Planning a vacation from the Bay Area? While you are enjoying time away, your HVAC system continues working to protect your home, but the settings you choose before departure affect both energy costs and home protection. Finding the right balance between conservation and protection ensures you return to a comfortable, undamaged home without having spent unnecessarily on heating and cooling an empty house.
Temperature Settings for Away Periods
Summer Vacation Settings
When leaving during summer months, set your air conditioner to 85-88 degrees rather than turning it off entirely. This setting saves significant energy compared to maintaining normal comfort temperatures, but still prevents extreme heat buildup that could damage belongings. Electronics, wood furniture, musical instruments, and artwork can all suffer damage from excessive heat. Wine collections and medications may also require temperature protection.
Avoid the temptation to turn AC completely off during summer absences. Bay Area inland areas can see temperatures exceeding 100 degrees during heat waves, and an unventilated, closed-up home can reach damaging temperatures. Even a high setpoint activates the system when temperatures become dangerous.
Winter Vacation Settings
During winter departures, set your heating to 55-60 degrees. This temperature prevents any risk of pipes freezing (though Bay Area freezes are rare) while saving substantial energy compared to normal comfort settings. It also prevents excessive temperature drops that could affect humidity levels, wood, or other temperature-sensitive items.
Why Not Turn It Off Completely
Complete HVAC shutdown might seem like maximum savings, but the risks often outweigh the additional energy savings. Extreme temperatures, either hot or cold, can damage wood flooring, furniture, and cabinetry. Electronics may be affected by temperature extremes. Humidity control stops entirely without HVAC operation, potentially allowing mold growth or excessive dryness. The small additional energy cost of maintaining moderate temperatures provides valuable insurance against home damage.
Humidity Control During Absences
Occasional AC Operation for Humidity
Even at high temperature setpoints, AC operation when temperatures rise helps control indoor humidity. The dehumidification that occurs during cooling cycles prevents the moisture accumulation that leads to mold growth, musty odors, and potential damage to furnishings. This is particularly important for Bay Area coastal homes where fog can push humidity levels high even during generally temperate weather.
Dedicated Dehumidification
If you are leaving during a particularly humid period, consider running a dehumidifier, especially in basements, closets, or other enclosed spaces prone to moisture accumulation. Smart dehumidifiers can be monitored and controlled remotely, allowing adjustment if conditions change during your absence.
Pre-Departure Preparation
Filter Maintenance
Change your HVAC filter before leaving for vacation. A clean filter ensures efficient operation throughout your absence and eliminates the risk of a clogged filter causing problems while you are away. Start your absence with fresh filtration.
Address Any Concerns
If your system has been showing any signs of trouble, strange noises, unusual cycling, or reduced performance, address these issues before leaving. A breakdown while you are away could allow temperatures to reach extremes, potentially causing damage that goes unnoticed until your return.
Smart Thermostat Advantages
Smart thermostats provide significant peace of mind during vacations. You can monitor indoor temperatures remotely and receive alerts if temperatures fall outside acceptable ranges. If conditions change, such as an unexpected heat wave or cold snap, you can adjust settings from anywhere. Some smart thermostats integrate with other home monitoring systems to provide comprehensive remote oversight.
Extended Absence Considerations
For absences longer than a week or two, additional precautions become worthwhile. Arrange for someone to check your home periodically, verifying that HVAC operation continues normally. Smart water leak detectors can alert you to plumbing problems that could cause significant damage if unaddressed for weeks. Consider a home security or monitoring service that includes environmental sensors.
Bay Area's mild climate means less extreme concerns than homeowners face in regions with harsh winters or scorching summers, but humidity control remains important, particularly for coastal homes. Taking a few minutes to set appropriate HVAC parameters before vacation protects your home while you enjoy your time away.