Summer is upon us! What does that mean? Well, kids are out of school, the weather is warm and of course its time for vacations. Whether you plan a weekend getaway or a month-long trip to Europe, one of the biggest concerns people have is: What do I do with my AC? Do I turn it off completely? Do I turn it up a bit? Do I leave it be? Well, the answer can vary depending on the situation and Rusk Heating & Cooling is here to help.
Length of Time
The first thing to consider is how long you will be away for. If it is just a weekend getaway then raising the AC temperature up a bit might be enough. It will take more energy for the unit to cool your home down to a comfortable the temperature when you return then if you just leave it on while away. Pop that baby up to 80 and go have a blast at the beach!
If you will be gone for more than just a weekend, it might be more economic to just turn the unit off. If you own a smart thermostat this is when you live to be in luck. Just turn it on remotely a day before you return and enjoy a cool home. Of course, if you are keeping a pet at home, do make sure you leave them comfortable. Never turn a unit off completely with a pet inside!
Weather
Is the weatherman predicting scorching heat with the possibility of baking cookies on the sidewalk or mild breeze with room to breathe? Temperature is an important factor when traveling. In many cases when the weather is mild, you can turn the AC off completely and close the blind/curtains to keep the sun from heating your home. If the temperature is looking to be very high, it might be best to leave the unit on but raise the thermostat to an energy efficient level.
In the end, whether you choose to leave the unit on or off, remember Rusk Heating & Cooling is here to help. Get your AC checked before the summer starts to make sure you have a pleasant season!