With summer temperatures that can soar well above 100°F in Las Vegas, it’s no wonder you’re looking to save a little money on cooling. Vacation seems like the perfect time to crank that thermostat up to give your AC (and your wallet) a break. But do you know what to set your thermostat to when away from home?

Here’s how to choose the vacation thermostat setting that will save on cooling costs without leaving your house a sweltering mess.

Why Should I Adjust My Thermostat While on Vacation?

The answer: It can make a big difference on your energy bill that month. There’s no reason to pay to fully cool an empty house, right? Turning the temperature up while you’re gone also means cutting down on carbon emissions.

Should I Turn My Thermostat Off While on Vacation?

No! This is taking it too far. While it’s good to turn the temperature up while you’re on vacation, you should never turn your air conditioner off completely. It’s important to set the thermostat when away, even though there’s no one to enjoy the cool air.

Here’s why you should leave AC on while on vacation:

  • Summer temps can damage your home. High summer temperatures, even the dry heat of Las Vegas, can damage certain materials in your home. For example, wooden furniture and flooring can warp or crack under extreme heat.
  • You need to maintain safe storage temperatures. Certain things in your home, including medications, cleaners, household chemicals, some craft supplies, batteries, and aerosols need to be stored at a moderate temperature. Letting your house heat up unchecked could ruin these items or make them dangerously unstable.
  • It’s more energy-efficient. While this might seem backward, it’s true! If you let your house heat up to 90 or 100, then try to bring it back down to 74 when you return, your AC will use a lot of energy (and money) working overtime to cool your overheated home.
  • Pets need to be comfortable too. If you’re leaving any pets behind (don’t forget about your fish!), they need a comfortable temperature range to stay healthy. The maximum comfortable temperature varies by species, so consult your vet to see what your pet needs.

Choosing What Temperature to Set the Air Conditioner While on Summer Vacation

Generally, setting your thermostat for vacation means upping the temperature by about five degrees from your normal setting. This means your air conditioner will waste less energy cooling your home down for your return. For example, if your thermostat is normally set at 72, turn it up to 77 while you’re gone.

If you’re going to be gone longer than a week or the temperature is going to be above 100 while you’re gone, you may choose to set your thermostat a little higher. At the highest, set your thermostat to 80-85 degrees. Don’t forget to close the curtains and blinds while you’re out, to keep the sun from adding extra heat.

Making it Easier with a Smart Thermostat Vacation Setting

Setting the thermostat when on vacation is even easier if you have a smart thermostat.

Smart thermostats allow you to control the temperature remotely, in case ‘resetting the thermostat’ got skipped on your way out the door. You can even change the settings by the day if you’d like to! You may keep the temperature high during an early-vacation heatwave, then start to gradually cool your home back down for your return. Some smart thermostats even have a vacation setting. Just set it to ‘away’ mode for the time you’ll be gone to override your usual cooling schedule.

Keep Your AC Ready for Summer Temperatures with Professional Maintenance

Air conditioning is vital in Las Vegas, even when you’re not home! Make sure it’s working optimally with regular tune-ups from the pros at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Las Vegas. Our technicians will make sure your Las Vegas AC is in tip-top shape—and that you won’t come home from vacation to an accidental sauna! Book an appointment online or call us at (702) 602-8801.