GoKawiilHVAC expert warns against fully shutting off AC during vacations
Erin Katz of Allen Service told CNET that homeowners should avoid turning off air conditioning entirely while traveling, since a home left to overheat can damage electronics, kill houseplants, and endanger pets. Instead, she recommends raising the thermostat only a few degrees above the usual setting, such as 75°F instead of 70°F, to save energy without letting the home get dangerously hot.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Many people assume shutting off the AC entirely is the best way to cut energy costs while away, but this approach can backfire by forcing the system to work harder upon return and risking heat damage indoors. The advice reflects a broader principle in HVAC efficiency: small, stable adjustments save more energy and reduce wear than drastic on/off cycling.
- Fully turning off AC during vacation can damage electronics, plants, and endanger pets from overheating.
- Experts recommend raising the thermostat a few degrees, not shutting it off completely.
- Small temperature adjustments use less energy than large swings when the system restarts.
Google Nest Learning Thermostat — A smart thermostat lets you set a higher vacation temperature and tweak it from your phone, so your home cools back down before you walk in the door. It's exactly the kind of hands-off control the HVAC expert describes for keeping your house safe for pets and plants while you're away.
See Google Nest Learning Thermostat on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: cnet.com — Corin Cesaric-Epple, 2026-08-27
Published there as: “Stop Turning Off Your AC When You Go on Vacation. An HVAC Expert Explains Why”
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