Growing up, I was always taught that when leaving home for an extended period, the responsible thing to do was to shut everything down completely. This included turning off the air conditioning, unplugging appliances, and essentially putting the house into a dormant state. It was considered a cardinal rule of home management and energy conservation—one that I followed without question for many years.

Takeaways New Hide ▲

Keep AC set

a few degrees higher

during vacation absences

Turning off AC

completely can damage

wood furniture and floors

Maintaining humidity

prevents mold growth

and plant stress indoors

Consistent AC protects

pets from heat

while you're away

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❯

However, during a recent trip to Rhode Island, my long-held beliefs were completely upended. While engaged in a conversation about home maintenance, a knowledgeable individual shared something that challenged everything I thought I knew. They explained that turning off your air conditioning unit while away actually forces the system to work overtime when you return, as it struggles to cool down a house that has potentially become extremely hot and humid.

The revelation was both surprising and logical: instead of completely shutting down your AC during vacation, the optimal approach is to simply adjust the temperature setting 2-3 degrees higher than your normal at-home temperature. This strategy maintains a stable environment while conserving energy, thereby preventing your AC from having to cool down an overheated house upon your return. This balance between efficiency and conservation made perfect sense, and I couldn’t help but wonder how many others were still following the old, inefficient advice I had believed for so long.

@groupchatnews

DONT TURN OFF YOUR AC😱 You can save on electricity by keeping your ac at home on!💰 Do you keep your ac running at all times? From Wall Street Journal, “In milder climates, turning off the A/C for a few hours a day could save some energy and cash. But it depends on lots of factors, including the size and efficiency of your A/C unit, your home’s insulation, local humidity levels, your square footage and how well your HVAC system has been maintained and cared for. For most people, though, “It doesn’t save money,” says Brad Gall, owner and founder of BG Electrical & Air Conditioning in Brisbane, Australia. “By turning it off, you’re making your A/C go full-throttle every single time it’s turned on, and that gobbles up much more electricity than just maintaining the desired temperature.” #fyp #fypシ゚viral #ac #airconditioner #hvac #hometips #comfort #electricitybill

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Essential Tips for AC Management During Vacation

Managing your air conditioning system during vacation requires more than just adjusting the temperature. It’s about creating a comprehensive approach to maintain your home’s climate control while you’re away. The following tips are designed to help you maximize energy efficiency, protect your home from humidity-related issues, and ensure you return to a comfortable living space. By implementing these strategies, you can maintain an optimal balance between comfort and cost-effectiveness.

• Install a programmable thermostat to manage temperature settings remotely.
• Keep your blinds and curtains closed to reduce heat from sunlight.
• Ensure all windows and doors are properly sealed before leaving.
• Have your AC system serviced before extended trips to prevent issues while away.
• Consider using ceiling fans in conjunction with raised AC temperatures.
• Monitor humidity levels to prevent mold growth (ideal range: 30-50%).