Going on Vacation? The Best Thermostat Settings for Summer Energy Savings

Summer is the perfect time for residents in Woodstock, London, and the surrounding areas to pack their bags and head out on a well-deserved vacation. Whether you are driving to a cottage or flying overseas, preparing your home for your absence is a crucial part of the planning process. While you definitely want to save money on your hydro bill while you are away, completely shutting off your air conditioning system is a massive mistake.

The Dangers of Turning Your AC Completely Off

It seems logical to turn your HVAC system entirely off when the house is empty. After all, why pay to cool a space nobody is using? Unfortunately, your air conditioner does much more than just lower the temperature; it also plays a critical role in managing indoor humidity.

What Temperature to Leave an Empty House in Summer?

This is a trending question and the answer revolves around humidity control. In Southern Ontario, summers are notoriously humid. If you turn your AC off, the air inside your home becomes stagnant, hot, and heavy with moisture. The ideal thermostat setting for an empty house in the summer is between twenty-four and twenty-six degrees Celsius. This temperature is warm enough to significantly reduce your energy consumption, but cool enough to prompt your air conditioner to cycle on periodically.

Protecting Your Home from High Humidity

Allowing your air conditioner to run occasionally while you are away is the best way to safeguard your home's interior. When the system cycles on, it pulls moisture out of the air, preventing a host of expensive and frustrating problems.

By maintaining a moderate temperature and running your humidity control systems, you protect your home from the following issues:

• Mold and Mildew Growth: High humidity and stagnant air create the perfect breeding ground for mold on your walls, fabrics, and inside your ductwork.
• Wood Damage: Excessive moisture causes hardwood floors, wooden furniture, and cabinetry to warp, swell, and buckle over time.
• Electronics Protection: Extreme heat and humidity can damage sensitive electronics and appliances left plugged in around your home.
• Odor Prevention: Keeping the air circulating and filtered prevents that stale, musty smell that often greets homeowners after a long trip.

Smart Upgrades for Seamless Vacation Mode

Managing your home's climate is easier than ever thanks to modern HVAC technology. Upgrading your system before you leave can provide incredible peace of mind and long-term savings.

Consider these modern solutions to optimize your home comfort system while you are on vacation:

• Smart Thermostats: A Wi-Fi-enabled smart thermostat allows you to monitor and adjust your home's temperature right from your smartphone, no matter where you are in the world.
• Dedicated Humidity Control: Installing a whole-house dehumidifier works in tandem with your AC to extract moisture efficiently, ensuring your home stays dry even when the cooling demand is low.
• Electrical Surge Protection: Summer thunderstorms in Ontario are common. Installing whole house surge protection ensures your HVAC system and appliances are safe from unexpected power spikes while you are away.
• Ductless AC Systems: If you have a ductless system installed in specific zones, you can customize the cooling for different areas, saving even more energy in unused rooms.

Schedule a Pre-Vacation HVAC Inspection

The worst thing that can happen while you are away is a complete HVAC failure. A broken air conditioner left unattended for two weeks can lead to severe heat and moisture damage.

Before you leave for your summer getaway, ensure your system is in top working order. Our expert team provides comprehensive AC maintenance, including cleaning, inspection, and adjustment of your system to ensure it performs flawlessly. Choose Lloyd's for your HVAC needs and travel with total peace of mind. Contact us today to schedule your pre-vacation tune-up in Woodstock, Ingersoll, Stratford, or Brantford.