A Vacationer’s Dilemma – Turning The A/C
On Or Off In Oklahoma

Manage Your Central AC While On Vacation

The holiday season is a great time to travel and enjoy new places. But if you’re leaving your Southwest Oklahoma home behind, the last thing you want to worry about is whether or not to switch off your central air conditioner.

You may be thinking, “I’ll just leave it on and set the temperature higher. That way, I won’t come home to a stuffy house.” But is that really the most efficient way to manage your A/C while on vacation?

The answer to this quandary depends on several factors, including the climate you live in, the length of your vacation, and whether someone is staying at your home while you’re away.

Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to consider:

Climate

Oklahoma temperatures can vary greatly from season to season. If you’re leaving for vacation during the summer months, your home will likely need A/C to maintain a comfortable temperature.

However, if you’re traveling during the spring or fall, you may be able to get away with turning your A/C off entirely while you’re gone.

The key is to check the weather forecast before you leave to get an idea of what temperatures you can expect while you’re away. If the forecast shows a heat wave is on the way, consider turning your A/C down to 78 degrees or setting it to “vacation mode” before you leave.

Pets At Home

Pets need a comfortable environment, too. They may get distressed or become ill if the temperature in your home gets too high or low.

Letting your furry friend stay with a friend or family member is the best option, but if that’s not possible, you’ll need to consider their needs when deciding whether to turn off your A/C.

For example, reptiles and fish are especially sensitive to temperature changes and will need a stable environment. If you have any pets that fall into this category, it’s best to leave your A/C on while you’re away.

Length Of Your Trip

How long will you be gone? If you’re only taking a weekend trip, there’s no need to turn your A/C off. Just set it to a higher temperature or put it in vacation mode.

A programmable thermostat will let you schedule your home’s temperature fluctuations while away from the home. It is also worth noting that a single-degree shift in your thermostat setting may save you up to 5% on your energy expenses.

If you’re going to be gone for an extended period of time, however, it may be best to turn your A/C off completely. This will help prevent any potential problems, such as a power outage or leak, while you’re away.

Overall Energy Efficiency

Homes with ample attic insulation, lower air infiltration, and efficient windows determine how well your home retains the set temperature. In addition, adding solar window films or thermal drapes can help improve inefficient windows. If you can manage to reduce air leaks in your home, it will be able to retain cooler temperatures longer.

Consider these factors when deciding whether to leave your A/C on or off while you’re away on vacation. Taking a few minutes to plan ahead can save you money and help you relax, knowing that your home and pets are comfortable while you’re gone.

Other Tips Before You Leave On Vacation

Get your home ready by doing a little bit of preparation before you leave, such as:

• Turning off the main water supply.
• Scheduling a pre-vacation cleaning service.
• Packing up any valuables or items you won’t need while you’re gone.
• Stopping your newspaper delivery and putting your mail on hold.
• Unplugging any electronics or appliances.
• Turning off all lights, including any that are on timers.
• Ensuring your alarms are set and all doors and windows are locked.

With this checklist, you can be sure that your home is taken care of while you’re away on vacation. Enjoy your time away and return to a comfortable and safe home.

Robinson Air Keeps Your Southwest Oklahoma
Home Comfortable All Year Long

Robinson Air HVAC provides Oklahoma homeowners with complete home comfort services. Our Comfort Club maintenance plan, installation, and repair services include central air conditioning, ductless systems, heat pumps, gas furnaces, and so much more. Our experienced technicians in Southwest Oklahoma service all makes and models of HVAC systems.

Contact us today to learn more about our services or schedule a free consultation.