs, please contact us now online or call us at (855) 237-1673 and we will do our very best to assist you in selecting the right filter for your individual needs. We want to earn your business and we guarantee your satisfaction! You can order directly online and have the air filters shipped to your door, safely distancing during this COVID-19 pandemic. Make it even easier and sign up for automatic shipments! You’ll never run out of air filters when you need them most. Take advantage of our quality products, vast selection, low prices, and enjoy FREE SHIPPING on every air filter order within the Contiguous USA.