The Best Temperature Setting While You’re on Summer Vacation

When summer vacation rolls around and it’s time to head down the Jersey shore, it’s important to ensure your home efficient while you’re away. One aspect to consider is the temperature setting on your thermostat. On average, temperatures in New Jersey climb to around 83 degrees F during the summer season with extremely high humidity. Most comfort specialists agree that setting your thermostat between 80 to 85 degrees F while on extended vacation is an ideal range for striking the right balance between cost savings and your home’s protection.

In this blog post, the HVAC experts at Arctic Air Conditioning explain why this is the ideal temperature setting while you’re on summer vacation along with other considerations for managing your home’s temperature in your absence.

Considerations for Setting Your Thermostat This Summer

Leaving your air conditioner off entirely while you’re away might seem like a good way to save money, but it can lead to issues like excessive humidity and increased costs when you return, especially in New Jersey’s hot, humid summer climate. Here’s why maintaining a moderate temperature is important:

• Humidity control: Without any air conditioning running, your home can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew due to high humidity levels. By setting your thermostat between 80  and 85 degrees F, you ensure that your AC runs occasionally to keep humidity in check.
• Energy efficiency: While it might seem counterintuitive, allowing your AC to run occasionally can be more energy-efficient. If you turn it off completely, the system will need to work much harder to cool your home down after you return, leading to higher energy consumption.
• Pets and plants: If you have pets or houseplants staying behind, maintaining a moderate temperature is essential for ensuring their health and safety. Pets, especially furry ones, can suffer in high heat, and many houseplants thrive best within a controlled temperature range.
• Electronics and furniture: Excessive heat can also affect your electronics and furniture. Some electronics are sensitive to high temperatures, and wood furniture can warp or crack if the indoor climate fluctuates too drastically.

HVAC Tips for an Energy-Efficient Summer

To ensure your home remains energy-efficient while you’re away, consider these additional tips before heading out for your summer vacation:

Close Your Curtains & Blinds

Prevent your home from heating up by blocking out direct sunlight with curtains or blinds. This simple step can significantly reduce the workload on your air conditioner. If you have plants that require sunlight, you may want to relocate them all to one area and open a window just in that location. This ensures they still get the sunlight they need while minimizing the amount of heat that infiltrates your home.

Install a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

Investing in a programmable or smart thermostat allows you to set temperature schedules. Some smart thermostats even let you control your home’s temperature remotely, giving you peace of mind that you remembered to turn the AC settings up.

Pre-Season AC Maintenance Check

Schedule an HVAC maintenance check before the summer starts. Ensuring your system is running efficiently can prevent unexpected breakdowns and improve overall performance.

Seal Windows & Doors

Check for any drafts around windows and doors and seal them properly. This will help keep the cool air in and the hot air out, making your air conditioner’s job easier.

Unplug Unnecessary Electronics

Many electronics generate heat even when they’re turned off. Unplugging devices you won’t be using can reduce the overall temperature in your home.

Keep Cool With Arctic Air

By following the tips above and setting your thermostat between 80 and 85 degrees F, you can ensure your home remains energy-efficient and safe while you’re off enjoying your summer vacation. Arctic Air Conditioning is proud to be your partner in home comfort, delivering the comprehensive cooling solutions you need to strike the perfect balance between comfort and efficiency. From AC tune-ups to smart thermostat installations, we are here to help keep your indoor environment cool when it counts.

Keep cool this summer by scheduling air conditioner services in the Old Bridge area with Arctic Air!