Can I Turn Off My Air Conditioner While Away

When you’re on vacation and away from your Tallahassee, Florida, home, you don’t want to spend money on utilities you aren’t using. It’s tempting to shut off anything using electricity while you are away, but sometimes it can actually cause bigger problems than a high utility bill. 

The Rewards

If you want to save money, then it might make sense to shut off your biggest energy user. Turning off your air conditioner will save you money on your electricity while you aren’t home to enjoy the cold air. After spending the money on your vacation, your wallet probably deserves a bit of a break. 

The Risks

If you have pets at home, then the answer is definitely no. You can’t keep a pet in your house during the hot Tallahassee summer without any air. Even if you don’t have pets, turning off your air completely should give you pause. Hot, stuffy homes can lead to mold growth, musty smells, and warped wood. You also don’t want to come back from vacation to a stifling, hot house. If you crank up the air conditioner to cool it down quickly, then you’re wasting much of the energy you’ve saved.

Final Thoughts

Although you will save money on your utility bills, it could cost you in other areas. Your air conditioner also helps lower the humidity in your home. You could cause issues in your home due to the high humidity levels while you are away. Instead of turning your air conditioner off completely, consider setting it to a higher temperature. You still get the benefits of a lower utility bill, but don’t risk having humidity issues. If you have a programmable thermostat, set it to cool down before you get home, so you don’t come back to an uncomfortably warm home. 

If you have questions about your HVAC system, we are the people to call. Contact Advanced Air Care at 850-688-9265 to speak to an experienced professional today. 

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