Give your AC a vacation too!
This is the time of year when many people are thinking about summer trips. The kids are out of school, the weather has turned wonderful, and it’s time to getaway! Whether you are going to the lake for the weekend or somewhere farther and for longer, your air conditioner should be on the list of things you take care of before getting out of town. Making sure your air conditioner is well maintained and set appropriately before you leave can save you money and maximize the efficiency of your home while you are away. We have some tips and tricks for your air conditioner to be able to have a little vacation too.
Contrary to popular belief, it is not the best option to shut the air conditioner off completely for the extended period of time that you are going to be away. While your air conditioner is not running, the humidity levels in your home are not being controlled either. The increased temperatures and humidity levels in your home can be damaging to your personal items, wall décor, and even cause mold growth.
The US Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat back between 7 and 10 degrees, up to 85 degrees, when you are not in the home. When you come back from your vacation, the air conditioner will be in a prime position to cool your home, without having to filter through a week’s worth of stagnant heat and humidity. The constant recirculation of air will keep your AC for overworking to catch up. When it is 90 degrees or above outside, temperatures in your home can be in excess of 100 degrees! This, of course, depends on your insulation, windows, and the amount of shade your home is in.
One simple way to keep the temperatures in your home regulated while you are away is with a programmable thermostat. Chapman offers a variety of thermostats that are programmable and most can be installed on an existing system.
Don’t forget to give your air conditioner a break this summer while you’re having fun exploring the world! Call Chapman to learn more about maintaining your system and installing a programmable thermostat today!