Are you leaving your beach home for an extended period and do not know whether it is better to turn off your AC or not? This answer depends on the situation and how long you plan on leaving. It is best to make sure your windows, curtains and blinds are shut before considering turning the AC off. Most people believe that turning your AC off will cause it to exert excess energy when you turn it back on; however, this myth is untrue. Surprisingly, it takes the same amount of power to turn the AC on after it has been off for a while as it does to maintain the temperature over time. Coastal Home Service offers quality cooling devices and tips for keeping your home comfortable while saving money.
Coastal Home Services can help you with all things air conditioning. Whether you are in need of a new heating and air conditioning system or simply need your current system tuned up, we can help you. Coastal Home Services offers premium air conditioning services on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina. Give us a call or fill out the online contact form on this page and one of our friendly NATE certified HVAC technicians will be more than happy to assist you.
Should I turn off my AC when I leave my beach house?
If you plan to leave your beach house for an extended time, it is best to shut off the air conditioning altogether. Leaving it on results in unwanted power bills and unnecessary wear and tear to your AC unit. It is also essential to check the weather before deciding to turn it off. If the temperatures are mild, chances are your living space will maintain a comfortable temperature for when you return to your beach home. Also, if you choose to turn off the AC and return to your beach house in the sweltering summer, a programmed thermostat can be set to cool down the home a day before returning so you are welcomed with a comfortable interior temperature upon arrival. Overall, shutting down the thermostat when you are out of town will save you money on electricity and extend the lifespan of your air conditioning system.
When should I leave the AC on at my beach house?
Sometimes turning off the AC doesn’t save you money. If you plan on leaving your beach house for a short weekend and returning, it is best to turn up the AC temperature instead of shutting it off. Let say your AC is set at 70; we recommend bumping it up to around 80 degrees. This method ensures your AC will not be running as hard but will also prevent the inside temperature from getting too high. If you plan on being away from your beach house for an extended period of time, it is best to shut the system down. If you only plan on being away for a day or two, consider turning up the temperature to save on your electricity bill.
Other money-saving AC tips
Once you have decided to turn off your AC or set the temperature higher while you are out of town, take advantage of these easy tips to keep the home cool. Making sure there are no cracks in the windows or doors ensures the cool air trapped in your home will not escape. Also, remember to close your blinds and invest in blackout curtains. These curtains will reflect heat trying to enter through the window. If your beach home is located in an incredibly humid area, don’t turn off your AC during the hottest months. Mold and other nasty bacteria can overtake moist areas.
Humidity Control and Mold Prevention
Beach houses, especially those in tropical or coastal regions, are often exposed to high humidity. If you turn off your AC during hot and humid summer months, the interior of your house may become excessively humid. This high humidity level can lead to mold, mildew, and other moisture-related problems, which could be expensive to resolve.
- Consider Using a Dehumidifier: Instead of running your air conditioner full-time, using a standalone dehumidifier can help control moisture levels without expending as much energy as an AC system. Many dehumidifiers have programmable features, allowing them to turn on only when humidity levels surpass a certain threshold.
- Set the AC on a Humidity-Control Mode: Some modern air conditioning units have a “dehumidify” or “dry” mode. This setting primarily reduces moisture in the air rather than drastically cooling the space. It can help keep the house mold-free while reducing energy usage.
Programmable Thermostats and Remote Access
If you’re leaving your beach house for an extended period, investing in a smart thermostat can provide flexibility and control over your home’s temperature, even when you’re far away. Smart thermostats allow you to adjust the temperature remotely via an app, meaning you can control when to cool your house and at what temperature.
- Turn AC Back On Remotely: If you’ve turned the AC off entirely but want the home to be cool when you return, a smart thermostat can be programmed to switch the AC back on a few hours before your arrival. This ensures comfort without wasting energy while you’re away.
- Temperature Management: You can also use your smart thermostat to increase the temperature when you’re gone and gradually lower it before you return, keeping the home from overheating without constantly running the air conditioner.
