Whether you're leaving for a long weekend or a two-week getaway, one question comes up every summer:
Should you turn your air conditioner completely off before you leave?
It may seem like the easiest way to save on your electricity bill, but in most cases, the answer is no.
Completely shutting off your air conditioning can lead to excessive indoor heat, increased humidity, and even put unnecessary strain on your HVAC system when it has to cool your home back down.
Instead, a few simple thermostat adjustments can help you reduce energy usage while keeping your home protected until you return.
In this guide, we'll cover the best thermostat settings before vacation, common mistakes to avoid, and how a smart thermostat makes the entire process effortless.
Why Turning Off Your AC Isn't Always the Best Idea
When nobody is home, it makes sense to use less cooling. However, there's a big difference between reducing cooling and turning the system off completely.
Leaving your AC off for several days during hot weather can cause:
- Indoor temperatures to climb well above 90°F
- Excess humidity to build up inside the home
- Wood furniture and flooring to expand
- Electronics to remain in extreme heat
- Your HVAC system to work much harder when you return
Your air conditioner doesn't just cool the air. It also removes moisture. Maintaining some cooling helps keep humidity at a healthier level throughout your home.
The Best Thermostat Setting Before Vacation
For most homes, experts recommend raising your cooling setpoint rather than shutting the system off.
A good guideline is:
- Home: 72–76°F
- Away for a few days: 78–82°F
- Away for more than a week: 80–85°F (depending on climate and humidity)
This allows your air conditioner to run only when necessary, reducing energy use while preventing excessive heat buildup.
If you have pets remaining at home, houseplants that are sensitive to heat, or temperature-sensitive items, you may want to choose a slightly lower setting.
Let Your Thermostat Do the Work
One of the biggest advantages of a smart thermostat is that you don't have to remember every adjustment before leaving.
You can simply:
- Set an Away schedule
- Adjust temperatures remotely
- Check your home's status from anywhere
- Return your home to a comfortable temperature before you arrive
Instead of cooling an empty house, your thermostat automatically follows your schedule.
Save Energy Without Sacrificing Comfort
Many people assume turning the AC completely off saves the most money.
In reality, your HVAC system may need to run continuously for hours after you return just to cool the home back down.
Maintaining a moderate temperature often provides a better balance between:
- Energy savings
- Indoor humidity control
- System efficiency
- Overall comfort
Think of it as letting your home "coast" instead of starting from scratch.
Make Vacation Prep Even Easier with a Smart Thermostat
If you travel frequently, upgrading your thermostat can make vacation prep much simpler.
With the LUX TQX Matter Smart Thermostat, you can:
- Adjust temperatures remotely using your preferred smart home platform
- Create schedules for vacations and everyday routines
- Monitor HVAC usage through built-in usage reports
- Integrate seamlessly with Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, and other Matter-compatible platforms
- Skip learning another app, TQX works with the smart home ecosystem you already use.
For larger homes, pairing TQX with LUX Smart Sensors provides an even better experience. Smart Sensors monitor temperature, humidity, and occupancy in different rooms, helping the thermostat prioritize comfort where it matters most once you're back home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to turn my AC completely off while on vacation?
For most homes, it's better to raise the thermostat rather than turning the system off entirely. This helps control indoor humidity and prevents excessive heat buildup.
What temperature should I leave my thermostat on vacation?
Most homeowners can safely leave it between 78°F and 82°F, depending on the weather and whether pets or temperature-sensitive items remain inside.
Will a higher thermostat setting save electricity?
Yes. Raising your thermostat several degrees reduces how often your air conditioner runs, lowering energy consumption while still protecting your home.
Can I adjust my thermostat after I've already left?
Yes. A smart thermostat allows you to change your home's temperature remotely, making it easy to adapt if your plans change or you're returning earlier than expected.