Using Fans as an Alternative
Ceiling fans and floor fans can be effective alternatives to running the AC when you leave your beach house for a shorter period. While they don’t lower the room’s temperature, they help circulate air, preventing stuffiness and keeping the home more comfortable.
- Turn on Ceiling Fans: Before leaving, you can turn ceiling fans to their lowest speed to encourage airflow. This won’t significantly affect your power bill but can prevent hot, stagnant air from accumulating while you’re gone.
- Portable Fans: You might also consider setting up portable fans in critical areas like the living room or bedrooms. Some models have timers, so they’ll only run for a few hours after you leave, cutting down energy usage.
Sun Protection Measures
The sun’s rays can heat up your beach house quickly, making it feel like an oven, even if you’ve turned off the air conditioner. Fortunately, several easy steps can minimize solar heat gain and help keep your house cool without constantly relying on the AC.
- Apply Reflective Window Film: Window films are a relatively inexpensive way to reduce solar heat gain. These films can reflect up to 70% of the sun’s energy, keeping your beach house cooler. They are especially helpful for large windows facing the sun.
- Install Exterior Shades or Awnings: Exterior shades, awnings, or even roll-down blinds can be excellent additions to a beach house. These provide a physical barrier between your home and the sun, minimizing heat absorption. By reducing solar heat gain, you may not need to rely as much on your air conditioning.
Insulation Upgrades
If your beach house is older or lacks modern insulation, you might be losing a lot of cool air even when the AC is running. Improving your home’s insulation can make a huge difference, keeping your home cool longer and making the decision to turn off the AC easier.
- Seal Cracks and Gaps: Inspect your home for air leaks around doors, windows, and even attic spaces. Adding weatherstripping or caulking these areas will prevent cool air from escaping and reduce heat from entering the house.
- Attic Insulation: Heat can enter through the attic and make your house hotter, even when you’re not there. Ensuring that your attic is properly insulated will prevent heat from transferring into your living spaces.
Use Your AC’s Vacation Setting
Many modern air conditioning units have a “vacation” or “eco” mode that allows you to maintain a moderate temperature without using a lot of energy. These settings help prevent extreme temperature fluctuations, protecting your home from damage while still saving energy.
- Moderate Temperature Control: The vacation setting usually allows you to set the AC at a higher-than-normal temperature, such as 85°F, which keeps the house from becoming too hot but reduces the need for continuous cooling. It’s an excellent option if you’re leaving for more than a few days but don’t want to turn off the AC completely.
Protecting Indoor Plants and Furniture
If you turn off the AC entirely in your beach house, the rising temperatures could affect indoor plants and even damage furniture or artwork.
- Protect Plants: Some indoor plants can suffer in extreme heat, drying out or becoming scorched. To prevent this, move plants away from windows and ensure they are well-watered before you leave. You could also place them in a cooler, shaded room where they are less likely to be affected by high temperatures.
- Cover Furniture: High heat and humidity can also damage wooden furniture or artwork. Consider covering your furniture with light sheets or protective covers to minimize heat exposure and potential fading from sunlight.
Conclusion
Turning off the air conditioner at your beach house when you’re away can save you money, but it’s important to weigh factors like humidity, the length of your absence, and the house’s temperature. By implementing other energy-saving measures like sealing gaps, using fans, or investing in smart technology, you can keep your home comfortable while still minimizing energy use. Coastal Home Services can help with all your cooling needs, whether it’s installing new equipment or helping you optimize the use of your existing system.
Coastal Home Services Air Conditioning Services
Remember, turning your AC off is a great money-saving technique, but it is not always practical, depending on the situation. If you suspect that the air conditioning system at your beach house on the Crystal Coast is in need of a tune up, contact Coastal Home Services today. We will be more than happy to schedule a complimentary HVAC system inspection to help you get to the bottom of your air conditioning troubles. Give us a call or fill out the online contact form below to get in touch. One of our friendly team members will be more than happy to assist you.
